Despite being a big, bustling city, New York City can be very family-friendly, especially when you know where to go. From Manhattan to Brooklyn and beyond, there are plenty of fun family adventures to be had off the beaten path in NYC for families. In this guide, we share our favorites, allowing your kids to feel the soul of NYC rather than scraping the city’s surface by sticking to its most famous tourist spots.
We know that you want to give your kids the most delicious bite of the Big Apple whilst keeping them safe and making forever memories as a family. Don’t worry, this guide has taken everything into account. Expect whimsical stays with milk and cookies at turndown, a rotating restaurant that will keep your kids transfixed throughout dinner, an afternoon of kayaking with Manhattan’s skyline as the backdrop, and much more.
Stays for families off the beaten path in NYC
While some of New York’s most famous hotels like The Ritz and The Plaza are well-known for their family-friendly packages, rooms, and experiences, it’s time to shine the spotlight on some lesser-known but equally worthy stays for your family trip to the city.
The Chatwell
Give your kids an opulent hotel experience inside one of New York’s top historic buildings at The Chatwell, located in the heart of the Theater District. While the hotel has a refined and sophisticated atmosphere that appeals to adults, it offers some epic experiences for families and children. During your luxurious stay, enjoy in-suite family movie nights, a private puppet show, and sing-alongs to Broadway musicals on your record player. Meanwhile, NYC’s most fun family activities are right on your doorstep, including Times Square, Broadway, and the Rockefeller Center, to name a few.
The Whitby Hotel, Midtown
The Whitby Hotel in Midtown blends modernity with a sprinkle of whimsy that promises a fun yet sophisticated boutique stay for families. If this wasn’t encouraging enough, families can opt for the hotel’s thoughtful family package, which includes milk and cookies at turndown, children's robes, and bedtime books. For times you might want a much-needed break, there’s an in-house cinema for the kids and an atmospheric bar and restaurant for the adults. Alternatively, you can book The Whitby’s famous afternoon tea for some delicious food and quality family time.
Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO
Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, located in the heart of one of NYC’s most family-friendly neighborhoods, is a luxury 5-star sustainable hotel for eco-conscious families. Between the organic fabrics, green walls, and rooftop pool, the hotel creates a relaxing outdoor-in environment in a city that can sometimes feel stifling. While sleek and minimal style is very grown-up, the hotel offers a menu of services that make it one of the most fun stays in the city for children. Think in-room tent sleepovers, popcorn movie nights, and kids dance classes (where adults are invited to indulge in a glass of champagne).
Experiences for families off the beaten path in NYC
From interactive museums to fun-packed events, there’s always something exciting for kids to do throughout the day in the Big Apple, but due to the nature of the city most are held indoors. If you’re looking for an alternative but equally ‘New York’ experience outside, check out our more adventurous recommendations.
Bryant Park Movie Nights
Illuminated by the twinkling lights of the sky-high buildings surrounding it, Bryant Park transforms into a free outdoor cinema from May to September, so grab your kids, a few blankets, and some snacks for one of the most memorable movie nights of their lives. The screenings start at 8 pm, but the park is open from 5 pm so attendees can enjoy a picnic with food from Hester Street Fair food vendors. Screenings are generally of classic and cult films, including Good Will Hunting, Interstellar, and Kinky Boots which are more suited to older children and teens. Younger children might prefer the Picnic in the Park performances on Friday nights.
Coney Island
Most people know New York for its modern skyscrapers and cosmopolitan style, but just 45 minutes by train from Downtown Manhattan lies the nostalgic amusement park of Coney Island. Home to a retro theme park, a cutesy boardwalk, and a spacious sandy beach, it’s everything Manhattan is not. The beauty of Coney Island is that there’s so much to do for adults and kids of all ages. While small kids can enjoy the games and kiddie rides at Deeno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, older kids and adults can dare themselves to take on the serious rides at Luna Park. No Coney Island visit is complete without a family stroll along the retro boardwalk to get your fingers sticky with hot dogs, funnel cake, and cotton candy.
Governors Island
Hop onto a ferry with your family and head to Governors Island, enjoying sweet views of the NYC skyline along the way. The island, a former military base, is now a recreational slice of nature less than 1 kilometer from Manhattan. An afternoon here among the greenery is the perfect antidote to overwhelm from the city’s sky-high buildings and persistent buzz. While the vast fields, woodlands, and playgrounds are ideal for young children to run around and play, you can cycle or kayak around the island with older kids. The island also hosts regular events, so be sure to check out what’s on when you visit.
