New York City, the city that never sleeps, is the perfect playground for your family holiday. With a magical mix of iconic landmarks, engaging museums, and parks that offer a beautiful breath of fresh air, NYC is a place of endless adventure. In this guide, we’ll give you the insider scoop on where to stay, what to do with the little ones when it rains, and how to enjoy the city without even opening your wallet!
Family-Friendly Accommodations in NYC: Comfort and Convenience for All
When thinking about New York holidays, choosing the right accommodation is vital when travelling with your family. Here are our top 5 family-friendly hotels and places to stay in New York City.
Fitzpatricks Grand Central
Situated within 5 minutes walk of Grand Central Station, Fitzpatricks Grand Central offers one of the best locations for New York hotels. The friendly hospitality, large guest rooms, and fantastic dining, invites you on the New York family holiday of a lifetime.
Insider tip: Head to the Wheeltapper to try some Irish specialty dishes.
Hotel Beacon
Located in the stunning Upper West Side, Hotel Beacon is the place to be for style and comfort. Set out like stylish New York apartments, Hotel Beacon is one of the top places for longer stays in New York City.
Top tip: Try the local markets and get cooking with the in-room kitchenettes.
Riu Plaza New York Times Square
Situated in the heart of Manhattan, Riu Plaza New York Times Square is a 600 room hotel, inviting you to take in the best of the city. The elegant design along with the in-room amenities make this an ideal choice for family friendly accommodations in New York.
Top tip: Head to the Theater Buffet Restaurant for a scrumptious breakfast.
Hyatt Grand Central
As the only hotel connected to Grand Central Station, Hyatt Grand Central is the ideal hotel for families looking for the true New York experience. For those on the go, the hotel has a market to go with a range of food options. The rooms are comfortable, offering enough space for all guests.
Top tip: Head to the onsite fitness centre to keep fit while on holiday in New York.
The Fifty Hotel & Suites
Located only two blocks from some of the top landmarks in New York City, The Fifty Hotel & Suites offers a pristine location near Times Square and Rockefeller Center. The rooms offer modern decor, while still feeling homey, ideal for family holidays in New York.
Top tip: The One and Two bedroom Suites offer urban kitchens, perfect for those that want a quick in-room bite before hitting the landmark sites of New York.
Rainy Day Revelries: Don’t Let the Weather Dampen Your Spirits
If it’s raining, fear not! New York City is home to indoor activities that are as fun and engaging as its outdoor attractions, including some of the world’s most famous museums. Here are five of our favourites:
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American Museum of Natural History
This museum is a gem that holds treasures from all corners of the world and beyond. From dinosaur fossils to a journey through the cosmos in the Hayden Planetarium, there’s something for every curious mind.
Don’t miss the Butterfly Conservatory, where you’ll see hundreds of butterflies fluttering freely.
The museum is located on Central Park West at 79th Street and general admission tickets for adults are approximately $28, and $16 for children aged 3-12.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
Located in the heart of Times Square, Madame Tussauds brings you up close and personal with life-like wax figures of your favourite celebrities, historic figures, and superheroes. It’s an interactive experience where you can pose for photos with your favourite stars.
Be sure to check out the Marvel Super Heroes 4D experience! General admission tickets start at approximately $38.99 for adults and $24.99 for children aged 2-12.
Broadway Show
Broadway, the epitome of American theatre, is home to a multitude of shows, from timeless classics to modern musicals. Kid-friendly options like “The Lion King” and “Aladdin” are perennial favourites.
Prices vary greatly depending on the show and seating, but expect to pay anywhere from $70 to $200 per ticket. Matinee shows typically have better availability and lower prices.
New York Public Library
This isn’t your typical library. The NYPL’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, located on Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, is a stunning Beaux-Arts landmark where you can see exhibitions, join free tours, and participate in events and workshops. The library’s Children’s Center often hosts story hours and other kid-friendly activities. Entrance to the library is free, but some programs may require registration in advance.
Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
For a truly fantastic shopping excursion, Woodbury Common is the place to be. Situated just an hour outside of New York City, you can take the bus from Port Authority for approximately $42 round trip. Offering over 250 premium outlet stores, this is a shopping lover’s dream activity.
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Fun for Free: Budget-Friendly Excursions in NYC
Believe it or not, you can enjoy many of NYC’s best offerings without spending a dime! Here are five of our favourites to enjoy on New York City holidays:
Staten Island Ferry
This free ferry ride gives you unmatched views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the stunning New York City skyline.
The ferry runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with more frequent service during peak times. The trip takes about 25 minutes each way, and the terminal in Staten Island is located at 1 Bay Street.
Insider tip: For the best views, try to get a spot on the right side of the ferry when leaving Manhattan.
Central Park
This massive urban park, located between the Upper West and Upper East Sides of Manhattan, is an oasis for city dwellers and tourists alike.
Enjoy a leisurely picnic, stroll along the park’s many walking paths, visit the Central Park Zoo, or let the kids play on one of the 21 playgrounds. Don’t forget to visit Strawberry Fields, the Alice in Wonderland statue, or the historic Carousel.
The park is free to enter and is open from 6am to 1am.
Brooklyn Bridge
This iconic bridge offers pedestrians a wide, elevated walkway with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. The entrance is at the intersection of Tillary Street and Boerum Place. Walking the entire length of the bridge takes about 30 minutes, but plan for extra time to stop and take photos.
Insider tip: Start on the Brooklyn side for the best view of Manhattan as you walk.
High Line
This unique 1.45-mile-long park, built on a former elevated railway, offers a peaceful retreat from the city streets. Starting at Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District and ending at 34th Street, the High Line provides excellent city views and features artwork, gardens, and performance spaces.
The park is free to enter and is open from 7am to 11pm.
Times Square
Known as “The Crossroads of the World,” Times Square is a must-visit for its vibrant lights, Broadway theatres, shopping, and dining.
Make sure to check out the red staircase above the TKTS Discount Booth, where you can sit and enjoy the views of the bustling square.
Don’t forget to snap a photo with the iconic “I ❤️ NY” sign. Times Square is always open, always bustling, and always free to explore.
Little Island
Situated within the Hudson River Park, Little Island is a new free public park. Held up over the river on a pier, Little Island is a fun day out for the whole family in New York.
Surrounded by lush greenery, with over 350 species of flowers, shrubs, and trees, Little Island offers a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. There is ample space to walk and breathe in the fresh air, while exploring the 687 seat amphitheatre, before heading to one of the many viewpoints overlooking the river.
Discover More…
Your family’s unforgettable adventure in New York City awaits and our expert travel agents are ready and waiting to help you plan the perfect trip that caters to everyone’s interests and makes the most of your time in the Big Apple. Speak to one of our travel agents today, and let’s make your dream NYC family holiday a reality!
