Start your trip by visiting the iconic Central Park. Enjoy a morning stroll, rent a bike, or take a carriage ride around the park. Visit the Central Park Zoo in the afternoon or climb to the top of Belvedere Castle. End your day with a picnic in Sheep Meadow or attend a Shakespeare in the Park performance at the Delacorte Theater.
Spend the morning at the American Museum of Natural History, with its fascinating exhibits on dinosaurs, human origins, and the world's cultures. Don't miss the Hayden Planetarium or the Butterfly Conservatory. In the afternoon, head to the Children's Museum of Manhattan or the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. End the day with an evening Broadway show.
Take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in the morning. Learn about the history of immigration in the United States and climb to the top of the statue for amazing views of the city. Return to Manhattan for lunch and then visit the One World Observatory for a bird's eye view of the city. In the evening, explore the trendy neighbourhood of Greenwich Village.
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge in the morning and admire the stunning views of Manhattan. Explore the trendy Dumbo neighbourhood and enjoy lunch at a waterfront restaurant. In the afternoon, head to Coney Island for some old-fashioned fun at Luna Park. Ride the historic Cyclone roller coaster or take a dip in the ocean. End your day with dinner at one of Brooklyn's famous pizza joints.
Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the morning, with its world-renowned collection of art from around the globe. Don't miss the Egyptian Temple of Dendur or the Costume Institute. In the afternoon, explore the trendy neighbourhood of SoHo for some shopping or visit the High Line, a unique park built on an old elevated train line. End your trip with dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the city skyline.
Other family-friendly attractions to consider include the Bronx Zoo, the New York Aquarium, and the Children's Museum of the Arts. For side trips, consider visiting the historic town of Sleepy Hollow or taking a day trip to the beautiful beaches of Long Island. To maximize your fun, get a CityPass that includes admission to several top attractions at a discounted rate. And don't forget to try some of New York's famous street food, such as hot dogs and pretzels!