7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for New York

  • Day 1: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
    9:00 AM (Battery Park) - 3:00 PM (Central Park) | 25-30 minute ferry ride

    The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are must-visit landmarks in New York. Take a ferry from Battery Park to explore the Statue of Liberty and its museum. Next, head over to Ellis Island to learn about the history of immigration to the US. Be prepared to do a lot of walking!

  • Day 2: Central Park and American Museum of Natural History
    10:00 AM (Central Park) - 4:00 PM (American Museum of Natural History) | 15 minute walk between the two

    Central Park is a great place to spend the morning exploring nature and visiting various landmarks within the park like the Bethesda Fountain and the Central Park Zoo. In the afternoon, head over to the American Museum of Natural History to discover dinosaur fossils and other exhibits on natural science.

  • Day 3: Empire State Building and Times Square
    9:00 AM (Empire State Building) - 8:00 PM (Times Square) | 20 minute walk or 10 minute subway ride between the two

    Start the day by taking in the incredible views from the Empire State Building. In the evening, explore the bright lights and bustling atmosphere of Times Square, which is especially mesmerizing at night.

  • Day 4: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and High Line Park
    10:00 AM (Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum) - 5:00 PM (High Line Park) | 15 minute drive or 35 minute subway ride between the two

    The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is an exciting museum housed on the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier, featuring exhibits on aviation and space travel. In the afternoon, check out the High Line Park, an elevated park built on a former railway line.

  • Day 5: Metropolitan Museum of Art and Roosevelt Island Tramway
    9:30 AM (Metropolitan Museum of Art) - 4:00 PM (Roosevelt Island Tramway) | 20 minute subway ride or 15 minute drive between the two

    The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a world-class museum with over 2 million works of art to discover. After lunch, head over to the Roosevelt Island Tramway to enjoy stunning views of the city from above.

  • Day 6: Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Children's Museum
    10:00 AM (Brooklyn Bridge) - 3:00 PM (Brooklyn Children's Museum) | 20 minute drive or 30 minute subway ride between the two

    The Brooklyn Bridge is a must-visit landmark in New York. Take a stroll across the bridge and enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline. In the afternoon, take the kids to the Brooklyn Children's Museum to learn and play at various interactive exhibits.

  • Day 7: The Vessel and Chelsea Market
    11:00 AM (The Vessel) - 6:00 PM (Chelsea Market) | 15 minute walk between the two

    The Vessel is an impressive landmark in New York's Hudson Yards neighborhood. Enjoy a climb up the stairs and take in the stunning views from above. In the afternoon, explore Chelsea Market which features great food and unique shopping experiences.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (3-4 hours, $18.50-23.50)
  • Central Park (2-3 hours, free)
  • American Museum of Natural History (3-4 hours, $28-$33)
  • Empire State Building (2-3 hours, $45-$85)
  • Times Square (2-3 hours, free)
  • Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (3-4 hours, $31-$36)
  • High Line Park (2 hours, free)
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art (3-4 hours, $25-$40)
  • Roosevelt Island Tramway (1-2 hours, $4.50 one-way)
  • Brooklyn Bridge (1-2 hours, free)
  • Brooklyn Children's Museum (2-3 hours, $11-$13)
  • The Vessel (1-2 hours, free)
  • Chelsea Market (2-3 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $203.50-$275.50

Transportation

During the trip, travelers can use the subway or walk to get to most destinations. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available. A 7-day unlimited MetroCard costs $33, making it a great option for travelers who will use the subway frequently. Consider renting a car for Day 4 if not much confident with public transportation.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, or the Coney Island Boardwalk. For those with less time, prioritize visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Times Square. Book your tickets for the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building in advance to skip the lines.

Airports

New York City has three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). JFK and LGA are located within the city limits, while EWR is in neighboring New Jersey. Travelers can take taxis, ride-sharing services, or public transportation to reach their accommodations from the airport.

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