Family-Friendly 10-Day East Coast Adventure: Maine to New York City and Boston

Day 1: Travel & Settle In

Maine to New York City, USA on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Drive or Take Train from Maine to New York City

Depart early from Maine heading to New York City via car (~5-6 hours) or Amtrak train, arriving by early afternoon to maximize your first day.
Approx. USD100-150 per person (train) or gas/tolls if driving, 6h0m

2:00pm

Hotel Check-In

Check into a family-friendly hotel in Midtown Manhattan for convenience and budget, such as The Pod Hotel NYC which offers affordable rooms with good amenities.
Approx. USD150-200 per night, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Times Square

Walk around the iconic Times Square to enjoy the vibrant lights and street performances, a fun experience for all ages.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Ellen’s Stardust Diner

Enjoy classic American diner food with singing waitstaff – entertaining for both adults and children.
Approx. USD20 per person, 1h0m
View Hotels

Day 2: Iconic NYC

New York City, USA on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Best Bagel & Coffee

Start your day with fresh, authentic New York bagels and coffee at this family favorite spot.
Approx. USD10 per person, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Central Park Zoo

Explore the compact and child-friendly Central Park Zoo, a great way for the little one to see animals up close.
USD19 per adult, USD14 per child, 2h0m

11:30am

Stroll in Central Park

Spend time at the nearby Central Park playground and scenic spots such as Bethesda Terrace.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Loeb Boathouse Central Park

Enjoy a family lunch overlooking the lake with kid-friendly menu options in a serene setting.
Approx. USD30 per person, 1h0m

2:30pm

American Museum of Natural History

Visit one of the world’s best natural history museums, packed with dinosaur fossils, the planetarium, and interactive exhibits perfect for kids.
Suggested donation USD23 per adult, free for children under 2, discounts for age under 18, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Shake Shack

Casual dinner with excellent burgers and shakes loved by kids and adults alike.
Approx. USD15 per person, 1h0m
View Hotels

Day 3: Statue & Skyline

New York City, USA on July 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Another iconic NYC bagel spot ensuring a filling breakfast before the day’s adventures.
Approx. USD12 per person, 1h0m

8:30am

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour

Take the ferry from Battery Park to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with a child-friendly audio guide to engage the whole family.
USD24 per adult, USD12 per child, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pier A Harbor House

Enjoy harbor views and seafood with family-friendly options near Battery Park.
Approx. USD25 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit One World Observatory

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of NYC from the top of One World Trade Center, inspiring for all ages.
USD43 per adult, USD37 per child, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Stroll across this iconic bridge into Brooklyn, perfect for family photos and views of Manhattan’s skyline.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Juliana’s Pizza (Brooklyn)

Famous for thin crust, delicious pizza suitable for kids and adults alike.
Approx. USD20 per person, 1h0m
View Hotels

Day 4: Museums & Parks

New York City, USA on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Lalo

Cozy café known for pastries and breakfast options, great for family dining.
Approx. USD15 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Children’s Museum of Manhattan

Interactive exhibits and play areas designed to entertain and educate children.
USD15 per person, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Jacob’s Pickles

Southern comfort food with kid-friendly meals and casual ambiance.
Approx. USD20 per person, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore The High Line

Walk this elevated park built on a historic freight rail line, enjoying greenery, art installations, and city views.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Chelsea Market Shopping & Snacks

Browse diverse food vendors and shops, perfect for a mid-afternoon treat.
Approx. USD10 per person, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Smith

Modern American cuisine with a family-friendly vibe and good menu variety.
Approx. USD25 per person, 1h0m
View Hotels

Day 5: Independence Day

New York City, USA on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sarabeth’s Central Park South

Hearty breakfast to start the holiday with delicious options in a classic NYC setting.
Approx. USD20 per person, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Explore historic aircraft carrier and space shuttle exhibits suitable for all ages.
USD33 per adult, USD24 per child, 3h0m

1:30pm

Picnic Lunch in Riverside Park

Grab sandwiches from local deli and enjoy relaxing picnic time by the Hudson River.
Approx. USD15 per person, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax and Prepare for Fireworks

