Visiting NYC with kids can be overwhelming, but we'll provide some tips and advice to make it enjoyable!

General Tips & Advice for Visiting NYC with Kids

Best Activities for Kids NYC

For museums:

Good museum options:

Other Activities

Food Spots with Kids

Getting Around NYC with Kids

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Chelsea Market is a bustling market in New York City with dozens of shops, local art, and delicious food spots.

In this article, we'll review the best shops and places to eat in Chelsea Market!

Brief History of Chelsea Market

Best Shops at Chelsea Market

Best Places to Eat at Chelsea Market

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Preparing for an unforgettable trip to New York City? To ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience, it’s crucial to pack wisely. This concise NYC packing list highlights seven essential items that will enhance your visit

From comfortable footwear for exploring the city streets to weather-appropriate clothing, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the must-have items for your NYC adventure!

Here are the 7 items you’ll need (link opens in Amazon for our best recommendations).

While those items above should be on your NYC packing list, the following items should NOT!

With this NYC packing list, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your time in the city that never sleeps!

Odds are, you'll have a rainy spell while in New York City. This episode breaks down all the best rainy day activities in NYC!

It rains roughly 35% of the days each year, historically and the rainiest month on average is June!

So, pack water-resistant shoes, a rain jacket, and an umbrella.

Best Rainy Day Activities in NYC

Happy exploring, and stay dry!

New York City is home to dozens and dozens of world-class museums. While you could spend weeks going to them all, we've compiled our list of the five best museums to check out when visiting or exploring NYC!

Each museum on the list is a unique experience covering a wide variety of art styles, experiences, and locations.

Here are our 5 must-visit museums in NYC:

American Museum of Natural History

A wide variety of explorations of the history of earth, animals, and the natural world around us.

Roughly $28 for an adult ticket.

Museum of Modern Art - MoMA

An extensive collection of some of the world's most influential and famous modern art.

Roughly $28 for an adult ticket.

Metropolitan Museum of Art - The MET

The MET features the widest variety of art installations including ancient weapons, impressionism, statues, Egyptian burial sites, and so much more.

Roughly $30 for an adult ticket.

9/11 Museum

The 9/11 Museum documents and chronicles the world-changing events of September 11, 2001. Truly an eye-opening and thought-provoking experience.

Roughly $33 for an adult ticket.

The Whitney Museum

The Whitney Museum features American art from across the ages and boasts beautiful city views as well.

Roughly $30 for an adult ticket.

This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Rudy's Bar and Grill

Rudy's is a historic dive bar in NYC that has been open since 1933. You can score $3 drafts and free hot dogs with any purchase!

Check it out here.

Exploring Central Park should be on your NYC bucket list. In this article, we're gonna simplify the best ways to get around Central Park so you can see all the sights efficiently.

Pedicabs/Horse-Drawn Carriage

On Central Park's website: pedicab tours are $150/hr and this is the discounted price. Usually cost $3-7 per minute.

I've seen as high as $10/min. This is so expensive and no one on these tours ever looks like they are actually enjoying it. You'll miss most of the most famous spots just because the pedicabs can't go to the best places.

Horse-drawn carriage on Central Park's website-$120 for a 30 min ride. $160 for 45 min ride. This does not include tip! Walk up prices will be much more expensive.

Bike/Scooter Rental

Bike rentals as low as $11/hr/person.

Scooter rental is around $20-25/hr/person.

Citi Bike: Day pass for $19/day. Free unlocks + 30 minute of free riding on a standard bike or $0.30/minute on an eBike

Normal unlock: $4.79 for 30 minutes on a standard bike or $0.30/minute on an eBike

Rollerblading or Skateboarding

Rollerblade rental- $25 for 24-hour rental. Comes with helmet and pads.

Would not recommend this option unless you are a very good rollerblader. The central park roads are sometimes uneven and the loop can get crowded. Would be fun if you are good but could easily be miserable if you are a novice.

Skateboarding-- Same deal. You should be good at this. Probably best if you already live here and have one.

This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Turnstyle Underground Market

Located in the Columbus Circle subway station, right under the Shops at Columbus Circle.

This market has a wide variety of food spots, shops, and dessert/drink places. Some include:

Bike/Scooter Tours

Bike tour, around $50/person for 2 hour tour.

Scooter Tour, around $95/person for 2 hour tour.

Walking

Can use the free central park audio guide and choose your own adventure. Check out our Central Park Audio Guide Podcast Episode!

Price: Free

Subway + Walking

On West side of the park: B/C subway runs along Central Park West. 72nd street stop drops you off by The Lake, Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields, The Ramble. 10 min walk to Bethesda Terrace.

