It’s a question that’s often asked:“Is it easy to discover New York as a family? Without beating about the bush, the answer is clearly yes, but under certain conditions. If you have a passion for art museums, then it will be more complicated. Budget is another point to bear in mind, even if the family rooms don’t break the budget, there are still the entrance fees for the various activities and the meals. However, New York really is a city that has a lot to offer children.
Here’s a 10-day itinerary that we tried out for you with two pre-adolescents aged 10 and 12. You can also find their ranking of favourite tourist activities. Finally, if you’re travelling as a family, remember to plan your trip to New York as much as possible. With a well-defined programme, you can enjoy the city without feeling overwhelmed.
1 half-day: Wall Street & Brooklyn Bridge
Having arrived at 2.30pm at JFK, Day 1 is more of a late afternoon after you’ve checked into your hotel in the Wall Street district. Logically, the visits began by exploring the surrounding area: the famous Wall Street Bull, the South Street Seaport, and a walk on the Brooklyn Bridge. Walking and strolling around the neighbourhood will make you feel less jet-lagged.
Wall Street
The financial heart of New York is famous for its skyscrapers and bustling atmosphere. Don’t miss :
- Charging Bull: this bronze sculpture, a symbol of strength and financial power, attracts visitors who come to touch its horns and purses for good fortune.
- New York Stock Exchange: one of the largest stock markets in the world. Admire its imposing architecture and feel the pulse of the global economy.
- Federal Hall: the historic site where George Washington was sworn in as the first President of the United States. Today it serves as a museum dedicated to American history.
South Street Seaport
A historic district offering a charming glimpse of New York’s maritime past. Worth exploring:
- Pier 17: completely renovated, it now offers restaurants, shops and a spectacular view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River.
- South Street Seaport Museum: discover New York’s maritime history through interactive exhibitions and tours of historic ships.
Brooklyn Bridge
An iconic bridge linking Manhattan and Brooklyn, offering panoramic views of the New York skyline. Highlights:
- Bridge walk: stroll across this engineering masterpiece for a truly New York experience. The walk offers breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and other icons.
- Brooklyn Bridge Park: once you arrive in Brooklyn, explore this waterfront park, which offers green spaces, sports fields and cultural activities.
It’s a beautiful walk that plunges children straight into the city’s gigantism, as they marvel at the streets, buildings and riverside district. After a long and busy day (6h00 time difference), there’s nothing like a quick bite to eat before heading back to the hotel. If you’re coming from France, don’t go to bed too early and try to stay up until 9pm so that the younger guests aren’t up at 2am.
2. Statue of Liberty & One World Observatory
The next day, it’s off to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, a must if you want to understand the history of American immigration. Back on land, there’s time for an ice cream in Battery Park before setting off to climb to the top of lower Manhattan with the One World Observatory.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
To get to the Statue of Liberty, take the ferry from Battery Park, then disembark on Liberty Island to discover this universal symbol of freedom and democracy.
- Statue of Liberty: donated by France in 1886, this gigantic statue is an emblematic figure of the United States. There is a museum dedicated to it on the island, and the children loved the many models and artefacts. Walking around the statue is also a great time for souvenir photos.
- Ellis Island: just a short ferry ride away, Ellis Island was the main point of entry for millions of immigrants coming to the United States between 1892 and 1954. The Immigration Museum offers fascinating exhibitions telling the stories of those who helped build this country.
The Battery Park
Back in Manhattan, the opportunity to enjoy an ice cream or fresh fruit for the healthiest on a bench in Battery Park. The park is home to several important monuments, including the World War II Veterans Memorial and the USS Maine Memorial.
One World Observatory
In the late afternoon, the final visit is to the One World Trade Center, more commonly known as the Freedom Tower. The observatory at the top offers an immersive experience with 360-degree views of the city.
Panoramic views: 541 metres above the city, the views are spectacular and above all it’s the only observatory in lower Manhattan, so it’s a change from other observatories.
This second day offers a perfect combination of history, culture and unforgettable views, allowing you to understand both the past and present of this dynamic metropolis. The immigration museum is interesting and well worth a visit, but for children it’s a bit long. On the other hand, the first observatory was eagerly awaited, and it lived up to its billing with a “wow” effect.
