The Essential NYC 5 Day Itinerary For Your Family

There is no city in the world quite like New York City. That’s what makes it such a fascinating choice for a family vacation. There is an amazing mix of history, modern, culture, shopping, and architecture that is hard to beat. But in a city brimming with options and famous landmarks, careful planning is needed to truly enjoy your trip. Our essential NYC 5 day itinerary has got you covered for your trip to the city that never sleeps!

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DAY ONE

Bryant Park

This lovely green area next to the Library is a wonderful spot to experience a quiet part of NYC. Plan your visit to coincide with one of their numerous events, like outdoor movies, ice skating, and various performances.

For schedules and dates, consult their website. This will add extra enjoyment to your visit to Bryant Park.

New York Public Library

New York Public Library

This library is an architectural marvel and is a wonder to explore. You can browse the countless aisles of books and find something interesting to read. Find a quiet, interesting corner of the library and enjoy.

If you’re going to be in NYC for a while, as a tourist you can borrow books, you can apply online for a temporary card that will provide you 3 months of access to their collection.

Grand Central Station

Once you finish browsing the vast store of books, you can make your way down 42nd Street to Grand Central Station. This landmark is a must-visit for its mix of history and architecture.

Built in a Beaux-Arts design, with its iconic celestial ceiling and Main Concourse, it’s a great place to visit. There are also options for dining and shopping.

Summit One Vanderbilt

Summit One Vanderbilt

Summit One Vanderbilt offers a unique observation deck experience in NYC, one of the newer among the city’s five main options. Unlike traditional observation decks that just offer views, Summit One Vanderbilt provides an immersive journey from the moment you check-in.

The innovative use of mirrors in the main viewing area—on floors, ceilings, and walls—creates a stunning reflection of both the cityscape and the interior. It’s ideal for photography enthusiasts and those seeking the perfect Instagram selfie.

On our visit, the partly sunny weather made the reflections even more captivating. The second level features a smaller room with an art installation and superb views, including a glass floor that lets you see down to the street.

Access to this thrilling feature may require waiting in line, but the experience is worth it. Even the restrooms have spectacular views! The adventure concludes at the top deck’s open-air viewing area, rounding off an unforgettable visit.

You can purchase your tickets to Summit One Vanderbilt here.

Times Square

Times Square

No visit to NYC is complete without a visit to Times Square. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve been, you have to at least stop and get a quick peek at night.

If it’s not too crowded there are bleachers on the north end of the square where you can sit down and take it all in. You can people-watch, shop, dine or just walk around and enjoy the lights. Of course, the best time to visit is at night to get the full effect.

DAY TWO

American Museum of Natural History

American Museum of Natural History

The standout feature of this museum is its impressive dinosaur exhibit, which alone is worth the trip. Observing the numerous fully assembled dinosaur skeletons was fascinating, and it was remarkable to see their massive size up close.

There’s a wealth of information available, enough to potentially spend an entire day exploring just this exhibit. Additionally, the insect exhibit was captivating, with high-resolution magnified photos that highlighted the vivid colors and detailed patterns of various insects.

Girl observing photo of insect at American Museum of Natural History

Also, make sure to experience the Big Bang Exhibit, a 3D audio-visual presentation.

You can purchase your tickets to the American Museum of Natural History here.

Empire Fulton Ferry/Jane’s Carousel/John Street Park/Brooklyn Bridge Park

There are several parks and green spaces along the East River in Brooklyn just under and around the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. They provide tremendous lookout points as well as places to relax and enjoy the area.

Jane's Carousel in Brooklyn

There’s a boardwalk and pathways that allow you to walk along the river, a playground as well as benches to sit and relax and places to eat.

Among the favorite attractions that children will enjoy is Jane’s Carousel.

Time Out Market

Timeout Market in Brooklyn, New York, is a must-visit destination for food lovers and culture enthusiasts. Located in the vibrant Dumbo neighborhood near the East River, it offers a curated selection of the city’s best culinary delights under one roof.

