Things To Do In NYC For Families On Vacation

By Casey Makovich

With so many attractions and activities, an NYC family vacation is bound to be a memorable trip. Seeing the Big Apple is an unforgettable experience that children of all ages can appreciate regardless of their interests. It's also an educational experience allowing sightseers to tour some of the most iconic landmarks in American history. NYC has something for everyone in the family. If you're planning a family vacation to New York, you'll make the most of your trip for you and your family if you put some research into which sights you'll see. We've put together a list of some of the best places in NYC to bring the whole family.

Free Entry with The New York Pass®

Free entry to many of these popular New York attractions and activities are included on The New York Pass®. Used by over 3.5 million travelers, the New York Pass is the ultimate sightseeing pass, which includes admission to 90+ attractions, Fast Track Entry at select attractions, a free guidebook, & much more. Learn more about the New York Pass benefits & how to save up to 70% off attractions.

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum

A New York City must for all visitors. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are located at the southern tip of Manhattan. This site is one of the most important historical sights that kids visiting New York for the first time will want to see to get a greater understanding of not only New York history, but American history as well. From Battery Park, sightseers can take a free ferry to Ellis Island. The ferry ride itself is an interesting experience that gives passengers panoramic views of New York harbor. Once at Ellis Island, visitors can learn about New York's long history as a hub of immigration and the 12 million immigrants who first arrived in New York via Ellis Island. Admission: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tickets are included with the New York Pass.

Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall

Centrally located in Midtown Manhattan below Central Park, Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall offer history, art, culture, and entertainment. Rockefeller Center is an iconic landmark that was originally commissioned by the wealthy Rockefeller family in the 1930's. Nowadays, Rockefeller Center is a National Historic Landmark. It's also a significant building architecturally as it showcases the Art Deco style of the early 20th century at its peak. Inside the Rockefeller Center, there is shopping, dining, and the Top of the Rock which offers birds-eye views of Midtown. Outside Rockefeller Center, there is a skating rink that young visitors can take advantage of during the winter months for some exercise. Visitors during the holiday season can also catch a glimpse of the famous Christmas tree that is put up each year in Rockefeller Plaza. The Radio City Music Hall serves as a venue for concerts throughout the year and is home to the famous Rockettes. This dancing troupe puts on a Christmas Spectacular each year that never fails to put the audience in the holiday spirit. Admission: Rockefeller Center Tour tickets are included with the New York Pass. Admission: Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour tickets are included with the New York Pass.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Although a newer addition to NYC's tourist offerings, this has quickly become one of the biggest attractions in the city. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum was constructed as a tribute to the victims of the World Trade Center attack in 2001. The museum details the history of the event and shows different types of artifacts related to the attack. Set some time aside to get the full experience from this unforgettable landmark. The museum itself contains more than 10,000 artifacts, and the memorial contains two reflecting pools for sightseers. Admission: 9/11 Memorial & Museum tickets are included with the New York Pass.

Central Park With The Family

Central Park is one of the most scenic destinations in New York and offers a variety of activities for families, making it the perfect NYC family vacation thing to do. Make unforgettable memories with your family on a group bicycle or walking tour that explores Central Park sights you'll recognize from some of your favorite films. Even New York natives can get lost in the extensive grounds of Central Park. Among the many family activities in the park are boat rides, touring Central Park zoo or exploring Belvedere Castle. A day in Central Park will tire out even the most energetic kids. The park also provides great photo opportunities thanks to some of the beautiful scenery. Admission: Central Park Sightseeing Bike Tour tickets are included with the New York Pass.

Yankee Stadium

For sports-loving families, Yankee Stadium is an interesting sight to visit both during and outside of the baseball season. Yankee Stadium is open for tours throughout the year, and the stadium has artifacts from baseball history on display. Yankee Stadium is a good destination for families wishing to get out of Manhattan and see some other boroughs. Located in the Concourse neighborhood of the Bronx, Yankee Stadium gives New York visitors a chance to ride the subway and experience everyday life for a typical New Yorker. Admission: Yankee Stadium Classic Tour tickets are included with the New York Pass.

Remember To Save On Attraction Admission

Many of the great attractions in New York City have something special in store for the entire family. Whether you're interested in sightseeing, taking a tour or enjoying art at a museum, an NYC family vacation is easy to plan with The New York Pass. If you plan on visiting multiple attractions, you'll be paying the admission price for your entire family at the door for each venue. Consider using the New York Pass which grants you free entry to over 90 attractions in New York City. That way you can save more and see more. For more information on the New York Pass, click here.

