New York, New York

Alicia Keys said it best of New York City, it is the concrete jungle where dreams are made of. This bustling metropolis either gives you the buzz of your life or saps the energy right out of you. One way or another, New York makes an impression.

Getting into New York City

Although many people came here by boat, it’s advisable to fly to New York these days. And with 3 international and very busy airports in the area, there is no dearth of flights into NY. Getting to New York is easy, getting around particularly from the airports may be a bit more daunting.. The web offers plenty by way of getting in and around New York and New York travel information, so do your research before you leave.

Getting Around New York City

New York City is simultaneously one of the easiest and most difficult cities to get around. The most important thing to know is that New Yorkers rarely drive and unless you as a tourist wants to tackle belligerent cab drivers and horrific traffic, you’ll stick with public transportation as well. The New York underground system is extremely well connected around the city but it does become hard to navigate with a stroller as most have staircases as their only access. Buses can also get you around quite efficiently but be warned again that you will be asked to fold up your stroller if the bus is crowded. Finally, the notorious New York yellow cab will swoop down on you at gut-wrenching speed and are actually quite reasonable in terms of price. Here’s a cool video of how you can use Google Maps to get you everywhere you need to get to in NYC with public transportation:

Where to Stay in New York City

There are tons of accommodation options in New York but you have to be careful about where you book and know up front that New York city hotel rooms are infamously tiny (not to mention expensive). This means that for a family you are better off  renting an apartment if you are planning on spending more than a couple of nights in the city (which if it’s your first time, you should). Sites like vrbo.com will let you rent apartments directly from the owner so you can get a more accurate description of the facilities and layout of the apartment.

In terms of neighborhoods, it’s best to stay mid-town so you have access to everything. Many of the larger hotels are in and around Times Square which is a central location, albeit New York’s largest tourist trap. It is additionally convenient because many of the subway and bus lines run through here and it is also close to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station if you are thinking about trips to nearby states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The good news it that it’s hard to get lost in Manhattan because the island runs on a grid (North-South, East-West), so as long as you can count, you are ok. (Until you get to the village).

Fun Things for Kids in New York City

New York is a playground for everyone (and I mean, everyone) and kids are no exception. When you are done with the main tourist attractions like climbing to the top of the Empire State Building, taking a ferry over the Statue of Liberty and waiting in line at TKTS for tickets to a Broadway musical, you are ready to check out what other treasures the Big Apple holds for the little ones:

• Spend an afternoon in Central Park: Get a horse carriage ride, hang by the pond, or check out the seasonal activities at the Victorian Gardens
• Take one of our 2 kid-friendly itineraries to walk through some of the best parts of city like Soho
• See how many of these amazing neighborhood playgrounds you can hit up

Shopping and Dining in New York:

New York is one of the hottest culinary scenes in the country so let’s be realistic about where you want to take the kids. There are several hipster places that make no bones about being adult-only and many others that will accommodate all kinds! The key: don’t be afraid to ask – ask your concierge or call the restaurant yourself.

There are innumerable casual dining places that will offer you a high chair, if not a kid’s menu. We found some amazing brunch places that were all about the family on our last trip there. Further you can always pack a picnic and go camp out in the park. Or head to Bryant Park Grill for the best of both. Finally, don’t forget to pack in a New York slice – truly a unique taste and available only in New York.

Like eating, there is no dearth of shopping options in NYC for adults and kids alike. Head to 34th street to the flagship Macy’s store in addition to all your favorite mid-range brands such as Zara, H&M and the Gap, or stroll down world-renowned Fifth Avenue if you have a taste for luxury and money burning a (big) hole in your pocket. For the kids, we recommend:

• A trip to some of the best NYC toy stores. I am not kidding, these are worth a visit, even for the big kids (you!)
• An afternoon of quality kids’ literature and cupcakes at Books of Wonder, the best bookstore in the world, in my opinion.
• The boutiques on Thompson Street in Soho (check out our Deals and Discounts section for exclusive Momaboard offers).

Safety for Families:

New York has been traditionally depicted in the movies as gritty and grimy where people get mugged and stabbed on a daily basis. The city has cleaned up its act tremendously over the last couple of decades and while it is far from a leave-your-doors-unlocked kind of place, it is one of the safer cities in the country simply because of its density. And that’s your metric for safety: if you are in a crowded neighborhood you are generally in good shape (but you may still get mugged so have your wits and valuables about you). Like you would in any city, stay clear of dark and quiet streets and try not to look vulnerable (harder with children, I know), but that’s why it’s all the more important to stick to the main routes and not to be too adventurous. Not this time anyway.

How Kid-Friendly is New York City?

Those of you who think that New York would not be a child-friendly city are right. Those of you who think that it is one are also right. That’s because New York is a multidimensional city, with something for everyone. The city itself is loud, and crowded and can be overwhelming to small town people or those who are used to a slower pace of life. The key is to not resist and to let the city’s energy drive you.

If this is your first time in NYC, watch this short video that showcases the highlights to start your planning: