4-Day Low-Budget Family Adventure in New York City

Day 1: Central Park & Times Square

New York, USA on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Amy's Bread

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and affordable coffee at Amy’s Bread, a family-friendly bakery near Central Park that opens at 7:00am. It's perfect for a quick and budget-friendly breakfast.
USD8, 0h30m

9:00am

Central Park Exploration

Walk or rent bikes to explore Central Park’s playgrounds, the zoo, and scenic spots like Bethesda Terrace. The park is free and offers lots of open space for children and adults to enjoy nature.
USD0, 3h00m

12:30pm

Lunch at Shake Shack (Madison Square Park)

Savour delicious, budget-friendly burgers and shakes at Shake Shack, located near the park. Ideal for families looking for tasty meals without breaking the bank.
USD15, 1h00m

2:00pm

Visit the American Museum of Natural History

Explore dinosaur fossils, space exhibits, and the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. The ‘pay what you wish’ admission allows low-budget families to enjoy this iconic museum.
USD0 to donation, 3h00m

6:00pm

Explore Times Square

Take an evening stroll to experience the vibrant lights and street performers of Times Square, a must-see for families. This visit is free and lively at sunset.
USD0, 1h00m

7:30pm

Dinner at John’s Pizzeria

Enjoy classic New York-style pizza at John’s of Times Square. It is a family-friendly spot offering economical and filling meals open until 11pm.
USD20, 1h30m
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Day 2: Museum Mile & Downtown

New York, USA on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Maison Kayser

Start your day with affordable French-style pastries and coffee at Maison Kayser on the Upper East Side, open from 7am.
USD10, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Explore the Met’s vast collections from ancient to modern art. Admission is pay-what-you-wish, perfect for families on a budget. Opens at 10am.
USD0 to donation, 3h00m

12:30pm

Lunch at Luke’s Lobster

Enjoy delicious, reasonably priced lobster rolls and seafood near the Museum Mile. Great for a light, family-friendly lunch.
USD15, 1h00m

2:00pm

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge and visit the 9/11 Memorial

Walk from Lower Manhattan over the Brooklyn Bridge for amazing skyline views. Then visit the 9/11 Memorial, which is free and a meaningful experience for adults and older kids alike.
USD0, 3h00m

6:30pm

Dinner at Los Tacos No.1

Sample authentic Mexican tacos in the financial district at affordable prices, open until 9pm.
USD15, 1h00m
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Day 3: Brooklyn Day Out

Brooklyn, USA on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bakeri

Start with Scandinavian pastries in this cosy Brooklyn bakery, open from 8am Monday-Sunday, perfect for a low-budget breakfast.
USD8, 0h45m

9:00am

Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park and Jane’s Carousel

Enjoy waterfront views, open green spaces, and a historic carousel ride (small fee) fun for kids. Park access is free, carousel cost is $2 per ride.
USD2, 3h00m

12:30pm

Lunch at Smorgasburg (weekend food market)

On Saturday and Sunday, enjoy a variety of affordable street food vendors at Smorgasburg in Brooklyn, ideal for families to try diverse foods.
USD15, 1h00m

2:00pm

Visit Prospect Park and Brooklyn Museum

Stroll through Prospect Park’s playgrounds and lakes, then optionally visit the Brooklyn Museum with a suggested donation entry. Both open from 10am to 6pm.
USD0 to donation, 3h00m

6:30pm

Dinner at Dekalb Market Hall

Affordable and tasty dinner options with family-friendly seating inside this large food hall, open until 9pm.
USD20, 1h00m
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Day 4: Queens & Manhattan Finale

Queens & Manhattan, USA on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Joe’s Coffee (Queens)

Grab quick coffee and pastries to start your day affordably near Long Island City, open from 7am.
USD8, 0h30m

9:00am

Explore MoMA PS1

Visit this contemporary art space in Queens with a sliding scale admission. It opens at 12pm, so plan morning walks nearby or in Gantry Plaza State Park (free).
USD0 to donation, 2h00m

12:30pm

Lunch at Xi’an Famous Foods

Enjoy hand-pulled noodles and authentic Chinese cuisine in Queens at excellent prices. Open daily till 9pm.
USD12, 1h00m

2:00pm

Return to Manhattan & visit the High Line

Walk the scenic elevated urban park in Manhattan enjoying gardens, art and city views. The High Line is free and open all day.
USD0, 2h00m

5:00pm

Visit Chelsea Market

Browse and sample affordable food stalls and unique shops as a final treat. Open until 8pm.
USD0, 1h00m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at The Grey Dog

Casual dining spot serving family-friendly and affordable American dishes near the High Line, open until 10pm.
USD20, 1h30m
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