5 Days of Family Fun across New York City’s 5 Boroughs

Start at world-famous Rockefeller Center, where you can tour NBC Studios, meet a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall and browse the shops (including a LEGO Store and a Nintendo Store). Take frame-worthy photos from the Top of the Rock observation deck, or go ice skating at the skating rink during wintertime (December – February). Pick up some souvenirs at M&M’s World, the Disney Store or the American Girl Place in Times Square. Visit the South Street Seaport Museum to see historic ships dating as far back as 1885, then grab dinner at Il Brigante, a cozy Italian restaurant. Order the pizza for an authentic taste of Italy.

People of all ages can enjoy a walk across the upper level of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Be sure to get a family photo with the Manhattan skyline in the background. Let the kids play at the playgrounds and ride the carousel at Brooklyn Bridge Park, then cool off with a treat from Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. Finish with a visit to Coney Island, the quintessential boardwalk experience, for amusement park rides, games and food.

Kids and adults will love the Staten Island Ferry ride, which operates for free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Active families can spend time exploring the nature trails at Staten Island’s Greenbelt Conservancy or the beautiful gardens at Snug Harbor. Let your younger children’s imaginations run wild at the Staten Island Children’s Museum. They’ll love playing giant board games, making art, building a house and learning about bugs.

A family day in Queens should include a visit to the New York Hall of Science, a hands-on, interactive museum. Spend time outside at the Queens County Farm Museum, one of the oldest and largest farms in the state. See farm animals, enjoy the gardens and explore the historic buildings – all for free. Families who love sports can catch a New York Mets baseball game at Citi Field or take a behind-the-scenes tour of the ballpark.   

The must-see attraction here is the Bronx Zoo, the largest urban zoo in the country. You can spend the day exploring the astounding array of animals. Stroll through the colorful flora at Wave Hill’s public gardens, where you can enjoy views of the Hudson River. See the 27-time World Champion Yankees play baseball at Yankee Stadium. Take a pre-game tour, or splurge on the Hands on History experience, which allows guests to hold Babe Ruth’s bat, Mickey Mantle’s glove and other baseball memorabilia.

To reach New York City from international destinations, fly into John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Queens or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in nearby Newark, New Jersey.