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New York City 2024 – Family Adventures & Holiday Magic

Our New York City Trip 2024!
Our New York City Trip 2024!

New York City is a destination that’s as exciting as it is overwhelming—a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and energy that pulls you in from the moment you arrive. For our family, this trip was a mix of firsts, holiday magic, and a whole lot of walking. From iconic landmarks to indulgent desserts, we packed our days with memorable experiences (and a few parenting adventures, too). We went there for 2.5 days during the week between Christmas and New Years, with the goal of showing our kids the city in all its holiday splendor.  Whether you’re a seasoned visitor or planning your first NYC getaway, our journey offered plenty of highlights, tips, and lessons to share. Let’s dive in!

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    Transportation to New York City

    Our New York City adventure kicked off with a smooth ride on the Amtrak Acela train from Union Station in D.C. to Penn Station in Manhattan. Let me tell you, skipping the whole “airport hustle” was a win from the start. No TSA lines, no wrestling with overhead bins, just a breezy boarding process and a comfy four-person table where we could spread out. The kids thought they were living the high life with all that legroom—and so did I, if we’re being honest.

    Tristan and Charlie boarding the Accela Train to New York
    Tristan and Charlie boarding the Accela Train to New York
    Tristan and Charlie onboard the Accela train
    Tristan and Charlie onboard the Accela train
    John and Charlie at one side of the four person table on the Amtrak Accela.
    John and Charlie at one side of the four person table on the Amtrak Accela.
    Tristan and Megan at one side of the four person table on the Amtrak Accela.
    Tristan and Megan at one side of the four person table on the Amtrak Accela.

    The trip zipped by in about 3.5 hours, which gave us just enough time to relax, play some Harry Potter Uno, and eat our Pot Belly subs that we took onboard. Train travel is seriously underrated, especially if you’re traveling with kids. It’s less stressful, easier on the wallet, and best of all, it plops you right into the heart of Manhattan. We rolled into Penn Station around 1:30 PM, ready to stretch our legs and take on the city. A short walk later, we arrived at our hotel, hoping our room was ready ahead of schedule.

    Our Hotel in New York City

    When figuring out the best place to stay in NYC, it’s important to figure out what activities you want to do, and then figure out where a central location is. For us, our activities were mainly in Midtown Manhattan, so we decided to stay at a hotel near Times Square. 

    AC Hotel New York Times Square

    We found Marriott’s AC Hotel in Times Square on Expedia for a reasonable price, and the reviews were pretty solid.  Being on 40th Street near Times Square, this gave us a good midpoint for our activities. 

    The AC Hotel Times Square
    The AC Hotel Times Square

    We had a room with two double beds (queen size would have been nice, but hey, this is NYC) on the 15th floor, which our boys really liked since they had a high perch to view the city. The room had floor to ceiling windows, beds that were comfortable, and plenty of storage/benches for us to utilize.  One thing I appreciated about this room is the number of USB power outlets to charge our various devices.  

    The beds at the AC Hotel Times Square
    The beds at the AC Hotel Times Square
    Brown Bear enjoying the view out of our 15th floor hotel room at the AC Hotel Times Square
    Brown Bear enjoying the view out of our 15th floor hotel room at the AC Hotel Times Square

    The bathroom was also very spacious, well lit, and had plenty of counter space. Our kids really were impressed with the square shaped toilet as well. 

    The front desk staff were really helpful and always friendly – and they offered complimentary bottles of water to all guests, which was great on the first day, but after that they ran out and were waiting on a shipment, which never arrived during our stay.  A bummer, but not a biggie. We were really appreciative of the late checkout they offered the morning of our departure – our train was canceled last minute and we booked a later train, so being able to stay in the hotel a little bit longer was a godsend. 

    Our Adventures in New York City

    Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

    On our first evening in New York City, we visited the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, a timeless tradition that never fails to inspire holiday cheer. The tree was breathtaking, its dazzling lights illuminating the plaza in a way that perfectly captured the magic of the season. However, the crowds were overwhelming—throngs of people filled every corner, making it difficult to navigate even the closed-off streets and sidewalks. While the atmosphere was undeniably festive, the sheer volume of visitors required patience and a good sense of humor. Despite the congestion, standing in the glow of that magnificent tree was a memorable experience and a quintessential way to kick off our NYC holiday adventure.

