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Why Avoiding Crowds Makes for a Better Family Trip

The Big Apple is full of kid-friendly attractions, parks, museums, and restaurants. There’s no shortage of things to do, and while NYC is the city that never sleeps, there are quieter times to explore, which makes everything more enjoyable. Traveling at off-peak times gives families more space to move around and navigate a stroller—and leaves you with less stress and more fun! Rush hour in NYC is from 7am-9am and 5pm-7pm on weekdays. You'll want to plan your leisure travel for outside these windows for the most ease.

If you plan around these hours, you’ll have more space to breathe, and your kids can take in all the sights. Plus, everyone gets to see what they came to visit.

The Conservatory Garden at East 103rd Street lets visitors enjoy Central Park without the crowds. Photo by Jody Mercier

Strategic Sightseeing: Best Times to Visit Popular NYC Attractions

Timing is everything. Here are the best times to visit a few of NYC's biggest hits with kids:

Central Park

Filled with tons of secret enclaves and family-friendly things to do, this 843-acre park is a perfect destination to visit on weekdays before 10am or after 4pm. The playgrounds—we've ranked our favorite Central Park playgrounds here—are less crowded, and you can find a spot on the benches. Weekend mornings work, too, but get there early before the crowds arrive.

Another tip for a less-crowded Central Park experience: Don't discount the uptown reaches! Far fewer tourists head north of 96th Street, and there are some incredible destinations to explore uptown, including the newly renovated Davis Center at 110th and Lenox, the Conservatory Garden on 5th Avenue at 103rd Street, and the North Woods.

The High Line

This renovated railroad turned public park gets busy during peak times. To take advantage of off-peak times, go right when it opens at 7am or in the late afternoon on weekdays. The views are worth the early start.

Start your visit on the northern edge, where you can enter from Manhattan West or Hudson Yards. As you head south, there are plenty of places to duck off and explore in the ultra kid-friendly Chelsea neighborhood.

Brooklyn Bridge

We recently shared our "perfect" itinerary for a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. This beautiful architectural landmark draws its highest foot traffic at midday. For the best family experience, visit early, before 8am, or in the evening after 6pm.

Plan for some fun diversions with kids on either side. You can spend plenty of time exploring Brooklyn Bridge Park on the Brooklyn side or head to the South Street Seaport in Manhattan.

Museums

New York City is filled with kid-friendly museums, and we've got full profiles on many of the top museums, including the American Museum of Natural History, The Met, MoMA, the Brooklyn Museum, the Whitney, and children's museums from the Bronx to Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond. Each is filled with our top tips for visiting with kids.

In general, though, we suggest visiting museums right when they open on weekday mornings and late in the afternoons. Many museums also have special kids' programs during off-peak hours.

If you're looking to save some money on a museum visit, many local museums offer FREE admission hours on select days and times, but take note: These free hours always draw a crowd, so avoid them if you're looking for a more relaxed museum visit.

The Pier 2 Uplands at Brooklyn Bridge Park offers three acres of lush parkland and a sprayground. Photo by Rosalind Muggeridge

Beyond Times Square: NYC Hidden Gems for Families

Times Square is fun to visit, but NYC is also home to many hidden gems that are perfect for families looking to beat the crowds and still enjoy all the city has to offer. Here's where to go for a more relaxed experience:

Brooklyn

Each of the outer boroughs could be a destination unto itself, and we've outlined all our top things to do by borough in our NYC Neighborhoods Guide.

Beyond Manhattan, Brooklyn has the most family-friendly appeal. Start your Brooklyn day with a visit to Dumbo and work your way inland to some of the other family-friendly enclaves, like Park Slope with its tree-lined streets and proximity to Brooklyn's backyard, Prospect Park.

West Village

This family-friendly neighborhood feels like a small town in a big city. The streets are quieter, and there are many cute cafes where families can grab a snack. Plus, the Washington Square Park playground is nearby.

