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Family-Friendly Guide To New York City With Kids

Hotels, Restaurants, Activities, And More!

Family Friendly Guide To Visiting New York City

New York City is such an exciting place with much to see and do, it’s no wonder it’s one of the top tourist destinations in the world! If you’re planning on bringing your family (and young kids) there on a holiday, adding kid-friendly restaurants and activities to your itinerary is a must. Thankfully, there are many such places in New York City, and we’ve rounded up some of the best family-friendly spots that can help make the holiday a more fuss-free and enjoyable one!

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  • FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTELS AND APARTMENTS IN NEW YORK CITY

    New York City has five different boroughs, and it is fairly easy to find family-friendly accommodation scattered around the city. Tourists tend to enjoy staying in the Manhattan area, including at the beautiful and luxurious Thompson Hotel. It’s located near Central Park, and is also a short walk to places like the MoMA. The hotel interior is sleek and pretty luxe, and there’s also an on-site restaurant downstairs.

    If you want to stay near Times Square, why not book a room at Magaritaville Resort? This 4-star hotel has fun, quirky interior and modern room decor. There’s also a restaurant and fitness center within the hotel itself. M Social Hotel, also located near Times Square, is a suitable family-friendly hotel that’s chic and clean. They have many different types of rooms available for families and you can check out the amazing views of Broadway and Times Square during your stay here.

    Brooklyn is a fun and unique neighbourhood to explore, and there are wonderful Airbnb options around the area. One such example is this Brooklyn Townhouse that can house a total of four guests. It’s a garden-level brownstone that’s spacious and homely, and even has a patio that features a beautiful garden view.

    If you’d like to stay at an Airbnb in the Manhattan area, why not book this Luxury Apartment located on a high level, promising you amazing skyline views of the city. It’s also very nicely furnished with a modern rustic touch, so the apartment looks cozy but also stylish.

  • FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES IN NEW YORK CITY

    One of the most iconic sights to check out at New York City is the Statue of Liberty. It’s located on Liberty Island in New York Harbour, and can only be reached by boat. This might actually excite the kids since they get to sit on a ferry that’ll take the family to Liberty Island.

    Central Park is another must-visit place when in New York City, and is perfect for slow walks in the morning or evening as you soak in the feeling of being surrounded by greenery. It’s also a good idea to bring a picnic mat and some finger food so that the family can find a nice spot to settle down and people watch as you guys eat.

    Spend a day at exploring Brooklyn, and start by walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s a beautiful landmark and the walk across the bridge provides you with amazing view of the city and East River. You can also add Coney Island to your itinerary, a seaside entertainment area that has a bunch of carnival rides the kids can enjoy.

    You shouldn’t skip Times Square either, a major commercial intersection and one of the top tourist attractions in New York City. It’s best to visit in the evening during sunset or at night, because the place is beautifully lit with dozens of digital billboards.

    New York City is also a wonderful place for museum enthusiasts as it houses many museums. Some of the more popular ones include the Museum of Modern Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. If you’re visiting with kids, we’d recommend the American Museum of Natural History, because their exhibits are pretty life-like and will keep the little ones entertained and probably leave them in awe as well.

    For some shopping, why not drop by popular bookstore Strand, where you’ll be able to find just about any title you’re looking for. It’s also huge, with lots of book-related merchandise to check out as well. If you love vintage fashion, do drop by Beacons Closet for a curation of the best vintage clothes.

    Last but not least, we’d recommend adding FAO Schwarz to your itinerary, because the kids are going to absolutely love this amazing toy store. It’s a pretty interactive toy store where the kiddos can even enjoy some hands-on activities while they’re there! The visit to FAO Schwarz will probably make their day, and you can even purchase a toy of their choice before they leave the store to complete the experience.

  • FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS IN NEW YORK CITY

    If you’ve got a family of pizza-loving kiddos, they definitely enjoy a meal at Roberta’s. The pizzeria is pretty popular, has a bit of a hipster vibe, and serves an amazing pizzas with an array of different toppings. You can find classics like Margherita pizza to interesting flavors like their bestselling The Bee Sting, comprising mozzarella, salami, basil and honey.

    Kids will surely also love Harlem Shake, a retro-inspired restaurant that has a very nostalgic feel. Here, they serve a variety of amazing burgers, such as their classic cheeseburger, barbecue onion burger and even a Jamaican-style jerk chicken sandwich. Pair your food with their Harlem Shake, a milkshake rich in flavor that your little ones will be overjoyed to try.

    For authentic Mexican cuisine, head to Rosa Mexicano. They have several outlets in New York City, each one serves top-notch dishes that range from classic to sophisticated. The atmosphere at the restaurants are great as well; it’s usually bustling and pretty festive. The family can enjoy mouth-watering tacos, enchiladas and quesadillas among other innovative dishes here.

    Patti Ann’s is a super cute neighborhood restaurant and bakery that serves a wide variety of different dishes. For brunch, they have an array of delicious sandwiches, like Avo Pizza Wrap and Fried Chicken Sandwich. There’s also a Kids Breakfast comprising of scrambled eggs, toast and bacon for the tots to enjoy. For dinner, you can enjoy mains like Duck Meatballs Cavatelli, Burger & Potato Wedges, as well as a list of different pizzas.

  • BEST CAFES AND DESSERT PLACES IN NEW YORK CITY

    With outlets in both Brooklyn and Manhattan, Devocion is a great place to drop by in the middle of the day when the family’s a little tired after sightseeing and would love some coffee or pastries. The interiors of all their four different outlets are spacious and modern, making it a beautiful place to chill and perfect spot for a quick pick-me-up.

    For a dose of delicious sweet treats, drop by Dominique Ansel New York. They have an extensive menu that’ll make anyone with a sweet tooth totally excited, and on it includes treats like Triple Cheese Cheesecake, Brown Butter Yuzu Tart, Frozen S’mores, Rhubarb Raspberry Tonic Tart, and more. They also have a selection of hot and cold drinks for you and the kids to sip on while enjoying your dessert.

    Another wonderful bakery to drop by if you’re into pastries is Bourke Street Bakery. Here, they have both sweet and savory selections, including items like Banana Bread, Cinnamon Raisin Swirls, Bacon Quiche, an array of croissants, and more. You can also find organic sourdough and artisan breads at the bakery, along with sweets like cakes, cookies and muffins. With so many food items to choose from, this amazing bakery is the perfect place for tea break during the day,

    When it comes to desserts, nothing beats ice cream — especially where kids are concerned! Surreal Creamery is a must-visit if your little ones are craving ice cream, as they have choices on their menu which come with an amazing mix of toppings. For example, the It’s My Birthday comprises strawberry ice cream, fruity pebbles, strawberry syrup and rainbow sprinkles, a colorful delight that kids will love! Other ice cream options on the menu are just as fun and flavorful, so the little ones will no doubt have an exciting time choosing. Besides ice cream, they’ve also got milkshakes, bubble teas and bubble tea floats.

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