If you travel to NYC with a toddler, here are a few places and sites we’d recommend:
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is a hands on museum that is great for ages as young as one years old. My son, who is 2.5, loved this place. There are 4 different floors with various themed rooms with a ton of sensory and interactive activities.
It’s important to note that strollers have to be checked at that door, so make sure you little ones are up for walking around.
The Museum is on the upper west side, so make sure you visit hungry and either go to Good Enough to Eat before hand for breakfast (get there early!) or Serafina for lunch afterwards.
Children’s Museum of the Arts
This museum is located in West Village, and is focused on art and musical stimulation. Max’s favorite part was one of the music sessions they hold throughout the day.
There’s a cafe at the museum, but you can also pack your own snacks, and the museum is very stroller friendly. We slipped out as it was starting to get really busy around 12:30-1pm.
– The Lego store in Flat Iron. Different from the one in Times Square, this one has a small ‘playroom’ with Legos for kids to play with.
– M&M store. We didn’t visit the store because I was afraid we wouldn’t be able to leave without eating massive amounts of chocolate, but I’ve heard great things about it for kids.
– Sugar & Plumm is one of my favorite new discoveries (just a few blocks away from the American Museum of Natural History). I snuck in to get coffees and macaroons, but wanted to stay for a tea party. The decor is so amazing, it’s like walking into a scene from Alice in Wonderland. I bought a package of 8 macaroons and they were delicious. Very unique and fun flavors. I’ll definitely be dining in for tea and dessert next time I’m here.
– Sheraton Time Square – This hotel was very kid friendly and accommodating. Being a traveling sales woman has it’s perks – hotel status! I booked adjoining rooms, but we were upgraded at check in to the parlor suite + an adjoining king room. It was a perfect set up. Max could nap and go down at night in his own room, connected to ours by 2 doors, and we could watch TV, talk, etc., without waking him up. Staying in Times Square can be hectic, but it was fun to see Max’s face light up looking at the lights out the window. This location is also right off a main subway line, helping you get anywhere in the city pretty quickly.
– The Subway! Max requested non stop to ride the subway. It’s so much cheaper than taking taxis everywhere. Don’t be intimidated by the map or the stereotype of New Yorkers – I’ve always found people on the subway very helpful when it comes to directions.
Toddler Travel tips for NYC:
– Bring a stroller. It’s a lot of walking! Make sure to bring one that collapses easily. Most restaurants have you fold them and store them in a coat closet or behind the reception since space is usually limited. Our City Mini stroller was perfect for cruising around town and going in and out of stores.
– In Manhattan, there is a drugstore and grocery store close by wherever you are. I only pack a few diapers for the trip in and then usually buy a small package of diapers and wipes when I arrive to last me the entire trip. This way you save room in your luggage.
– If there are restaurants you really want to visit, make reservations for your ideal dinner time well in advance. If not, you’ll be waiting for awhile for a table, and that is no fun with kids in tow!
If you have tips for traveling to NYC with a toddler, or you live there, I’d love to hear about your ‘must sees’ in the comments below!
How fun! NYC is definitely a town for all ages with a little planning. I have yet to take my crew to a big city, but I hope to soon!
NYC is fun – I last went in 2012, so I'm hoping to go again at some point. I could imagine it being hectic with a baby or toddler though – thanks for the tips.
I wasn't aware of the children's museums in Manhattan they sound like a great place to visit with a preschooler. The Natural History Museum is a spot I always enjoy visiting. My kids haven't been there yet but I'm sure they'd like to go since they love the Night at the Museum movie. Never been to the Bronx Zoo but would really like to visit sometime.
I'll have to check out Sugar & Plumm next time I go, that sounds like my kind of place!