A Complete Guide for a New York City Winter Family Vacation
New York is an excellent place to visit during any season, but winter is considered the most magical time. Although NYC winters may be harsh and cold, the city offers a unique and extraordinary experience during the season.
Aside from the gorgeous light shows and window displays, New York City offers many family activities. There are also fewer tourists in this city that never sleeps.
Read on as we discuss the best events, activities, and accommodations during winter in NYC. We will also tackle other essential things about planning a child-friendly winter trip to New York City!
Best Child-Friendly Activities in NYC During Winter
Immerse in holiday experiences.
When visiting New York City during Christmas, one thing you should not miss is seeing the Rockefeller Christmas Tree up close. This world-famous tree is symbolic as it signifies the start of the holiday season in NYC.
The Christmas Tree is between the Rockefeller Ice Rink and the Rockefeller Center. So, the best viewing points are from Fifth Avenue through Channel Gardens.
The entire family can enjoy ice skating at Rockefeller Plaza’s iconic rink. Yet, given its popularity and small size, it can quickly get crowded. For bigger rinks, some alternatives include Central Park’s Wollman Ice Rink, Pier 17’s rooftop Skyline ice rink, and Bryan Park’s Winter Village.
NYC has unique and fun winter attractions perfect for the entire family!
For those who adore looking at the lights in the snowy backdrop, there are various locations for the NYC Winter Lantern Festival. If you missed December in NYC, fret not because some sites are open until February!
Families with young children will also have fun visiting the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Gardens. This 30-year-old tradition will bring some holiday cheer to everyone. See the splendid display of miniature trains zipping through over 175 famous New York landmarks!
Visiting New York in December also means seeing performances like The Rockettes in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Also, the timeless classic, The Nutcracker, has many performance varieties and productions throughout the city. These shows run for the entire December, giving families countless opportunities to catch a show.
Finally, you can cap the year by watching the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop at Times Square! Families with little ones who want their countdown fun also have several options! One is the Staten Island Children’s Museum Countdown Party at noon instead of midnight – complete with dancing and party favors!
Visit a snowy Central Park.
Central Park transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the winter months. Most iconic landmarks in this are picturesque and lovely during the season, like the Carousel, Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, and Belvedere Castle.
Here are some of the best family-friendly activities in Central Park that will make your winter vacation memorable:
Visit the Zoo
The Central Park Zoo is open year-round, and it is home to animals from polar, tropical, and temperate regions. One of its most popular exhibits is the sea lion pool and tank in the center courtyard. Other exhibits in the Zoo feature penguins, grizzly bears, and snow leopards.
Families with young children can continue further north to the Tisch Children’s Zoo, where the kids can feed sheep, potbellied pigs, and the only cow in Manhattan.
Book a Family Discovery Tour
Bring your family for a guided winter walk in Central Park if your trip falls on a weekend. Discover how the Conservancy takes care of the park and why it is a sanctuary for humans, plants, and animals.
Children can also borrow a Discovery Kit, backpacks filled with hand lenses, field guides, and binoculars. Using this, they can learn about Central Park’s ecosystems, architecture, and landscapes.
Go Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing
Central Park’s bridle path and wide-open meaders are left snow-covered in the winter to protect its soft surface, so visitors can cross-country ski or snowshoe through these areas.
Ride the Carousel
The iconic Carousel at Central Park is open seven days a week, throughout winter, weather permitting. It features 57 horses, calliope music, and American folk art. Since its installation in 1951, it has remained one of the immense carousels in the US.
Go Sledding
Pilgrim Hill and Cedar Hill are popular sledding destinations at Central Park. These venues are open for sledding if weather permits, and there are at least 6 inches of snow cover. Cedar Hill is an ideal option for younger sledders and beginners as it has a lesser incline. On the other hand, Pilgrim Hill is a crowd favorite, and it gets crowded quickly.
Remember to bring sleds, though, as renting one is impossible since Central Park has no concessions.
Enjoy NYC through leisurely winter strolls.
Strolling around New York City on foot is one of the best ways to experience it. Thankfully, NYC is a walkable city with many stroller-accessible areas. Wrap up well and grab some hot chocolate before enjoying the sparsely populated streets in winter.
Here are some of the best places for a winter stroll in NYC:
The High Line was once a decrepit railway turned into a park and has become a rite of passage for anyone visiting the city. Start at 34th Street in the north or Gansevoort Street in the south. It stretches 1.45 miles and takes about 3 hours to walk the park.
Brooklyn Bridge usually has many crowds, but it is less crazy in winter. Since walking on this bridge can get even colder because of the wind chill, this is not exactly the best place for young children to tag along. So be sure to wear boots to avoid slipping and go in the morning before the snow becomes slushy.
The Financial District has many touristy sites, especially around Wall Street. Take this time to enjoy taking photos of iconic landmarks. These include the Federal Hall, the New York Stock Exchange, Trinity Church, and the Charging Bull.
Walking around SoHo is an excellent option for those who want to shop, and this does not change no matter the season. In winter, delight in the charming, easygoing atmosphere and the beautiful street scene when the pavement is freshly powdered with snow.
Broadway is one of the longest streets in the world, stretching 33 miles. For a winter walk, you can pass by several famous sites in Central Manhattan by walking from Central Park to Union Square.
