New York City in 7 Days: A Family-Friendly Itinerary

  • Day 1: Central Park
    Estimated time from previous location: 1 hour (5 miles)

    Central Park is an iconic park in the middle of Manhattan that offers a wide range of activities for all ages. Families can explore the zoo, take a bike ride around the loop, go boating, or have a picnic. A visit to Central Park is a must when visiting New York City.

  • Day 2: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
    Estimated time from previous location: 30 minutes (2 miles)

    Take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to experience American history and see the iconic statue up close. Families can climb to the top of the pedestal or take a tour of the statue's interior. The adjacent Ellis Island museum offers a comprehensive look at the immigrant experience in America.

  • Day 3: Empire State Building
    Estimated time from previous location: 20 minutes (1.5 miles)

    Visit the famous Empire State Building and take the elevator to the observation deck on the 86th floor. Enjoy incredible views of the city from above and snap some iconic pictures for your family album.

  • Day 4: Times Square
    Estimated time from previous location: 15 minutes (1.2 miles)

    Take in the bright lights of Times Square, one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. Stroll through the bustling streets, shop at the stores and marvel at the sights and sounds of this iconic location.

  • Day 5: Brooklyn Bridge
    Estimated time from previous location: 30 minutes (3 miles)

    Take a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Enjoy lunch in Brooklyn and explore the trendy neighbourhood of Williamsburg.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Central Park (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (4-5 hours, $25/adult, $15/child)
  • Empire State Building (2-3 hours, $38/adult, $32/child)
  • Times Square (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Brooklyn Bridge (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $178/adult, $120/child

Transportation

Travelers in New York City have several modes of transportation available to them, including taxis, Uber/Lyft, the subway, and walking. The subway is the fastest and most affordable option, but visitors should be prepared for crowds and avoid peak commuting times. Taxis and ride-sharing services are more expensive but provide more flexibility and comfort. Walking is a great way to explore the city and is often the most convenient option for short distances.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Niagara Falls or explore the museums and galleries of Museum Mile. For a shorter trip, consider skipping the Empire State Building or Ellis Island and focusing on other activities. When traveling with children, be sure to take frequent breaks, bring snacks and water, and plan ahead for restrooms.

Airports

New York City has three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). JFK is the largest and busiest airport and is located in Queens, approximately 16 miles from Midtown Manhattan. LaGuardia is closer to Manhattan but offers fewer international flights. Newark is located in New Jersey, approximately 18 miles from Manhattan but is often less crowded than JFK and LaGuardia. All three airports offer a variety of transportation options to get into the city, including taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transportation.

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