5 things to do in New York City with kids in the winter
We visited New York City over Thanksgiving week this year and our kids absolutely loved every single bit of it. We walked 24k+ steps a day, saw as much as we could possibly see, did a mix of free activities and paid adventures, and they already want to go back for more.
I know from previous experience that NYC can be a very different trip depending on the season and weather during your visit. We lucked out with one warm (low 60’s) day and two chilly but not frigid (high just under 40) days. My best advice weather wise is to be prepared – especially with kids. Ours are not super sensitive to the cold, but we dressed in layers and took hats, mittens, scarves etc with us on the cold days in case of wind. Most of the time they didn’t even want to use them, but once the sun went down or if the wind picked up, we were glad we had them!
There is so much to say about visiting New York with kids, but I’m going to start by sharing 5 of our favorite things to do in the city during this time of year.
1. Soak up the holiday cheer
This city is absolute magic around the holidays. There are endless trees to see, twinkling lights all around, and it feels like every single window is decked out for your delight.
You hear about them all the time, but my kids had never seen anything like the holiday windows in the city. Their favorites were at Macy’s because all of their favorite characters were included. The Bluey & Barbie windows specifically were hits.
The Saks light show was also incredible and a must-see if possible, as were several giant Christmas trees. The tree at Rockefeller (obviously), but also Lotte New York Palace, the New York Public Library, South Street Seaport, and the Stock Exchange. More below!
2. Enjoy the Midtown sights
Midtown is the heart of the city – especially as a tourist. To be honest I think we all enjoyed Central Park and lower Manhattan more than the rush of midtown, but there are so many quintessential sights you can’t miss, especially with first time visitors! Don’t miss:
Empire State Building
New York Public Library
The lions, the Christmas tree (if the timing is right) + the original stuffed Winnie the Pooh & friends!
St Patrick’s Cathedral
Bryant Park
Either as a park or the Winter Village and ice skating – both are magical!
Grand Central Station
Just visiting is fantastic, but we loved that we got to enjoy the Holiday Fair when we were there, too!
Times Square
Rockefeller Center
It’s pure magic. Home Alone 2 fans will rejoice. It can be insanely crowded, but it’s a must do. The Sak’s light display on one end, the lights, the giant tree, the skating rink (fun to watch even if you don’t skate!).
We opted to do the Top of the Rock this trip and it was totally worth it. We booked sunset tickets, which were 100% the way to go. When we first arrived at the top it was still daylight, so we could see (& point out to the kids) so many spots in the city including Central Park & the Statue of Liberty! We were then treated to the most incredible sunset, followed by all of the lights in the city coming to life.
Christmas time tip – one of our favorite stops was the Christmas market in the basement of the Church of Sweden on 48th Street. Definitely worth a stop if it’s open!
3. Explore Central Park
I’m personally not shocked by this, but our kids adored Central Park. It’s always been one of my favorite parts of the city, too, so I should’ve known they’d love it just as much.
Honestly they were so excited to just climb on the rocks throughout the park! They weren’t alone – many adults (us included) enjoyed this, too. It’s so fun to get incredible views of the city skyline + the park + Wollman Rink if you’re nearby. Bonus if it’s sunset.
Enjoy exploring throughout the park and don’t miss the Bow Bridge & Belvedere Castle. You can always explore by horse & carriage, bikes, e-scooters, or just by walking, which is what we chose this time!
4. Take a Ferry Ride & visit lower Manhattan
Kids ride free for the holidays! With or without that discount, we loved mixing it up and traveling to lower Manhattan one morning via ferry instead of the subway. The view of the city from the water is so gorgeous.
We took the ferry to Pier 11/Wall Street and from there walked to Pier 17 for an incredible view of the Brooklyn Bridge. The Tin Building was the perfect stop for coffee, hot chocolate, pastries & clean bathrooms. The other food & shopping possibilities looked wonderful, too.
South Street Seaport is a delightful area also free of crowds but with so much charm. If the Christmas tree is up while you’re there, it’s a must stop! The tree at South Street Seaport is huge, gorgeous, and not at all crowded. We walked by it as we were headed toward the Stock Exchange and Trinity Church.
After we saw Trinity Church (& Alexander Hamilton’s grave) we headed toward the 9/11 memorials. The memorials are absolutely amazing. Having been into the city shortly after 9/11 and visiting Ground Zero, it was so moving to visit the actual memorials. Next time we want to make time for the museum, too!
5. Don’t miss these favorite eats!
Liberty Bagels were a delight. We all love a bagel sandwich even on NC bagels, so imagine our joy with real NYC bagels! The rainbow bagels from Liberty were a huge hit with the kids, as was the cream cheese selection. We visited the 5th St location and it was such an easy grab and go lunch to eat outside near Central Park to fuel up before exploring.
Pizza – obviously. Patzeria Perfect Pizza is one of our faves! This one is an easy & delicious grab before a Broadway show or while exploring in midtown.
People aren’t lying about Levain Bakery. It is INCREDIBLE. Definitely on my “don’t miss” list. It’s on the Upper West Side, so plan accordingly.
T Cafe in the Tin Building had delicious coffee, hot chocolate, and pastries. Perfect to grab for a chilly walk around lower Manhattan!
Creamline in Chelsea Market was the BEST lunch. Patty melts, grilled cheese with tomato soup, waffle fries, milkshakes. Need I say more?!
I’ll be completely honest about this one. Serendipity 3 is a famous spot, but honestly only worth it for the frrrozen hot chocolate, in my opinion. Our kids loved it for that special treat, but I’d pass on the other food options and it feels the most touristy of all of my recs (I say that knowing full well that I am and will always be a NYC tourist…).
I have so many more notes & things to add + tips for Thanksgiving specifically, but I’ll save that for next year!
What else is a must-do in the city during the late fall & winter months?!
Looking for tips for other big cities? Check out:
