New York Family-Friendly 5-Day Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Central Park
    10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Times Square

    Spend the day exploring this iconic park, including a visit to the Central Park Zoo and a rowboat ride on the lake. Enjoy a picnic lunch or stop by one of the many food carts for a snack.

  2. Day 2: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
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    32 minutes (5.6 miles) from Central Park

    Experience the history and significance of these two landmarks as you take a ferry ride to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Book tickets in advance to avoid long lines.

  3. Day 3: American Museum of Natural History
    14 minutes (3.3 miles) from Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

    Explore the extensive collections and exhibits of this world-renowned museum. Highlights include dinosaurs, dioramas of animals from around the world, and the Rose Center for Earth and Space.

  4. Day 4: Empire State Building
    16 minutes (3.2 miles) from American Museum of Natural History

    Take a trip to the top of this iconic skyscraper for stunning views of the city. Book a timed-entry ticket in advance to avoid long waits or upgrade to the VIP Express Experience for even faster entry.

  5. Day 5: Brooklyn Bridge and Coney Island
    22 minutes (6.6 miles) from Empire State Building

    Take a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge, one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. Then head to Coney Island for classic boardwalk fun, including a ride on the historic Cyclone roller coaster and a hot dog from Nathan’s Famous.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Central Park (4-6 hours, free)
  • Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (4-5 hours, $25-$57 per person)
  • American Museum of Natural History (3-4 hours, $23-$28 per person)
  • Empire State Building (2-3 hours, $42-$77 per person)
  • Brooklyn Bridge and Coney Island (4-6 hours, free-$40 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $90-$202 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the High Line park. For families with younger children, a visit to the Children’s Museum of Manhattan is a must. If you have less time, consider skipping the Empire State Building or visiting only one of the landmarks on Day 2.

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