New York Family Vacation – everything you need to know!

Where to sleep:

The Plaza – Sleep in a piece of history – built in 1907 it has lost none of its original luster. If you really want to indulge, book the Eloise suite – decorated by Betsy Johnson in floor to ceiling Eloise style.

Four Seasons – Kids are welcomed with complimentary coloring books, toys, movies, robes and slippers just for them, and more. Cribs, rollaways, bed rails, baby monitors, high chairs, Diaper Genies, bottle warmers, strollers, and a concierge that can arrange childcare and more make this a perfect family fit.

Lotte New York Palace -The Little Royals package is perfect for your prince or princess, complete with princess dress or knight costume to take home. Tiny bathrobes and slippers welcome tiny travelers. Another kid-friendly package for your American Girl fans includes a doll bed. Babysitting services can be arranged, too. The two room suite is very comfortable.

Waldorf Astoria – Fresh out of a multi year multi million dollar renovation this classic is steeped in history. They have fabulous adjoining rooms for a family and the staff is phenomenal. They literally invented room service, so if you go make sure you don’t miss that. They have on call SUVs that will match the prices of Ubers, but smell much better. The gym and spa are also fabulous.

Lowes Regency New York – Great location and recently complexity remodeled. The Loews Loves Kids and Teens programs are a welcome benefit to traveling families. The concierge can arrange for child proofing, babysitters and more.

TRYP Hotel– Popular with families for the bunk rooms that can accommodate up to eight people.

Where to eat:

Tea with Eloise at the Plaza – you can either enjoy the formal tea experience upstairs in Palm Court with the special Eloise menu or check their calendar for special events downstairs (the pink room in the last photo).

Ellens Star Dust Diner – what a special place. All of the employees are broadway stars in the making. You will enjoy life performances throughout your entire meal. Aladdin, Moana, Brown eyed girl.. all kids of fun songs. You tip your waiter on your diner style food, and there is a collection taken up that is used for acting, voice, and dance classes for the staff. Last year they graduated 17 staff to Broadway. How cool is that?
NO RESERVATIONS WALK IN ONLY and the line can be long. We went right after the Wednesday Matinee and only waited about 10 minutes, but when we left the line was around the block. It is quite loud if you have anyone sensitive to that.

Serafina – 11 fabulous locations throughout the city to enjoy casual Italian fare. Coloring books and kids menu.

Eately – locations in Flatiron and Downtown with everything Italian from a market, to gelato, casual dining or more formal. The downtown location overlooks the 9/11 memorial. If your kids are ready to have an intro chat into that hard topic this would be a comfortable space to do that. (In our opinion the 9/11 museum is for much older kids who have been prepped for the visit. Even as an adult I found it hard to go through and quite upsetting.)

The View Restaurant at Marriott Marquis. 360* turn every half hour – the city’s only rotating rooftop. Views are amazing! Prefix menu so make sure there is something the kids will enjoy. Fun for the first night to get orientated or the last night to see where you have been. Reservations recommended.

Alices Tea Cup Talk about a warm welcome – you will be greeted with fairy wings and pixie dust before enjoying a yummy breakfast. Locations on the upper east and upper west sides.

Serendipity and Laudree for desserts that you will remember!

Where to play:

