Exploring New York City as a Family: Our 4-Day Adventure in the Big Apple
Lego Store
New York City has been on our family travel bucket list for years, and this October we finally made it happen! We spent four full days exploring the city that never sleeps — from iconic landmarks to kid-friendly adventures, delicious bites, and a Broadway show we’ll never forget. Here’s how we spent our family vacation in NYC!
Where We Stayed
We stayed at the Residence Inn by Marriott New York Manhattan/Midtown East, which was perfect for families. Our suite had a kitchenette (a huge plus for traveling with kids!) and we loved being within walking distance of Rockefeller Center and Central Park. Complimentary breakfast every morning gave us a great start to our busy days of exploring.
Day 1: Rockefeller Center, Central Park & The Upper Loop
We kicked off our trip in classic New York fashion with a visit to Rockefeller Center. Avery loved visiting FAO Schwarz, the giant piano dance floor was a hit, and the LEGO Store was another fun stop for creative playtime and souvenirs.
From there, we walked toward Central Park, stopping at The Plaza Hotel for some photos (and a quick “Home Alone” fan moment!). We spent a peaceful afternoon exploring the park and enjoyed lunch at the Central Park Boathouse, where the view of the lake felt like a movie scene.
In the afternoon, we hopped on the Big Bus Tour and rode the Upper Loop, which was an easy and relaxing way to see more of the city without walking miles. It gave us a great overview for the days ahead!
Day 2: Statue of Liberty, Wall Street & Little Italy
We started bright and early with a ferry ride to Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty — a must-see for any first-time visitor. It was inspiring to stand beneath such an iconic symbol and take in the skyline views from the water. We opted for the Crown tour tickets, which must be booked months in advance. We climbed the 354 steps to the crown, which included a small, spiral staircase. The area in the crown was very small and could only fit a handful of people at a time!
Afterward, we explored Wall Street and stopped by the Fearless Girl statue for photos before heading toward Chinatown and Little Italy. We grabbed lunch in Little Italy, indulging in pasta and cannoli at sidewalk table that transported us straight to Italy itself.
We wrapped up the day by taking the Big Bus Lower Loop, which gave us a fun way to rest our feet while still soaking in sights like the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, and the Flatiron District.
Day 3: American Museum of Natural History
This was a highlight for our family! The American Museum of Natural History is truly incredible for families. From the massive dinosaur fossils to the planetarium and ocean exhibits, there’s something for everyone. We spent hours exploring and could have easily stayed all day. That evening we took a walk towards Grand Central Station and ate at the famous Los Tacos No. 1.
Day 4: Empire State Building, Times Square & Broadway Magic
For our final day, we went classic NYC again starting with the Empire State Building. The panoramic views from the top were breathtaking, especially seeing Central Park framed by fall colors.
We then made our way to Times Square, where the energy was contagious — bright lights, street performers, and plenty of spots for souvenirs.
Our grand finale was seeing Wicked on Broadway, all of our first Broadway show! The performance was spectacular and such a memorable way to wrap up our trip. We ended the night with dinner at the whimsical Serendipity 3, home of the famous frozen hot chocolate.
Wicked at the Gershwin Theater
Final Thoughts
New York City can seem overwhelming, but we found it surprisingly manageable and magical for families. The Big Bus tours helped us cover a lot of ground without exhaustion, and mixing in museum time and outdoor breaks in Central Park kept things balanced for our daughter. We loved walking and using the subway system to get around as well.
We left already dreaming about our next visit, maybe to see the holiday decorations at Rockefeller Center or ice skate in Bryant Park! If you’re planning a family trip to NYC, we hope this itinerary gives you inspiration to make the most of your time in the city.
✨ Tips for Families Visiting NYC
Stay somewhere central (like Midtown) to cut down on transit time.
Mix active days (walking tours, parks) with slower ones (museums, bus rides).
Book Statue of Liberty and Broadway tickets in advance.
Don’t skip the Big Bus NYC, it’s perfect for families!
Always have snacks and water on hand — exploring NYC is an adventure!