Face to face fascination at the Museum of Natural History, NYC
Our take on the best things to do in New York with kids
Skyscrapers
Apart from the sheer wonder of these buildings from street level, both the Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Centre and The Empire State Building viewing floors have buggy access and also timed entry so you don’t have to stand in queues for hours with your little ones. You will however have to go through a security process similar to an airport so be prepared to have the buggy scanned. Younger children will love the lifts as much as the views!
Statue of Liberty
This is a crowd pleaser for children, mainly due to getting a boat ride. Whether you choose to get on the free Statten Island Ferry just for the views or pay for the trip to Liberty and Ellis Islands, the kids will love the excitement of going out on the water. If you decide on the latter, be prepared for more security screening. There’s plenty of room for little ones to run around on both Liberty and Ellis Islands and there are cafes on both islands. Whichever option you choose, your journey will start and end either in, or close to Battery Park which again provides plenty of space to run around as well as play areas.
Brooklyn Bridge
The walkway is buggy friendly (watch out for the bike lane though) and the views are amazing.
The Financial district
Whilst you might want to see the stock exchange and the 9/11 memorial, those sights don’t offer a great deal for your little ones. Children are more than welcome at the 9/11 memorial, but be prepared to discuss what the memorial is and why it exists. The 9/11 Visitor Centre where you pick up your tickets provides some really useful information on how to talk to children about the events of 9/11 or you can download a guide from their website. Punctuate your trip here with a visit to South Street Seaport or Teardrop Park and the Nelson A Rockefeller Park and playground which are next to each other in Battery Park City.
Times Square
New York at its brightest and brashest! Times Square is busy and hectic but kids will delight in the lights and there are usually a few people dressed up as Mickey Mouse or similar who will delight the younger visitors (for a tip!). The main draw for kids here though is an enormous Toys R Us and Disney Store which are almost worth it just for the look of sheer wonder on their faces. Prepare to leave with a lighter wallet though!
Central Park
Fabulous for kids from the space to run around and play games to the play areas (several really incredible ones) to the Zoo, not forgetting ice skating in Winter and a fairground in Summer. If you’re in New York with kids then you have to spend some time exploring here. Don’t forget the Alice in Wonderland statue for Alice fans.
Natural History Museum
Our daughter still talks about the skeletons here after a trip over a year ago – well worth a visit, even if you have been to the one in London.
The High Line
This isn’t so much a park as a walkway but the creativity with which it has been structured will appeal to children and adults alike with unusual seating areas, views and different materials. There are toilets and babychanging at the access points and Chelsea market at the southern end offers a wide variety of food and drink.
The West Village (Greenwich Village)
Washington Square is the main attraction for kids in this area (as well as some amazing cafes and cake shops if they have a sweet tooth). Particularly in summer, Washington Square provides a welcome respite from the heat as children cool off in its fountain.
New York Aquarium and Coney Island Boardwalk
Devastated by Hurricane Sandy, The New York Aquarium resides at Coney Island in Brooklyn. It has reopened but currently doesn’t have its full array of marine life on show. Coney Island itself is cheesy, brash but has plenty to keep children occupied with the beach and dedicated children’s funfair on the boardwalk, not to mention hot dogs and ice cream!