Hi guys, on my website, I already wrote an article about safe areas in New York City for first-timers (I will put the link to it at the end of this article). In today’s article, I will help you to find the best places to stay in New York City for families with kids.
I will share with you what I believe are the best areas to stay in New York City for families, along with a map. I’ll also share where I stayed in New York City and recommend some of the best family-friendly hotels for various budgets.
New York City is one of the most famous and vibrant cities in the world. It is home to iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park, Empire State Building, and Brooklyn Bridge.
NYC boasts a famous skyline adorned with towering skyscrapers. Landmarks like the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and the Chrysler Building contribute to the city’s distinctive profile.
Is New York City a good place to visit with family?
Yes, absolutely. New York City is a fantastic destination for a family trip, offering a wide range of attractions and activities for people of all ages.
You can visit iconic landmarks, visit world-class museums, attend family-friendly shows at Broadway, enjoy various recreational activities at Central Park, and explore different cuisines at various restaurants.
Where to stay in New York City for families with kids?
The best areas to stay in New York City for families with kids are the Upper West Side/ Upper East Side, Midtown Manhattan, Lower Manhattan, and Long Island City. These areas offer plenty of family-friendly accommodations for all budgets and preferences.
Upper West Side/ Upper East Side is often considered one of the best areas to stay in NYC with family. It is a safe, quiet, residential area, with easy access to the Central Park, public transportations, and many major attractions in Midtown Manhattan.
Midtown is the best base for families who want to stay in the heart of the action. This area has a super central location, close to major attractions like Times Square, Broadway theaters, Rockefeller Center, and easy access to transportation. It can be crowded and noisy, especially in the Times Square area.
You can consider booking your family accommodation in Lower Manhattan. This area is home to historic sites such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the 9/11 Memorial. You can find trendy neighborhoods like Tribeca, Greenwich Village, Soho. Good public transportation access.
Long Island City (Queens) is a good base for families who travel on a budget and don’t mind commuting by train to visit attractions in Midtown. Accommodations in this area are generally more affordable than Manhattan. Great skyline views, especially along the waterfront.
During my trip to NYC, I stayed in Midtown Manhattan, at the 3-star Radio City Apartments. I was a good value for money in a prime location, close to everything. Within walking distance from Times Square, Broadway, and 5th Avenue. Apartment is also a good base for a family group. They have comfortable rooms for families of 4, 5, and 6.
Below is a map of the popular areas in New York City for families. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in New York City, especially for families. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in New York City have been carefully selected by me from well-known and secure booking sites such as booking.com, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them.
If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
4 Best areas to stay in New York City with family:
1. Upper West Side/Upper East Side
The Upper West and East Side is one of the most popular places to stay in NYC for families with kids. It is best situated for families who want a safe and quiet area, while still having easy access to the family-friendly Central Park and major sights on foot and by subway.
The Upper West Side is a peaceful residential area located between Central Park and the Hudson River. The Central Park is a vast and iconic green space in the heart of Manhattan. Your family can enjoy various recreational activities such as walking, biking, horseback riding, and rowing on the park’s lakes..
Central Park is home to numerous attractions, including Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, Bow Bridge, The Mall and Literary Walk, Belvedere Castle, Strawberry Fields, The Great Lawn, and the Central Park Zoo.
This area is home to several cultural attractions such as the American Museum of Natural History, New-York Historical Society, and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
The Upper East Side is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in NYC, located east of Central Park. This area is home to Museum Mile where you can find world-renowned museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and Museum of the City of New York.
The area is dotted with historic landmarks, elegant brownstones, and pre-war architecture. Some notable landmarks include The Dakota, a famous apartment building, and Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the Mayor of New York City.
You can go shopping at the high-end shopping along Madison Avenue, featuring luxury boutiques and flagship stores of famous brands.
Best places to stay in NYC in Upper West and East Side with kids:
Luxury ($$$): Trump International New York, 5-star family-friendly hotel in a prime location right next to Central Park, Columbus Circle, and Broadway. Easy access to subway lines A, B, C, D, 1, 2. The hotel welcomes children of all ages, children 18 years and above will be charged as adults. It has strollers, paid babysitting/child services, and indoor pool. The Two-Bedroom Suite is a great place for a family of 6.
Luxury ($$$): The Wallace Hotel, 5-star family-friendly good value for money hotel, in a nice, quiet, safe neighborhood, within just a short walk from Central Park and local subway stops, easy access to major sights on public transportation and by Uber/Taxi. Many grocery stores, coffee and bagel shops nearby. Family Rooms are great for families of 4.
Mid-range ($$): Hotel Beacon, 4-star children-friendly hotel conveniently located on the Upper West Side, close to beautiful Central Park. It is in a quiet part of the city, away from the busy Midtown, but still an easy walk/subway/ Uber ride to many locations. They have nice sized one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, perfect for a family of 4, 5, and 6.
Mid-range ($$): Hotel Lucerne, 4-star kid-friendly hotel in central location, within a short distance from Central Park, Museum of Natural History, and Children’s Museum Of Manhattan. Great base in New York for families with children of all ages, both young and old. Good bus and subway service nearby.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN UPPER WEST AND EAST SIDE2. Midtown Manhattan
Midtown Manhattan is an excellent choice for families who want to be at the center of the action, surrounded by iconic landmarks, theaters, and shopping districts.
