How to Navigate New York City with Kids Part 1. 🇺🇸
Visiting New York City with young kids can be an unforgettable adventure, filled with excitement and discovery. And after our third trip to the Big Apple as a family, (my sixteenth or more, visit to NY myself). I gathered some tips to help make your family travel plans to New York run smoothly and be enjoyable. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for more fun, these insights might come in handy!
1. Pack Snacks or meal alternatives for the Plane
Air travel can be challenging for kids, especially during long flights. To keep them happy and occupied, bring along a variety of dry snacks. This is particularly helpful if your little ones are picky eaters and may not enjoy the standard airplane food. American airports can be pricey, and affordable food options are often limited. Before your return flight, make a quick stop at a local deli or supermarket and stock up on snacks. Bringing your own food can save a fortune. For example, a bag of crisps that costs $4–6 in the store could be more than $12 once you’re inside the airport.
2. Don’t Forget Calpol
If you use medications on your children when needed, ensure you have essentials like Calpol on hand for emergencies. This can be crucial in combating any post-flight bugs or little tummy discomforts. American equivalents can often contain ingredients you may not recognise or feel comfortable giving to your little ones, such as artificial colourings or unfamiliar flavourings.
3. Plan Fun Activities
Keep the kids entertained during downtime by packing their favorite activities for breaks during lunch and dinner. If they enjoy being creative, consider bringing along pens and notepads, or card games. To lighten your load, download their favorite offline games onto your mobile device to save on data usage and provide distractions when needed.
4. Multiple Pairs of Shoes
New York City is a place of exploration, and your kids will be doing a lot of walking. Packing more than one pair of shoes can prevent blisters and ensure comfort throughout the day. Avoid putting them in brand-new shoes that haven’t been broken in yet as this can really throw off your day and limit how much you’re able to see and do.
5. Laundry Options
To pack lighter, consider doing laundry during your stay. Many laundrettes charge by weight, and it’s surprisingly affordable to wash a few things while you’re there. This not only makes travelling more manageable but also leaves extra space in your suitcase for shopping! An added bonus is that they often press your clothes too — so if you’re anything like me (I don’t iron!), your clothes will come back looking even better than when you dropped them off.
6. Be Mindful of Energy Levels
For a stress-free trip, it's important to be aware of your children's energy levels and identify reasons for emotional or jetlagged outbursts. We always try to keep them up as late as possible on the night of arrival to help them adjust to the new time zone. Anticipate potential jet lag meltdowns on the second and fourth days, and ensure they get plenty of rest with early nights where you can.
7. Take Breaks
Schedule regular breaks throughout your day. Refueling with snack breaks or stopping at new restaurants for treats, lets your kids enjoy the fun of trying different foods, make it a game and it can make all the difference.
8. Walk and Use Public Transport
Walking and taking the subway are great ways to explore the city. Save expensive taxis for when everyone is too tired at the end of the day or if you've had an especially exhausting outing! Even a short taxi ride in NY can set you back $50 - $100 depending on distance.
9. Check Ingredients
American food standards follow different rules when it comes to additives, E-numbers, and ingredients, so don’t get caught out. Always check the labels for sugar content, colourings, and E-numbers before buying snacks or drinks. High sugar levels can quickly lead to hyperactivity and that can spell disaster during a long day out on your trip!
10. Find a Supermarket / deli / shop and look for cheap snacks to take on days out with you to keep the kids energised. If your kids are anything like mine, they’re always hungry! With meals in New York averaging around $50 for breakfast (family of 4), $100 for lunch, and upwards of $150+ for dinner & drinks, it really helps to have affordable snacks stashed away. Not only does this keep little tummies happy between meals, but it’s also a great way to cut back on food costs where you can.
11. If you still need a buggy — take one! I used a double buggy when travelling until my two were 4 and 5, as little legs can still struggle with all the walking in New York. Try to avoid a side-by-side double buggy, and make sure you have a sturdy one to cope with the city streets. New Yorkers can be impatient and fast paced, so walk with confidence and don’t feel intimidated going in and out of shops. Be aware that in most small delis you’ll need to leave the buggy outside, and the subway steps can be tricky to manage. That said, it’s still absolutely worth taking one if you want to enjoy longer days out without overtired little ones.
12. Bring a backpack!
Part 2 coming soon!