Continue reading

Blog

10 Things to do on President’s Day in New York

President’s Day was originally designed to celebrate George Washington’s birthday. It’s a federal holiday held on the third Monday of February. These days, it’s meant to celebrate the birthdays of both Washington and Lincoln. But, it's often seen as a way to celebrate every U.S. president. It’s also a day of various happenings around the city. If you want to know how to celebrate the day, read on. Here are 10 of the best things to do on President’s Day in New York. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan President's Day coincides with the start of mid-winter break for public schools in the city. So, there are lots going on for families. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan has two new exhibits worth checking out. The first, 'Superpowered Metropolis: Early Learning City', is an interactive exhibit. It invites viewers into a comic-book-inspired New York, guided by a trio of pigeons. It's focused on early-learning brain skills. The other is called "Inside Art," and it features larger-than-life sculptures and installations with which visitors can interact. One of the 10 things to do on President's Day in New York! Photo copyright January StewartThe Intrepid Next, it’s Kids Week at the Intrepid! From February 15-22, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is offering more than 120 family-friendly events centered around STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Families can check out maker spaces, live shows, a pop-up planetarium, animal shows, and more. On President’s Day itself, families can catch a performance by the Gazillion Bubble Show, hear author Drew Brockington (CatStronauts) and watch a presentation by the Stamford Museum & Nature Center. Start checking off your list of the 10 things to do on President's Day in New York! Monday Night Magic Every Monday evening, the Players Theatre presents Monday Night Magic, with a special President’s Day show on February 17. Monday Night Magic (MNM) is New York’s longest-running Off-Broadway show; it’s been on the scene for more than 20 years. The show is characterized by its lack of Las Vegas-style frills—this is magic, pure and simple. Each show features four performers on stage; during the intermission, at least two magicians present close-up magic throughout the theatre. How does this tie into President’s Day? No idea. We imagine there's a little sleight of hand in there somewhere. Brooklyn Bridge Bike Rental If you were just thinking, ”I really need to get out more,” and by “out,” you mean an invigorating bike ride across the Brooklyn Bridge, you’re in luck. Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tours & Rentals offer both self-guided and guided bike tours; get yourself a set of wheels and go! The Brooklyn Bridge is a must-see spot (and a must-ride-across one as well.). Open in 1883, it’s now a national historic landmark with incredible views; it was once called the eighth wonder of the world. Grab some pals and get out there! Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island President’s Day is a great day to reflect on this country’s history—and no better place to do it than Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The former was once the entry point into New York; more than a third of all Americans can trace their ancestry to someone who arrived at Ellis Island. It’s now a historical museum with plenty of interactive exhibits. The Statue of Liberty, of course is, well, the Statue of Liberty. Inspired by Libertas, the Roman god of freedom, Lady Liberty was a gift from France to the U.S. and is a symbol of democracy and freedom from oppression. Kingston Restaurant & Bar Looking for a more unconventional way to celebrate President’s Day? How about one with lots of Mimosas? Every holiday Monday, The Alumni Group offers Mimosa Mondays to close out the holiday weekend. For an extra $20, patrons can add an hour and a half of cocktails including mimosas, to their brunch entrees at Kingston Restaurant & Bar. Specializing in Caribbean and jerk food (think pineapple mango salsa, jerk chicken, curry shrimp), it’s a great end to a cold winter weekend, and one of our 10 things to do on President's Day in New York. Photo courtesy Kingston Bar & RestaurantCarnegie Hall The old adage says that the best way to get to Carnegie Hall is to practice, but you can also attend Who are the Brave, a program of patriotic and original works by American composers and conductors, including Chichester Psalms by Leonard Bernstein. The Distinguished Concert Orchestra and Conductors perform; student and senior discount tickets are available at the box office. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s revolutionary Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dreamcoat turns 50 this year (!) and Lincoln Center is celebrating with an anniversary concert on President’s Day, February 17, at Lincoln Center in David Geffen Hall. The concert will feature more than 200 singers from across the United States, as well as the New York City Chamber Orchestra. The Metropolitan Museum of Art George (Washington, of course) couldn’t cross, or even gaze at,-the actual Delaware River in New York—but you can look at him looking at it in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Located in the Museum’s American Wing, the painting Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze is one of the museum’s most well-known works of art. What could be more appropriate for President’s Day? You’ll find plenty of other depictions of George as well as Abe (Lincoln) and some other U.S. presidents as well. (And there’s a fun activity—a president hunt!) BAM Oscar Movies And finally, missed some of the Oscar-nominated movies? Bam, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, is offering you a chance to catch up on some of the nominees this President’s Day. The all-day screening includes Knives Out, the 2020 Oscar-nominated animated and live-action shorts, and even Best Picture Winner Parasite. You can even catch up on lesser-known films like Cane River, which was lost in 1982; the negative was recovered in 2013. The film tells the story of African Americans fighting class and racial tension in Louisiana. Pick and choose, or see them all!
Go City Expert
Blog