From gourmet dishes to artisanal desserts, there’s something for everyone. Plus, the rooftop terrace provides stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the vibe of Brooklyn.

Washington St./Manhattan Bridge View

After enjoying the Museum you can take the C train to Brooklyn and get off on the High Street stop. Once you’re in Brooklyn, perhaps no photo is more iconic than the photo of the Manhattan Bridge from near the intersection of Washington Street and Water Street.

The view down Washington Street with the majestic blue Manhattan Bridge looming in the background is ready-made for the best Instagram selfies. Parts of the street are shut off for pedestrians along with small platforms that you can stand and pose on which will help you frame the perfect shot.

Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn Bridge

Once you’ve enjoyed the view of the Manhattan Bridge and taken all the selfies that you need, you can head south on Washington Street. Just as soon as you pass Prospect Street, on your right will be stairs that will lead you up onto the Brooklyn Bridge.

Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge is one of our favorite things to do in NYC. You get a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. You can take your time and stroll across the length of the bridge and enjoy the views.

DAY THREE

The Met

The Met Museum in NYC

The Met stands as one of the world’s leading museums, offering an array of captivating exhibits. To make the most of your visit to this vast museum, it’s wise to plan ahead, as time flies once you’re inside. A planned route through the museum can also help save both time and energy.

A highlight not to be missed is the mesmerizing Egyptian exhibit, including an Egyptian temple. Additionally, the museum’s roof provides a stunning view of Central Park and the cityscape.

For convenience, consider purchasing tickets online to avoid lines, and perhaps opt for a guided tour to enhance your experience.

Central Park

Central Park in NYC

Encompassing 843 acres, Central Park offers a plethora of family-friendly activities that cater to all ages. From playgrounds tailored for energetic young ones to scenic walking paths ideal for leisurely strolls, the park is a dynamic space.

It also houses a charming zoo, seasonal skating rinks, and an array of historical monuments that offer educational opportunities. After a cultural visit to the nearby Met, the park is a perfect place for a relaxing picnic lunch. For added adventure, rent rowboats at the Boathouse for a picturesque paddle on the lake.

Other activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, which provide a nostalgic way to view the park’s beauty, and the famed Central Park Carousel, sure to delight both children and adults alike.

5th Avenue

Fifth Avenue Street sign in NYC

Heading south out of Central Park, you can walk or take the bus down to 59th Street and 5th Avenue to start your shopping adventure. This stretch of Manhattan has nearly every type of retail experience that you can imagine from the highest of the high-end Louis Vuitton to the uber cool and sleek Apple Store, the fun Lego Store to the every day retailers such as H&M.

Even if you don’t plan to spend much money it’s cool to say that you went shopping on 5th Ave.

Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Plaza

Situated on 5th Avenue, this iconic landmark transforms seasonally, featuring a skating rink in winter and serving as the backdrop for the Today Show during other months—arrive early to join the live audience!

A major attraction of Rockefeller Center is the Top of the Rock observation deck. This vantage point offers access to the top of Rockefeller Center, where you can enjoy panoramic views of NYC’s sprawling skyline. It’s a prime spot for photography and soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

DAY FOUR

Chinatown

Chinatown is a vibrant epicenter of New York City’s diverse cultural tapestry. Stroll through its lively streets to immerse yourself in one of the city’s most energetic neighborhoods.

For food enthusiasts, Chinatown is a culinary paradise, teeming with an array of incredible dining options. We enjoyed a fantastic meal at Non La, a Vietnamese restaurant known for its delicious food.

We got to enjoy our meal in a partially enclosed sidewalk booth which was a nice way to enjoy some delicious food. Beyond the culinary delights, Chinatown also offers a variety of festivals and cultural events year-round, showcasing traditional dances, music, and art, making it a must-visit for a rich, artistic experience.

World Trade Center and Oculus

The Oculus in NYC

A visit to the World Trade Center is a profound experience. The site features the stunning 9/11 Memorial and Museum which pays homage to those that lost their lives on that tragic day.

