5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in New York City

Day 1: Explore Manhattan

New York City, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ellen's Stardust Diner

Start your day with a delicious breakfast surrounded by singing waitstaff at this iconic diner.
Located at 1650 Broadway, easily accessible by subway to Times Square.
USD30, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Central Park

Stroll through Central Park; let the kids enjoy playgrounds, and don't forget to see the famous Bethesda Terrace.
Walk west from the diner into Central Park.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Engage with art from around the globe at this vast museum, with kid-friendly audio guides available.
Head east to the museum, a 15-minute walk.
USD25, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Shake Shack

Grab burgers and shakes at one of NYC’s most beloved burger joints, conveniently located near the museum.
Take a short cab ride to the Shake Shack at 366 Columbus Ave.
USD40, 1 hour

2:30PM

Play at Children's Museum of Manhattan

Delightful interactive exhibits and playful learning experiences await at this fantastic museum designed for children.
A quick subway ride downtown to 83rd St.
USD14, 2 hours

4:30PM

Times Square Exploration

Wrap up the day by marveling at the bright lights and massive screens; take lots of family photos!
Catch the subway back to Times Square.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Carmine's

Enjoy a hearty family-style Italian dinner that is sure to satiate everyone.
Short walk south to Carmine’s at 200 W 44th St.
USD100, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Discover Brooklyn

Brooklyn, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bagelsmith

Start your day with fresh, delicious NYC-style bagels; perfect sustenance for a day of adventure.
Catch the subway to Williamsburg.
USD25, 1 hour

9:00AM

Brooklyn Bridge Walk

Walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, enjoying stunning views of the Manhattan skyline along the way.
Start at the Brooklyn Bridge entrance.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Let the kids explore the playgrounds and enjoy the picturesque waterfront views.
The park starts at the Brooklyn side of the bridge.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Juliana's Pizza

Taste some of the best pizza in the city at this renowned establishment, real kid-friendly cuisine.
Short walk to Juliana's at 19 Old Fulton St.
USD60, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit the Museum of Brooklyn

Discover local art and history tailored for family engagement at this fantastic museum.
Take a quick taxi to the museum.
USD10, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Brooklyn's Prospect Park

A wonderful place for the family to relax and enjoy recreational activities; consider renting bikes for a fun tour.
Head to Prospect Park via subway.
Bike rental: USD20, 2 hours

4:30PM

Ice Cream at Ample Hills Creamery

Indulge in some of the city’s best artisanal ice cream flavors to recharge.
A short walk to the creamery.
USD25, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at The River Cafe

Enjoy a scenic dinner with breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline; a lovely family dining experience.
A short ferry ride or taxi back to the restaurant.
USD150, 2 hours
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Day 3: Adventure in Queens

Queens, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Henri

Savor a French-inspired breakfast that the whole family will enjoy.
Subway to Long Island City.
USD40, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit MoMA PS1

Engage with contemporary art at this innovative museum that often has family-friendly exhibits.
Exit to MoMA PS1, a short walk from breakfast.
USD10, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Gantry Plaza State Park

Allow the kids to play in the park while enjoying stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
Walk to Gantry Plaza State Park.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at LIC Market

A cozy spot where you can grab sandwiches and burgers made from local ingredients, a great family choice.
Walk to LIC Market nearby.
USD60, 1 hour

1:00PM

Queens Museum

Discover the city's history and art through interactive exhibits that are sure to delight the whole family.
Take a quick subway ride to the museum.
USD8, 2 hours

3:00PM

Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Explore this park for some outdoor fun, and don't forget to see the iconic Unisphere!
Subway to Flushing Meadows.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Bye Bronx

End the day with a casual meal featuring burgers and Asian-fusion dishes, a hit with kids and adults alike.
A short subway ride to The Bye Bronx.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Family Day on Staten Island

Staten Island, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Good Life

Enjoy a homey breakfast cafe with hearty options appealing to both kids and adults.
Catch the ferry to Staten Island from Manhattan.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Staten Island Zoo

Hands-on experiences await at this family-friendly zoo featuring various animal encounters.
A short bus ride from the ferry terminal.
USD8, 2 hours

11:00AM

Staten Island Children's Museum

An interactive space full of activities that encourage play and learning for younger children.
Walking distance from the zoo.
USD8, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Stone House

Savor a casual lunch with a great menu that features fresh ingredients with a view of the park.
A short walk back to The Stone House.
USD50, 1 hour

2:00PM

Staten Island Ferry Ride

Take a scenic ferry ride back to Manhattan; look for the Statue of Liberty along the way!
Head back to the ferry terminal.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Battery Park

Enjoy walking through Battery Park; let the kids stretch their legs and learn about history.
Stroll to Battery Park from the ferry terminal.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Fraunces Tavern

Experience dining at this historic tavern, very family-friendly with an assorted menu.
A pleasant walk to Fraunces Tavern.
USD100, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Final Day in Manhattan

New York City, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Balthazar

Finish your trip with a classic New York brunch experience in this charming French bistro.
Take the subway to SoHo.
USD80, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Explore SoHo and Tribeca

Wander through trendy shops and art galleries while discovering the charming streets of SoHo and Tribeca.
Walk around and explore the neighborhoods.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Explore this significant memorial dedicated to the events of September 11th, a place of remembrance.
Subway to the memorial area.
USD26, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Smorgasburg

Taste various cuisines at this popular food market held in different locations depending on the day.
Walk to the nearest Smorgasburg location.
USD50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Top of the Rock

Bask in the 360-degree views of NYC from the observation deck of Rockefeller Center—an amazing way to conclude your trip!
Subway to Rockefeller Center.
USD38, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Souvenir Shopping

Spend some time buying souvenirs to remember your NYC trip before heading home.
Walk to souvenir shops on 34th Street.
USD50, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Junior's Cheesecake

Wrap up your NYC experience with the iconic cheesecake and a hearty dinner in this beloved restaurant.
Walk to Junior's at 1515 Broadway.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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