Columbia SC - New York 7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in August 2024

1. Day 1: Central Park, New York
   25 minutes (5 miles) from LaGuardia Airport

   Start your day with a relaxing walk in Central Park and enjoy the scenery. In the afternoon, explore the Central Park Zoo and watch the sea lion feeding. End your day with a picnic at the Great Lawn while enjoying the city's skyline.

2. Day 2: American Museum of Natural History, New York
   20 minutes (4.5 miles) from Central Park

   Learn about the world's cultures and explore the wonders of the natural world at the American Museum of Natural History. In the afternoon, head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see inspiring works of art from around the world. End your day with dinner at Eataly, a vibrant Italian marketplace with delicious food options.

3. Day 3: Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island, New York
   45 minutes (8 miles) from American Museum of Natural History

   Take a ferry to visit the Statue of Liberty National Monument and learn about its history at the museum. Next, head to Ellis Island to learn about the immigrant experience and explore the museum. End your day by grabbing a bite to eat at Chelsea Market, an iconic indoor marketplace with a variety of food vendors.

4. Day 4: National September 11 Memorial and Museum, New York
   20 minutes (4.5 miles) from Chelsea Market

   Visit the National September 11 Memorial and Museum and pay your respects to the victims of the September 11 attacks. In the late afternoon, head to the Brooklyn Bridge and walk across to enjoy the stunning views of the city skyline. Wrap up your day with dinner at Peter Luger Steak House, a classic Brooklyn steakhouse.

5. Day 5: Columbia Museum of Art, Columbia SC
   20 minutes (11 miles) from Columbia Metropolitan Airport

   Explore the Columbia Museum of Art and learn about the rich history and culture of the Midlands region. In the afternoon, head to Riverbanks Zoo & Garden to see exotic animals and enjoy the botanical garden. End your day with dinner at Motor Supply Co. Bistro, a farm-to-table restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients.

6. Day 6: South Carolina State Museum, Columbia SC
   8 minutes (2.5 miles) from Columbia Museum of Art

   Visit the South Carolina State Museum and learn about the state's history, art, and science. In the afternoon, indulge in some shopping at The Vista, a vibrant district filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants. End your day with a sunset dinner cruise on Lake Murray.

7. Day 7: Congaree National Park, Columbia SC
   30 minutes (20 miles) from South Carolina State Museum

   Explore the natural beauty of Congaree National Park by hiking the trails and canoeing through the scenic waterways. End your day with dinner at The Melting Pot, a fondue restaurant offering a unique dining experience.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Children's Museum of Manhattan for a fun and educational experience. Take a day trip to Niagara Falls for stunning views and thrilling activities. To maximize your fun, plan your itinerary in advance and book tickets for popular attractions in advance to avoid long lines.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Central Park (3 hours, free)
• Central Park Zoo (2 hours, $13.95 per adult, $10.95 per child)
• American Museum of Natural History (4 hours, $28 per adult, $16.50 per child)
• Metropolitan Museum of Art (4 hours, $25 per adult, free for children under 12)
• Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island (5 hours, $18.50 per person)
• National September 11 Memorial and Museum (3 hours, $28 per person)
• Columbia Museum of Art (3 hours, $12 per adult, free for children under 6)
• Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (4 hours, $22.95 per adult, $20.50 per child)
• South Carolina State Museum (3 hours, $8.95 per person)
• Congaree National Park (6 hours, free)
• The Melting Pot (2 hours, $50 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: $602.80