    The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree 2024
    The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree 2024

    Empire State Building

    Our trip to the Empire State Building was a blend of iconic views, smart planning, and a little unexpected drama. We splurged on Express Passes, which, while not cheap, turned out to be a lifesaver. Skipping the long lines and heading straight to the 80th floor felt like a VIP move, and the passes also gave us access to the 86th observatory and the 102nd level. With New York’s infamous rain and clouds making guest appearances during our trip, we had to reschedule our timeslot twice to ensure we’d actually see the city below. Thankfully, the ticket transfer process online was quick and easy, and storing the passes in my Apple Wallet was a seamless win for digital convenience.

    Tristan in the main lobby of the Empire State Building
    Tristan in the main lobby of the Empire State Building
    The view from the top of the Empire State Building
    The view from the top of the Empire State Building

    We finally made it up on a clear night, and the views were absolutely breathtaking. Manhattan sparkled like it had dressed up just for us. Unfortunately, the experience took a turn when our youngest, Charlie, got sick on the 80th floor, cutting the adventure short for him and me. Megan and Tristan soldiered on to the upper levels, and their photos convinced me it was worth the trek. Even with the hiccup, the Empire State Building lived up to its legendary status. The art deco design, with its gleaming gold accents, was as stunning as the views. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting the city—even if your adventure comes with a side of parenting challenges!

    Central Park

    One of the highlights of our trip was all the walking we did—and by “all,” I mean my step counter was working overtime! A lot of that walking happened in Central Park, which, believe it or not, was my first time actually exploring on foot despite having visited NYC three times before. We started our adventure with a pit stop at Starbucks for some much-needed fuel: hot chocolate for the kids, lattes for the grown-ups. Properly caffeinated (or sugared up), we ventured into the park.

    The Balto statue in Central Park
    The Balto statue in Central Park

    The kids were instantly drawn to the massive rocks scattered throughout, turning them into impromptu climbing courses. The highlight of our stroll, though, was spotting the Balto statue. Having watched Balto a year or so ago, the kids were beyond excited to see the real-life tribute to their animated hero. We even walked over to the Zoo, only to find it had just closed—cue the collective groan. Even so, Central Park lived up to its reputation, offering a little slice of adventure and greenery in the middle of all the urban chaos.

    American Museum of Natural History

    Saturday brought non-stop rain, but luckily, we had planned ahead and snagged tickets to the American Museum of Natural History—a perfect indoor activity for a soggy NYC day. The adventure started with a classic New York experience: the kids’ first-ever taxi ride. They were equal parts fascinated and terrified, especially with the way the driver navigated through the puddle-filled streets like a pro. Once we arrived, we felt like VIPs skipping the massive line of people wrapped around the block, thanks to our online tickets.

    The lines for the American Museum of Natural History were wrapped around the block.
    The lines for the American Museum of Natural History were wrapped around the block.
    The dinosaur floor (4th) was our kids favorite
    The dinosaur floor (4th) was our kids favorite

    Inside, we explored all four floors of exhibits. The kids were obsessed with the dinosaur fossils, and seeing them light up as they stood in front of the towering T. rex was worth every penny. Another favorite was the planetarium show, which was awe-inspiring—or so I hear. Full disclosure: the comfy seats and dim lighting lulled me into a brief nap. We refueled at the Museum’s Restaurant of Gilder, which served as a nice pit stop before diving back into more exhibits. Rainy days don’t feel so bad when you’re surrounded by history, science, and enough dinosaurs to keep the kids buzzing for hours!

    Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Play

    Sunday was a magical day—literally—as we snagged tickets to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. This was a first for all of us: the boys’ first Broadway show, and mine too! The Lyric Theater turned out to be the perfect venue, with its enchanting atmosphere setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. The play itself was nothing short of spectacular. The special effects were so mind-blowing, it had us all whispering, “How did they do that?” And the actors? Absolutely phenomenal—they brought the magic of Hogwarts to life in a way that felt completely real. If you’re visiting NYC with kids, this is a must-see. Watching their faces light up as they were drawn into the world of wizards and spells was worth every second. Honestly, I’m pretty sure we left the theater all secretly wishing for our own wands.

    Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway
    Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway
    Orchestra seats to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
    Orchestra seats to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
    The Playbill for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
    The Playbill for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
    The Lyric Theater Lobby Ceiling for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
    The Lyric Theater Lobby Ceiling for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

    FAO Schwarz

    Sunday morning brought us to one of NYC’s most iconic spots: FAO Schwarz at Rockefeller Center. We arrived right when it opened, but so did a lot of other people, so there was a 25-minute wait to get inside. Once through the doors, though, it was like stepping into a wonderland of toys. The highlight for our boys was customizing their own bears at the “Build-A-Bear” workshop. They carefully picked out every detail, and watching their faces light up as they saw their creations come to life was great. Carrying their new stuffies in those signature cardboard boxes around NYC—and eventually back to the hotel—was one of their favorite parts of the trip. Honestly, seeing them treasure those bears made every minute of waiting in line worth it. FAO Schwarz truly knows how to create magical memories!

