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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.

When are you going?
Add your start date and we'll check in at two weeks out, one week out, and the day before — bookings, packing, and a day-one brief. Reply to any of them if plans change.
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