When we booked our family trip to New York, I thought I had done my research.
I'd watched the YouTube videos, read the blogs, pinned countless Pinterest posts and planned every day of our itinerary.
I thought I knew exactly what to expect.
I was wrong.
Don't get me wrong, New York with kids was one of the best family trips we've ever taken. My eldest son had dreamed of visiting New York for years and seeing his face when we finally arrived in Times Square made every penny worthwhile.
But there were so many things nobody warned me about before we visited.
If you're planning a family trip to New York, here are the things I wish someone had told me before we went.
1. You Will Walk Far More Than You Think
I knew New York would involve a lot of walking.
What I didn't realise was just how much walking.
Even though we used the subway regularly, we still averaged around 25,000 steps every single day.
Twenty-five thousand.
And that was in February.
Some days felt like we had walked halfway across Manhattan before lunchtime.
The surprising thing was that my boys handled it far better than I did.
Children often get distracted by everything around them, like the yellow taxis, street performers, huge buildings, food carts and flashing lights.
As long as we stopped occasionally for snacks and hot chocolate, they happily kept going.
Comfortable shoes are absolutely essential in New York.
If you're wondering whether to prioritise style or comfort for your New York outfits, choose comfort every single time.
If you're like us and visiting the city during winter, make sure to pack a warm hat and scarf because the wind chill is intense!2. The City Feels Much Bigger Than It Looks on a Map
Before visiting, I would look at attractions on Google Maps and think:
"Oh, that's not far away."
Then we'd start walking.
What looks like a short distance on a map can feel very different when you're navigating busy city streets with children.
The Empire State Building might look close to Times Square.
Central Park might look close to the American Museum of Natural History.
But everything takes longer than you expect.
Build extra time into your plans and don't try to cram too much into one day.
Trust me on this one.
3. Central Park Is Even More Magical Than You Imagine
Everyone talks about Times Square.
Everyone talks about the Statue of Liberty.
But Central Park completely stole my heart.
We visited during a snowfall and it honestly felt like stepping inside a Christmas movie.
The boys spent ages throwing snowballs, exploring paths and simply enjoying the open space.
After the noise and crowds of Manhattan, Central Park feels like a breath of fresh air.
If you're visiting New York with kids, don't rush through it.
Allow yourself a few hours to simply wander.
Some of our favourite memories happened when we weren't rushing anywhere at all.
4. Times Square Is Exciting... But Also Overwhelming
The first time we stepped into Times Square, the boys were speechless.
The giant screens.
The lights.
The noise.
The crowds.
It was everything we'd imagined.
And also slightly overwhelming.
If you're travelling with sensory-sensitive children, be prepared.
The constant noise, flashing advertisements and crowds can be a lot.
We found that visiting early in the morning was much more enjoyable than during the evening rush.
You still get the excitement without quite so many people.
5. Food Costs Add Up Faster Than Attraction Tickets
Before our trip, I spent most of my time budgeting for attractions.
What surprised me was how quickly food costs added up.
Breakfast.
Lunch.
Snacks.
Hot drinks.
Pizza stops.
Treats.
New York is full of tempting places to eat and the costs can mount up quickly.
One thing I'd do differently next time would be booking accommodation with a mini fridge and picking up some snacks and drinks from a local grocery store.
Small savings soon add up.
6. The Subway Is Much Easier Than It Looks
I was slightly intimidated by the New York subway before our trip.
I imagined getting hopelessly lost underground.
Thankfully, it turned out to be one of the easiest public transport systems we've ever used.
Once you've used it a couple of times, it becomes second nature.
The boys actually loved using it.
It became part of the adventure.
Not only does it save time, but it can also save your legs after a long day of sightseeing.
7. New York Is Surprisingly Family Friendly
One of my biggest concerns before visiting was whether New York would be suitable for children.
It absolutely is.
Everywhere we went, families were exploring alongside us.
Museums were packed with children.
Parks were full of families.
Attractions catered brilliantly for younger visitors.
People were generally friendly and helpful whenever we needed directions or assistance.
New York may be one of the world's busiest cities, but it genuinely welcomes families.
8. The Attractions Everyone Talks About Aren't Always the Best Ones
Some of our favourite experiences weren't the attractions we had spent months planning.
The boys still talk about:
Sometimes it's the unexpected moments that become the most memorable.
9. You Don't Need to Spend a Fortune to Have an Amazing Time
Yes, New York can be expensive.
Very expensive.
But some of our favourite experiences cost absolutely nothing.
Walking across Brooklyn Bridge.
Exploring Central Park.
Visiting Grand Central Station.
Seeing Times Square.
Looking at St Patrick's Cathedral.
Watching the city come alive after dark.
You don't need an attraction ticket every hour to create incredible family memories.
10. Your Kids Will Remember It Forever
When I booked our trip, I worried about whether it was worth the cost.
Would the boys appreciate it?
Would they remember it?
Would it live up to their expectations?
The answer was yes.
Years later, they still talk about New York.
They remember the snow.
They remember the skyscrapers.
They remember standing in Times Square.
They remember the ferry to the Statue of Liberty.
Most of all, they remember experiencing it together.
And that's the thing nobody really tells you about visiting New York with kids.
The city itself is amazing.
But the memories you make there are even better.
Final Thoughts
Would I visit New York with kids again?
In a heartbeat.
Would I do a few things differently?
Absolutely.
I'd slow down.
Spend longer in Central Park.
Budget more for food.
Pack better walking shoes.
But despite the crowds, the queues and the aching feet, New York remains one of the most exciting family destinations we've ever visited.
And if your children dream of seeing New York one day, I genuinely think it's a trip they'll never forget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting New York With Kids
Is New York good for kids?
Yes, New York is a brilliant city to visit with kids, especially if they enjoy sightseeing, museums, parks, famous landmarks and movie locations. It can be busy and tiring, but it is also incredibly exciting for children.
How many days do you need in New York with kids?
I would recommend at least four to five days in New York with kids. This gives you enough time to see the main sights without trying to squeeze too much into each day.
Is New York too much walking for children?
There is a lot of walking involved in a New York family trip. Comfortable shoes, regular snack breaks and using the subway can make a huge difference.
What age is best for visiting New York with kids?
New York can work for all ages, but I found it especially enjoyable with school-age children who could walk longer distances and understand the landmarks we were visiting.
What should you not miss in New York with kids?
Central Park, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, the American Museum of Natural History, Brooklyn Bridge, Top of the Rock and Grand Central Station are all brilliant places to include in a family itinerary.
For more inspiration for your vacation to New York check out my posts on Where to Stay in New York with Kids: Family-Friendly Hotels and Neighbourhoods and New York at Christmas With Kids: Is It Really Worth It?
