7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary to Explore All November in New York

  • Day 1: Central Park
    5 minutes (0.5 miles) from the previous location

    Start your New York adventure at Central Park, a massive urban park in Manhattan's heart. This park has something for everyone, from playgrounds to restaurants to museums. Take a family picnic to the Great Lawn and relax in the greenery. The 38 bridges, 7 water bodies and 24,000 trees of Central Park will amaze you.

  • Day 2: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
    1 hour 10 minutes (5.5 miles) from the previous location

    Visit 2 of America’s most iconic landmarks, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You’ll take a ferry from Manhattan to the statue and get a spectacular view of the skyline on the journey. You can also climb the stairs to the top of the statue and visit the museum of immigration to learn more about the history of immigration in America.

  • Day 3: American Museum of Natural History
    20 minutes (4.1 miles) from the previous location

    Discover the wonders of the natural world at the American Museum of Natural History. With exhibitions including dinosaurs, space, and human origins, experience the grandeur of this museum. From intricate dioramas of mammals of the world to a life-size Blue Whale, your kids are sure to be amazed.

  • Day 4: Times Square
    35 minutes (6.7 miles) from the previous location

    It’s a must-do for every New York tourist. Times Square is full of vibrant lights, billboards, and entertainment. Take a stroll around the area and explore the shops, street performers and take a family photo with the TKTS booth all as your backdrop. Do not forget to visit M&M’s Store, which is your one-stop shop for everything M&M’s.

  • Day 5: Empire State Building
    10 minutes (0.8 miles) from the previous location

    For the most beautiful view of the New York skyline, visit the Empire State Building. Ride the elevator to the 86th floor or 102nd floor, and you’ll get to witness the famous panoramic view of the city. Just getting to the top will give you and your family a stomach-churning thrill.

  • Day 6: 9/11 Memorial & Museum
    15 minutes (1.3 miles) from the previous location

    Remind yourself of the tragic events of 9/11 at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. The museum has interactive artifacts, like the firetruck and the ‘Last Column,’ which survived the attack. Your family will also get to see how the site changed from the former World Trade Center to the current memorial site.

  • Day 7: N Y Botanical Garden
    1 hour (16.4 miles) from the previous location

    End your journey with a natural delight, a trip to the N Y Botanical Garden in the Bronx. This garden is home to around 50 gardens and rolling hills. Head over to the Thain Family Forest to walk around the world's largest remaining patch of the old-growth forest. Your family will love the Tram Tour that takes you through the gardens and the Everett Children's Adventure Garden.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Central Park (2 hours, free)
  • Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (4 hours, $40)
  • American Museum of Natural History (3 hours, $28)
  • Times Square (2 hours, free)
  • Empire State Building (2 hours, $45)
  • 9/11 Memorial & Museum (2 hours, $26)
  • NY Botanical Garden (3 hours, $28)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $167

Transportation

New York has an extensive transportation system consisting of buses, trains, and subways. The subway is the most practical way to get around and it’s relatively cheap. If traveling with kids, consider walking or taking Uber cabs from one destination to another.

Estimated travel cost: $75
Total travel time: 9 hours (approx)

Useful Tips

If you have additional time, considering visiting the following places:

  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • The Brooklyn Bridge
  • The High Line
  • The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

If your trip is shorter, consider removing the N Y Botanical Garden or 9/11 Memorial and Museum, as they are the farthest destinations.

Airports

New York has three primary airports:

  • John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), just 13 miles away from Manhattan
  • LaGuardia Airport (LGA), located 8 miles from Manhattan
  • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), 14 miles from Manhattan

Out of which, John F. Kennedy International Airport is the most international and busy airport compared to the other two.

0