Attraction of the Week - Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

[caption id="attachment_573" align="aligncenter" width="1197"] The Guggenheim (photo by F11 Photo)[/caption] [spacer height="20px"] Art enthusiasts fly in from all over the world to experience the historic and cultured art scene of New York city. One of the main attractions for visitors is the one of a kind 1950's structure, the Guggenheim museum. Although Frank Lloyd designed this beauty about 6 decades ago, the 5th avenue museum is still a futuristic monument in appearance. The outside landscape of the Guggenheim is just the tip of the ice berg Inside of the museum is home to historic and cutting-edge exhibitions throughout the year. Some of the biggest names in the art world have graced the walls of the Guggenheim for all of New York to see. Legends like Warhol and Marc Chagall have had their pieces admired in the museum and even George Lucas has unveiled a film inside of the museum. New exhibits take residency at the Guggenheim year round so visiting today can be completely different from visiting in a month. Thus, over a million people visit the Solomon R. Guggenheim museum each year to see what's new. The Guggenheim recently opened Visionaries: Creating A Modern Guggenheim, an exhibit dedicated to the the visionary pieces from the museum's collection, which helpded propel the museum into stardom in the world of modern and contemporary art. For a full list of current an upcoming exhibitions, please visit Guggenheim's website. The Guggenheim is open Friday - Wednesday 10am - 5:45pm (7:45pm on Saturday) and is located along the Museum Mile at 1071 Fifth Avenue (at 89th Street).
Go City Expert
Blog

Cold Weather Activities in NYC

Manhattan enveloped by snow is a scene from dreams. However, as beautiful as the city is on a cold winter day, it is not always pleasant to walk around outside. Luckily, there are dozens of fun things to do in the city while staying warm, inside. Visit New York Hall of Science New York Hall of Science[/caption] 47-01 111th Street, Queens, NY 11368 Inquisitive minds love visiting the New York Hall of Science. NYSCI gives us the opportunity to get up close and personal with the elements of the world around us. Many of the exhibits at the Hall of Science are interactive and can prove to be a load of fun for the whole family. Take a tour of Radio City Music Hall Since 1932, Radio City Music Hall has been at the center of the entertainment world hosting events for some of the biggest stars. Visitors are able to get an exclusive tour of the Music Hall and even meet a Rockette! If you prefer sports over showtunes, check out the All Access Tour of Madison Square Garden. Shopping at Century 21 Department Store No matter the weather, you can always find a way to fit in some shopping. The shopping options in New York City are limitless but our favorite way to spend our hard-earned dollars is at the Century 21 Department Store, a 4-story beast full of discounted designer goods, clothes, shoes and much more. Go Bowling Bowling is one of those tried-and-true winter activities everyone will enjoy. If you're up for an afternoon (or night) of fun, try Bowlmor Lanes in Times Square, a huge bowling alley right in the middle of everything. Grab a Beer at Heartland Brewery Heartland Brewery[/caption] Multiple locations Feast on mouth-watering burgers while sipping on a pint of golden suds at one of Heartland Brewery's locations. Nothing warms the heart more than spending quality time over a delicious beverage and a hearty meal. Indulge at the Chocolate Room Hot chocolate at The Chocolate Room | Photo via Yelp![/caption] 269 Court St. and 51 5th Ave in Brooklyn, NY This heavenly place has two locations in Brooklyn and offers a variety of hot chocolate and coffee beverages made from ethically sourced Belgian chocolate and Varhona cocoa, alongside decadent chocolate deserts. If you're 21 and above and feeling it, you can get your cup or chocolatey goodness with a shot of booze. With so much to see in the city, you don't want the cold weather slowing you down. Try to make the most of your trip and visit indoor locations like the ones above. Luckily Winter ends on March 20th, and hopefully Spring will bring a more favorable weather. To prepare, check out Top Things to do in NYC this Spring. Get lost at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Much to nobody's surprise, one of the world's largest museums boasts with an impressive collection of art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is so big that you you can easily get lost here for hours without seeing 10% of the space. It's been said that if you look at every piece of art at the Met for a minute, it would take you 3 years to see the whole museum.
Go City Expert

Have a 5% discount, on us!

More savings? You're welcome. Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, vacation inspiration and much more.

  • Thick check Icon