Ultimate New York City Family Adventure: 7-Day Itinerary with Two Broadway Shows 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 Midtown Manhattan hotel to settle in and refresh.
USD0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Times Square

Dive into the vibrant, iconic square with bright billboards and street performers to capture NYC’s energy.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Junior's Restaurant & Bakery

Savor classic New York cheesecake and diner fare; open until 11pm for your convenience.
USD25 per person, 1h0m

7:30pm

Rockefeller Center Observation Deck (Top of the Rock)

Enjoy spectacular panoramic city views at sunset; 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

Organic breads and pastries near your hotel, opening at 7am.
USD15 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour

Ferry from Battery Park to these historic sites reflecting American freedom and heritage.
USD24 per adult, USD12 per teen, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Fraunces Tavern

Historic tavern with hearty American dishes, open from 11:30am to 3pm.
USD20 per person, 1h0m

3:30pm

9/11 Memorial & Museum

Reflect at the memorial pools and explore the 9/11 exhibits.
USD28 per adult, USD17 per teen, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Eataly Downtown

Italian marketplace and dining hub open until 10pm offering diverse delicious food.
USD30 per person, 1h0m
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Day 3: Museum & Central Park

New York City, USA on July 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Sarabeth's Central Park South

Popular for fresh bakery and brunch fare, opens at 8am.
USD20 per person, 1h0m

10:00am

American Museum of Natural History

Explore fossils, space, and natural world exhibits; open 10am-5:45pm.
USD28 per adult, USD16 per teen suggested donation, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Shake Shack Upper West Side

Enjoy burgers and shakes at this iconic NYC favorite.
USD15 per person, 1h0m

2:30pm

Central Park Leisure

Bike ride, boating, or visit Central Park Zoo; the park is open daily 6am-1am.
Boat rental approx. USD20, zoo admission USD19 per adult, USD14 per teen, 2h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at P.J. Clarke's

Classic New York American grill experience near Central Park, open until 11pm.
USD30 per person, 1h0m
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Day 4: Cultural Harlem & Independence Day

New York City, USA on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Amy Ruth’s

Popular Harlem spot serving soul food breakfast, opens at 8am.
USD18 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Apollo Theater

Take a guided tour of this historic music hall, a Harlem landmark with rich cultural significance. Tours are available on weekdays and Saturdays, check schedule.
USD15 per adult, USD10 per teen, 1h0m

11:00am

Walk along Harlem’s historic streets

Explore vibrant street art and historic sites including the Studio Museum. Many shops and cafes open by 11am.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sylvia’s Restaurant

Famous for authentic Southern soul food, open till 4pm.
USD25 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit The National Jazz Museum in Harlem

Discover the history of jazz with interactive exhibits; typically open 12pm-5pm.
USD10 per adult, USD5 per teen, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Midtown & Rest

Prepare for evening activities and relax at your hotel.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Carmine’s Midtown

Family-style Italian cuisine near Theater District, open till 11pm.
USD40 per person, 1h0m

8:00pm

Broadway Show 1: The Lion King

Experience the beloved musical with incredible visuals and music; usual show time 8pm to 10:30pm.
From USD75 per ticket, 2h30m

11:00pm

Independence Day Fireworks Viewing

Head near the East River for spectacular Macy’s July 4 fireworks; crowds gather after the show ends.
Free, 1h0m
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Day 5: Brooklyn Exploration

New York City, USA on July 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Butler Bakery

Start with freshly baked pastries and coffee, opening at 8am in Brooklyn.
USD15 per person, 1h0m

9:45am

Walk Brooklyn Bridge

Iconic scenic walk with views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn waterfront.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park

Trendy neighborhood with waterfront parks and cute shops; perfect for photos and relaxation.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Juliana’s Pizza

Renowned for classic coal-fired pizzas, open 12pm to 10pm.
USD25 per person, 1h0m

2:30pm

Brooklyn Museum Visit

Art museum featuring diverse exhibitions, open 11am-6pm.
USD16 per adult, USD10 per teen, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The River Café

Elegant dining by the waterfront with amazing NYC views, reservations recommended, open till 10pm.
USD60 per person, 1h30m
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Day 6: Midtown & Broadway Night

New York City, USA on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Famous New York bagels with flavorful cream cheeses, opens at 7am.
USD12 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

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

12:00pm

Lunch at The Modern

Upscale dining inside MoMA with seasonal American cuisine; open for lunch 11:30am-2:30pm.
USD45 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax at Bryant Park & Public Library

Enjoy green space and visit the iconic New York Public Library nearby.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Rest at Hotel

Prepare for the evening’s Broadway show with some downtime.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Carmine’s Midtown

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

8:00pm

Broadway Show 2: Wicked

Enjoy the hit musical telling the untold story of the witches of Oz, show runs about 2h45m.
From USD75 per ticket, 2h45m
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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 classic breakfast dishes, opens at 8am.
USD20 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Empire State Building

Iconic Art Deco skyscraper with breathtaking city views, open 8am to 2am.
USD44 per adult, USD38 per teen, 1h30m

11:30am

Shopping on Fifth Avenue

Explore flagship stores and pick up souvenirs on this famous shopping street.
Varies, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Eataly Flatiron

High-quality Italian food in a lively market atmosphere.
USD25 per person, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Madison Square Park

Urban park with art installations and playgrounds, perfect to unwind before departure.
Free, 1h0m

4:30pm

Return to Hotel & Pack

Prepare your bags and rest before your early flight home.
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 taxi or shuttle to JFK or LaGuardia Airport for your 8am departure flight.
USD50, 1h0m
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