8-Day Family-Friendly Road Trip Itinerary in New York

Day 1: Explore the Big Apple

New York City, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Start your day with delicious New York-style bagels at Ess-a-Bagel for an authentic experience.
Walk to the next location.
USD15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Central Park

Stroll through Central Park, enjoying the playgrounds and beautiful landscapes, perfect for family fun.
Walk or take a bike rental.
FREE, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shake Shack

Savor a classic American meal at Shake Shack, known for its burgers and shakes.
Located in Madison Square Park, easy to walk.
USD45, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the American Museum of Natural History

Delve into exhibits about dinosaurs, space, and more, captivating for all ages.
Take a subway or bus to 79th St & Central Park West.
USD100, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Carmine's

Indulge in family-style Italian cuisine where everyone can share a hearty meal.
Subway or walk to Times Square.
USD100, 2 hours
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Day 2: More NYC Adventures

New York City, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Clinton St. Baking Company

Famous for pancakes, start your day in the Lower East Side with a hearty breakfast.
Walk to your next activity.
USD40, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Enjoy a ferry ride to these iconic landmarks; learn about immigration history.
Take the subway to Battery Park.
USD70, 4 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Leo’s Bagels

Grab a quick bite at Leo’s, where you can enjoy bagels and deli sandwiches.
Walk back to the subway.
USD35, 1 hour

4:30PM

Walk through Times Square

Experience the hustle and bustle in Times Square with its bright lights and street performers.
Walk through the area; it's a short distance.
FREE, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Junior's Restaurant

Enjoy a famous New York cheesecake along with a pleasant dinner, a family favorite.
Short walk from Times Square.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Experiences

New York City, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Balthazar

Try their delicious pastries and bakery items to start the day in SoHo.
Walk around this vibrant area post-breakfast.
USD50, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Explore the vast collections suitable for all ages with interactive exhibits for children.
Subway to 86th St.
USD25, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Met Rooftop Café

Enjoy light bites with a fantastic view of the NYC skyline.
Located inside the museum.
USD60, 1 hour

3:30PM

Walk the High Line

Stroll the elevated park filled with art and gardens, offering a unique perspective of the city.
Take the subway to 14th St.
FREE, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Eataly NYC Flatiron

Delight in Italian dishes at this bustling food market with something for everyone.
Just a short subway ride away.
USD90, 2 hours
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Day 4: Relax Upstate

Saratoga Springs, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Corner Café

Enjoy a delightful breakfast with fresh coffee and local favorites before heading out of the city.
Drive 3 hours to Saratoga Springs.
USD60, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Saratoga Spa State Park

Explore the natural mineral springs and enjoy the fresh upstate air; ideal for family picnics.
Short drive within the city.
FREE, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at The Local

Sample fresh, locally sourced cuisine that is family-friendly.
Short drive to downtown.
USD65, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

Experience a charming ride through downtown, admiring the lovely architecture.
Book in advance for best timing.
USD50, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Saratoga Winner’s Circle

Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere with hearty American comfort food.
Short walk from downtown.
USD80, 2 hours
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Day 5: Adventures by the Lake

Lake George, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Gino's Restaurant

Kickstart your day with classic American breakfast favorites near the lake.
Short drive to Lake George, about 30 min.
USD60, 1 hour

9:30AM

Lake George Steamboat Company Cruise

Take a scenic boat ride on Lake George, a perfect way to enjoy the beautiful views and relax.
Walk to the docks.
USD120, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Lake George Beach

Pack a picnic or enjoy a snack at one of the kiosks by the beach.
Just a short walk from the docks.
USD40, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Fort William Henry Museum

Explore the history of the area through exhibits, tours, and outdoor activities.
Drive over to the fort, just minutes away.
USD65, 2 hours

4:00PM

Lake George Expedition Park

A fun theme park featuring rides and attractions for all ages, perfect for family excitement.
Short drive from the museum.
USD100, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Boathouse Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dinner with lakeside views and seafood specialties.
Short drive back towards the lake, relaxing scenery.
USD90, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: The Mighty Niagara

Niagara Falls, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast at your hotel before heading off to Niagara Falls.
Drive from Lake George to Niagara Falls, about 2 hours.
USD50, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Niagara Falls State Park

Explore the natural beauty and start your adventure on the Maid of the Mist boat tour.
Park nearby and walk to the falls.
USD110, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Hard Rock Café

Fuel up with American cuisine while enjoying the lively atmosphere and memorabilia.
Short walk from the park.
USD80, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Journey Behind the Falls

Experience the power of the falls up close with this exciting tour behind the cascades.
Walk back to the park entrance.
USD140, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Watermark Restaurant

Savor dinner with breathtaking views of the falls; a great cap to your Niagara visit.
Short drive from the park.
USD100, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Cultural & City Excursion

Rochester, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at John Q's Steakhouse

A hearty breakfast to fuel you for the day’s adventures.
Drive to Rochester, about 1.5 hours from Niagara Falls.
USD70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Strong National Museum of Play

Celebrate play at this impressive museum dedicated to the history of play and toys.
Short drive from the restaurant.
USD60, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Enjoy delicious barbecue meals and their famous mac & cheese; a family favorite.
Just a short drive away.
USD60, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Highland Park

Relax in the beautiful park, perfect for running and letting kids play before your trip back.
Drive a short way to the park.
FREE, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Drive back to NYC

Drive back to New York City, about 6 hours, taking turns between family members.
Route via I-90 and I-287.
USD100 (gas), 6 hours

11:00PM

Late-night snack at 24/7 diner

Wind down your day at a local diner with late-night bites.
Dine before heading to your hotel.
USD40, 1 hour
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Day 8: Last Day in NYC

New York City, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Bagel & Coffee Shop

A quick breakfast to fuel your last day’s adventures in the city.
Walk to the subway or bus.
USD40, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the One World Observatory

Take in stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and enjoy the informative exhibits.
Subway to the One World Trade Center.
USD110, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Eataly NYC Downtown

Experience the bustling Italian marketplace and choose from a variety of lunch options.
Walk from One World Observatory.
USD80, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Walk through Battery Park

Relax and enjoy a leisurely walk in Battery Park, reflecting on your New York journey.
Short walk from Eataly.
FREE, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit the Brooklyn Bridge

Take a scenic walk across the Brooklyn Bridge; an iconic experience before departure.
Take a subway to Brooklyn's entrance.
FREE, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Grimaldi's Pizza

Cap off your family's fantastic trip with an authentic New York pizza at this establishment near the bridge.
Short walk from the bridge entrance.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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