New York City may not top the ‘best family destinations’ lists, but it’s nonetheless a very child-friendly city. Aside from having perks like discounted City Passes and free Broadway shows during winter for kids, NYC is also generally very safe and clean. All of this makes it a great place to visit for travelers of all ages.
Family Friendly Activities in New York City
Here are some of the things you can do with your family in the Big Apple.
Climb the Statue of Liberty
A quintessential symbol of New York City, there’s only a limited number of people allowed in the Statue of Liberty’s crown per day, so the National Park Service suggests reserving a spot online in advance. Although, only children above four feet are permitted entry, and everyone should be relatively healthy because there is no elevator. Needless to say, having your family picture taken at the top of New York’s most recognizable structure makes everything worth it in the long run.
The Rockefeller Center
If you want to avoid long lines to see the New York skyline, another option is the Rock Observation Deck at the Rockefeller Center. Aside from having a roof deck with an unobstructed panoramic view of Central Park, the building also has a subterranean mall, which is just an elevator ride away.
Visit Coney Island
Coney Island is home to the 150-foot Wonder Wheel and the famous Cyclone roller coaster. In addition to the rides, the island also has a film club and you can learn about its history in the Coney Island Museum. Here you will see all sorts of old theme park relics such as funhouse mirrors, vintage coolers from the 50s, and even rare century-old ‘hold to light’ postcards.
Take a stroll in NY’s many walkable neighborhoods
Even something as simple as a walking tour can be fun in New York, as the city is full of beautiful architecture like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Chrysler Building, and the world-famous Empire State. It’s almost as if being a structural wonder is a requirement for any construction project in the city, and this only contributes to the sky high surrounding real estate prices in the city. Yoreevo notes that the average cost for an apartment in New York was a staggering $1,120,572 in 2017 — and it shows. Exterior and interior designs encompass everything from Gothic to Art Deco to industrial and contemporary. Neighborhoods like Upper West Side, Soho, Astoria, and Greenwich Village are perfect for a casual stroll with the family as you take in the beautiful urban landscape.
Picnic at Prospect Park
If your family likes to hang out in green spaces, Prospect Park is a great place to visit. Aside from the flora, everyone can also have a fun time in the children’s playground, zoo, and carousel. It’s best to go in summer or spring when the plants are in full bloom, but a winter trip can also be equally as rewarding. As we have featured in Lolli Franklin’s story, you may have seen how lovely Central Park can be during winter. Prospect Park may not be as grand, but it is utterly gorgeous in the winter, too.
What are your favorite family friendly activities in New York City?
Pin for Later:
Leave a Reply