Midtown is at the heart of Manhattan, making it a convenient base for exploring the city. It’s well-connected by public transportation, including subways and buses.
Midtown is home to the iconic Times Square, Broadway theaters, Rockefeller Center, and Fifth Avenue shopping. These iconic attractions are within walking distance of each other, offering a plethora of entertainment and shopping options.
The area boasts a diverse range of restaurants, from upscale dining to casual eateries. The Theater District provides an abundance of entertainment options, including Broadway shows.
Midtown is known for its iconic skyline, featuring towering skyscrapers like the Empire State Building. Your family can enjoy panoramic views of the city from observation decks such as Top of the Rock or the Empire State Building.
Keep in mind that Midtown can be crowded, especially around Times Square. If you prefer a quieter neighborhood, other areas like the Upper West or Upper East Side might be more suitable.
Best places to stay in NYC in Midtown Manhattan with kids:
Luxury ($$$): Hard Rock Hotel New York, 5-star family-friendly hotel, located in a prime location, close to everything, including Times Square, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center and Museum of Modern Art/. It has parking, 24-hour front desk, and good breakfast. They have interconnecting rooms which are good for families with older children.
Mid-range ($$): Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square, 4-star children-friendly hotel set in an unbeatable location, within walking distance of Times Square and theaters. They have good family sized rooms and excellent breakfast. Rooms are nice and spacious with amazing views.
Mid-range ($$): M Social Hotel Times Square New York, 4-star family-friendly accommodation in central NYC, featuring family rooms and a kid-friendly lobby game. Close to Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks and Dig in. You can use the Citi Bike system to explore the area.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN MIDTOWN MANHATTAN3. Lower Manhattan
Lower Manhattan, also known as Downtown Manhattan, is the southernmost part of the island of Manhattan. It has a rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and a mix of modern and historic landmarks.
Lower Manhattan is home to several historic sites, including the Financial District, Wall Street, and Trinity Church. It also houses the iconic One World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center site.
Battery Park, located at the southern tip of Manhattan, offers green spaces, waterfront views, and the departure point for ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It’s a great place for families taking a leisurely stroll or picnicking.
The area features cultural institutions such as the National Museum of the American Indian and the Skyscraper Museum. The Museum of Jewish Heritage and the South Street Seaport Museum are also nearby.
Lower Manhattan has excellent transportation connections, including subway lines, buses, and the PATH train to New Jersey. The proximity to major transportation hubs like the Fulton Center and the World Trade Center Transportation Hub makes it easy to explore other parts of the city.
Best places to stay in NYC in Lower Manhattan with family:
Luxury ($$$): Conrad New York Downtown, 5-star good value for money family-friendly hotel, located in a quiet area in Tribeca, a few steps away from Hudson river, Observatory Tower, and World Trade Center. Plenty of public subway links nearby. Rooms are spacious and modern.
Mid-range ($$): Sanctuary NYC Retreats, 4-star good value for money boutique hotel in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, featuring family rooms for families of 4 and 5. Walking distance from Little Italy, Tompkins Square Park in the East Village. 5-10 mins metro ride to Midtown Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Budget ($): Hotel Mulberry, 3-star good value for money hotel in a safe neighborhood in Chinatown, close to Little Italy and a subway station for further exploration. Walking distance to East Village, Lower East Side, and Brooklyn Bridge.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN LOWER MANHATTAN4. Long Island City
Long Island City (LIC) is a great area in NYC for your family if you want budget-friendly accommodation, a more local experience while still being close to the heart of Manhattan.
Accommodations in Long Island City tend to be more affordable compared to many parts of Manhattan. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers while still providing easy access to Manhattan via subway.
LIC is well-connected to Manhattan by multiple subway lines, including the 7, E, M, and G trains, making it a convenient base for exploring the city.
LIC is situated along the East River, offering stunning waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline. Gantry Plaza State Park is a popular spot to enjoy these views and relax by the river.
The neighborhood has a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries and creative spaces. It is home to MoMA PS1 (an extension of the Museum of Modern Art), SculptureCenter, and Noguchi Museum.
Best places to stay in NYC in Long Island City with children:
Budget ($): Home2 Suites Long Island City/Manhattan View, 3-star good value for money accommodation in a quiet and prime location of Long Island City. It has rooms for families of 4 to 6. 2 minute walk to the subway station, 20 mins train ride to Manhattan.
Budget ($): Hyatt Place Long Island City, 3-star family-friendly good value for money accommodation in the middle of Queens. Easy access to Train E, F and Train 7 for Manhattan, JFK airport, and Flushing. Shops and restaurants can be found easily nearby. 20 mins walk to the NYC ferry.
Budget ($): LIC Hotel, 3-star accommodation in a nice and safe area. Great location for exploring Manhattan and NYC! 3 mins walk to the subway station where you can take the train to the Rockefeller Center. The breakfast was delicious and there were plenty of dishes to choose from.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN LONG ISLAND CITYIn conclusion, Upper West Side/Upper East Side, Midtown Manhattan, Lower Manhattan, and Long Island City are the best places to stay in New York City for families with kids. These areas offer plenty of family-friendly accommodations, easy access to major attractions and tourist amenities.
You can continue read this article: Safe places to stay in New York City for first time
There you have it, my recommendations for the popular areas and neighborhoods that you can stay during your family trip to New York City. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.