New York City with Kids: The Best 4-day Itinerary
This post is all about a family-friendly New Year’s in New York City with kids.
Planning a trip to New York City with kids? You’re in the right place! In this post, I’m sharing our 4-day New York City itinerary, packed with highlights and family-friendly fun. We spent New Year’s 2025 in the city, turning it into a memorable family affair with our group of six (our family of four plus an Aunt & Uncle). With just three nights to explore, we knew it would be a whirlwind trip, so we focused on the must-see spots. Spoiler: NYC didn’t disappoint!
New York City with Kids Table of Contents:
Making Plans
We planned this trip to spend quality time with my brother and sister-in-law, Aaron and Karen. They live in Louisiana, so we only get to see them once or twice a year. This time, we wanted to make our visit extra special!
Aaron and I started planning by making separate lists of everything we wanted to see and do. We knew some activities wouldn’t be ideal for the kids, so we made sure Aaron and Karen had opportunities to break off and enjoy some time together as a couple. Once we nailed down our travel dates, we mapped out our activities based on different areas of the city to make the most of our time.
Things To Do & See
New York City is packed with iconic landmarks and fun activities, so narrowing down what to see in just four days was no easy task! We focused on a mix of family-friendly attractions, must-see spots, and a few unique experiences. Whether you’re visiting NYC for the first time or planning a return trip, these highlights are perfect for families traveling to New York City with kids.
*I’ve started with an extensive list of “Things to do,” but follow along with our itinerary to see which experiences we ultimately decided on.
Sightseeing
Itinerary
When planning a trip with multiple groups, having a well-organized itinerary is key. While we did a lot of activities together, we also had separate plans that needed to be accounted for. To stay on top of everything, we used a shared Google Docs itinerary, updating it as we booked tickets or made reservations. It made coordinating our plans so much easier and kept everyone on the same page!
Day 1
Arrival
Our day started bright and early—4 a.m., to be exact! With a 6 a.m. flight to catch, we were up and moving before the sun. Thankfully, everything went smoothly, and we arrived in New York City right on schedule. I had pre-arranged an Uber pickup, which made finding our ride a breeze. By 2 p.m., we got to the Hyatt Centric Times Square, and our room was ready. We could unload our bags, freshen up, and recharge before heading out on the town.
New York City with Kids Tip:
Make your life easier by pre-booking your Uber ride from and back to the airport. We found this to be the best way to avoid stress and save time while traveling with our kids. For us it was even cheaper than a shuttle bus and definitely more comfortable.
Hold Fast Kitchen
What to eat
Lunch in the City
3 p.m., we walked to Hold Fast Kitchen and Spirits for an appetizer. My girls were initially overwhelmed by the people, sights, and loud sounds of the city, but were set at ease once we stepped into this warm and inviting gastropub. The meat board we ordered was the perfect snack, and they also had great crinkle fries for the kids!
Spin Midtown
What to do
Ping Pong Social Club
5 p.m., table reservation at Spin Midtown. This was one of our kids’ favorite activities in New York City! It’s such a unique and fun spot where you can play ping pong, snack out, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. If you’re traveling with kids (or just want a break from the usual tourist stops), I highly recommend adding this to your itinerary!
Sightseeing
After finishing up with ping pong, we wandered through Rockefeller Center and Times Square, stopping to snap a few photos of the iconic sights. The plan was to grab some pizza at John’s Pizzeria, but by the time 7 p.m. rolled around, the 4 a.m. wake-up call was catching up with us. We decided to head back to the hotel for a bit of R&R instead. After all, we still had one more activity on the schedule that we couldn’t miss!
Summit One
What to See
City Views
10 p.m., SUMMIT One Vanderbilt was truly an unforgettable way to end our first day in NYC. The stunning nighttime city views, paired with the endless mirrors and the interactive ball room, created a fully immersive art installation unlike anything else. Plus, you still get the classic observation deck with an outdoor terrace that takes the views to the next level. The SUMMIT is really something EXTRA special!
Day 2 (New Year’s Eve)
After our late night, we slept in a bit. But by 8:00 a.m., we were in the hotel T45 Market having a quick coffee and breakfast. It was a great start to our morning with the delicious pain au chocolat, cinnamon roll, and croissandwich. By 8:30 a.m., we were on the subway, making our way to Central Park.
New York City with Kids Tip:
Don’t be afraid of the subway—it’s fast, affordable, and easy to use! Just follow Google Maps for step-by-step directions (it even tells you which train to take) to your destination and have a contactless payment method like Apple Pay or a credit card with a chip. Keep in mind that each family member will need their own card since you can’t swipe the same one back-to-back at the turnstile.
