7 day itinerary for New York Niagra Falls

Itinerary

A week-long family trip from ## Dayton, Ohio, to New York and Niagara Falls sounds like a fantastic adventure! Let’s create a relaxed itinerary that balances sightseeing, swimming, and family fun. Buckle up, and let’s hit the road!

## Day 1: Drive from Dayton to Niagara Falls

• Morning: Start your journey early! Pack some snacks and games for the road. The drive to Niagara Falls is about 7-8 hours, so make sure to take breaks along the way.
• Lunch: Stop for lunch in Columbus, Ohio. A family-friendly spot like North Market offers a variety of food options.
• Afternoon: Continue your drive, and enjoy the scenic views as you approach New York.
• Evening: Check into a family-friendly hotel with a pool, like the Sheraton Niagara Falls. After settling in, take a dip in the pool to unwind from the drive.
• Dinner: Enjoy a casual dinner at Rainforest Cafe for a fun atmosphere that kids love!

## Day 2: Explore Niagara Falls

• Morning: After breakfast at the hotel, head to Niagara Falls State Park. Take a stroll along the scenic paths and enjoy the breathtaking views of the falls.
• Lunch: Pack a picnic or grab a bite at the Top of the Falls Restaurant for a meal with a view.
• Afternoon: Experience the Maid of the Mist boat tour. Don’t forget your ponchos! The kids will love getting up close to the falls.
• Evening: Return to the hotel for some swimming. Afterward, have dinner at The Old Falls Street area, where you can find various family-friendly restaurants.

## Day 3: More Niagara Falls Adventures

• Morning: Visit the Cave of the Winds for a thrilling experience. The wooden walkways take you right next to the Bridal Veil Falls.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at The Silo for some delicious comfort food.
• Afternoon: Head to Aquarium of Niagara. It’s a great place for kids to learn about marine life and see some fun exhibits.
• Evening: Have a relaxed dinner at Anchor Bar, famous for its Buffalo wings. Afterward, take a stroll to see the falls illuminated at night—it's magical!

## Day 4: Drive to New York City

• Morning: After breakfast, check out of your hotel and start your drive to New York City (about 6-7 hours).
• Lunch: Stop in Syracuse for lunch. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is a great family-friendly option.
• Afternoon: Arrive in NYC and check into a hotel with a pool, like the [Hilton Garden Inn Central Park South](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Hilton%20Garden%20Inn%20Central%20Park%20South&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround").
• Evening: Take a leisurely walk in Central Park. Let the kids run around and enjoy the playgrounds. Grab dinner at Shake Shack for a classic NYC experience.

## Day 5: Exploring NYC

• Morning: After breakfast, visit the American Museum of Natural History. The dinosaur exhibits are always a hit with kids!
• Lunch: Have lunch at the museum’s café or nearby at Jacob’s Pickles for some comfort food.
• Afternoon: Head to Central Park Zoo. It’s small but perfect for families, and the kids will love the sea lions and penguins.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, where the waitstaff performs Broadway tunes. It’s a fun experience for the whole family!

## Day 6: More NYC Fun

• Morning: Visit The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Take the ferry from Battery Park. The kids will love the boat ride!
• Lunch: Have lunch at Fraunces Tavern, a historic spot with a family-friendly menu.
• Afternoon: Explore Lower Manhattan. Walk through Wall Street and visit the 9/11 Memorial. It’s a somber but important experience.
• Evening: Head back to your hotel to relax and swim. For dinner, try Pizza Suprema for some classic New York pizza.

## Day 7: Last Day in NYC

• Morning: After breakfast, visit Times Square. Let the kids soak in the bright lights and energy. You can also check out the M&M’s World store!
• Lunch: Grab lunch at Junior’s Restaurant for their famous cheesecake and deli sandwiches.
• Afternoon: Spend your last afternoon at The High Line, a beautiful elevated park. It’s a great place to walk and enjoy the views of the city.
• Evening: For your final dinner, consider a family-friendly restaurant like Carmine’s for some hearty Italian food.

Bonus Tips:

• Make sure to check the weather and pack accordingly!
• Consider purchasing a CityPASS for NYC attractions to save on entry fees.
• Don’t forget to take lots of pictures and enjoy the moments together!

I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories with your family! Enjoy your trip! 🌟