Visiting NYC? 5 Tips & Tricks for Traveling Moms

New York City is an exciting travel destination, but it can be especially difficult to manage when you bring the kids along. However, do not let this thought deter you from enjoying all the great things that NYC has to offer! With the five tips we are sharing today, we are certain you will be more than prepared for a wonderful vacation in the concrete jungle.

#1 Plan ahead and prioritize destinations

Whether you are traveling alone or with kids, planning ahead is a must when visiting New York. If this is your first time in the Big Apple, then you most definitely want to visit landmarks like the Statue of Liberty or see a play on the Broadway. These destinations often require reservations months ahead of time. Therefore, we recommend putting together a list of the attractions you are most interested in and contacting these locations to inquire about bookings. If you’re traveling with your children and want to go to the theatre, then check out this guide on the best Broadway shows for kids.

One thing to note is that New York City has hundreds of unique spots that are worth a visit. The fact is that it is simply not possible to visit all of them, even if you have a one-month vacation planned. Do not take this as bad news; it just means that you have a reason to come back! With that in mind, consider including your children in the planning process to make sure that everyone has a destination on the list to be excited about.

Another benefit of planning ahead and making a routine for when you are in NYC is the fact that you can save money. Booking in advance and looking at guides like this one at GetYourGuide can help you to save money on your travels where you really need to. 

Our top children-friendly recommendations to add to the list are: Central Park, Children’s Museum of Manhattan, Le Carrousel in Bryant Park, and the Empire State Building for a picturesque view from above. Do your research, and be sure to leave enough free time for unexpected adventures too!

#2 Pack a bag of necessities to keep your kids happy

Whether you have a toddler or a middle schooler, traveling moms need to be prepared for any situation. We recommend packing a bag with healthy snacks, water bottles, and their favorite toys for when they feel overwhelmed. New York is a busy city, and having a familiar toy to play with can help calm your child down.

Another tip is to pack an umbrella or a few raincoats for you and your kids. When you are here, you always need to be prepared for sudden rain! If the weather is sunny and your bag allows it, another great idea is to pack a blanket for an impromptu picnic in one of the beautiful parks New York has to offer.

#3 Wear comfortable shoes and be aware of sidewalk etiquette

While New York is known as a fashion capital, it is also a city that requires a lot of walking around. Therefore, even though you might want to wear a stylish outfit, make sure to pair it with a comfortable pair of flats or sneakers. You will be surprised how much cobblestone there still is in this futuristic city.

The stereotype that New Yorkers are fast walkers is generally true. In fact, it is so common to see busy pedestrians rushing on the sidewalk that there is an etiquette formed. Make sure to not take up all the sidewalk, and walk in pairs if you are with a bigger group. If you need to check a map or find a restaurant nearby, stick to the sides of the sidewalk when you stop. This is both a New York common sense tip and a safety one. Since you are traveling with small children, you want to avoid getting shoved by a rushed individual.

#4 Do not fall for tourist scams

Since we are talking about safety, we want to touch on the safety of your wallet too. In most tourist cities, there will be a few scammers around looking to trick visitors into a bad deal. You will notice these people in very populated areas, such as Times Square. Do not trust anyone on the street trying to sell you a cheap comedy ticket, a Broadway ticket, a MetroCard, or anything else for that matter.

The souvenir shops can be extremely overpriced as well. In case you want to get something to remember from your first family trip to New York, we recommend heading to Chinatown for the most affordable memorabilia in the city. Booking transportation from a reputable NY company like Islip Limo is also a good idea to keep yourself safe.

#5 Book your accommodation in advance and keep space in mind

Much like getting Broadway tickets in advance, it is important not to leave the accommodation to the last minute. Since New York is such a popular destination for a number of reasons, hotel rooms in favorable areas can be extremely pricey. That being said, do not settle for cheaper accommodation in a neighborhood you do not know much about. Manhattan is always the safest bet for tourist families.

NYC hotels are known for having very small rooms, which can be a pain for a traveling mom. You want your young ones to have enough room to play and run around. Therefore, we recommend keeping a close eye on the dimensions of the room you are booking. Ideally, you will book a suite or an apartment for extra space. However, there are some New York scams regarding accommodation too, which is why you need to look at reviews before making a decision.

The key to any family vacation is preparation. We hope the top five tips for traveling moms we shared today help keep your mind and ease and prepare you to enjoy a fantastic trip in New York City.