Central Park
By 9:00 a.m., we were strolling through Central Park, soaking in the crisp morning air. (Definitely the perfect activity while in New York City with kids) We loved seeing so many dogs running and playing—it gave the park such a lively vibe! We even came across The Furever Tree, a sweet little dedication to furry friends, which made our walk extra special. As we made our way toward the Natural History Museum, we passed some of the park’s most iconic spots, including Bethesda Terrace, the Central Park Boathouse, and Belvedere Castle.
We met up with Aaron and Karen at Belvedere Castle, the very spot where Aaron proposed to Karen over a decade ago. So, naturally, we had to recreate the moment. So fun!!
Natural History Museum
As we made our way through Central Park toward the American Museum of Natural History, we couldn’t help but notice the main entrance line already stretching down the block. Just before 10:00 a.m., we opted for the Rose Center for Earth and Space entrance on 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. It was a smart move—doors opened a few minutes later, and with our tickets already purchased, we breezed right in without a hitch.
what to do
Natural History Museum
You’ll want half a day to truly explore this massive museum, but we did our best to hit the highlights in just two hours. Make sure not to miss the dinosaurs, mammoths, and, of course, the iconic big blue whale. We even caught the Worlds Beyond Earth show at the planetarium, which we scheduled in advance with our admission + one ticket.
Serendipity 3
What to eat
Family-Friendly Lunch
Our 12:30 p.m. lunch reservation took us to the Upper East Side’s Serendipity 3, a spot that just celebrated 70 years of whimsical decor, comfort food, epic sundaes, and their famous Frrrozen Hot Chocolate. The kids dug into mac-n-cheese and fries while we sampled a cheeseburger and a classic hotdog. The food? Honestly, nothing to write home about—but the Selena Sundae? Absolutely extraordinary! Hands down, the Best Sundae Ever!
Next, we made the long trek back to the hotel for a much-needed break after a packed morning. Navigating Times Square on New Year’s Eve was no joke—which, to be fair, we expected. I thought we had our return route all figured out based on the hotel’s designated entry point, but thanks to an unexpected subway stop closure, we ended up on the wrong side of Times Square.
Lesson learned: some subway stops shut down on New Year’s Eve, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the lines ahead of time. Or, just embrace the chaos and roll with it—because, let’s be honest, that’s all part of the NYE experience!
We had planned to visit the Sloomoo Institute before dinner since it was right near the restaurant. But after the chaos of navigating Times Square, we opted to skip it and relax at the hotel instead. Around 5:00 p.m., we ventured out into the madness to meet Aaron and Karen for dinner. We wanted to spend the evening far away from Times Square, so off to Little Italy we went.
Rubirosa & Little Italy
Where to Eat
Rubirosa
I had heard incredible things about Rubirosa and worked so hard to snag my 5:45 p.m. reservation—this was the meal I was most excited about, and it did not disappoint! The food was beyond spectacular, and if you go, do not skip the TIE DYE pizza. We ordered half Rubirosa Supreme and half TIE DYE, and both were absolutely mouthwatering.
My 11-year-old went for classic spaghetti and meatballs, while my youngest stuck to her tried-and-true favorite—pasta con burro (aka buttered noodles). The charming and cozy atmosphere made for a truly special family dinner. Overall, it was a great meal and memory for us—highly recommend!
After dinner, we wandered through Little Italy in search of gelato and found Ferrara Bakery & Cafe. Everything we got was awesome! It instantly took us back to our time in Italy, when we enjoyed our daily Stracciatella after sightseeing. Chef’s kiss!
Our trip back to the room that night was much smoother, but we still faced a long line at our hotel checkpoint. Expect bag searches and pat-downs on entry—it’s all part of the New Year’s Eve security drill. Thankfully, the NYC police were in good spirits, even joking with Scott about the sunglasses in his pocket and his great tan being a dead giveaway he was from Florida.
Eventually, we made it through security and back to our room at the Hyatt Centric Times Square, settling in for the night by 9:00 p.m. While everyone else crashed early, I stayed up until midnight. Our hotel window even opened slightly, letting me hear Auld Lang Syne play and watch the sky fill with confetti as the clock struck 12. Not exactly a wild New Year’s Eve celebration—but hey, at least I had the best view in the room!
Day 3 (New Year’s Day)
New Year’s Day started much like New Year’s Eve: with breakfast and coffee at the hotel market. Then, we walked through Times Square, checking out the confetti-covered streets and catching a glimpse of the ball now resting atop 2025. By 8:30 a.m., we loaded up on the subway and started our journey to the Oculus and One World Trade Center. The sheer size and incredible architecture of these buildings were truly impressive.
