New York Travel With Kids

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New York Travel With Kids

by Lils H. Lee, Demand Media
New York is an excellent vacation destination for families with children of all ages. The reliable mass transportation system and pedestrian-friendly streets makes traveling within New York and all of its boroughs easy. Additionally, visiting families can enjoy towns outside the city such as the Hamptons on Long Island and the Catskills in upstate New York that New Yorkers go to when they need a quick getaway.

When to Go

New York City is one of the few cities families can enjoy all year round. Summer and winter are two popular seasons when families appreciate the many free activities such as outdoor movie screenings at Hudson River Park and the Christmas decorations along Fifth Avenue. However, the warm weather in the spring and the fall foliage in the autumn are equally favorable. Visiting during the school holiday is convenient but requires much more planning, particularly during Thanksgiving and New Years.

Transportation

Manhattan streets run east to west, and avenues run north to south with Fifth Avenue dividing the East side from the West. Walking is an excellent way of exploring the city; however, families with young children must take precautions with the busy streets. Riding the subways and buses is a memorable experience. Single fares, "Fun Day" (1 day), weekly and monthly Metrocard passes are purchased from vending machines at the subway stations. Yellow cabs are an alternative transportation for short or late-night trips. Cab drivers are required to turn on the meter when the destination has been given and a 10% tip is typically given. Renting a car is required when exploring the outer boroughs (Long Island and Staten Island) and upstate. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles requires car seats for all children weighing less than 40 pounds and booster seats for children younger than age 8 years or less than 4 feet, 9 inches tall.

Accommodations

Hotels in New York are notoriously tiny; however, hotel suites with adjoining rooms are available in some hotels. Greenwich and the West Village, located downtown, are family-friendly neighborhoods. Most museums are located uptown, and staying near Central Park is an excellent option. Alternatively, hotels in Times Square are convenient and typically larger. Renting an apartment from listing services such as Airbnb.com is another option. Families with young children, in particular, can take advantage of the larger living space, kitchen and less expensive rates.

Sightseeing

The New York Pass is a sightseeing pass that permits free entry to more than 55 attractions without having to wait in line and a guidebook containing maps and information on many sites, restaurants and shops. Passes can be purchased online, shipped and delivered before the trip or picked up at the Planet Hollywood in Times Square.

Food

Pizza, bagels and hotdogs are famous New York foods all kids enjoy. Additionally, there are many kid-friendly restaurants such as the outer space themed Mars 2112 in Time Square and Peanut Butter & Co in Greenwich Village, which serves more than 20 different types of peanut butter sandwiches. Black and white cookies (large cookies covered in chocolate and vanilla icing) and egg creams (drinks with milk, seltzer water and chocolate syrup) are quintessential New York desserts kids will love.