Vacationers come in all shapes and sizes. Some like relaxation, some adventure, and yet others love to go-go-go (that last one is my family!) If we asked any given familial group where they plan to spend their next vacation they might say a theme park, a beach, a cruise, or even the big city. But what’s the best type of vacation for families with kids? Which destinations have the best kid friendly venues? This is exactly what we’ve been exploring here at MomsTribute.com—a mom blog with tons of time management tips and other parenting recommendations.

If you’ve ever wanted to visit the big city, there’s no other city quite as popular as The Big Apple (AKA New York City!) You may be wondering, though, exactly how kid friendly is NYC. I’d say it is one of the best places to visit with family! You’ll find adventure, history, great food and entertainment—all ingredients for creating lasting memories between you and your children. Read on for ideas you might be able to adapt for your own family!

Day 1: Where to Stay

No matter how you get to the big city (by train, plane, or car), you’ll want to be sure your accommodations are in the heart of the city. Staying around Times Square might feel cliché, but when it’s your first visit this is a great central location. This is because it helps orient you right in the center of the action. It also means you’ll be able to come and go with a little more ease than if you stayed on the outskirts.

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, spend the day exploring your surroundings. Enjoy your hotel or your rental, bask in the lights, and eat at a local spot to allow your kids to get their bearings in your temporary home away from home.

Here’s a tip! If you plan on staying in the heart of the city, you might want to skip bringing a car. Driving in the city can be challenging, and paying for parking can get expensive.

Day 2: History & The Modern Age Meet

After your first night’s sleep, you and your family will be energized and ready to explore! New York City has an amazing blend of history and modern culture. You could check out the Statue of Liberty, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, or Rockerfeller Plaza. Or you might take a bike ride through Central Park or visit the Central Park Zoo. Don’t forget to consider checking out Grand Central Terminal!

Here’s a tip! You’ll want to choose one or two key sites that you and your kids consider must-do’s. Make sure you “schedule” these key sites early in your day. This will let you get your must-do’s completed. Then, anything else you accomplish will be icing on the cake, so to speak.

Day 3: Shopping & A Show

Once you’re up and ready to go on day 3, head out to do some shopping. You’ll want to consider popular spots like Macy’s Department Store and Sak’s Fifth Avenue but stopping into smaller mom & pop shops is fun, too. If you’ve got interested kids, don’t forget to stop by the Lego Flagship Store (also on 5^th Avenue).

If you’re near Rockerfeller Plaza, you’ll want to check out the historic FAO Schwarz toy store or the American Girl Place. These wildly popular shops are some of the best places to visit with kids!

Once evening falls, consider taking in a Broadway Show or another type of live performance. Younger kids will enjoy Disney performances like The Lion King or Aladdin, and older kids and teens will enjoy performances like Wicked or Back To The Future. Another popular performance option could be Blue Man Group, but there are tons of live shows you could consider.

Day 4: Relax & Explore

Depending on how many days you plan to spend in the city, you might consider making day 4 a day of rest, relaxation, and laid-back exploration. Every family is different, and your activity level will vary depending on the ages of your children as well as any health restrictions your family might have. Go at your own pace and choose things that work best for your own group.

Options you might consider include a carriage ride in Central Park, a day to swim at your hotel pool, or time to wander and explore the area near your accommodations. You could also seek out cute boutique shops or eateries or go back and visit places you found particularly interesting on previous days.

New York City has so much to offer, and this list barely scratches the surface. Consider museums like the Children’s Museum of Manhattan or the American Museum of Natural History, as well as other top spots like Chinatown or the Bronx Zoo. If you’re interested in learning more, download the free kid friendly venue app. You’ll be able to see what other moms had to say about kid friendly venues in the city. When you get home, you’ll be able to pay it forward by leaving reviews for others!

By Katie C