Even though it is a sobering location, it’s worth a visit. The adjacent Oculus is an architectural marvel as it also serves as a transportation hub and shopping center.

The design of the space brings in a lot of natural light which symbolizes hope. The two sites together make for an intriguing combination of history, commerce, and architectural innovation.

High Line

The High Line

The High Line is an innovative space constructed from an abandoned rail line. This park is a unique spark of green in a crowded busy city.

As you walk along the path, you’re surrounded by plants and flowers with benches located along the side for spots to relax and enjoy your surroundings.

There are various points where you can enter and exit so you don’t have to walk the entire trail if you don’t want to. The High Line stretches up the west side of Manhattan from Hudson Yards to Chelsea.

DAY FIVE

Statue of Liberty

A visit to the Statue of Liberty is only a short 15-minute ferry ride from Manhattan. Along with the visit you get to explore the island that holds the famous landmark and you’ll be treated to an unbeatable view of Manhattan. You can purchase a ticket to climb the steps to the crown of the statue and there is also a museum on the island.

Statue of Liberty

While the ride is short to get to the island the return can involve a lengthy wait depending on the time you’re trying to leave. Standing in line can also mean standing in the sun with no cover for a prolonged period of time, so plan accordingly.

Hudson Yards/The Vessel

The Vessel

Hudson Yards, a modern development on Manhattan’s west side, features a mix of luxury boutiques and more familiar retail stores. At its heart is the Vessel, a striking architectural landmark known for its unique design.

While visitors could once climb the structure, it is currently closed, with plans to reopen in late 2024. For breathtaking city views, head to the Edge, an open-air observation deck that soars 1,100 feet above the ground.

Broadway Show

Experiencing a Broadway show is a highlight of visiting New York City, especially if you appreciate theater and live performances. Broadway theaters offer a level of talent that can captivate even those who aren’t usually theatergoers.

Watching a theater production live was an incredible experience for us as it showcased the remarkable abilities of the performers in a vibrant and historic setting. Whether you’re a theater enthusiast or not, a Broadway show is sure to leave a lasting impression.

WHERE TO STAY IN NYC

Manhattan skyline

New York City offers plenty of great places to stay, but for the ultimate tourist experience, Midtown Manhattan is hard to beat. We recommend Midtown East for its proximity to many of our favorite spots and the convenience of being within walking distance of many attractions.

While it can be a bit challenging, you can find reasonably priced accommodations here, especially if you book early.

For more budget-friendly options, consider staying in Midtown West, just across the island. On our last trip to NYC, we found an incredible hotel deal for TRYP Hotel in this area, just steps from Penn Station and a short walk from Times Square.

Check out our review of our stay here.

HOW TO GET AROUND NYC

34th Street-Penn Station subway

The only way to get around NYC is a combination of the subway and walking. Whenever we visit we park our car in a long-term parking lot and leave it there until we leave. There’s no use trying to fight the notorious New York traffic, search for parking spaces, and then pay for parking. 

Using the subway will take you just about everywhere you want to go in the city. We also used buses when that was quicker and/or easier.

While New York City has quite an extensive subway system it can be a bit difficult to manage especially compared to other major systems such as the Underground in London or the Metro in Paris.

But with the use of Google Maps and asking for help we managed just fine. You also use the MTA website for more information. Don’t be afraid of going the wrong way and getting a bit lost a time or two, it’s all a part of the New York experience!

ENJOY YOUR NEW YORK CITY TRIP

Following this itinerary will help you experience a bit of everything that New York City has to offer including amazing things for families to enjoy. With careful planning, you can make the most of your time in the City and have an awesome trip. Safe travels!

Author

  • Jeremiah Pittmon

    Jeremiah Pittmon is a published travel writer and photographer from Cleveland, Ohio. Passionate about exploring the world with his family, he finds inspiration in all types of travel. Through his blog, smilesonarrival.com, and social media channels, he shares captivating experiences and valuable tips for families who love to travel.

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