3. 9/11 Memorial & iconic districts
The third day of our itinerary was both the most emotional and the most dreaded, with two visits reminding us of a tragedy that was not so long ago and that may seem heavy-handed to the youngest visitors. We had no regrets, though, because they understood what had happened and then looked at what they wanted to. The many walks helped to clear their minds.
9/11 Memorial Museum
The day began with a moving visit to the 9/11 Memorial Museum, located on the site of the former twin towers of the World Trade Center. With the many explanations about the event, pre-teens will have a better understanding of what New Yorkers went through with stories and testimonies at the time of the tragedy.
- Harrowing exhibitions: the museum offers a detailed exploration of the events of 11 September through personal artefacts, testimonies and multimedia. It is a place for reflection and education on the impact of these events.
- Reflecting pools: outside the museum, the two large reflecting pools mark the footprints of the original towers. The names of all the victims of the 2001 and 1993 terrorist attacks are engraved around the pools.
A walk through the neighbourhoods of Manhattan
After the museum, the children are full of questions. It’s time to take a stroll through some of Manhattan’s most iconic neighbourhoods and get back to a more relaxed atmosphere. The magic of New York architecture soon takes hold, and the little ones are once again scanning the buildings and artists of Tribeca.
- Tribeca: known for its converted industrial lofts and artistic atmosphere, Tribeca is also famous for its annual film festival.
- Soho: a shopper’s paradise with fashion boutiques, art galleries and historic cast-iron buildings.
- Greenwich Village: explore this bohemian neighbourhood, famous for its cafés, jazz clubs and role in social movements.
- Union Square: a gathering point for New Yorkers, with a vibrant farmers’ market and many events.
- Flatiron District: be sure to photograph the famous Flatiron Building, an iconic building shaped like an iron.
9/11 Museum Workshop
In the late afternoon, head for the 9/11 Museum Workshop. This tiny, unique museum offers a more intimate experience, with photographs and artefacts that can be discovered with the help of audio guides. Despite the fear of plunging children back into the 9/11 atmosphere, from the very first minutes with the helmets screwed on their heads, the fear dissipates, as they, like us, are drawn into the stories of the artefacts and the bravery of the firefighters. It’s very complementary to the 9/11 memorial, but from a totally different angle, with the human mobilisation in the aftermath of 11 September.
Little Island
Just a few metres from the Workshop is Little Island, ideal for a short break in this new floating park on the Hudson River. This unique urban oasis, set on mushroom-like stilts, offers lush green spaces, outdoor art performances and spectacular views of the river and the city. It’s the perfect place for the whole family to relax after an exciting day out.
4. High Line, Edge & Hudson Yards
The fourth day is devoted to exploring Chelsea Market and the High Line in the morning, then Hudson Yards in the afternoon. Not forgetting a visit to one of my favourite observatories: The Edge for its breathtaking views. The day ends with a magical performance of Harry Potter at the Lyric Theatre.
Chelsea Market and the High Line
The day begins with breakfast at Chelsea Market, the starting point for a guided tour of the area, followed by a stroll along the High Line:
- Chelsea Market: this covered market is a gourmet’s paradise, with a multitude of vendors offering local and international specialities. Be sure to sample some of the artisan products or have lunch here.
- High Line: after your meal, head up the High Line, a linear park built on a former elevated railway line. The walkway is adorned with plantings, artwork and benches to relax on while enjoying unique views of Manhattan’s streets and architecture.
The tour was in English and although the children had a good level of English, it was a bit complicated and they stalled several times. A few explanations in French, particularly about the history of Chelsea Market, helped to motivate them.
Edge and Hudson Yards
After a burger break at the Shake Shake in the Hudson Yards shopping centre, the futuristic corridors of the Edge observatory are nearby. A wealth of information about the building’s construction and the ingenuities developed by the architects to minimise its ecological footprint are recounted along the way to the lifts.
At the end of the corridor, the lift takes us to one of the most beautiful terraces in Manhattan. The terrace is shaped like a duck’s beak, with sloping glass walls that allow you to enjoy the view to the full. The bravest can take photos on the glass platform where the cars appear like little ants. It’s a place that young people love for its thrills.
Once we were back on dry land, it was time for a second guided tour of The Vessel and the Hudson Yards district. The tour was also in English, and the guide was friendly, but the visit was less exciting than Chelsea Market.
