Going away with your family is an exciting time, especially when it’s somewhere like New York City.
You want to make sure you plan ahead so you can concentrate on what’s important: having fun and making memories to last a lifetime.
If you’re taking a family trip to the Big Apple, you might be wondering what some of the best family-friendly activities in New York City are.
Family-friendly activities in New York City include, but are not limited to:
- The High Line
- American Museum of Natural History
- The New York Botanical Garden
- A private tour
- Central Park Zoo
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
1. The High Line
For a gentle stroll and a stunning view of the New York skyline, the High Line is perfect to take the family.
Once a rail track, the High Line was part of a project known as the West Side Improvement and is now an iconic elevated park that pairs luscious greenery with memorable art.
The High Line is a 1.45-mile stretch and runs all the way from Hudson Yards to the northern edge of Chelsea in New York.
It’s also an entirely free activity, with plenty of restaurants and eateries nearby to get started on some of the must-try New York food experiences during your trip.
2. American Museum Of Natural History
The next family-friendly activity you won’t want to skip is the American Museum of Natural History.
Welcoming a whopping 5 million visitors every single year, the museum is globally considered one of the best natural history museums.
Boasting 32 million specimens and cultural artefacts, you’d never be able to cover everything in one visit – but you can try!
That said, it’s perfect for spending an entire afternoon getting lost amongst the exhibits with your family and you can easily reserve tickets on their website.
To learn about the best way to explore New York, be sure to check out our blog.
3. The New York Botanical Garden
You might believe luscious green spaces are few and far between in the concrete jungle of New York, but the New York Botanical Garden will make you think otherwise.
Described as a living museum, the botanical gardens are based at Bronx Park in the Bronx and take around 3 hours to explore.
From beautiful flower displays to conifer, cherry, and crab apple trees, the gardens are the perfect way to spend a day in spring or summer in New York.
Admission prices for the New York Botanical Garden range by age and the date you intend to visit.
4. A Private Tour
Planning a jam-packed family trip can be a challenging feat as a busy parent, so why not leave it to the professionals?
A private tour takes the pressure off you, allowing you to sight-see, and experience all New York has to offer in terms of family-friendly fun without the stresses of planning.
At Yellow Moon Tours, our New York City private tour guides can curate an entirely bespoke private tour of New York City for you and your family.
From Central Park to the Statue of Liberty, we will work with you to maximise your time in New York so you can get as much as you can out of your trip.
If you’re interested, be sure to get in touch with a member of our team today.
5. Central Park Zoo
If your children are a fan of animals, then Central Park Zoo is a great family-friendly activity.
From feeding the penguins and sea lions to the range of exhibits, there are countless of things you can do at Central Park Zoo.
It can also be a highly educational experience for children as the zoo offers a range of programs, including the family program, giving you the opportunity to learn more about all the amazing animals.
That said, you’ll want to make sure that you book ahead, as all visitors must reserve a date-specific ticket in advance of their visit.
6. Statue Of Liberty & Ellis Island
Last, but not least, a wonderful family-friendly activity in New York City is to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are only accessible by ferry, making it a wonderful adventure for the entire family. That said, you’ll want to pick a sunny day to do it, as a boat ride in the rain is never enjoyable.
You’ll need a minimum of two hours to visit Lady Liberty, and an additional hour if you wish to explore Ellis Island, which we highly recommend.
After all, these are some of the most iconic sightseeing spots in all of New York.
We hope that this article has given you some inspiration for family-friendly activities ahead of your trip to New York City.
For inquiries or questions, contact us today at info@yellowmoontours.com or on +02032903665 to book your private tour today or check out our Instagram page.
Written by Jemima Thomas for Yellow Moon Tours, the private tours specialist covering London, Paris, New York and Ireland.