Whether you have young kids or teenagers who have moved from the nest and are now out on their own, New York City is an incredible place to spend a few days. To make the most of your family vacation, here are some tips from our NYC-based family photographer to make for a very memorable visit.
Unlike other family vacations that may involve renting a car and touring around a city, or taking a drive out to the countryside, New York City is a whole different beast.
First of all, trying to navigate the congested streets could be enough to drive someone closer to the edge of insanity than they have ever been. Some may find the sheer size of the city to be a bit overwhelming, but once you break it down into different areas, and have a bit of a plan on exactly what you would like to see, it becomes much more manageable.
5 Must-Visit Stops in New York City for You & Your Family
There are so many options of just about everything in the world that you can possibly imagine, that it can be difficult to find out which type of entertainment is best. Our family photographer in New York City summed up these top 5 tips for you.
Learn the Subway
Driving will drive you mad, so learn how to use the subway system to get to your destinations. Just tell the children that it’s a train ride, and then watch as a big grin comes over the face. It’s convenient and it’s an easy way to push a stroller onto the subway car, as opposed to packing, unpacking the rented mini-van.
Discover the Museums
Start your explorations at the American Museum of Natural History. Kids of all ages can enjoy the dinosaur exhibits, and plenty of hands-on fun to excite children and parents alike.
Ride the Staten Island Ferry
The free ferry offers up some incredible views of downtown Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. Once across, simply take a bus to the Staten Island Children’s Museum. The ferry is always a huge hit with young children, as it offers up a unique experience that most people have never experienced.
Visit Dylan's Candy Bar
What kind of family trip is complete without a high-dosage of sugar for the children. Dylan’s Candy Bar is not your regular, run-of-the-mill candy shops—this is one of the largest candy stores in the world, serving up more than 5,000 different treats from around the globe.
Explore Central Park
It’s like an oasis in the middle of one of the largest cosmopolitan cities in the world. This is a great place to let the children run loose, have a picnic in the park, and enjoy some of the beauty of the park. While here, you can also visit the Central Park Zoo.
New York City may be known for being a high-paced city full of fast-talking locals, but what makes the city truly magical is that there really is something for everyone. From young kids to older adults, you are guaranteed to find enough entertainment to make for a very memorable family trip.