Family Fun in New York City: A 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Midtown

New York, NY

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ellen's Stardust Diner

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Ellen's Stardust Diner, where singing waitstaff will entertain you while you dine on classic American fare.
From your hotel, walk or take a short subway ride to 1650 Broadway.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Times Square

After breakfast, stroll over to Times Square to soak in the bright lights and vibrant atmosphere - a perfect spot for family photos.
A short walk from Ellen's, just 0.5 miles.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Exploring the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Dive into the world of art at MoMA, known for its incredible collection of modern masterpieces that both kids and adults will appreciate.
Take the subway from 42nd St - Times Sq to 53rd St - 5th Ave station.
USD25, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Modern

Enjoy lunch at The Modern, located within MoMA, offering a seasonal menu that combines culinary craft with magnificent views of the sculpture garden.
Dine on-site at the museum.
USD40, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Central Park

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon in Central Park, where the kids can play at the various playgrounds or you can take a scenic walk around and visit the Central Park Zoo.
Head to Central Park, about a 10-minute walk.
USD15 (Zoo Entry), 3 hours

5:30PM

Scenic Boat Ride on the Central Park Lake

Take a family-friendly rowboat ride to enjoy beautiful views of the city while relaxing on the water.
Walk to the boat rental at the Loeb Boathouse.
USD20, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Carmine's Italian Restaurant

Finish the day with a family-style dinner at Carmine's, known for its hearty portions of classic Italian dishes.
A simple 10-minute walk back to the restaurant.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Iconic Landmarks

New York, NY

8:00AM

Breakfast at Balthazar

Begin your day in SoHo with a delicious French breakfast at Balthazar, offering freshly baked pastries and excellent coffee.
Take the subway to Canal Street and walk to the restaurant.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit One World Observatory

Head to the One World Observatory for breathtaking views of the city from the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
Subway from Spring St to World Trade Center station.
USD38, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

9/11 Memorial & Museum

Next, reflect at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, where you can learn about the events of September 11th, 2001, and honor those affected.
A short walk from the observatory.
USD28, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Eataly NYC Downtown

Savor an Italian lunch at Eataly, a vibrant market with various cafes and restaurants offering delicious pastas, pizzas, and gelato.
Walk to Eataly, approximately 0.5 miles.
USD35, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Ride the Staten Island Ferry

Take the Staten Island Ferry for a fantastic view of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline—this ride is free!
Walk to the Whitehall Terminal.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Walk Around Battery Park

Upon returning, explore Battery Park, where kids can run around and enjoy the vibrant greenery while taking in views of the harbor.
A 5-minute walk from the ferry terminal.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Fraunces Tavern

Wrap up the evening with dinner at Fraunces Tavern, a historic restaurant offering a variety of American cuisine with a welcoming atmosphere.
A short 10-minute walk from Battery Park.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Adventures

New York, NY

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Bagel Store

Start your day at The Bagel Store, famed for its delicious bagels with a variety of toppings to choose from.
Subway from your hotel to Bedford Ave station, then a short walk.
USD10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Brooklyn Bridge Walk

Take a scenic walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, where you can enjoy stunning views of both Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Head to the entrance of the bridge near City Hall for the walk.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park

Explore the picturesque DUMBO area and enjoy leisure time at Brooklyn Bridge Park, which includes playgrounds and stunning waterfront views.
A short walk from the bridge, about 0.5 miles.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Time Out Market

Have lunch at Time Out Market, where you can choose from a variety of vendors offering diverse dishes, all under one roof.
Walk to the market, around a 10-minute stroll.
USD40, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit New York Aquarium

Spend the afternoon at the New York Aquarium in Coney Island to see fascinating marine life and participate in fun interactive exhibits.
Take the subway from DUMBO to Coney Island station.
USD30, 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Relax on Coney Island Beach

After the aquarium, unwind at Coney Island Beach, where the kids can play in the sand and families can soak up some sun.
Walk to the beach, just a few minutes away.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Nathan's Famous

Wrap up your New York adventure with a casual dinner at Nathan's Famous, where you can indulge in delicious hot dogs and fries.
A short walk from the beach.
USD20, 1 hour
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