New York City with Kids: A Luxury Family Getaway That Everyone Will Love
There are few destinations that reinvent themselves quite like New York City. No matter how many times we visit, every trip feels completely different—and this latest adventure was all about experiencing the city through the eyes of our children.
Traveling to NYC as a family of five comes with one important challenge: everyone has an opinion. Between Broadway lovers, sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and aspiring LEGO designers, our itinerary needed plenty of variety. Just as important, we needed a hotel that offered both space and a prime location to make navigating the city easy.
Thankfully, New York delivered.
Where We Stayed: The Towers at Lotte New York Palace
For families seeking luxury accommodations in Midtown Manhattan, The Towers at Lotte New York Palace was the perfect choice. We checked into a spacious Two-Bedroom Corner Suite that gave our family plenty of room to spread out after busy days exploring the city.
The location couldn’t have been better. We were within walking distance of iconic attractions including Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and Times Square, making it easy to maximize our time without constantly relying on taxis or rideshares.
As a member of Virtuoso, Travel Modern clients receive breakfast for 2 daily, hotel credit and priority upgrade. This is a hotel we work with often, and they treat our guests very well!
Family-Friendly Highlights from Our NYC Itinerary
American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History was an immediate hit with the kids. The dinosaur exhibits never disappoint, and during our visit we also explored the special World Cup exhibition. It’s one of those quintessential New York experiences that captures children’s imaginations while keeping adults equally engaged.
Central Park
A beautiful spring day in Central Park is one of life’s simple luxuries. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely stroll, people-watching, or simply escaping the city’s energy for a few hours, it’s an essential stop for any family visiting New York.
Lunch on the Upper West Side
We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at The Wolfe, a neighborhood favorite on the Upper West Side. It’s the perfect place to recharge between museum visits and city adventures.
A Sports Lover’s Paradise
For the sports fans in our family, Bleecker Trading was a standout discovery. From baseball and football memorabilia to trading cards and collectibles, it’s a must-visit for young collectors and sports enthusiasts.
The LEGO Store Experience
One of the most memorable—and affordable—activities of the trip was at the LEGO Store. For just $12, children can design and build a LEGO minifigure that looks just like them. It’s a fun personalized souvenir they’ll treasure long after the trip is over.
Jellycat Café at FAO Schwarz
If your children are Jellycat fans, make reservations in advance for the Jellycat Café inside FAO Schwarz. This whimsical experience has become one of New York City’s most sought-after family attractions.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
MoMA proved to be another family favorite. Admission for children is complimentary, making it an easy addition to your itinerary. Seeing Van Gogh’s The Starry Night in person was a special moment and a wonderful opportunity to introduce the kids to one of the world’s most celebrated works of art.
Broadway with Kids
No trip to New York is complete without experiencing Broadway.
Before the show, we enjoyed dinner at Gayle’s Broadway Rose, where talented performers create an entertaining dining experience filled with music and energy.
For our show, we chose The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, which was absolutely perfect for our middle-school-aged children. The humor landed perfectly, and there were moments when they laughed so hard they had tears in their eyes.
A Meaningful Visit to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
I was initially hesitant about visiting the 9/11 Memorial & Museum with our children, concerned that it might feel overwhelming. However, the museum thoughtfully identifies areas that may not be appropriate for younger visitors, allowing families to navigate the experience comfortably. What we found was a beautifully curated and deeply moving tribute. It sparked meaningful conversations and offered an important opportunity for reflection. I would love to return on a future trip and spend even more time exploring the exhibits.
Final Thoughts
New York City remains one of our favorite destinations because it truly offers something for everyone. From world-class museums and iconic parks to Broadway shows and unforgettable family experiences, it’s a city that evolves with every visit.
And perhaps that’s the magic of New York: no matter how many times you return, it never feels like the same trip twice.
