New York City is one of the few cities in the United States where people never seem to sleep. There are always people roaming around Times Square. Bagels and pizza are practically sold 24/7. And your family will never be bored when you choose to vacation there. Today, I am sharing the best things to do in New York City. Not every single one of these things to do in New York City will make it to your itinerary. But when I personalize an itinerary in New York City for your family, it will include all the fun things you will want to do together. This way you can make those memories you will cherish forever!  

Don’t want the hustle and bustle of the big city? Check out these best small towns in New York! 

Best Things to Do in New York City with Family on Vacation

Wander Through Times Square 

Arriving in Times Square early in the morning will have you avoiding the crowds. For the most part. You will still see lots of people in certain areas, like where they film Good Morning America.  

If you arrive later in the day, be prepared to be elbow to elbow with everyone. And for the lines at all the stores to be long.  

You will be tempted to purchase all your souvenirs here. But if you can hold out, you can avoid the stress of packed stores. Although, the two stores you should definitely go into are Hershey World and the M&M Store. You won’t find those stores anywhere else in the city. So, you might as well grab your chocolate fix while you can!  

Have Fun in Central Park 

There is so much to see and do in Central Park. Visiting this park is one of the best things to do in New York City. A few things you should make a point of seeing include the Bethesda Fountain, Strawberry Fields, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, and Belvedere Castle.  

I recommend taking a picnic lunch or grabbing some food from a nearby food truck. This way you can watch all the action and refuel at the same time.  

Oh, and if you have extra time, head out on a horse and carriage ride through the park. It’s a great way to see a few of the sights without walking for miles.  

Pay Your Respects at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum 

The time you spend at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum will be somber. However, it’s a good way to teach the kids about the history that happened on this day back in 2001. If you don’t want to see the artifacts in the museum, simply stay outside and stand by the two reflecting pools.  

Go to the Top of the Empire State Building 

One of the best ways to see the city from a different perspective is from the top of the Empire State Building. Try to time your visit so it is a clear day. This will ensure you see many of the highlights of the city from more than one thousand feet above.  

Go to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck 

Another option for gorgeous views is the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. You will find this deck at Rockefeller Center. The Today show is filmed here too, so you can always try to be a part of the outdoor audience during your visit.  

During the winter months, the city’s Christmas tree, as well as an ice-skating rink is in place behind Rockefeller Center. It gets really crowded at this time of the year. But it is still worth a visit.  

Head Out to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island 

A trip on the ferry from Battery Park to Liberty Island and Ellis Island is a must for most families visiting New York City. I can make arrangements, so you have your tickets in advance, including the ticket that allows you to go to the pedestal.  

This can be an all-day adventure. Keep that in mind, as you are considering which of the best things to do in New York City should be added to your itinerary.  

Walk Over the Brooklyn Bridge 

If your family loves taking walks together, consider walking over the Brooklyn Bridge. This bridge is a historic landmark. There is a pedestrian walkway, as well as a bicycle path and six lanes for vehicles. This bridge crosses over the East River. It offers incredible views of Manhattan and Brooklyn.  

Enjoy a Picnic at the High Line 

The High Line is an old rail track on the West Side of Manhattan. It is approximately one and a half miles long. When you walk along, you will be thirty feet above street level. There are stunning views of Manhattan and the Hudson River.  

I recommend taking a picnic lunch with you. There are also vendors on the High Line. So, you can always grab food from one of them if you are hungry.  

Take a Walk Through Grand Central Station 

Most people don’t step foot inside Grand Central Station unless they are taking the train somewhere. I recommend popping your head in and walking around to see the marble floors and ornate architecture. Make sure you check out the Information Booth Clock, as well as the Whispering Gallery. They are two of the must-see items inside this train station.  

Watch a Performance at Radio City Music Hall 

The Radio City Music Hall is a wonderful place to watch a performance in New York City. However, if you are looking for one of the best things to do in New York City, you must visit Radio City Music Hall between November and January. This is when the Rockettes perform their infamous Radio City Christmas Spectacular.  

Relax at Bryant Park 

Bryant Park is to the south of Times Square, while Central Park is to the north. Bryant Park isn’t as large as Central Park. But it is still a nice place to relax.  