Roosevelt Island

This two-mile-long island is like a secret spot in the middle of NYC. Kids love taking the tram to this fun destination—and it costs the same as a subway ride. There's a waterfront park with amazing city views and way fewer people. It's particularly stunning during a spring vacation when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.

Gantry Plaza State Park has plenty of eye candy for parents to enjoy while kids climb and play. Photo by Sydney Ng

Unexpected Adventures: Parks, Playgrounds, and Free Fun

NYC has more than 1,700 parks, and most tourists only visit Manhattan’s sprawling Central Park, a favorite among tourists and locals. Here are some hidden gems you won't want to miss:

Riverside Park – Upper West Side

This park stretches for four miles along the Hudson River and is home to multiple playgrounds, plus waterfront cafes, sports fields, and family-friendly programming. Together with Hudson River Park to the south and Fort Washington Park to the north, you can traverse the entirety of Manhattan's Hudson River banks while exploring lovely, tree-filled green spaces.

Fort Tryon Park – Washington Heights

This park in upper Manhattan—named for its strategic location during the Revolutionary War—feels like a fairy tale setting. The Met Cloisters museum is located within its boundaries and looks like a castle pulled straight from medieval times. Its collection of Renaissance Art adds to the allure. Beyond the museum, the park offers playgrounds, manicured gardens, and stunning river vistas, plus charming picnic spots for a family lunch alfresco.

Gantry Plaza State Park – Long Island City, Queens

This park has a reputation for having the best Manhattan skyline views. Beyond the eye candy, it's also home to a fun playground. There are tons of fun things to do all along the LIC waterfront, which is accessible by the subway or a kid-pleasing ferry ride.

It's always smart to take the subway over a cab or car service. Photo by Diana Kim

NYC Family Travel Tips for Stress-Free Adventures

Pack Smart

Coming prepared with these NYC local tips for families is half the battle. Before striking out on an NYC adventure, pack smart with the essentials. Bring snacks—lots of them, and pack water bottles to keep everyone hydrated. Wet wipes for quick cleanups are a must—no matter your kids' ages! A small blanket is perfect for an impromptu park picnic. Portable phone chargers can be helpful because you may use digital maps often and drain your battery quickly.

Plan Your Potty Breaks

Encourage your family to use the bathroom when you spot a convenient one during your adventures. Hotel lobbies often have bathrooms and are peaceful places to regroup. Front desk staff can also help redirect you to your destination if you’ve gotten turned around or recommend good places to eat nearby. Libraries are wonderful spots for a break, too. They're free and often have public bathrooms and fun children's sections that go way beyond books. We've rounded up all our top resources for finding reliable public restrooms in NYC here.

Take the Subway

The subway is the fastest way to get around the city and visit these popular spots. Currently, subway fare is $2.90 per person, per ride, though up to three children under 44 inches tall can ride for free with a fare-paying adult. You can purchase an OMNY or MetroCard to pay the fare at vending machines in the stations, or simply use a tap-enabled card or digital pay app each time you enter a station. One drawback to the subway: Reliable elevators are hard to come by. Even if you prioritize stations with elevators, don't be surprised to find them out of service. Umbrella-style strollers that are lightweight are a must for carrying up and down subway stairs.

Before you travel, download the MTA app to check for service changes. Buses may make it easier to navigate NYC with kids if you also have a stroller. The crosstown buses are perfect for crossing Manhattan without going underground.

Find all our top tips for navigating the subway with kids here.

Enjoy the Adventure of Visiting NYC with Kids

If your little ones tire, find a comfortable spot, take a deep breath, and remember that this is all part of the journey. The best part about exploring NYC with kids is seeing the city through their eyes. Kids will be amazed by the tall buildings, excited about the subway trains, and fascinated by all the different people.

Take it slow, be flexible with your plans, and visit again if you don't get to do everything on your itinerary the first time.

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