    The line to get into FAO Schwarz in New York City
    The line to get into FAO Schwarz in New York City
    Tristan operating the stuffing machine at Build A Bear in FAO Schwarz
    Tristan operating the stuffing machine at Build A Bear in FAO Schwarz

    Macy’s Herald Square Store on 34th Street

    A trip to New York wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the iconic Macy’s flagship store on 34th Street. The exterior was dressed to impress, decked out with wreaths, garlands, and giant red bows that made it look straight out of a holiday movie. We showed the boys the very street outside the entrance where the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marches down—cue excited recognition from their TV memories. 

    Macy's flagship store on 34th Street New York
    Macy's flagship store on 34th Street New York

    For me, the real magic was riding the original wooden escalators up to the top floor. These beauties, built in 1902, transported us not just between floors but back in time. There’s something so charming about the creak of century-old craftsmanship still doing its thing. The boys, however, were all about the pop-up *Toys “R” Us* store on the 7th floor. They were particularly fascinated by the Lego section, complete with an impressive Lego Statue of Liberty and a Lego replica of Macy’s itself. It was a little slice of childhood nostalgia for us grown-ups, too!

    The original Macy's wooden escalators from 1902
    The original Macy's wooden escalators from 1902
    The Lego Statue of Liberty in Macy's Toys R' Us section
    The Lego Statue of Liberty in Macy's Toys R' Us section

    The Food We Ate

    We definitely ate well on this trip, and using OpenTable and Resy to snag reservations ahead of time made the trip a bit smoother (especially with hangry children).  Here are some of the highlights:

    Serendipity

    One restaurant that topped our NYC bucket list was Serendipity, the legendary spot known for its outrageous desserts. After our museum adventure, we headed to their 60th Street location (they also have one in Times Square) for dinner and a sugar-filled finale. Dinner itself was pretty standard fare—Megan ordered a Chicken Cobb Salad, I tackled a foot-long chili hot dog, and the boys enjoyed cheeseburgers. But let’s be real: we weren’t there for the savory stuff. 

    My footlong hotdog from Serendipity! Eyes up Megan...
    My footlong hotdog from Serendipity! Eyes up here Megan...
    The Chicken Cobb Salad from Serendipity.

    When dessert arrived, the real fun began. Megan went for the whimsical cotton candy burrito, while I embraced nostalgia with a massive banana split that I, of course, devoured to the last bite. Meanwhile, Tristan and Charlie got creative, building their own sundaes with all the toppings their hearts desired. By the end, we had spent a jaw-dropping $100 on desserts alone—but honestly, it was worth every penny for the memories. The boys are still talking about it, and who doesn’t love a meal that doubles as an experience?

    The Banana Split from Serendipity, New York City
    The Banana Split from Serendipity, New York City
    Tristan and Charlie made their own Sundaes as Serendipity in New York City
    Tristan and Charlie made their own Sundaes as Serendipity in New York City
    The Cotton Candy Burrito Dessert from Serendipity
    The Cotton Candy Burrito Dessert from Serendipity

    BTS

    Every morning during our trip, we kicked things off at Bagel to Sandwich, or BTS as the locals call it, a bagel shop conveniently located just steps from our hotel. It quickly became our go-to breakfast spot, and for good reason. Their menu boasted a wide variety of bagels, cream cheese flavors, sandwiches, and pastries that catered to every craving. My personal favorite? A sesame seed bagel loaded with crispy bacon, egg, and cream cheese—absolute perfection. Megan kept it simple but satisfying with an egg bagel and plain cream cheese, while the boys embraced their minimalist breakfast tendencies with plain bagels and—you guessed it—plain cream cheese. (So much for adventurous palates!) The LOX bagel sandwich was another standout, packed with flavor. To top it off, their coffee was solid, and they even offered fresh fruit, which was a nice balance to all the carbs. BTS was the perfect start to each busy NYC day!