- The Vessel: one of the centrepieces of Hudson Yards is The Vessel, a honeycomb-shaped staircase structure offering a 360-degree view of the district and the river. Unfortunately closed due to several suicides.
- The Shed: right next door, you’ll find The Shed, a cultural centre with a dynamic programme of artistic events and performances.
Broadway Lyric Theater
7pm marks the start of a magical adventure with the Broadway play Harry Potter. The play is a sequel to the famous fantasy series, featuring stunning special effects and a story that will delight long-time fans and newcomers alike. The special effects and staging captivated the children, even if 3 hours was a bit long for them.
5. Intrepid museum, cruise & Top of the Rock
Day five is an action-packed day that starts with a visit to the Intrepid Air Sea & Space Museum, before enjoying a cruise around Manhattan. At the end of the day, climb to the Top of the Rock for another exceptional viewpoint, followed by a visit to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and the Lego shop opposite.
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
First stop is the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, located on the USS Intrepid, a World War II aircraft carrier that is now a National Historical Museum.
- Aeronautical and naval exhibits: discover an impressive collection of aircraft, including the legendary Concorde and the space shuttle Enterprise. Also explore the USS Growler submarine, which offers an insight into life on board a submarine.
- Flight simulators: try out flight simulators that give you a feel for what it’s like to fly a fighter jet or navigate in space.
The children really enjoyed this museum, as it allowed them to see the size of an aircraft carrier. The use of video and sound to bring the bombing to life was also very much appreciated. The fact that visitors can climb into the bunks and planes is also a plus for the museum. Finally, expect to pay a few extra dollars for the simulators, but the youngsters loved that.
Circle Line cruise: Best of NYC
1.30pm, time to embark for a cruise around Manhattan offering spectacular views and a unique perspective on the city. The cruise takes you around Manhattan, offering panoramic views of iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, and more.
Benefit from live commentary that enriches your understanding of New York’s history and architecture. With young children, we recommend the 1.5-hour Landmarks cruise, which focuses on lower Manhattan. We took the 2.5-hour cruise around Manhattan, but the children dropped out as the cruise went on – it was too long for them.
Top of the Rock
After the cruise, it’s time to stretch your legs with a 30-minute walk to Rockefeller Center to visit Top of the Rock, an observatory at the top of the GE Building.
Enjoy breathtaking views over Central Park. Unlike other observatories, the Top of the Rock offers unobstructed views of the Empire State Building. After the modernism of the Edge, the Top of the Rock lacks originality, the view is incredible but the experience is disappointing for children.
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Once off the Top of the Rock, a deal is struck between parent and preteen to visit Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in exchange for a trip to the Lego shop just opposite. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is a masterpiece of neo-Gothic architecture, although the children didn’t regret going in for the sheer size of the place.
Lego Store 5th Avenue
The highlight for the children was a visit to the Lego Store opposite Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. The deal was largely won by the parents, as even the adults were in awe of the various Lego constructions. From a New York taxi to a giant Hulk made of 6,2677 bricks, the visit to the shop delighted young and old alike.
6. Discovering the other boroughs
Day six was a bit of a rest day, with the aim of giving our legs a little rest after all the miles we’d covered since the start of our trip. To do this, we opted to explore Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens on a 6am bus tour. The bus route ends in Little Italy and Chinatown, giving us the opportunity to stroll through these two neighbourhoods.
NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens
The guided bus tour starts at the corner of 8th Avenue and 51st Street. The first stop is at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, followed by two stops in the Bronx at Yankee Stadium and Longwood for some Street Art graffiti in tribute to the rapper “Big Bun”, who used to live in this part of the Bronx. The tour continues by heading towards Queens for a long stop at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The penultimate stop is in the Bushwick district of Brooklyn, a hot spot for street art with a huge number of paintings. The tour ends with a view of the skyline from the Manhattan Bridge.
This tour really gave us a moment’s respite in the middle of our stay and Jorge, our guide on the bus, was really nice and funny, which had a very positive impact on the 6-hour bus ride. The children really enjoyed getting out of the bus regularly, which gave them a chance to let off a bit of steam. We really enjoyed travelling through four of the five boroughs of New York, with explanations of their unique history and culture and lots of anecdotes from Jorge.
Walk through Little Italy and Chinatown
After the bus tour and our farewells to Jorge, we decided to take a stroll around Little Italy and Chinatown. Time for an espresso and then to follow the children to a few tourist shops. The day was drawing to a close.
7. Summit, Grand central terminal & RiseNY
The seventh day began with an unknown activity for the four of us: discovering One Summit Vanderbilt, one of Midtown Manhattan’s most modern and iconic attractions. The weather was uncertain at 8.00am, with a few clouds, so we crossed our fingers and hoped that an hour later we’d be the first ones up there with good weather.
Summit One Vanderbilt
If you’re planning to visit this observatory, ladies, a word of advice: forget your skirts and dresses because of the play of mirrors. Once you’ve slipped on a pair of charlottes over your shoes, you’ll be immersed in the lift experience. When the doors open, the glass design of the building offers an immersive experience, with reflections and transparency effects that amplify the sensation of being suspended above the city.
If you’re visiting with the family, take your time and warn children not to get caught up in the other rooms, as they can’t go backwards. The room with the balloons and fans is bound to be the highlight of their visit and a great place to take some great photos. If you’re not afraid of heights, try the glass cubes suspended in the void, sensation guaranteed!
The Summit is also famous for its interactive installations and artistic experiences that fuse art, technology and architecture. When it opened, it quickly became one of everyone’s favourite activities.
Grand Central Terminal
Then, just a few metres from One, you can see the entrance to Grand Central Terminal, an architectural masterpiece and one of the most famous railway terminals in the world. This is an opportunity for younger visitors to see a place that is not so unfamiliar to them, thanks to the various films in which the famous Grand Central Terminal clock can be seen.
It was a must to take the time to admire the painted celestial vaults of the great hall, and then watch the crowd bustle about from a balcony. Various memories of the station surfaced, some of them tasty, such as the clam chowder we had tasted a few years earlier. An opportunity to take a lunch break.
Oyster Bar
The Grand Central Oyster Bar is a well-known restaurant in the station, specialising in seafood. As well as the food, the restaurant’s atmosphere is quite unique, thanks to its characteristic architecture with ceramic vaults. It’s like stepping back in time. Once the kids’ fish and chips are finished, it’s off to RiseNY, with two stops on the route: New York Public Library and Bryant Park.
RiseNY
RiseNY was also a discovery for everyone, with a unique museum experience combining culture, history and technology at the end of the afternoon.
The start of the museum is aimed more at an adult audience, with lots of elements that take us back to teenage memories and pop culture. By contrast, the end of the museum with this simulated flight experience over the city, offering a unique perspective on NYC’s iconic landmarks while telling the story of the city through decades of change won everyone over.
The day ends in the crowds of Times Square with a stop at the M&M’s shop. One of the children’s favourite days.
8. Harlem, Central Park & the Natural History Museum
For the eighth day, this is the only day of the week to attend a Gospel mass, namely Sunday.
Harlem Gospel Tour
Discovering the vibrant history of this iconic neighbourhood in French with Jesse as our guide was a real bonus. As well as the historic sites, he gave us the soul of the neighbourhood, got us to sing and answered our questions – an incredible discovery, even for children.
The day began at 515 Malcolm X Blvd in Harlem for a 2-hour guided tour of the neighbourhood in French, followed by a Gospel mass at the Bethel Gospel Assembly.
At the Bethel Gospel Assembly, visitors are grouped together in the balcony and the congregation can meet just below, but the whole audience can enjoy the passionate choirs singing with emotional power. The children were introduced to a culture and history they’d never heard of, but their favourite part was the Gospel mass.
American Museum of Natural History
With mass over, it was time to quickly board a bus to head south and back into Manhattan to return to the north entrance of Central Park. After a walk in the park, the children were eager to return to a place they had seen on television a few days earlier with the film “A Night at the Museum”. As soon as they entered the American Museum of Natural History, there was a little disappointment in their eyes, as the entrance was not like the one in the film, but once the shock wore off, smiles returned as they discovered the first animals after the checkouts.
The museum offers an incredible diversity of exhibits ranging from dioramas of wild animals to artefacts from ancient cultures, as well as displays on space and dinosaurs. The other surprise is the size of the museum, much bigger than they imagined.
