NYC with kids: Things to consider and 6-day itinerary

This trip had been in our bucket list for a long time. When the 2024/2025 school calendar was released and we saw a one-week holiday for Halloween, we immediately booked our tickets to NYC. Our six-day trip turned out to be one of the best family vacations we've had so far - but it did take some careful planning. Below, I've listed a few things to consider before creating your itinerary, which might help you get started. I've also included our own 6-day itinerary at the end of this article for inspiration.

Brooklyn Bridge on foot

Which season is best to visit?

Halloween is our kids' absolute favourite holiday, and autumn is mine - so late October to early November was the perfect time for our family to visit. With kids, travel often depends on school holidays, but if you're considering a summer trip to New York, keep in mind that it can get very hot and humid, with sticky days and warm evenings. Christmas is magical - especially if it snows - but it's also the busiest time of the year, so expect heavy crowds, particularly around Times Square and Fifth Avenue. Spring and autumn are both great for enjoying Central Park, thanks to the seasonal colours. For us, October and early November are the ideal time to visit. The weather is pleasant (we had dry, sunny and around 20°C), the crowds are more manageable, and hotel prices tend to be lower thank in peak summer or the holiday season. And the beautiful autumn colours are truly the cherry on top.

Central Park in autumn

Where to stay and which neighbourhood?

Choosing the right base is key when planning your family itinerary. If you're staying in Manhattan and prefer an elegant, residential feel, the Upper West Side is known for its beautiful brownstones and easy access to Central Park - though getting to other attractions may take a bit longer. On the other side of the park, the Upper East Side offers a more upscale vibe, with high-end shops and restaurants. If you want to be within walking distance of major attractions, Midtown Manhattan is a practical choice. Landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, and Broadway theaters are all nearby. However, it can feel busy and less charming compared to other neighbourhoods. We chose Midtown for convenience, staying near Bryant Park, which felt slightly calmer. For a more relaxed and local atmosphere, Greenwich Village is a great option. And if you're open to staying outside Manhattan but still want stunning skyline views, Brooklyn Heights offers a quieter, more residential feel - though you'll need to take the subway to reach Manhattan.

Which observation decks to choose?

If you're visiting NYC, chances are you'll want to take in the skyline from above. If your budget is limited, it's worth choosing one or two observation decks from the main options: the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, Edge, or Summit One Vanderbilt. For a classic NY experience, the Empire State Building is iconic - but you won't be able to see it from there. If you want a view that includes the Empire State Building, Summit One Vanderbilt is a great choice. We opted Top of the Rock, which offers fantastic views of both Central Park and Midtown, and it is often less crowded. There's also a fun opportunity to recreate the iconic 1932 "Lunch atop a Skyscrapper" photo on a steel beam 69 stories above ground.

The view from Top of the Rock

When to get tickets to attractions?

Early - definitely early. As soon as you have a first draft of your itinerary, it's a good idea to start booking tickets. Popular attractions like the Empire State Building or Edge sell out quickly, so securing a time slot in advance will save you time and disappointment. The same goes for Broadway shows. Tickets should be purchased ahead of time, especially since some shows don't run everyday. Be sure to check performance schedules carefully, particularly if you're only in the city for a few days. We went to see Aladdin at the New Amsterdam Theatre, which was a fantastic experience for the whole family. 

9/11 Memorial

How to get to Liberty Island?

There are several ways to see the Statue of Liberty, the most well-known being the free Staten Island Ferry. It's a popular option for tourists who want a good view of the statue at no cost - but keep in mind that it does not stop at Liberty Island. If you want to actually visit the Statue of Liberty, the only  authorised operator is the Statue City Cruises. You'll need to book a ticket for a specific time slot, which includes ferry rides to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island, as well as entry to the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. You can also upgrade your ticket to access the Statue's pedestal - which I highly recommend - or even the crown (just note that there's no lift, so it involves quite a climb).

The view from the Statue's Pedestal

Here is our very own 6-day itinerary to inspire you:

Day 1 - Arrival & Times Square

- Arrival in NYC and rest after the long-haul flight

- Evening stroll and dinner at Times Square

Day 2 - Midtown & Central Park

- Morning coffee at Bryant Park 

- Top of the Rock and Rockefeller centre (ice rink already set up in October)

- St. Patrick's Cathedral

- Walk along Fifth Avenue

- Afternoon in Central Park & American Museum of Natural History

- Evening Broadway show: Aladdin at the New Amsterdam Theatre

Day 3 - Lower Manhattan & Brooklyn

- 9/11 Memorial and Museum

- Financial district & Battery Park

- Statue of Liberty and Liberty Island

- Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration

- Sunset walk across Brooklyn Bridge

- Evening in DUMBO with dinner in Brooklyn

Day 4 - Midtown & Halloween Fun

- Brunch in Chelsea (the kids also wanted Crumbl Cookies)

- Empire State Building

- Fun stop at Build-a-Bear Workshop (the kids' Wishlist)

- Grand Central Terminal

- Guided tour of UN Headquarters

- Trick-or-treating at Midtown East

- Roosevelt Island Tramway ride

Day 5 - Coney Island Day Trip

- Full day at Coney Island

- NY Aquarium

- Lunch at Nathan's Famous on the boardwalk

Day 6 - West Side & Departure

- Walk along The High Line 

- Explore SoHo

- Treat stops: cheesecake at Eileen's and cronuts at Dominique Ansel

- Departure back to Europe

Coney Island