“The city that never sleeps” carries with it a crazy energy, channeled by a plethora of unusual and spectacular experiences to run with the family, where play and fantasy are everywhere. A vacation that shakes up, for sure!
New York, an effervescent and cosmopolitan megalopolis, is a destination of choice for families looking for urban adventures, but above all fun and educational, as the Americans know how to do so well. Our selection.
Also read: How to visit New York in 5 days: our itinerary advice
Admire the “Big Apple” from above
The Empire State Building remains the most emblematic of the five New York observatories at its height of 443 meters. Cayetano – stock.adobe.com
Perfect to start your stay: see New York from above. L’Empire State Building, an Art Deco juggernaut, remains the most emblematic of the five New York observatories at its height of 443 meters. Its outdoor platform delivers breathtaking sensations about the city even if, in this area, competition is tough, for example with The Edge, still in Manhattan.
Still in the air, the iconic cable car Roosevelt Island Tramway (rioc.ny.gov) has been propelling its pretty red cabin above the East River since 1976, at the rate of more than a hundred daily round trips. Good to know: it’s free if you opted for the 7-day Unlimited Ride MetroCard, which easily pays for itself (it costs around $34).
Also read: The ten most beautiful views of New York to gain some height
Outdoor tours, from Central Park to Hudson River Docks to zoos
To stretch your little legs, go to Central Parc, even in winter! travnikovstudio / stock.adobe.com
To stretch your legs, head to the lawns of the immense Central Park, in the heart of Manhattan. You can rent bikes, rollerblades and electric scooters to explore the tarmac paths, dotted with a few Victorian pavilions and small but interesting Central Park Zoo (centralparkzoo.com), from which the laughing animals of the cartoon escape Madagascar (2005). And if one of the lakes offers the joys of canoeing on sunny days, the large ice rink is popular with New Yorkers in winter.
A few blocks away, the old Hudson River docks (hudsonriverpark.org) have been redeveloped in recent years into recreational areas along the water, bordered by a cycle path. On the program: playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis, beach volleyball, mini golf, skate park… And the possibility of sailing, kayaking and rowing in the port of NYC, which can also be crossed by boat, for a contemplative cruise, a simple movement between districts, or to reach the island of the mythical Statue of Liberty, a childhood dream in itself! Finally, little New Yorkers love the vast and green Bronx Zoo.
Also read: 10 parks to see in New York for a change from Central Park
To go to the beach
A few minutes by boat is enough to reach Governors Island, a historic island in NYC harbor. Adobe Stock
Manhattan will have its first beach! But we recommend that you take a few minutes by boat to reach Governors Island, historic island in NYC Harbor. Here, no swimming is really possible, but huge lawns for sunbathing facing the Manhattan skyline, and a host of activities for young people: bike rental and rosalies, play areas and workshops, slides, rock climbing, visits to forts and historic villas, beekeeping and gardening classes, summer concerts, ice rink in winter… Not forgetting the open-air spa QCNY (qcny.com), open to parents only!
To put on the jerseys, several options. South of Brooklyn, the astonishing Russian-speaking neighborhood of Coney Island (coneyisland.com), easily accessible by metro, has its long, popular beach, complete with a boardwalk. With a very regressive menu: the famous hot dogs of Nathan’s, then the roller coasters of Luna Park (lunaparknyc.com), vintage amusement park on the edge of the beach.
Also read: Going to the beach in New York is possible! Our favorite spots for swimming
Visit child-friendly museums
The American Museum of Natural History where the film Night at the Museum (2006) was filmed. Press photo
Who has never dreamed of boarding a World War II aircraft carrier? At the dock, the spectacular Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum (intrepidmuseum.org) offers sailors a day to explore the control tower, commander’s cabin, etc. ; to dream of yourself as a pilot on the flight deck lining up combat planes, or as an cosmonaut in front of the legendary space shuttle Enterprise.
Then go toAmerican Museum of Natural History (amnh.org), where the film was shot Night at the Museum (2006). Atmosphere guaranteed in the unmissable dinosaur section, while today’s animals – stuffed – are presented in stunning vintage dioramas evoking Africa, Asia and North America.
Firefighters fans will go to New York City Fire Museum (nycfiremuseum.org), installed in a former barracks housing a few old vehicles and a play area to prevent domestic accidents. Also unusual, because established in a disused Brooklyn subway station, the New York Transit Museum (nytransitmuseum.org), is interested in New York public transport, inviting you to board historic subway trains. And therefore dare the mythical MoMA (moma.org) hanging a host of works by the great masters, whose sometimes crazy shapes, colors and montages amaze the kids…
TICKET TO THE AEROSPACE MUSEUM
Read alsoNew York: 10 museums to visit outside of Manhattan
Attend a legendary show
On display for years: The Lion King, Aladdin or Harry Potter; and with the biggest, Chicago, Back to the Future, Wicked, MJ, etc. Alexsander Shapovalov / Alex – stock.adobe.com
With teenagers who understand a little English, go see a musical comedy (broadway.org) on Broadway. On display for years: The Lion King, Aladdin or Harry Potter ; and with the older ones, Chicago, Back to the future, Wicked, MJetc.
For fans of sporting events, attend a match de basketball of the famous NY Knicks at Madison Square Garden (msg.com) is a great moment of popular communion. Just like cheering on the glorious NY Yankees at a baseball match au Yankee Stadium (mlb.com/yankees), in the Bronx. Otherwise, with little ones, you can simply visit the fantastic advertising illuminations in the evening. Times Square.!
Also read: What to do in New York when it rains or snows?
Bonus: stores that will appeal to children and teenagers
Far from French habits (although!), the little French people are having a blast. Kien – stock.adobe.com
In terms of rewards, the city delivers some toy stores iconiques : FAO Schwarz, American Girl, Harry Potter Store (harrypotterstore.com) or Lego Store (lego.com), offering original creations on the theme of New York… Also other emblematic stores: NBA Store (store.nba.com), Yankees Clubhouse (mlb.com)… And international brands well known to teenagers: Vans off the Wall, Hollister, Levi’s Store…
Read alsoIn New York, the iconic Century 21 store reopens its doors
ON VIDEO – A look back at the 97th annual Thanksgiving parade
”
data-script=”
>
2023-12-10 08:00:00
#dream #destination #children #York #family #ideal #vacation #program