A walk in Central Park
After 2 and a half hours wandering around the museum, as the afternoon drew to a close, it was time to enjoy the last rays of sunshine in Central Park. The walk takes us from 8th Avenue to 5th Avenue towards the Apple Store. On leaving the museum, we took advantage of the park’s calm to walk along The Lake to the Bethesda Fountain and then under the Terrace, all the while enjoying the artists playing music.
It was an exhausting day for everyone, with a record 15.4 km, a short evening and a very good night.
9. Empire State Building & Macy’s
After a gruelling eighth day, this ninth day was all about taking it easy on our legs. The plan was simple: visit the Empire State Building and do some activities around the legendary skyscraper.
Empire State Building
This was the last observatory on the 10-day schedule, and before starting the day, the children were wondering what the point of yet another observatory was. Once they arrived in the lobby, they discovered people in uniform and an unfamiliar atmosphere: “art deco”. As soon as they entered the Museum of the Empire, which retraced the building’s construction with photos, paintings and reconstructions of workers from the era, they were all smiles. The smiles are all over their faces, and we realise that this won’t be the observatory of a lifetime.
After a few photos in settings inspired by great films in which the Empire plays a central role, we arrived on the 102nd floor to enjoy one last spectacular view of the city and the observatories we had visited on previous days.
On leaving the building, we were unanimous in answering the famous question: Empire State Building or Top of the Rock?
Shopping at Macy’s
What better way to relax and avoid walking too much than to visit the world’s largest department stores’? The walk isn’t too strenuous, and it’s also a good time to pick up gifts for loved ones. The building’s historic architecture is particularly noteworthy, with its famous wooden staircases and old lifts.
Escape Virtuality
I don’t have to tell you who absolutely wanted to go to Escape Virtuality by looking at the attractions available in the passes. It was their first experience of VR, so it was bound to be a good time, but it was a short one all the same. They were able to hurtle down a ski slope, go parachuting and the sensations were really excellent.
10. Central Park Zoo & 5th Avenue
The day before last, and with so many miles covered, we woke up feeling pretty tired, so it was a quiet day at Central Park Zoo. A first for everyone and a pleasant surprise.
Central Park Zoo
We arrived at the zoo in mid-morning, and once we’d got our map in hand, we headed for the penguin area to see the zookeepers feed the penguins. A few minutes later, it was the turn of the California sea lions, an excellent show for the children. After a short visit to the tropical zone to warm up, it was time for a photo hunt with monkeys, red pandas, snow leopards and bears.
Once the tour of the zoo is over, a small 4D cinema shows a cartoon, ideal for children. 30 minutes later, the children are reunited with the animals of the Tisch Children’s zoo, this time with plenty of interaction as they are given treats. On the programme: goats, zebus, sheep and many other animals.
3.30 hours later, it was time to say goodbye to all this wildlife and return to the city’s horns. After a snack, the afternoon is spent walking down 5th Avenue towards Bryant Park, with a stop at the Nintendo shop.
Fifth Avenue
New York’s Fifth Avenue is one of the most famous streets in the world, renowned for its luxury boutiques, iconic buildings and cultural significance. Stretching from the north to the south of Manhattan, it passes through many key districts and offers a glimpse of the city’s history and glamour.
Some of the shops are worth a diversion for their decoration, architecture and gigantism. The architecture of the Apple shop, one of the most prominent in New York, the Nike shop is quite impressive, the Nintendo shop is also a magnificent cross-generational place where parents can find Link from Zelda, Mario and Luigi and the little ones can find the Pokémon universe, and NBA fans won’t want to miss the NBA Store at the corner of 45th.
11. Final Hop-on Hop-off lap
For the eleventh and final day, after several days of intensive walking through the city, we chose a more relaxing option to make the most of our last moments: the hop-on hop-off bus tours, included in our tourist passes. These buses offer a comfortable and flexible way of navigating through the city, with the freedom to hop on and off at will at designated stops.
These buses run on routes that cover most of New York’s major attractions, giving us the opportunity to revisit the iconic places we explored during our stay. From the excitement of Times Square to the serenity of Central Park, from the historic architecture of the Flatiron Building to the energy of Wall Street, each stop is a reminder of the adventures of days gone by.
It’s also a chance to soak up the city’s energy one last time before heading back to JFK airport in mid-afternoon.
This packed programme guarantees a total immersion in New York’s effervescence, with a good dose of culture, history and entertainment. A memorable trip guaranteed! See the children’s ranking of the different attractions.
