New York
New York with kids: ten things to do and hotels with room for the family
A blue whale almost 30 metres long hangs from the ceiling of the Natural History Museum, and children walk beneath it open-mouthed. Here are ten things to do in New York with kids, and hotels with room for everyone.
New York is a grown-up city, yet it is full of things children remember for life. The challenge is rarely what to do but how much. Long distances and busy pavements mean families should plan less and stop more than adults on the same trip.
We have picked ten things that work for primary-age children and younger, and gathered the advice that makes the days easier.
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In short
The best things to do in New York with kids are the Natural History Museum, Central Park and its zoo, and the Intrepid aircraft carrier. Add the ferry past the Statue of Liberty. In summer, Coney Island deserves a day of its own. Stay near Central Park or in Midtown East, in a hotel with suites or family rooms.
Our first choice: The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York, with suites and kitchenettes in Midtown East.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York (Paid link)
Ten things to do with children
1. American Museum of Natural History
The blue whale in the Hall of Ocean Life and the dinosaur skeletons are why many families give this museum a full day. Arrive at opening time and start with the dinosaurs.
2. Central Park and its zoo
Central Park Zoo is in the south-east corner of the park and small enough for a morning. Afterwards, hire a rowing boat on The Lake or simply let them run on the grass.
3. The Intrepid Museum
The retired aircraft carrier Intrepid is moored at Pier 86 on the Hudson, with planes on deck and the Space Shuttle Enterprise in its own pavilion. It is often the place children talk about most.
4. The ferry past the Statue of Liberty
The orange ferry to Staten Island costs nothing, and from the deck children watch the Statue of Liberty slide past. For children the boat ride is often better than the island itself, with no security queue or tickets.
5. Jane's Carousel and Brooklyn Bridge Park
The vintage carousel turns inside a glass pavilion on the DUMBO waterfront, with Manhattan across the river. The park's playgrounds are among the best in the city.
6. Coney Island
In summer, take the subway to the Coney Island boardwalk. There is a beach, an amusement park and the 1927 Cyclone roller coaster for older children.
7. The Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is one of the largest city zoos anywhere and needs a full day. Choose it if your children care more about animals than skyscrapers.
8. Little Island and the High Line
The park on stilts in the Hudson is short to walk around and full of slopes and steps children love. Carry on along the High Line, where a buggy rolls easily.
9. The view from the top
For many children the lift ride is half the fun. Which deck suits families best is in our guide to New York's observation decks.
10. Times Square at night
For children the lights of Times Square are an attraction in themselves. Go after dinner, but hold hands tightly, because the crowds are thick.
Thompson Central Park New York
Stay near the park and a break on the grass is never more than a few minutes away.
Where to stay
The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York
The Benjamin is a couple of blocks east of Grand Central. With a kitchenette in the suites, breakfast and supper are easy, and children can sleep while the adults sit in the living room. It is a good choice for families staying a week.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York (Paid link)
Thompson Central Park New York
From Thompson, Central Park is only a few blocks away, so a midday rest back in the room is easy. In the morning you can be among the first at the zoo.
Book your stay: See rooms at Thompson Central Park New York (Paid link)
Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square
Riu Plaza is a stone's throw from Times Square, so the evening walk to the lights takes five minutes. The Times Square subway station has trains to the West Side museums and to Brooklyn.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square (Paid link)
Tips for families
The subway: Children under 44 inches ride free with a paying adult. Many stations have no lift, so a light buggy you can carry is easiest.
Breaks: Plan a long midday break, ideally in a park. Days in New York are longer than they look on the map.
Food: Delis and pizzerias suit children and do not take bookings. Ideas are in our best restaurants in New York.
New York with kids: frequently asked questions
Is New York good for families with children?
New York is good for families if you plan to do less than adults would. Parks and museums suit children well, and the ferries are free. The distances and crowds call for breaks, and a hotel near Central Park makes it easy to head back at midday.
What is free to do in New York with kids?
Free things to do in New York with kids include Central Park, the Staten Island Ferry past the Statue of Liberty, the High Line and Little Island. The playgrounds in Brooklyn Bridge Park are free too. Children under 44 inches ride the subway free with an adult.
Where should families stay in New York?
Families should stay in Midtown East, around Central Park or near Times Square, close to the subway. Choose a hotel with suites or family rooms, because standard Manhattan rooms are small. The Benjamin has suites with kitchenettes.