Ultimate New York City Family Adventure: A 7-Day Itinerary for Adults and Teens

Day 1: Arrival & Midtown

New York City, USA on July 1, 2025

2:00pm

Arrive at JFK Airport

Arrive in NYC and take a taxi or subway to your hotel in Midtown Manhattan to settle in and rest after travel.
USD0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Times Square

Explore the vibrant, iconic heart of NYC with massive electronic billboards and street performers. Great for a first taste of the city's energy.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Junior's Restaurant & Bakery

Experience classic New York cheesecake and American diner dishes; open until 11pm for a relaxing first dinner.
USD25 per person approximately, 1h0m

7:30pm

Rockefeller Center Observation Deck (Top of the Rock)

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of New York City as the sun sets. It is open until 11pm.
USD40 per adult, USD34 per teen, 1h0m
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Day 2: Historic Downtown

New York City, USA on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Enjoy organic bread and fresh pastries. The location near your hotel opens at 7am.
USD15 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour

Take the ferry from Battery Park to visit these emblematic symbols of freedom and immigration history. Book tickets in advance.
USD24 per adult, USD12 per teen, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Fraunces Tavern

Historic tavern serving hearty American fare, located near Battery Park. Open for lunch 11:30am to 3pm.
USD20 per person, 1h0m

3:30pm

9/11 Memorial & Museum

Reflect at the poignant memorial pools and explore the museum's comprehensive exhibits on 9/11.
USD28 per adult, USD17 per teen, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Eataly Downtown

Explore Italian markets and sit down for dinner at this bustling food hall open until 10pm.
USD30 per person, 1h0m
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Day 3: Museum Day & Central Park

New York City, USA on July 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Sarabeth's Central Park South

Famous for its fresh bakery and brunch options, opening at 8am.
USD20 per person, 1h0m

10:00am

American Museum of Natural History

Explore extensive exhibits including dinosaurs, space, and natural sciences. Open from 10am to 5:45pm.
USD28 per adult, USD16 per teen suggested donation, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Shake Shack in Upper West Side

Enjoy burgers and shakes at the iconic NYC chain just a short walk from the museum.
USD15 per person, 1h0m

2:30pm

Central Park Exploration

Walk, bike, or row a boat in Central Park and visit the Central Park Zoo. The park is open from 6am to 1am.
Boat rental approx. USD20, zoo tickets USD19 per adult, USD14 per teen, 2h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at P.J. Clarke's

Classic NYC American bar and grill experience near the park, open until 11pm.
USD30 per person, 1h0m
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Day 4: Art & Shopping

New York City, USA on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bubby's in Tribeca

Known for hearty comfort food and pies, opens at 7am, perfect start for Independence Day.
USD20 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Whitney Museum of American Art

Enjoy a dynamic collection of contemporary American art; open 10:30am-6pm.
USD30 per adult, USD18 per teen, 2h0m

11:30am

Walk the High Line

Stroll this elevated park built on an old rail line with views of the Hudson and art installations; open 7am to 10pm.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Chelsea Market

Indoor food market with diverse cuisine options, open 11am to 9pm.
USD20 per person, 1h0m

2:30pm

Shopping in SoHo

Browse eclectic boutiques and popular retail stores in this fashionable neighborhood.
Varies, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Lombardi's Pizza

Experience NYC’s first pizzeria, serving coal-oven baked pizzas, open until 10pm.
USD25 per person, 1h0m
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Day 5: Brooklyn Day

New York City, USA on July 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Butler Bakery in Brooklyn

Famous for freshly baked pastries and coffee, opening at 8am.
USD15 per person, 1h0m

9:45am

Brooklyn Bridge Walk

Walk the iconic Brooklyn Bridge for stunning views of Manhattan and Brooklyn, a great photo opportunity.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park

Explore the trendy DUMBO neighborhood and relax by the waterfront park with fantastic skyline views.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Juliana's Pizza

Savor delicious coal-fired brick oven pizza, open 12pm to 10pm.
USD25 per person, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit the Brooklyn Museum

Enjoy art from ancient to contemporary, including special exhibitions; open 11am to 6pm.
USD16 per adult, USD10 per teen, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The River Café

Upscale dining under the Brooklyn Bridge with spectacular views, reservations recommended, open until 10pm.
USD60 per person, 1h30m
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Day 6: Exciting Broadway & Midtown

New York City, USA on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Classic New York bagels with a variety of spreads, opens at 7am.
USD12 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Explore modern and contemporary art masterpieces; open 10:30am to 5:30pm.
USD25 per adult, USD14 per teen, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Modern Restaurant

Fine dining inside MoMA serving contemporary American cuisine, open for lunch 11:30am to 2:30pm.
USD45 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Bryant Park & New York Public Library

Relax in Bryant Park and visit the iconic library next door, a blend of nature and architecture.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Rest & prepare for evening

Return to hotel and relax before the Broadway show.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner near Theater District at Carmine's

Family-style Italian restaurant perfect for sharing meals, open until 11pm.
USD40 per person, 1h0m

8:00pm

Watch a Broadway Show

Experience world-class live theatre in the Theater District. Book tickets in advance for popular shows.
From USD75 per ticket, 2h30m
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Day 7: Last Day & Leisure

New York City, USA on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Clinton Street Baking Company

Famous for pancakes and breakfast classics, opens at 8am.
USD20 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Empire State Building

Enjoy sweeping views from the historic Art Deco skyscraper; open 8am to 2am with last elevator at 1:15am.
USD44 per adult, USD38 per teen, 1h30m

11:30am

Shopping and Walking Fifth Avenue

Stroll along Fifth Avenue for last-minute souvenir shopping and sightseeing at iconic locations.
Varies, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Eataly Flatiron

Enjoy high-quality Italian food in a vibrant atmosphere before departure.
USD25 per person, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Madison Square Park

Spend some quiet time at this urban park with art installations and playgrounds for teens.
Free, 1h0m

4:30pm

Return to Hotel & pack

Prepare for early morning departure.
Free, 2h0m
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Day 8: Departure

New York City, USA on July 8, 2025

5:00am

Check-out and Travel to Airport

Early morning taxi or shuttle to JFK or LaGuardia for your 8am flight departure.
USD50 for taxi, 1h0m
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