Numerous events are held within this park throughout the year. During Fashion Week, you can watch models strut their stuff on runways. And during the winter season, a Christmas Market is set up inside the park.  

Take a Ride on the Staten Island Ferry 

Riding the Staten Island Ferry is a great way to see New York Harbor, as well as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. This ferry goes between the Whitehall Ferry Terminal and the St. George Ferry Terminal. The distance is five miles, and the ride takes approximately twenty-five minutes.  

Read at the New York Public Library 

The main branch of the New York Public Library is located next to Bryant Park. Take a few family photos out front by the two marble lions. Their names are Patience and Fortitude. Then head inside to see the books that line the shelves.  

If you have book lovers in your family, consider visiting the Morgan Library and Museum nearby as well. That is where you will find J.P. Morgan’s library from 1906.  

Catch a Show on Broadway 

There are plenty of shows to choose from on Broadway and just off-Broadway. I can secure tickets to a show of your choice when I am planning your itinerary for your New York City family vacation.  

Go Inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral 

St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City is one of the most impressive cathedrals in the country. You will find this cathedral across from Rockefeller Center. St. Patrick’s Cathedral opened back in 1879.  

Once you walk inside, you will be in awe of the altars, stained glass windows, and the bronze doors. Sit in a pew for a few minutes or simply light a candle and leave. It’s up to you.  

Explore Little Italy 

Exploring Little Italy is one of the best things to do in New York City. Especially when it is time to grab something to eat. Start at Lombardi’s. This pizzeria is thought to be the first pizzeria in the US. It opened back in 1905.  

For dessert, head over to Ferrara Bakery and Café. They opened in 1892 and serve the best cannoli.  

Shop ‘til You Drop on Fifth Avenue 

Fifth Avenue is the shopping mecca in New York City. After your visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, continue down the street, entering stores along the way. The stores between 34th Street and 59th Street are the ones every New Yorker visits. Enjoy shopping at Tiffany & Co, Bergdorf Goodman, and many others. Just be prepared to spend a pretty penny along the way.  

Visit the Animals at the Bronx Zoo 

The Bronx Zoo has more than ten thousand animals you can visit right in the middle of the city. Spend time with the gorillas in the Congo Gorilla Forest before seeing the rhinos and tigers via the Wild Asia Monorail.  

I recommend arriving early and planning on staying for a few hours to see everything at this zoo.  

Have Fun on Coney Island 

Visiting Coney Island has long been one of the favorite things to do in New York City. Walk along the boardwalk. Grab a Coney Island hot dog. And go on a few rides. Or find something else that will allow you to make the memories you want while on your family vacation.  

Head Back in Time at Greenwich Village 

One of the best ways to find your way around Greenwich Village is by taking one of the walking tours. This is how you will ensure your family gets to visit Washington Square Park, Bleeker Street Pizza, and the apartments that inspired Friends and Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment in Sex and the City.  

After your tour, you can do a little vintage clothes shopping. Or simply relax, as you people watch.  

Go Shopping in SoHo 

Another incredible place to go shopping in New York City is SoHo. This area is full of trendy shops, art galleries, and a few restaurants.  

Visit the Strand Bookstore 

The Strand Bookstore has been open for more than ninety years now. There are more than two million books lining the shelves at this store. The employees seem to know where every book is located. And they have a habit of suggesting books you will love, but never considered reading.  

Basically, be prepared for everyone in your family to leave with an armful of books to read!  

Wander Through Chelsea Market 

Chelsea Market is a food hall that has more than thirty vendors. Food, spices, and souvenirs are available from those vendors. You can even have a sit-down meal at Chelsea Market.  

I recommend arriving early to enjoy a donut from the Doughnuttery. Then wait until lunch to indulge in tacos from Los Tacos No 1.  

These are some of the best things to do in New York City. You will discover there are many other things to do once we begin chatting about your family vacation. I will make sure your entire itinerary is full of things your family wants to do in New York City. After all, a personalized itinerary is the only way to go when it comes to fully enjoying your time away from home and making memories at the same time.  

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to New York City or another destination?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click the link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

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