Central Park Zoo is a wonderful way to spend half a day. Even a drizzly day can be fun as much of the zoo is covered.
Central Park – so much to see and do! A pedi cab ride is a fun overview. We love to grab breakfast then walk into the park find a place to park ourselves and play. Chasing and feeding pigeons and enjoying impromptu park performances are favorite activities. In addition to the zoo there are over 20 playgrounds, a carousel, statue of Alice and Wonderland, Victoria Gardens Amusement Park (small with easy gentle rides perfect for the younger set), rocks to climb, street performers and more.
MOMA The Museum of Modern Art sounds all grown up, but it offers a lot for children of all ages. Family events, hands on exhibits, a great store and cafe.
American Museum of Natural History – is perfect for a rainy day… or days. There is so much to see. And if you have a dinosaur fan it is a MUST. Download the app and buy your tickets ahead of time to save time at the door and now what exhibits will interest your crew. Make sure to watch Night at the Museum before you go!
Broadway – Aladdin, The Lion King, Wicked and lots more! Lion King is great for all ages, my tweens loved Wicked and Hamilton. The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular runs through the holidays and is a guarantee to get into the Holiday Spirit. Worth noting, unless otherwise noted, arriving early isn’t helpful, you will just stand in a line down the sidewalk. If your crew can swing it, go to the evening shows. Matinees eat up all your daytime opportunity!
FAO Schwartz is a whole stop on its own, they offer VIP experiences so check the site for opportunities. On busy weekends there can be a line just ot enter the store to shop. FAO houses the JellyCat Cafe and Build a Bear. Reservations for the cafe are released approximately 4 weeks in advance, with new slots typically opening on Mondays by 5 p.m. EST, one week at a time. These highly sought-after spots often book up within an hour of release, so booking immediately when they open is recommended.
Museum of Ice Cream is always a sweet time.
The Sloomoo Institute. I you have a slime lover, this is THE place to go and NOT end up with slime on your sofa. Ha.
Color Factory
LipLab offers The Lip Lab EXPERIENCE (book in advance) where you create your own color, scent and engraved case. Typical appointments are 30-50 min. Reservations suggested.
Olfactory NYC allows you to create a custom fragrance. Takes about one hour. Reservations suggested.
Arte Museum is an interactive art experience, not mind blowing but fun and indoors, easy with strollers. Some rooms have scents attached to them so if you are sensitive beware.
Genius Gems is an interactive magnetic experience.
Summit One Vanderbilt blends elements of art, technology, architecture, and thrill to take the concept of New York City “observation deck” to entirely new heights. Advance tickets online.
Camp New York is a phenom. Pop into this over the top toy store for on demand slime making, scooters races, splatter painting, crafts and more. Genius.
Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum – is a fun history lesson. They offer amazing hands on summer programming and fun events like outdoor movies.

Other points of interest: Childrens Museum of Manhattan . The Highline Park and Walking Path . Brooklyn Bridge (Pedestrian & Bike Promenade). American Girl (they have fun events so check to see if you want to make reservations for anything). Hudson Yard is good for an indoor day of discovery and shopping. Top of the rock. The Empire State Building is an iconic view to enjoy. The Stature of Liberty is an important visit, easier when the kids are a little older and on days when the weather is mild.

Depending what attractions appeal to you – consider a CityPass allowing you access to 6 attractions for one low price.

There is a bar in the Carlyle that was painted by Bemelmans who had achieved enormous success with the Madeline children’s books series. He transformed the bar with whimsical scenes of Central Park that included picnicking rabbits and ice skating elephants in his signature style. Rather than be paid for his art, Bemelmans exchanged his work for a year and a half of accommodations at The Carlyle for himself and his family. Perfect little spot for a tea if you have a Madeline fan.

Getting around:

Uber/Lyft are options.

Taxis- We found taxis more reliable, knowledgable and better priced. Uber has surge pricing during rush hour and in inclement weather – plus we had some drivers that didn’t know the best way to get here or there. Plus, what is a trip to NYC without some time in the back of a yellow cab chatting with your driver. Get to a corner in the direction you want to head and keep that hand up until your taxi pulls up to the curb.

Subway – Great option during busy times. It is part of the experience of NYC in my opinion. Easier without a stroller but doable with. Google and apple maps show you what routes to take.

Before you go:

Music to get you pumped up: Welcome to New York by Taylor Swift, New York New York by Frank Sinatra. “New York” – Ed Sheeran, New York State of Mind” – Billy Joel, Autumn In New York” – Billie Holiday

Movies:

Night at the Museum, Home Alone 2, The Muppets Take Manhattan, An American Tail, Big, Superman, Annie, Fame, BIG

Books: – check your library or shop from these links on Amazon. We love learning about places before the visit – it makes the trip that much more meaning full and memorable.

This is New York by Miroslav Sasek

Eloise at the Plaza by Kay Thompson

You Can’t Take a Balloon into the Metropolitan Museum by Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman

Dodsworth in New York by Tim Egan Dodsworth

Mission New York: A Scavenger Hunt for Kids by Catherine Aragon (Great for Teens – a REAL scavenger hunt!)

L is for Liberty by Wendy Cheyette Lewison

You Wouldn’t Want to be a Worker on the Statue of Liberty: A Monument You’d Rather Not Build by John Malam

New York for Kids: 25 Big Apple Sites to Color by Patricia J. Wynne Dover – Historically and culturally accurate coloring book filled with fun (and a little learning snuck in too!)