7-Day Budget-Friendly Family Rail Trip in New York

Day 1: Explore NYC Landmarks

New York City, USA

8:30AM

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Start your day with New York-style bagels at Ess-a-Bagel, renowned for their soft, chewy bagels and cream cheese varieties.
Walk to the subway and take the train to Midtown.
USD10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Central Park

Stroll through Central Park, stopping at famous spots like Bethesda Terrace and the Bow Bridge for family-friendly fun.
Walk from Ess-a-Bagel to Central Park.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Shake Shack

Enjoy a casual lunch at Shake Shack in Madison Square Park, which promises delicious burgers and fries.
Walk or take a subway ride to Madison Square Park.
USD30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Museum of Natural History

Explore the incredible Museum of Natural History with its engaging exhibits and the home of the famous dinosaur skeletons.
Take the subway from Shake Shack to the museum.
USD42 (Family Pass), 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Joe's Pizza

End your day with a classic New York slice at Joe's Pizza, a family favorite in Greenwich Village.
Subway or a short walk to Greenwich Village.
USD25, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Discoveries

New York City, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Gray Dog

Feast on pancakes and coffee at The Gray Dog, a cozy spot perfect for families to fuel up.
Walk from your hotel.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Statue of Liberty

Catch the ferry to Liberty Island and soak in the stunning views of the Statue of Liberty.
Take the subway to Battery Park and board the ferry.
USD55 (Family Ticket), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Smorgasburg

Savor local cuisine from various vendors at the Smorgasburg food market, ideal for all palates.
Walk to Brooklyn from the ferry.
USD40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Brooklyn Bridge

Take a leisurely walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, enjoying breathtaking city views.
Walk from Smorgasburg to Brooklyn Bridge.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Junior's Restaurant

Indulge in the famous New York cheesecake at Junior's after enjoying a hearty dinner.
Walk to Junior's in Downtown Brooklyn.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Capital City Charm

Albany, USA

7:30AM

Breakfast at Cracked Coffee

Grab a quick breakfast and coffee at Cracked Coffee, a great local spot to start the day.
Walk to the train station.
USD15, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train to Albany

Catch your Amtrak train to Albany, enjoying the picturesque scenery along the way.
Take Amtrak from Penn Station.
USD50 (Family Ticket), 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit New York State Capitol

Explore the stunning architecture and rich history at the New York State Capitol, a highlight of Albany.
Walk from the train station.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Albany Ale & Oyster

Enjoy a casual meal featuring local seafood and craft beers in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Walk from the Capitol.
USD50, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Empire State Plaza

Walk around the Empire State Plaza, enjoying its open public spaces and unique art installations.
Short walk from lunch location.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The Pump Station

Have a relaxed dinner at The Pump Station, a local favorite with casual dining options.
Taxi or rideshare from Plaza.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Resort Town Relaxation

Saratoga Springs, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lillian's Restaurant

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at Lillian's, where comfort food awaits.
Walk or take a short taxi.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Saratoga Springs

Travel to the scenic town of Saratoga Springs by train, renowned for its natural beauty.
Amtrak from Albany.
USD20 (Family Ticket), 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Saratoga Spa State Park

Discover the beauty of nature through hiking or relaxing by the mineral springs at the park.
Walk from the train station.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Olde Bryan Inn

Enjoy an American-style lunch in a historical setting at The Olde Bryan Inn, perfect for families.
Short taxi ride from the park.
USD45, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Downtown Saratoga

Wander through the charming downtown area filled with shops, galleries, and parks.
Walk around the downtown area.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Hattie's

Savor Southern-style fried chicken at Hattie's, a local gem beloved for its comfort food.
Walk downtown.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Mountain Adventures

Lake Placid, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Blue Line Brewery

Enjoy breakfast at Blue Line Brewery where local flavors are king in a family-friendly environment.
Walk from hotel.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Lake Placid

Get ready for a scenic train ride to Lake Placid, known for its stunning lakes and mountains.
Amtrak from Saratoga Springs.
USD40 (Family Ticket), 2 hours

11:30AM

Check-In and Relax

Arrive in Lake Placid, check into your accommodations, and unwind before exploring.
Walking from train station.
USD100, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at the Big Slide Brewery

Chill out at Big Slide Brewery, enjoying hearty fare and views of the mountains.
Short taxi or walk from hotel.
USD50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Lake Placid Exploration

Take a tranquil walk around the beautiful Mirror Lake or explore the quaint town.
Stroll or bike around town.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Smoke Signals

End the day with delicious smokehouse BBQ at Smoke Signals, a favorite among locals.
Walk downtown.
USD45, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Charming Lake Views

Plattsburgh, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at cafe 110

Start your day at cafe 110 with delightful pastries and coffee to fuel your adventures.
Walk from the hotel.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Plattsburgh

Enjoy another scenic train ride to Plattsburgh, situated on the shores of Lake Champlain.
Amtrak from Lake Placid.
USD30 (Family Ticket), 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit State University of New York at Plattsburgh

Explore the friendly campus and check out the beautiful surrounding areas.
Taxi from the station.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at BBQ Shack

Enjoy savory BBQ plates at BBQ Shack, a local food truck with outdoor seating.
Short walk or taxi from campus.
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Walk along Lake Champlain

Take a leisurely stroll along Lake Champlain, enjoying the serene views and fresh air.
Walk from BBQ Shack.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Kelsey House

Conclude your day with a cozy dinner at The Kelsey House serving comfort food in a charming setting.
Taxi back to town.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to NYC

New York City, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at a local diner

Fuel up with classic diner breakfast to kickstart your travels back to the city.
Walk from hotel.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train back to NYC

Board your Amtrak train back to New York City, reflecting on your amazing week of family adventures.
Amtrak from Plattsburgh.
USD50 (Family Ticket), 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Food Hall

Explore and select from a wide array of cuisines available at a food hall in NYC.
Walk or take subway from Penn Station.
USD40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Times Square

Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Times Square, taking iconic family photos and visiting shops.
Subway to Times Square.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe

Wrap up your journey with a meal at Hard Rock Cafe, a vibrant place with memorabilia that will excite the whole family.
Walk to the cafe from Times Square.
USD60, 2 hours
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