Skip the Usual Tourist Spots: Discover NYC Like a Local with Kids
When you’re planning a family trip to New York City, it’s easy to fall into the trap of hitting all the touristy spots. But what if you could explore the city like a local? As parents who call NYC home, we’ve curated this guide to the hidden gems we love, from secret gardens to the coolest ice cream flavors. These are the places we actually go as New Yorker families, designed to make your short stay feel truly authentic and stress-free.
Instead of a long list of places you’ll have to figure out how to navigate, we’ve organized a series of logistically simple days in Manhattan and Brooklyn—so you can enjoy the city with your kids without wasting time planning or commuting. These are actual days that make sense for families, perfectly balanced for sightseeing, fun, and capturing beautiful moments.
Manhattan
Day 1: Urban Adventure & Hidden Magic
Morning: Bagels, Sweets & Skyline Views
Start your day with a delicious breakfast. If your kids have never had a bagel, Bagel Bob’s is a classic spot to introduce them to this New York staple. If your family leans more toward a sweet breakfast, head to Two Little Red Hens for cupcakes, pastries, and other irresistible treats. Then, take a short walk to your first adventure of the day: a ride on the Roosevelt Island Tram. The views of the East River and Manhattan skyline are always amazing. From Roosevelt Island, hop on the subway to the West Village, where your next adventure awaits.
Midday: Fairy Doors & Magic Shops
Wander through the charming streets of the West Village and keep an eye out for tiny fairy doors hidden in the area—your kids will love discovering these magical surprises!
For lunch, head to Murray’s Cheese Bar, located at 264 Bleecker St. This cozy spot offers an interactive, fun experience where your family can indulge in all things cheesy, from creative cheese boards to gooey grilled cheese sandwiches—perfect for kids and adults alike.
Afternoon: Hidden Playgrounds & Ice Cream
Let the kids run wild at Teardrop Park in Battery Park City, a hidden gem with incredible slides and fun spaces to climb. For a sweet treat, head to Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream—don’t miss their adventurous flavors like burnt honey or goat cheese.
Evening: Carousel & Sunset Views
Head over to Battery Park for a ride on the Seaglass Carousel, a fun, unique experience with a sea-inspired theme. Afterward, take a stroll along the Battery Park Esplanade for a quiet moment by the water, where you can enjoy views of the Statue of Liberty and the harbor as the day winds down.
Day 2: Books, Bites & Waterfront Wonders
Morning: Dinosaurs
If there’s only time for one museum, the American Museum of Natural History is the best pick for kids—dinosaurs, dioramas, and a massive blue whale make it an unforgettable experience.
Midday: Tacos & Stories
Grab tacos at Los Tacos No. 1 in Chelsea Market, then stop by 192 Books, a small, well-curated bookstore with a great kids’ section.
Afternoon: Seaport Adventures
Head to South Street Seaport, where old ships and cobblestone streets make it easy to imagine NYC’s past. Let the kids climb, build, and play freely at the Imagination Playground.
Evening: Chinatown & Neon Lights
End the day with dinner in Chinatown—whether it’s dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, or Peking duck, there’s something for everyone. If your kids still have energy, Times Square at night is worth the chaos just to see the lights and street performers in full force.
Day 3: Central Park, Culture, and Culinary Delights
Morning: Rocks & Playground Fun in Central Park
Start your day in Central Park, where your kids can climb the famous rocks near Heckscher Playground—a perfect spot for little adventurers to scramble and explore. Afterward, let them enjoy some fun at the playground itself, one of the largest and most popular in the park, complete with slides, swings, and lots of space to run free
Midday: Art & Inspiration at MoMA
Next, take a short trip to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), where the entire family can dive into the world of modern art. MoMA offers a variety of family programs designed to engage kids with hands-on activities and exhibits.
Lunch: Japanese Delights at Kinokuniya
Keep walking from the museum and head over to Kinokuniya, the Japanese bookstore near Bryant Park. We absolutely love this place! It’s got the best selection of Japanese fiction, but also an amazing collection of cooking books. For a delicious and budget-friendly lunch, grab some rice triangles (onigiri) on the second floor, and treat the kids to some sweet breads. And don’t miss the basement floor—it’s packed with all sorts of goodies, from beautiful papers and stationery to unique Japanese products that will have you wanting to buy everything!
Afternoon: East Village Wander & Street Vibes
Hop on the subway to 2nd Avenue and stroll through the East Village, known for its vibrant street art, unique boutiques, and local shops. If the kids need a break, there’s a great playground nearby. For a pick-me-up afternoon treat go to Juicy Lucy Juice Bar for the best smoothies—pineapple, papaya, and mango is our favorite!
Evening: Dinner at Superiority Burger
Wrap up your day at Superiority Burger in the East Village. Trust me, you’ve never had a burger like this! It’s a spot known for its veggie burgers, and they’re absolutely delicious. Kids will love it!
Brooklyn
Day 1:
Morning: Neighborhood Breakfast & Park Time
Grab breakfast at Evelina in Fort Greene, a laid-back neighborhood café with great coffee and delicious food. Then walk over to Fort Greene Park, a local favorite with actual hills and plenty of space for kids to run around. It’s a real neighborhood park—no tourist crowds, just locals going about their day.
Midday: DUMBO & Picnic by the Water
Explore DUMBO’s cobblestone streets and take in the Brooklyn Bridge views. Ride Jane’s Carousel, a beautifully restored classic with the city skyline as your backdrop. Before heading to Brooklyn Bridge Park, stop by the supermarket to grab fresh bread, cheese, and whatever else you need to throw together a picnic. Find a spot at Pier 3 or Pier 6, where you can eat by the water while the kids run around.
Afternoon: Creative Corners – Red Hook or Bushwick
If everyone’s still up for an adventure, take a taxi to Red Hook, a neighborhood with a creative, industrial vibe and some of the best waterfront views in Brooklyn. Wander through the area’s art installations, then make a stop at Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pies—their hand-made, no-frills key lime tarts are worth the trip.
If your kids are teenagers, skip Red Hook and head to Bushwick instead. The street art here is next level—massive, colorful murals covering entire buildings, making every corner worth a stop. End the day at Roberta’s, the coolest spot for seriously good wood-fired pizza—because after all that walking, everyone’s going to need a good meal.
Capture Your NYC Family Adventure
Make your trip to NYC even more memorable with a family photo session! Stylish Hip Kids Photography captures authentic moments against the city’s most magical backdrops—no stiff poses, just beautiful, candid photos of your family’s adventure. Book your session today!
If you want to add some shopping, check out our top favorite kids’s stores in NYC and Brooklyn