Neighborhoods off the beaten path in NYC for families
One of the best things to do in New York is to simply wander around the different neighborhoods, soaking up their unique personalities. While most New York neighborhoods are family-friendly, here are the ones we think your kids will enjoy best:
Upper West Side, Manhattan
The Upper West Side, running along the west side of Central Park, is one of Manhattan’s calmest residential neighborhoods. However, its quietude is only one of the reasons it has long been considered one of the most family-friendly areas of the city. The Upper West Side offers quick and easy access to Central Park’s zoo, playgrounds, boats, and more. Meanwhile, the American Museum of Natural History and the Children’s Museum of Manhattan are within easy walking distance. Evenings here are equally calm and quiet without being boring. Enjoy dinner at a low-key, family-focused restaurant before heading to Symphony Space for an early evening family show.
Central Park
While Central Park is considered a quiet escape for adults, it’s a giant adventure zone for your children. Central Park Zoo is at the top of the park’s to-do list for big and small kids, offering them a chance to see rare and endangered animals like grizzly bears and snow leopards whilst learning about conservation and environmentalism. After stopping for a picnic or a pretzel from the nearby carts, get adventurous with a bike ride, gondola ride, or a nature walk around The Ramble. Smaller kids might prefer to run around one of Central Park’s epic themed playgrounds instead.
DUMBO, Brooklyn
Brooklyn’s DUMBO neighborhood has the perfect blend of cool city vibes with a casual local feel. Offering the best of both worlds, the neighbourhood is a favorite for families. A former industrial zone, the redbrick rows and warehouses have been transformed into unique independent cafes, galleries, and event spaces by the local creative community that your kids will thrive in. Start your day here by spotting the street art as you browse the local shops. Stop at Time Out Market, which features tons of food options for even the pickiest eaters. After swinging and splashing around Brooklyn Bridge Park on the waterfront while enjoying views of Manhattan, treat your younger kids to a ride on the famous Jane’s Carousel. Older kids might prefer walking along the Brooklyn Bridge for a few pictures.
Eat off the beaten path in NYC with family
Choosing restaurants can be one of the most tedious tasks of a trip with picky kids. Fortunately, there’s plenty for them to get their grubby little mouths around in NYC. To make the dinner decisions easier, here are our top dining options for families:
Ellen’s Stardust Diner, Midtown
For the ultimate all-American experience, take your kids to Ellen’s Stardust Diner. The legendary 1950s-themed diner serves all the classics from mac & cheese to milkshakes in red pleather booths. Served along with it is live Broadway-style performances from the diner staff who aren’t afraid to get up on the booths and between the crowd.
The View Restaurant, Midtown
For an upscale, elegant meal that won’t bore the kids, book a table at The View, New York’s only rotating restaurant. That’s right, this circular restaurant and lounge provides a mesmerizing dining experience as you watch views of the Theater District pass by through its panoramic windows as you dine on delicious steaks and crab cakes.
Time Out Market, DUMBO
If you’re in Brooklyn, take your kids to the Time Out Market located inside a historic industrial building. With almost all kinds of food in this hip indoor food hall, including tacos, ramen, and pizza, it’s easy to keep every family member satisfied. Be sure to grab a seat on the rooftop to eat with epic views of Manhattan.
Perfect Picnic NYC
Why sit inside when you can grab a ready-made picnic from Perfect Picnic NYC and eat with the lush scenes of Central Park surrounding you? Choose between the Classic Picnic, Deluxe Picnic, and Kids Picnic, each featuring a premium selection of sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Your kids will be happy to know they can pack cookies, brownies, and donuts in the basket, too.
Sugar Factory
Skip dinner and head straight for dessert at the Sugar Factory in Midtown – trust us, you’re going to need the room. It will come as no surprise it serves fun, colorful, and slightly OTT drinks and desserts that don’t hold back on the sugar. It’s a kid’s dream and a parent's worst nightmare. However, if you want some real nutrients first, the Sugar Factory also has a delicious lunch and dinner menu featuring American classics.
Book your off the beaten path trip to NYC for families
Organizing a personalized family trip to suit every age is tough, especially when you want to make incredible lasting memories. Luckily, Tripsby.ai specializes in creating extraordinary trips that are perfectly personalized to fit your family’s unique dynamics. Just tell us a little bit about each family member, from their age to their likes and dislikes, and let us do the rest. In a matter of minutes, we will have a detailed itinerary ready for booking. Traveling as a family has never been less stressful! To get started on your NYC family itinerary, click here. Don’t forget to tell Tripsby what recommendations you’d like to include from this guide!