Best Family-Friendly Accommodations in NYC During Winter
Choosing a child-friendly hotel in NYC can be difficult and expensive when planning a vacation any time of year. However, the winter season offers better chances for bargains, particularly in January and February.
Here are the top five hotels famous for winter family vacations:
Cambria Hotel
Located between Midtown and Chelsea, this highly rated hotel is a favorite of many families, and many adore its rooftop terrace and affordable rates.
This hotel is best for families with kids old enough to enjoy visiting iconic NYC sights. It is only a short walk from Broadway, Rockefeller Center, and Times Square.
Conrad Hotel
This hotel is one of the top picks for families vacationing in NYC because of its child-friendly services. It provides free cots, infant beds, and even onsite babysitting services. In addition, because of its proximity to well-known landmarks, such as The Statue of Liberty, Battery Park City, and a beach, families have plenty of options to visit during the holidays!
Box House Hotel
Situated in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, the Box House Hotel is near Grand Central Terminal, Macy’s, and the Empire State Building. It provides many family-friendly amenities, like childcare services or babysitting. Also, all rooms here come with a fridge, which is helpful for those bringing formula or milk. Best of all, accommodations include daily housekeeping services, so parents will worry less about cleaning up during vacation!
The Baccarat Hotel
In its location in Midtown, the world-famous Baccarat Hotel allows easy access to Times Square, Central Park, and the Chrysler Building. Like most family-friendly hotels in New York City, The Baccarat Hotel offers free cots and infant beds, babysitting services, and adjoining rooms. It even provides a town car service, ideal for small children who cannot walk in large amounts.
Archer Hotel
The Archer Hotel offers splendid views over the Empire State Building. This trendy Midtown boutique hotel is near Bryant Park and welcomes guests of all ages. Although it does not provide family-friendly amenities, it offers a secret treat for its young guests. Be sure to ask the front desk for the Kid in Archer Box, so the kids can find and select an old-fashioned toy to take home.
When is the best time to visit NYC with kids during winter?
The best time to visit NYC for a winter family vacation is from January to early March. Fortunately, prices are lower during these months since this period is considered the low season, and hotel occupancy rates go below 90%.
If you and your family are used to cold winters, you can enjoy many benefits and discounts when visiting New York City during the season.
December
The days leading up to Christmas and New Year will create beautiful memories for the entire family in NYC. You can do your Christmas shopping at Macy’s or Fifth Avenue, watch the ball drop-in Times Square, participate in holiday events, and be merry with the locals.
However, plane fares and hotel rates are more expensive in December than in January or February. The streets, attractions, and events are also busier and more crowded.
January
January is the best time for the best deals on hotels and flights. Although this month can be brutally cold, you will have freedom in the city. There are also few tourists in museums and attractions.
Toward the end of the month, food-loving families can enjoy and take advantage of Restaurant Week. Here, you can enjoy prix fixe meals at hundreds of restaurants throughout the city.
February
Like January, February offers quiet attractions and museums, cheap flights and hotels, and less harsh weather. The first three weeks of this month also fall into restaurant week, so you can enjoy great deals on dining in all five boroughs.
February also has the highest probability of snow, so this is the best month to plan a family vacation if you want to see a snow-covered New York City.
What to Pack for an NYC Winter Trip
You can choose late fall and winter attire if you’re traveling in December. But for January and February trips, plan to bring heavy winter apparel.
Packing and transporting insulated winter coats is a pain, but these are necessary for the harsh NYC winter temperatures. Hats, gloves, and scarves are also a given to keep warm. High-quality moisture-wicking base layers are also a great help to stay toasty.
When snowing, footwear is important. Robust, waterproof boots are essential to keep your feet dry and warm, so running shoes are out of the question for an NYC winter trip!
FAQs about Visiting New York City in the Winter
Is it worth going to NYC in December?
Some say spending Christmas in New York is one of the best times to visit the city. However, prepare for massive tourist crowds and soaring prices. New York in December is cold but rarely snowy. So, this season is great to visit if you enjoy the holiday festivities.
Is Central Park worth visiting in the winter?
Central Park has fun, year-round attractions, like the Swedish Cottage and the Carousel. It also offers family-friendly snowy activities like ice skating, wildlife watching, and sledding.
Does Central Park Zoo close during winter?
Central Park Zoo is open year-round, and all animal exhibits are available 365 days a year. However, the management encourages visiting during fall and winter. During these seasons, the animals are more active than in the warmer months, and there are fewer crowds than in summer.
What is winter like in New York City?
Winter months in NYC are cold and snowy, and there is less daylight than in autumn, even though the sky is clear and sunny.
Book Kidmoto Now!
Ensure travel convenience on your winter family trip to New York City by booking a Kidmoto Ride!
Ditch the bulky car seats and reserve a ride for a more convenient time while you are at the airport. Whether you’re coming from LaGuardia Airport, JFK Airport, or Newark Liberty Int Airport, Kidmoto has you covered.
You also need not worry about the availability of car seats upon arrival! Kidmoto has top-notch car seats installed by professional drivers who will ensure a safe and secure ride for your family.
Download the mobile-friendly Kidmoto app to quickly book a ride so you can focus on making memories on your family vacation!
