New York Family-Friendly Itinerary - 5 Days

• Day 1: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
  20 minutes (3.8 miles) from Times Square

  The Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of America located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Take a ferry to see the statue up close and even climb up to the crown. Ellis Island is a former immigration station where millions of immigrants passed through, now turned into a museum.

• Day 2: American Museum of Natural History and Central Park
  15 minutes (4 miles) from Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

  The American Museum of Natural History is a world-renowned museum with exhibits on dinosaurs, mammals, human cultures, and space. Stroll through Central Park and see the lake, zoo, and other attractions in this vast urban green space.

• Day 3: Empire State Building and Times Square
  15 minutes (2.7 miles) from American Museum of Natural History

  The Empire State Building is a must-visit attraction with panoramic views of the city from its observation decks. Times Square is a bustling commercial and entertainment district, known for its bright lights, billboards, and theaters.

• Day 4: 9/11 Memorial & Museum and Brooklyn Bridge Park
  30 minutes (6.3 miles) from Empire State Building

  The 9/11 Memorial & Museum honors and remembers the victims and events of September 11, 2001. Walk across the historic Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy the skyline views at Brooklyn Bridge Park.

• Day 5: Metropolitan Museum of Art and Coney Island Beach
  30 minutes (5.9 miles) from 9/11 Memorial & Museum

  The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the world, with collections spanning from ancient to contemporary times. Head down to Coney Island for some sun, sand, boardwalk games, and iconic amusement park rides.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty (3-4 hours, $25)
• American Museum of Natural History (2-3 hours, $23)
• Empire State Building (2-3 hours, $45)
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum (2-3 hours, $28)
• Metropolitan Museum of Art (3-4 hours, $25)
• Coney Island Beach (3-4 hours, free)
Total Estimated Costs: $146

Transportation

New York City has an extensive public transportation system, including subways, buses, taxis, and ride-sharing services. The best way to get around is by subway or bus, which costs $2.75 per ride. Taxis and ride-sharing services are more expensive, especially during rush hour traffic. Consider getting a 7-day MetroCard for unlimited rides on the subway and bus.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to nearby attractions like Niagara Falls or Washington D.C. If you have less time, prioritize your itinerary based on your interests and time available. Consider purchasing tickets for attractions in advance to skip the lines.

Airports

There are 3 airports serving the New York City area: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). JFK is the largest and busiest airport with flights from all around the world. LGA is closer to the city but has fewer options. EWR is located in nearby New Jersey and is a hub for United Airlines. All of them offer public transportation into the city, but taxi or ride-sharing services can be more convenient.