One World Trade Center & Oculus
9/11 Memorial
As we arrived at the 9/11 Memorial, we met up with Aaron and Karen and took a quiet moment to take it all in. Standing by the fountains, we read the names engraved in the bronze panels, each one a reminder of the lives lost. We talked about where we were on 9/11 and had an honest conversation with the kids about that day and how it shaped the world.
Walking through the memorial, we stopped at the Survivor Tree, a symbol of resilience and hope. Reading its history and seeing it still standing strong moved us all. When you are in New York City with kids, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the 9/11 Memorial. It’s a powerful experience that offers a chance to pause, reflect, and connect with an essential part of our history. It was a heavy moment, but one we felt was important to share together.
Trinity Church
As we made our way into the Financial District, we came across the stately Trinity Church. Naturally, we stopped to visit the historic cemetery, where notable figures like Alexander Hamilton and his wife, Eliza, are laid to rest. We also took a moment to step inside the church, admire its beauty, light a candle, and sit quietly for a bit.
Wall Street Bull & Fearless Girl
What to see
Wall Street Sights
After leaving Trinity Church, we continued our walk to the Financial District. Of course, we had to stop for some photos with the famous Wall Street Bull and Fearless Girl. It was a quick stop, but seeing these iconic statues up close was a fun moment with the kids—especially after Aunt Karen and Uncle Aaron explained their meaning.
Chinatown
From there, we headed to Chinatown’s Doyers Street for lunch at Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles, a cozy little spot serving exactly what the name promises (cash only, by the way!). The noodles were fresh, the broth was pure comfort, and the dumplings were declared “the best ever!” by my oldest. Now, trying dumplings and potstickers has officially become a must-do everywhere we go!
We topped off lunch with a sweet stop at the Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, because who says you can’t eat ice cream on a cold, windy day? The kids didn’t mind one bit—and honestly, neither did we. Totally worth it!
Brooklyn Bridge
After lunch, we returned to the hotel for a breather while Aaron and Karen took the subway to get a better view of the Brooklyn Bridge. They wanted to walk the bridge, but it was just too frigid a day to attempt. I’m loving this photo they got, though!
Radio City Rockettes
What to do
Radio City Rockettes
At 5:00 p.m., the girls and I met up with Karen to see the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. I had considered other shows, but at ages 9 and 11, my kids weren’t quite ready to sit through a three-hour production. The Rockettes were the perfect choice for our girls’ night! The show kept us in the holiday spirit, and we loved everything—the costumes, the sets, the music. At just 90 minutes, it was the ideal mix of quick and magical.
Beast & Butterflies
By 7:00 p.m., the kids and I met back up with Scott for our dinner reservation at Beast & Butterflies, above the M Social Hotel in Times Square. Sadly, it turned out to be the most disappointing meal of our trip. The vibe was casual, and the terrace view of Times Square was amazing, but the service was painfully slow. It took nearly two hours just to get drinks (after flagging the waiter twice), mac and cheese, and a pizza. The food we did get tasted great, but they never brought out the charcuterie board we ordered with our drinks. I chalk it up to New Year’s Day—maybe the ‘D team’ was on duty.
Day 4
I spent our last night packing us up so we could make the most of our final morning in the city. By 7:30 a.m., we were on the subway, heading to our last dining reservation and off to fulfill a promise we made on Day 1: ‘Can we please go to the toy store today?!’
Tick Tock Diner
What to eat
Classic Diner
Tick Tock Diner is the largest 24/7 diner in New York City, serving up all your favorite diner classics. This big breakfast was exactly what we needed to fuel up for a busy travel day. Here’s what we ordered: Belgian waffles with dark chocolate chips, French toast, a chorizo breakfast burrito, eggs, bacon, hash browns, and Scott’s favorite—corned beef hash. If you’re looking for the ultimate classic diner experience, this is the spot!
FAO Schwarz
After breakfast, we had a decision to make: visit the Vessel or head to FAO Schwarz. Since the kids had been begging to go since we arrived, the toy store won—because when you’re in New York City with kids, it’s basically a must. We arrived at Rockefeller Center around 9:30 a.m. and found a line already forming for the 10:00 a.m. opening. It was worth the wait! The kids had a blast exploring the store, seeing the giant piano, and picking out a few “souvenirs” to take home.
Departure
By 11:30 a.m., our Uber (pre-booked) was waiting to take us back to the airport. We said goodbye to the city, with promises to return, and boarded our flight home—exhausted but so grateful for the memories we made.
Final Thoughts on New York City with Kids
New York City with kids may seem a little overwhelming, but with a solid plan and some flexibility, it’s totally doable—and worth it! From iconic sights to fun family activities, we packed a lot into our four days and loved every minute. Whether you’re planning your first visit or coming back for more, NYC truly has something for everyone.
