Even with a small budget, we managed to have an amazing trip. I’m sharing our itinerary here, hoping it will inspire you for your next family trip to New York. My children are 6, 4, and 2 years old, so this itinerary is perfectly suited for young families. I’ve included our daily budget at the end of each day, not counting souvenirs. Let’s dive into three days of adventure in the Big Apple!
We started our adventure by taking the ferry from Port Imperial to Midtown (39th), followed by a subway ride to Times Square. We took our time exploring this iconic area, letting the kids soak up the vibrant energy and dazzling lights of the city.
For a snack, we headed to Junior’s Cheesecake (1626 Broadway, at W 49th St), known for having the best cheesecake in New York. I recommend the cherry cheesecake—it’s absolutely decadent! Since the kids weren’t fans of cheesecake, we treated them to gelato just across the street at Anita la Mama del Gelato (207 W 45th St).
Next, we headed to Central Park, where we enjoyed a classic picnic of hot dogs and a giant pretzel, followed by playtime at Heckscher Playground (E 65th St), a huge family-friendly park with water features. A tip: if you visit in the summer or fall, bring extra clothes as the kids may get wet!
We ended the day by returning to Times Square to experience it at night, a completely different and magical atmosphere. A stop at the Disney Store was the perfect way to wrap up this busy day. For accommodation, we slept in our van, but if you’re looking for a more affordable option than Manhattan, New Jersey has plenty of options that are accessible by bus, train, or ferry.
On day two, we explored the famous Museum of Natural History located in Central Park. My kids love dinosaurs, so this was a must-see for them. The museum is huge, so I recommend planning your visit based on your kids’ interests. We visited the dinosaur exhibits, human evolution, precious gems, and insects. This museum offers something fascinating for all ages!
After this educational visit, we ended the day with a delicious meal at Made in New York Pizza (271 Amsterdam Ave). A typical New York pizza, perfect to conclude the day. On our way back, the kids had some fun at Tecumseh Playground (Amsterdam Ave & W 78th St), where they could unwind and play.
We began the final day with a visit to the Lego Store (636 5th Ave). The kids absolutely loved it! They got to build their own Lego creations, personalize their own Legos, and marvel at impressive Lego sculptures. An hour and a half of pure fun!
Next, we headed to Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center. We chose this option over the Empire State Building because it’s more affordable, and the view of Central Park and the Empire State Building is stunning. As a bonus, the kids received Junior VIP Passes, giving them discounts and small gifts from nearby shops.
We ended the day with a delicious ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s (15% off with the VIP Pass). I highly recommend the "Salted Caramel Blondie"—it’s amazing! Before heading back, we made a quick stop at the Nintendo Store to pick up a souvenir.
Photographer, traveler, entrepreneur, content creator and mother, Lisa-Marie never miss an opportunity to go on an Adventure with her 3 kids and then share her discoveries with faventure community
@la_famille_faventure / 