Rest at hotel or nearby park to get ready for the evening festivities.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Carmine’s Italian Restaurant

Family-style Italian dinners perfect for sharing and festive occasions.
Approx. USD30 per person, 1h30m

9:00pm

Watch Macy’s July 4th Fireworks

Enjoy one of the country’s biggest fireworks shows viewed from a recommended spot like Brooklyn Bridge Park or along the East River.
Free, 1h0m
View Hotels

Day 6: Art & Culture

New York City, USA on July 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bubby’s Chelsea

Known for farm-to-table comfort food and kid-friendly environment.
Approx. USD20 per person, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Explore diverse art collections with family guides and kids’ programs to keep younger visitors engaged.
Suggested donation USD30 adult, children free, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Shake Shack (Upper East Side)

Quick, kid-friendly lunch with classic burgers and shakes.
Approx. USD15 per person, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Central Park

Take advantage of nearby green spaces to relax and enjoy playgrounds.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pizza Beach

Known for its tasty pizza with ocean-inspired decor, great for families.
Approx. USD20 per person, 1h0m
View Hotels

Day 7: Last NYC Day

New York City, USA on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Doughnut Plant

Enjoy gourmet doughnuts and coffee for a sweet start.
Approx. USD10 per person, 1h0m

9:00am

Explore New York Transit Museum

Learn about NYC’s subway history in an interactive museum fun for kids and adults.
USD12 per adult, USD8 per child, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Eataly NYC Downtown

Italian marketplace featuring multiple eateries perfect for family dining.
Approx. USD25 per person, 1h0m

1:00pm

Walk Through Wall Street and Battery Park

Explore the financial district, see the Charging Bull sculpture, and enjoy Battery Park’s waterfront views.
Free, 2h0m

3:30pm

Shopping and Souvenirs in SoHo

Visit family-friendly shops and boutiques for souvenirs and gifts.
Varies, 1h30m

5:30pm

Dinner at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer

Famous for crazy milkshakes and burgers, a fun spot to wrap up your stay.
Approx. USD20 per person, 1h0m
View Hotels

Day 8: Travel to Boston

New York City to Boston, USA on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Nearby Cafe

Convenient breakfast before travel, options available at hotel or nearby café.
Approx. USD12 per person, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Boston by Car or Train

Travel to Boston via Amtrak (about 4 hours) or drive, aiming to arrive early afternoon.
Approx. USD50-80 per person (train) or gas/tolls if driving, 4h0m

1:30pm

Hotel Check-In Boston

Check into family-friendly hotel in downtown Boston, such as The Boxer or Residence Inn by Marriott.
Approx. USD150-200 per night, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Boston Children’s Museum

Engage the child with interactive exhibitions and hands-on activities.
USD19.95 per person, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall

Choose from a wide variety of food vendors with options for all tastes and diets.
Approx. USD20 per person, 1h0m
View Hotels

Day 9: Explore Boston

Boston, USA on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Flour Bakery

Delicious pastries and breakfast favorites to start your day right.
Approx. USD15 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Freedom Trail Walking Tour

Family-friendly self-guided or guided walk along historic spots showcasing Boston's rich history.
Free or guided tour approx. USD15 per person, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Friendly Toast

Eclectic diner with a fun atmosphere and great kid-friendly menu.
Approx. USD20 per person, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Boston Public Garden & Swan Boats

Enjoy scenic swan boat rides and playgrounds, perfect for families.
USD4 per person for Swan boats, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel or Nearby Park

Rest and prep for the next day's departure.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Legal Sea Foods

Enjoy fresh New England seafood in a comfortable family setting.
Approx. USD30 per person, 1h0m
View Hotels

Day 10: Departure Prep

Boston, USA on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or Nearby Cafe

Light breakfast before morning departures or packing.
Approx. USD12 per person, 1h0m

9:00am

Optional Visit to New England Aquarium

Explore marine life one last time before heading home if time permits.
USD36 per adult, USD27 per child, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Quincy Market Food Court

Grab quick bites before preparing to depart Boston.
Approx. USD15 per person, 1h0m
View Hotels