Planning a family trip to New York? One of the most exciting ways to explore the city with children is by visiting famous movie locations they already know and love.
New York City has appeared in hundreds of family films over the years and many of the most iconic filming locations can still be visited today. From Home Alone 2 and Ghostbusters to Night at the Museum and Spider-Man, seeing these places in real life can make a New York family vacation even more memorable.
During our own trip to New York with kids, some of the places my boys were most excited to see weren't famous landmarks at all. They were the movie locations they recognised from their favourite films.
If you're planning a New York itinerary with kids, these are the movie locations that deserve a place on your list, most of them being free places to visit in New York, which is great for those traveling to NYC with kids on a budget.
1. The Plaza Hotel
If your children have ever watched Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, then visiting The Plaza Hotel is practically a rite of passage.
This is where Kevin McCallister famously checks into one of New York's most luxurious hotels using his father's credit card.
Even if you're not staying there, it's worth walking past during your New York sightseeing adventures.
Address: 768 5th Avenue, New York, NY
Nearby attractions: Central Park, FAO Schwarz, Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center.
2. Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge
Central Park has appeared in countless films, but Bow Bridge and Bethesda Terrace are among the most recognisable locations.
Movie-loving families may recognise areas of Central Park from films such as Elf and Home Alone 2.
It's also one of the most beautiful places in New York for family photos.
3. American Museum of Natural History
For many children, this is the ultimate New York movie location.
The American Museum of Natural History inspired the famous Night at the Museum films.
Kids love wandering through the dinosaur exhibits and imagining the museum coming to life after dark.
Even without the movie connection, this is one of the very best attractions in New York with kids.
4. Ghostbusters Firehouse
This was one of the highlights of our trip.
The Ghostbusters Firehouse is instantly recognisable to fans of the films.
Although it's still a working fire station, visitors regularly stop outside for photographs.
My boys absolutely loved seeing it in real life.
Address: 14 North Moore Street, Manhattan.
5. Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal has appeared in countless movies and TV shows.
Children may recognise it from family films, animated movies and superhero scenes.
The main concourse is breathtaking when you first walk inside.
Even if you're not catching a train, it's well worth visiting. We went here on a whim and loved it!
6. Rockefeller Center
Few places feel more like movie New York than Rockefeller Center.
At Christmas, the giant tree and ice rink become one of the most iconic sights in America.
Fans of Home Alone 2 and Elf will immediately recognise the area.
If you're visiting New York at Christmas with kids, this should be at the very top of your itinerary.
7. Times Square
Times Square has appeared in so many films that it's impossible to list them all.
The giant screens, bright lights and energetic atmosphere make children feel like they've stepped directly into a movie set.
For us, it was one of those places that felt even bigger and brighter in real life than it does on television.
8. New York Public Library
Many adults instantly recognise the New York Public Library from the opening scenes of Ghostbusters.
The iconic lions outside are a lovely photo stop, and Bryant Park is right nearby if the kids need a little break.
9. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is one of the most famous buildings in the world and has appeared in many films over the years.
Even if you don't go to the observation deck, it's still exciting for children to spot it while walking around Manhattan. We viewed the Empire State Building (and actually the whole of New York City!) from Top of the Rock and the views were amazing!
10. Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge is another New York landmark that children may recognise from movies, TV shows and cartoons.
Walking even part of the bridge gives you beautiful views of the city and makes a brilliant free family activity.
Tips for Visiting New York Movie Locations With Kids
- Group nearby locations together to avoid too much walking.
- Show your children clips or photos before the trip so they recognise places when they arrive.
- Mix movie locations with parks, food stops and rest breaks.
- Don't try to visit every location in one day.
- Use the subway when locations are far apart.
Final Thoughts
Visiting famous New York movie locations with kids is such a fun way to bring the city to life.
For children, New York can feel huge, busy and overwhelming at first. But when they start recognising places from films they love, the city suddenly feels familiar and exciting.
Some of our happiest moments in New York came from seeing the places my boys had watched on screen for years.
Whether you're planning your first family trip to NYC, creating a movie-themed itinerary or simply looking for fun things to do in New York with kids, these famous filming locations are a lovely way to make the trip even more memorable.
