New York with kids

First Time in NYC with Kids: 24 Practical Tips

New York is easier with kids than it looks, once you know a few local habits. These are the tips that make the biggest difference on a first family trip.

By Play Your Trip · Updated · 4 min read

A pixel-art page of a family's arrival day in New York

Planning

  • Thinking of a pass? Bundles like CityPASS can save money on the big paid sights, or not; it depends on your list and your kids' ages. See CityPASS vs Go City for families.
  • Pick one area per day. The city is big; transit eats time. Group sights by neighbourhood.
  • Stay near a subway station with several lines. Midtown and the Upper West Side are the easiest bases for families.
  • Book timed tickets ahead for observation decks, the Statue of Liberty and busy museum days.
  • Plan one big thing per day, then fill in with parks and food. Kids remember the small surprises.
  • Keep your plan offline on your phone. Signal drops in the subway and in some buildings.
  • Check opening days. Several museums close one or two weekdays.

Getting around

  • Tap to ride. Use a contactless card or phone at the OMNY readers on subways and buses. After 12 paid rides in 7 days on the same card, the rest of the week is free.
  • Kids 44 inches tall or under ride free, up to three with each paying adult.
  • Uptown or downtown? Many stations have separate entrances for each direction. Check the sign before you tap.
  • Express vs local. Express trains skip stops. When in doubt, take the local.
  • Walk on the right, stop on the side. Stepping out of the flow to check the map keeps everyone happy.
  • Strollers: many stations have stairs only. Buses are step-free.

Food and breaks

  • Eat early. Dinner at 5:30 means no wait at most places that take walk-ins.
  • Delis and bodegas are everywhere for snacks and water.
  • Know your restrooms. Bryant Park, museums, department stores and Grand Central are reliable.
  • Picnic in the parks. It's cheaper, faster and kids can run around.
  • A New York slice is the classic quick meal. Fold it in half.

Safety and comfort

  • Agree on a meeting point in each big place, and put your phone number in your child's pocket.
  • Buy tickets only from official sellers, especially for the Statue of Liberty ferry.
  • Good shoes: expect to walk 15,000 steps or more a day.
  • Layers: subway stations are hot in summer, and buildings are cold inside.

Coming from abroad

  • Phone data. Every underground subway station has free Wi-Fi, and so do the LinkNYC kiosks on the sidewalks, but maps on the move need data. Check your home carrier's US roaming plan, or install a travel eSIM before you leave: it works on most recent phones and is often cheaper than roaming.
  • Health insurance. Medical care in the United States is very expensive for visitors. Make sure the whole family is covered by travel medical insurance, and check what your home plan or credit card already includes.

Put it all in one place

A 3-day itinerary is a good first-trip shape. Want every stop, time and Google Maps link on your phone, offline, as a game your kids actually want to play? That's what My NY Trip makes. Play the demo.

Questions

Is the New York subway safe for kids?

Millions of New Yorkers, including families, ride it every day. Hold hands on platforms, stand back from the edge, and ride in the busier cars at night.

How much walking is a day in New York?

A typical sightseeing day is often 15,000 steps or more. Plan sit-down breaks and use the subway between neighbourhoods.

Do I need cash in New York?

Rarely. Cards and phone payments work almost everywhere, including the subway. A little cash helps for street carts and tips.