    BTS Bagels on 40th Street, New York City
    BTS Bagels on 40th Street, New York City
    Plenty of pastries at BTS in New York City
    Plenty of pastries at BTS in New York City
    The BTS Signature Bagel Sandwich
    The BTS Signature Bagel Sandwich
    The LOX from BTS in New York City - a 10/10
    The LOX from BTS in New York City - a 10/10

    5 Acres

    After marveling at the Rockefeller Christmas tree, we made our way to 5 Acres, a cozy restaurant tucked into the lower level of Rockefeller Center. It was the perfect spot to refuel after braving the holiday crowds. Megan and I both opted for their “5A Burger,” which did not disappoint, while the kids stuck with their go-to: cheeseburgers. The food was solid—nothing groundbreaking, but definitely satisfying. The real star of the experience, though, was the location. Being right in the heart of Rockefeller Center made it a convenient and festive dining choice, and the fact that we could easily book a table on OpenTable was a game-changer. For planners like us who enjoy organizing events around meals, this spot was a win!

    The 5A Burger at 5 Acres in Rockefeller Center
    The 5A Burger at 5 Acres in Rockefeller Center

    Tips & Tricks for New York City Travel

    Tip: Don’t Drive to the City—Take the Train Instead

    Driving in NYC can be a stressful, horn-filled nightmare with limited (and expensive) parking options. Opt for the train to avoid the hassle entirely. It’s a smoother, more relaxing experience, and you’ll arrive right in the heart of the city, ready to explore without the parking drama!

    Tip: Take a Taxi Instead of an Uber

    Flagging down a classic yellow cab in NYC is incredibly easy and often faster than waiting for an Uber. Plus, taxis are everywhere, so you can hop in and get moving without dealing with surge pricing or app delays!

    Tip: Use Apps Like OpenTable and Resy to Book Meal Reservations

    Planning meals ahead with apps like OpenTable and Resy is a lifesaver, especially when traveling with kids. These apps make it easy to secure a table at popular spots, ensuring you avoid long waits and keep everyone happy and fed on schedule!

    Tip: Plan Ahead by Purchasing Tickets in Advance

    Save yourself time and stress by buying tickets for shows, attractions, and activities ahead of time. Many popular NYC experiences sell out quickly, and having tickets in hand means less waiting and more enjoying!

    Tip: Ensure Everyone Wears Good Walking Shoes

    NYC is a walking city, and you’ll rack up miles without even realizing it. Comfortable, supportive shoes are a must for everyone in your group to keep those feet happy and blister-free while exploring!

    Final Thoughts

    New York City truly is a place like no other. It’s a city that never sleeps, never slows down, and always has something new to discover. From the dazzling lights of the Rockefeller Christmas tree to the timeless charm of Central Park and the unforgettable experiences at Broadway shows and museums, our trip was packed with memories that will last a lifetime. Sure, navigating the crowds, rain, and occasional mishaps (looking at you, Empire State Building drama) tested our patience, but those moments are what make family adventures so real—and so memorable.

    Radio City Music Hall in New York City

    If there’s one thing we learned, it’s that NYC rewards a little planning. Booking tickets, reserving tables, and packing the right shoes can make all the difference in turning a hectic trip into an enjoyable one. Whether you’re there for the food, the landmarks, or the sheer magic of it all, New York City has something for everyone, and it’s a place we’ll definitely be revisiting. Until next time, NYC—you’ve still got our hearts!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    We found that taking the train was the easiest and most stress-free option. The Amtrak Acela brought us straight into Penn Station, avoiding the hassles of driving or flying. Plus, the kids enjoyed the spacious seating and having room to play games during the ride.

    We used apps like OpenTable and Resy to book restaurant reservations ahead of time. This was a game-changer, especially with kids who get "hangry" quickly. It saved us from long waits and ensured we had a spot at popular places like Serendipity and 5 Acres.

    Absolutely! The Express Passes allowed us to bypass long lines and head straight up to enjoy the breathtaking views. We did have a hiccup with our youngest feeling unwell, but the experience overall was unforgettable and worth the splurge.

    NYC can be surprisingly kid-friendly with the right planning. Highlights for our boys included climbing rocks in Central Park, customizing bears at FAO Schwarz, and seeing the dinosaurs at the Museum of Natural History. Make sure to include some downtime and activities they’ll enjoy to keep the trip balanced.

    • Wear comfortable walking shoes—you’ll need them.
    • Plan ahead by booking tickets for attractions and shows in advance.
    • Use taxis for short rides—they’re quicker and easier to flag down than waiting for an Uber.
    • Visit iconic spots like Rockefeller Center early in the day to avoid the heaviest crowds.
    • And, most importantly, pack some patience—New York is busy, but it’s part of the charm!

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    Meet Megan & John

    Hi there! We’re a married couple with a passion for DIY, decor, and home improvement! We’re currently renovating The Arched Manor in Leesburg, VA.