Are you planning a family trip to New York City? We have friends who are going there next year and they have asked us to nut out a draft itinerary for them. With so much to see and do in New York city, they will never be bored. From the bustling streets of Times Square to the world-famous Broadway shows, New York City promises to offer a unique experience for every visitor.

What Makes New York City So Special?

New York City, also known as the "City That Never Sleeps," is a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and iconic landmarks. Here are some notable facts about the city:

• New York City is home to over 8 million people, making it the most populous city in the United States.
• Times Square, located in the heart of Manhattan, is one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world. It's a hub of entertainment, shopping, and bright neon lights.
• Broadway, often referred to as the "Great White Way," is the pinnacle of live theater. Catching a show on Broadway is a must-do experience that we know they will certainly enjoy.
• New York City is famous for its diverse culinary scene. From hot dogs and pretzels on the street corners to Michelin-starred restaurants there is something for everyone's palates. That reminds me, we must do a 'Tasty Travels' tee from there. 
• The city is home to iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Empire State Building, and Brooklyn Bridge.

Exploring New York City: A Family Itinerary

Here is where we are up to in our itinerary plans so far:

Start the adventure in the heart of New York City. Exploring the bustling streets of Times Square, taking in the vibrant atmosphere and larger-than-life billboards. Snap photos with iconic characters and street performers dressed in costumes like the one on our New York Streets Luggage Cover.

In the evening, Broadway will be calling. We LOVE live theatre and so do our friends. We encourage them to immerse themselves in the magic of Broadway and book tickets to a family-friendly show promising world-class performances.

Embarking on a ferry ride to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to learn about the history of immigration in the United States and enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline from the observation deck of the Statue of Liberty.

Next day it's off to the Park. Not just any park, Central Park which you will recognise from many TV shows, is so big it is larger than the Principality of Monaco! There they can rent bicycles or take a leisurely stroll through the park, enjoying the beautiful landscapes and landmarks such as Bethesda Terrace and Strawberry Fields.

Afterward, we suggest visiting one of the many world-class museums in the area, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the American Museum of Natural History which you might know from the movie "A Night at the Museum'" with Ben Stiller. These museums offer educational and interactive exhibits suitable for the whole family.

By taking a walk across the historic Brooklyn Bridge to Brooklyn, they will be able to enjoy amazing views of the Manhattan skyline. 

In the afternoon, our friends may wish to head to Coney Island and ride the roller coasters, play carnival games, and go for a walk along the boardwalk.

Free Things to Do in New York City

Here are another couple of ideas we found for free things to do in New York City:

• Visit the High Line, an elevated park built on a historic freight rail line where we can view the from above. It apparently has unique art installations along the way.
• Explore Greenwich Village and SoHo, known for their "charming streets, boutique shops, and vibrant art scene".

So we know we have some work to do to finetune this itinerary before they head overseas in 2024. And this itinerary will undoubtedly change a dozen times before then. That gives you guys plenty of time to send us an email with your best suggestions of things to do in the Big Apple!

They have already grabbed a Geo Kid New York City Streets Luggage Cover ready to dress and impress. They are only available from our store and to get one for yourself click here.

Happy travels!