Family-Friendly 6-Day New York Itinerary

Sunday, September 17: Exploring Central Park

Start your trip by visiting Central Park, a sprawling green oasis in the heart of New York City. In the morning, take a leisurely stroll along the park's picturesque paths, enjoying the beautiful landscapes and iconic landmarks like the Bethesda Terrace and Strawberry Fields. In the afternoon, rent bicycles or rowboats to explore the park further. As the evening sets in, head to the Central Park Zoo to see a variety of animals and enjoy interactive exhibits.

  • Central Park: Free, 4-6 hours
  • Central Park Zoo: Estimated cost: $14.95 for adults, $8.95 for children, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
  • A great breakfast option near Central Park is The Smith, which offers a diverse menu including classic American dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about $15 per person.
  • For lunch, visit Shake Shack, a popular burger joint known for its tasty burgers, fries, and milkshakes. The average cost for a meal here is about $10 per person.
  • For dinner, head to The Loeb Boathouse, located right inside Central Park and offering picturesque lake views. They serve delicious seafood and American cuisine, with an average meal cost of about $40 per person.
Monday, September 18: Exploring the American Museum of Natural History

Spend your morning at the American Museum of Natural History, one of the largest and most renowned natural history museums in the world. Explore fascinating exhibits, including the dinosaur fossils, human origins, and the famous blue whale. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Hayden Planetarium for an awe-inspiring space show. In the evening, take a stroll along the nearby Upper West Side, known for its charming brownstone buildings and diverse dining options.

  • American Museum of Natural History: Estimated cost: $23 for adults, $13 for children, 3-5 hours
  • Hayden Planetarium: Estimated cost: $28.50 for adults, $22.50 for children, 1-2 hours
  • Upper West Side: Free, 2-3 hours
Tuesday, September 19: Exploring Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Start your day by visiting the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, located on the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid. Explore the various exhibits showcasing historic aircraft, space shuttles, and even a Concorde supersonic airliner. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, where you can learn about the history of immigration to the United States. In the evening, head to Times Square to experience the vibrant lights and bustling atmosphere.

  • Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: Estimated cost: $33 for adults, $24 for children, 3-4 hours
  • Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: Estimated cost: $25.50 for adults, $16 for children, 4-6 hours
  • Times Square: Free, 2-3 hours
Wednesday, September 20: Exploring the Children's Museum of Manhattan

Spend the morning at the Children's Museum of Manhattan, a delightful museum dedicated to providing educational and interactive exhibits for children. Kids can enjoy hands-on activities in the areas of science, arts, and culture. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Central Park Carousel for a classic and nostalgic ride. In the evening, head to the nearby Lincoln Center to catch a family-friendly performance or enjoy a picnic in the park.

  • Children's Museum of Manhattan: Estimated cost: $15 for adults and children, 3-4 hours
  • Central Park Carousel: Estimated cost: $3 for a single ride, 1 hour
  • Lincoln Center: Free, time varies based on performance
Thursday, September 21: Exploring the Bronx Zoo

Start your day by visiting the Bronx Zoo, one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the world. Explore a wide range of exhibits featuring animals from different habitats and regions. In the afternoon, visit the nearby New York Botanical Garden, known for its stunning landscapes and diverse plant collections. In the evening, explore Arthur Avenue, the Bronx's Little Italy, where you can indulge in delicious Italian cuisine and shop for gourmet food products.

  • Bronx Zoo: Estimated cost: $39.95 for adults, $29.95 for children, 4-6 hours
  • New York Botanical Garden: Estimated cost: $28 for adults, $12 for children, 2-3 hours
  • Arthur Avenue: Cost varies based on dining choices, 2-3 hours
Friday, September 22: Exploring the Staten Island Children's Museum

Spend your morning at the Staten Island Children's Museum, a fun-filled museum offering interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for kids. Learn about science, art, and culture in an entertaining way. In the afternoon, take a scenic ride on the Staten Island Ferry, offering breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. In the evening, head to Coney Island to enjoy the thrilling rides and boardwalk attractions.

  • Staten Island Children's Museum: Estimated cost: $8 for adults and children, 3-4 hours
  • Staten Island Ferry: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Coney Island: Cost varies based on rides and attractions, 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

If you're looking for off the beaten path attractions and places locals love, consider visiting the High Line, an elevated park built on an abandoned railway track. This unique park offers scenic views, art installations, and a peaceful ambiance. Another hidden gem is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where you can explore beautiful gardens, including the Japanese garden and the Cherry Esplanade. For a fun and educational experience, visit the New York Hall of Science in Queens, featuring interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for all ages.

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