81st St Museum of Natural History B/C drops you off by Belvedere Castle, the Great Lawn, Turtle Pond, The Ramble.

Price: Subway costs $2.90/swipe.

Enjoy Central Park!

Choosing the best observation deck in NYC doesn't have to be complicated. In this simple guide, we'll provide some guiding factors on how to choose the best observation deck and some pros and cons of each of the five most popular decks.

And, of course, we'll provide our choice for the best overall observation deck in New York City!

One World Trade Observation Deck Review: Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Get tickets via Viator here.

Or, via Get Your Guide here.

One Vanderbilt Observation Deck Review: Pros & Cons

We haven't been here yet... Good Instagrammable parts, but not much better views than other more iconic options!

Get tickets via Viator here.

Or, via Get Your Guide here.

Top of the Rock Observation Deck Review: Pros & Cons

Pros:

Cons:

Get tickets via Viator here.

Or, via Get Your Guide here.

Empire State Building Observation Deck Review: Pros & Cons

Pros:

Cons:

Get tickets via Viator here.

Or, via Get Your Guide here.

The Edge Observation Deck with Glass Floor Review: The Best Option

Pros:

Cons:

Get tickets via Viator here.

Or, via Get Your Guide here.

We are lucky enough to spend more time in Central Park than 99% of New Yorkers, meaning we know the ins and outs of this sprawling oasis in Manhattan.

With so many different activities, attractions, and sites in Central Park, it can be hard to know where to spend your time. Luckily, we've got three unique places that will make you fall in love with Central Park!

Here are our 3 favorite Central Park Hidden Gems:

Hidden Gem #1 - Conservatory Garden

We are so disappointed that it took us over a year of living in NYC to go to the Conservatory Garden.

It is PHENOMENAL. It boasts three different style areas. The center Italianate Garden, the French-style North Garden, and the English-style South Garden.

You’ll find massive fountains, squirrel-shaped shrubbery, a wide variety of flowers and plants, and, of course, public bathrooms (this matters).

Hidden Gem #2 - Getting Lost in The Ramble

The Ramble is one of the most underrated portions, and truly a hidden gem of Central Park.

One of our favorite things to do in Central Park is to get lost in The Ramble. There are SO many paths you can explore, and it’s one of the most peaceful and quiet places in Manhattan.

The Ramble is also home to some of the best bird-watching in New York City. With over 200 species of birds frequenting Central Park each year, this wooded area is the perfect place to spot a new bird.

PS- If you haven't downloaded it already, the Merlin Bird ID app is top-notch and free. Even if you aren't a bird enthusiast, it's a great app for learning about and identifying thousands of different birds. Get it here!

Hidden Gem #3 - Hallett Nature Sanctuary

One of three wooded areas, the Hallett Nature Sanctuary was originally called "The Promontory" by the park's original designers. It is now a beautiful spot free of the hustle and bustle of most parts of Central Park, the mark of a true hidden gem.

This rocky, hilled area was later turned into a bird sanctuary in the 1930s and, in 1986, was renamed after George Hervey Hallett, Jr., a nature enthusiast and birder.

For years, until a 2016 restoration, this area was minimally cared for and became overrun with feral cats and invasive plants. The restoration helped bring in healthy, native plants and create a beautiful walking path to explore this wooded area.

There is also a phenomenal scenic overlook and benches for enjoying this small oasis just steps from Midtown Manhattan!

This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Liberty Bagels

Liberty Bagels is a phenomenal bagel spot near Central Park with unique bagels like rainbow, "liberty" colors, and french toast. Plus, their birthday cake cream cheese is a whole vibe!

They move through long lines quickly and have a friendly staff!

The Works sandwich just might be our favorite breakfast bagel in the city!

Pro Tip: Order ahead for pickup on their website, especially on the weekend!

Check out Liberty Bagels 5th Ave here.

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Trying to decide the best time to visit NYC is tough because it's subjective! You could ask 100 travelers or New Yorkers when they think the best time is, and you'll get dozens of different answers.

In this episode, we'll break down three questions to ask so that you can decide what time is best for your specific situation and desires.

Plus, we'll give some pros and cons to each season, our opinion for the best time to visit New York, and, importantly, the worst time to visit NYC!

Choosing the best time to visit New York City comes down to your preferences, travel style, and how much you care about avoiding crowds.

So, to help you make that decision, there are three questions you must ask yourself before deciding on a season, month, or holiday to visit the Big Apple.

Here are three questions to ask to know when to visit NYC:

Rankings the best seasons to visit NYC from best to worst, based on overall experience, including events, holidays, crowds, and weather:

Read the full recap on our website here; just search 'best time to visit'!

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