Itinerary

A week in New York City with a 4-year-old can be a delightful adventure filled with fun attractions, parks, and family-friendly dining. Here’s a cheerful itinerary that balances sightseeing with plenty of playtime!

## Day 1: Arrival and Central Park Fun

Morning:

• Arrive in NYC and check into your hotel. If you’re staying near Central Park, that’s a bonus!
• Head to Central Park. Start at the Central Park Zoo where your daughter can see penguins, sea lions, and more.

Lunch:

• Enjoy a picnic lunch at Sheep Meadow or grab a bite at the Central Park Boathouse. The views are lovely, and the food is kid-friendly!

Afternoon:

• After lunch, let her run around at the Heckscher Playground. It’s a fantastic spot with lots of play equipment.

Dinner:

• Dine at Serafina (near the park) for some delicious Italian food. They have a great kids' menu!

## Day 2: Museums and More Parks

Morning:

• Visit the American Museum of Natural History. The dinosaur exhibits are a hit with kids!

Lunch:

• Grab lunch at the museum’s Café on One. It’s casual and has options for picky eaters.

Afternoon:

• After the museum, stroll through Central Park again, perhaps visiting the Alice in Wonderland statue and the Turtle Pond.

Dinner:

• Head to The Smith (Upper West Side) for a lively atmosphere and a menu that caters to families.

## Day 3: Iconic NYC

Morning:

• Start your day at Times Square. The bright lights and big screens are sure to amaze her!

Lunch:

• Enjoy lunch at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, where the waitstaff sings Broadway tunes. It’s a fun experience for the whole family!

Afternoon:

• Visit Bryant Park. There’s a carousel, and you can grab a snack from one of the kiosks.

Dinner:

• Dine at Shake Shack in the park for some classic burgers and shakes.

## Day 4: Brooklyn Adventure

Morning:

• Take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. The views are stunning, and it’s a fun experience!

Lunch:

• Once in Brooklyn, have lunch at Juliana’s Pizza. It’s family-friendly and has some of the best pizza in the city!

Afternoon:

• Spend the afternoon at Brooklyn Bridge Park. There are playgrounds, and you can even splash around in the water play area if it’s warm!

Dinner:

• Head to The River Café for dinner. It’s a bit more upscale, but they welcome families and have a beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline.

## Day 5: More Museums and Play

Morning:

• Visit the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. It’s designed for little ones and has tons of interactive exhibits.

Lunch:

• Have lunch at Jacob’s Pickles on the Upper West Side. They have comfort food and a great atmosphere.

Afternoon:

• Spend some time at Riverside Park. There are playgrounds and plenty of space to run around.

Dinner:

• Enjoy a casual dinner at P.J. Clarke’s. It’s a classic NYC spot with a relaxed vibe.

## Day 6: A Day in Queens

Morning:

• Head to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Visit the Queens Museum and see the famous Unisphere.

Lunch:

• Grab lunch at The Lemon Ice King of Corona for some refreshing Italian ice, and then head to a nearby family-friendly restaurant like Parkside Restaurant.

Afternoon:

• Spend the afternoon at the Queens Botanical Garden. It’s beautiful and has a lovely children’s garden.

Dinner:

• Dine at Taverna Kyclades for some delicious Greek food. It’s family-friendly and has a great atmosphere.

## Day 7: Departure Day

Morning:

• If time allows, visit The High Line. It’s a unique elevated park with gardens and art installations.

Lunch:

• Have a farewell lunch at Chelsea Market. There are plenty of options to choose from, and it’s a fun place to explore.

Afternoon:

• Depending on your departure time, you might have a chance to visit Hudson River Park for one last playtime before heading home.

Dinner:

• If you have a late flight, consider a casual dinner at Westville for some fresh, healthy options.

Tips:

• Always check the weather and have a backup plan for indoor activities.
• Consider using a stroller for your little one, as there will be a lot of walking.
• Make sure to take breaks and enjoy the little moments!

I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in New York City with your daughter! Enjoy your trip! 🌟