Are you planning a family trip to New York City? Well, with its amazing attractions, bustling city streets, great food, and iconic yellow cabs – it’s hardly surprising that millions of families choose to visit NYC every year. From the Statue of Liberty to Central Park, world-famous stores, cultural diversity, and endless photo and memory-making opportunities, you’re going to need to plan your trip carefully if you want to make the most of it.
Of course, every trip should have an element of spontaneity and sticking to strict schedules when you have little ones or grumpy teenagers in tow doesn’t always end well. Being as flexible as possible is key to a successful NYC trip, and having the foundations such as choosing the best time to visit, the right accommodation, activities, and transport can ensure everything else you plan to experience in the Big Apple goes ahead without a hitch.
Read on to discover everything you need to know before you visit NYC with your family.
Of course, every trip should have an element of spontaneity and sticking to strict schedules when you have little ones or grumpy teenagers in tow doesn’t always end well. Being as flexible as possible is key to a successful NYC trip, and having the foundations such as choosing the best time to visit, the right accommodation, activities, and transport can ensure everything else you plan to experience in the Big Apple goes ahead without a hitch.
Read on to discover everything you need to know before you visit NYC with your family.
Find Family-Friendly Accommodation
As you well know, your accommodation on any trip can really make or break your visit. And when you have an itinerary that’s bursting with activities and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, you won’t want to waste precious time checking up on the cleanliness of your room, the safety of your hotel, or the professionalism of the staff. You’ll find a good deal on hotels across NYC, but what factors should you consider when searching for the right place to stay?- The Neighborhood: Choosing the right neighbourhood is key. If you’re planning on spending lots of time in Central Park, then consider the Upper West Side. If you want something modern and trendy, then SoHo might be more your vibe. Or if you want to find cheaper rooms and don’t mind commuting into Manhattan, then locations like Queens might be ideal.
- Proximity to Subway Stations: Choosing hotels near subway stations is key for getting around the city quickly and minimizing travel time. This is especially important if you have activities planned at different ends of NYC and kids in tow.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Hotels offering family-sized suites, cribs, child safety measures in the rooms, and even babysitting services can make your trip to NYC easier.
- Proximity to Attractions: If you plan to spend a lot of time on Broadway or Times Square, then consider booking a hotel in Midtown Manhattan. For shopping with teens, the Upper East Side and Fifth Avenue are ideal
Decide How You’re Going to Get Around
New York is quite walkable for most people, and although you’ll be shattered at the end of the day, walking around NYC is a great experience and gives you the chance to spot lots of amazing attractions and immerse yourself in the heart of NYC as you dash over crossings and do your best to keep pace with the crowds on the sidewalks. If you’re planning activities in locations situated across the city or you’re traveling with young children who might find the walking too much, then you’ll need alternative transport options.- The Subway: It’s fast and efficient and a great way to get around, however, the Subway in NYC isn’t always stroller friendly, so you’ll need to do some research around which stations are best suited to your needs. Apps like Citymapper can give you helpful directions, real-time service alerts, and information about accessible stations you might need.
- Taxis: Hailing a bright yellow cab is a classic NYC experience! While these are fun and much more comfortable than taking the subway, it can be an expensive option. You’ll also have to have a car seat with you for your children to use.
- Ride-Shares: Services like Uber and Lyft are a great way to get around!
- NYC Ferry: If you want to try something a little different, then the NYC ferry service offers various routes and stops at lots of popular destinations and landmarks.
Tips for Staying Safe on the Subway
If you do choose to use the subway – like any public transport in any location – it’s best to exercise caution and check out these helpful tips for staying safe with your family.- Avoid empty subway cars: Always choose cars with other passengers in.
- Stay in well-lit areas of the station and platform: Keeping to well-lit areas makes sense and will help you to stay safe.
- Keep your belongings close to you: This includes your children! Always make sure you know where they are at all times, and keep other items like your bags, money, etc, secured and visible.
The Best Time of the Year to Visit
New York is beautiful throughout the year and each season brings with it its own charm. Knowing when is the best time to visit NYC depends on what you want to do and achieve during your visit. If you’re looking for cheaper hotel prices, then consider January and February - however, remember it will be cold! Spring months bring warmer weather, which is ideal for enjoying outdoor activities, but as the temperature rises so do the prices!How to Stay Safe on Your NYC Trip
New York is considered a safe destination for tourists. However, if you’re traveling with your children, it’s expected that you might feel a little apprehensive about exploring a new place. Crime such as pickpocketing can and will happen in densely populated areas of NYC, so make sure you’re being vigilant.- Avoid walking around alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas or quiet streets
- Keep your valuables secure, hidden, and be mindful of what's happening around you.
- Teach your children about stranger danger, tell them what to do if they become separated.
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