New York City overflows with things to do for families, and while you may have visited the city that never sleeps in your pre-parenthood youth, it’s a completely different experience with kids in tow. Lucky for you: I’m here to offer my parent-tested tips for the best things to do in NYC on a family vacation. Even locals can appreciate these picks, which are a combination of off-the-beaten-path destinations and New York City’s top attractions, all catering to a mix of ages and interests.
I’ve laid it all out in an easy-to-follow three-day itinerary, and while you can’t do it all in three days, you can definitely take a big bite out of the Big Apple. Read on for my top picks for things to do in NYC during your family vacation—or use these picks for a local staycation to explore some new-to-you sites and neighborhoods. You can find all our top things to do in NYC on our NYC kids’ bucket list and in our Visitors Guide to New York City.