When planning the trip of a lifetime with your family, it doesn’t get much more special than New York City. It’s a destination that immediately draws gasps of excitement, and chances are you and your children are already counting down until you can set foot in the Big Apple. With so much to see and do in New York, from famous landmarks, skyscrapers, museums, galleries, parks, and famous eateries, you’re sure to be able to fill up your itinerary in an instant with some pretty big attractions!
But did you know that while New York is a hive of excitement and cultural juggernauts, there are also plenty of other lesser-known attractions and treasures that are perfect for families? In this post, we’ll highlight some of the city’s best hidden gems and why you should definitely include them in your New York City family experience.
Accommodation Tips for Families Visiting New York
When you’re planning a family trip, keeping costs down so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest makes perfect sense. One way to do this is by comparing hotel rooms in different parts of the city to find the best balance between space, budget, and location. As a family, you’re more likely to need more space in your accommodation than a couple or solo traveller; however, with space in NYC at a premium, you might want to consider these tips to help you snag the right room for your trip.
Family-Friendly Hotels: If you want to stay in a hotel, then look for those with larger-than-average suites or adjoining rooms. You may also want to consider choosing a room with a kitchenette so you can prepare snacks and meals if you have younger children, or if you’re not planning on eating out every night to save money.
Neighbourhood Options: As you’re visiting as a family, you might prefer a quieter atmosphere and, of course, better value. Consider looking at options away from Manhattan, and focus on Brooklyn or Queens.
Think Transport: Wherever you choose to stay, ensure you’re in close proximity to subway lines, and double-check that these stations have lifts (this will come in handy if you have younger children who’ll tire easily or strollers to contend with). Being close to the subway will make exploring hidden gems much easier.
Hidden Gems: Outdoor Spaces You Won’t Want to Miss
When travelling with children, having access to outside space where they can let off steam and run, climb, and have fun is essential, particularly if they’ve been confined to strollers or been moving through large crowds. Of course, there’s always Central Park, which has an abundance of play areas and parks for children of all ages to enjoy, but there are also plenty of hidden outdoor gems for families to enjoy across the city. Here are our favourites:
Prospect Park: Situated in Brooklyn and designed by the same creators as Central Park, Prospect Park is a beautiful place in the city that is less crowded and much more relaxed than its more famous counterpart. Here you’ll find open fields to play in, playgrounds, and even a zoo.
Fort Tryon Park & The Cloisters: If you’re looking for scenic views and a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours, then head to Fort Tryon Park. Here you can stroll through beautiful gardens, enjoy the playgrounds, enjoy a picnic, and explore the Met Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art that focuses on Medieval European art and architecture.
Unique Museums for Kids and Parents
New York has a huge range of museums and galleries, and wonderful exhibitions with many aimed at families and children of all ages. NYC isn’t just about bagels and big slices of pizza; it’s a historical and cultural melting pot just waiting to be explored. While the main attractions are wonderful experiences, there are plenty of other hidden gems and unique museums that you and your family might want to explore.
New York Transit Museum (Brooklyn): Families can easily spend a few hours here. And it’s a must for any child or grown-up who loves trains, buses, and old modes of transport. Here you can climb aboard old subway cars and buses and see how they worked, gain a little insight into the history of transportation in the city, and keep the little ones busy for a while.
The Museum of the Moving Image (Queens): Ever wondered how those famous TV shows and movies are brought to life? At the Museum of the Moving Image, you and your family can explore dozens of exhibits about film, television, and video games, including the “Behind the Scenes” collection and temporary exhibitions like the popular Jim Henson exhibition. There are also film screenings and interactive media labs.
It’s All About Balance
While exploring these hidden gems is a great way to experience New York, remember that your family will still probably want to experience the classics like the Empire State, the Statue of Liberty, and others. To make sure no one is disappointed, consider mixing up one or two of the big attractions with one of the hidden gems each day to keep the kids interested and not overwhelmed.
Remember to pace yourself, too. NYC is a busy and often intense city, which means little ones can tire easily and need an opportunity to let off steam or even relax back at the hotel. Plan your days well, but always leave room for downtime – you’ll also need it too!
Final Thoughts…
With so much to see and do in NYC, knowing what to put in your itinerary is often the most difficult part of planning a trip there! Hopefully, these suggestions have given you some food for thought. Remember to be flexible – it’s the best way to experience New York and discover your very own family favourites. Which attractions are you looking forward to experiencing the most in New York City?
