3-Day NYC Itinerary With Kids (Direct Guide)

Day 1: Times Square → Central Park → American Museum of Natural History
Day 2: Rockefeller Center → LEGO Store → Nintendo NYC → Broadway Magic Hour → Observation Deck
Day 3: Statue of Liberty (or Staten Island Ferry) → Downtown Lunch → Seaport or Science Museum → Brooklyn Bridge Sunset

Best 3-Day Family NYC Schedule (In Detail Version)

Day 1: Times Square, Central Park & Natural History

Morning:

Begin in Times Square (M&M’s World, Hershey’s, Disney Store, Line Friends). Kids love the bright screens and easy, walkable attractions.

Late Morning:

Head to Central Park. Visit the Carousel, Bethesda Terrace, Belvedere Castle, or Central Park Zoo.

Lunch (near the park):

Shake Shack, P.J. Clarke’s, Serafina, or The Smith.

Afternoon:

Visit the American Museum of Natural History. Must-see spots: T-Rex, Hall of Ocean Life, Planetarium.

Dinner:

Upper West Side favorites: Jacob’s Pickles, Playa Betty’s, Carmine’s.

Day 2: Midtown, Magic & Skyscraper Views

Morning:

Start at Rockefeller Center. See the LEGO Store, Nintendo NYC & St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Optional: Top of the Rock observation deck.

Lunch:

Bill’s Bar & Burger, Black Tap, Dig, Shake Shack.

⭐ Afternoon Highlight: Broadway Magic Hour

A 1-hour interactive magic show, perfect with kids ages 6–14. Broadway Comedy Club (318 W 53rd Street). Contains sleight-of-hand, mind-reading, comedy and a conclusion in which a child floats in mid-air. It slots nicely into a Midtown day, and is walkable from Times Square.

Tickets: Buy Tickets

After-Show Treat:

Pinkberry, Milk Bar, Carlo’s Bakery, or Junior’s Cheesecake.

Evening:

Choose one NYC skyline view:
Empire State Building.
Top of the Rock.
Edge.
One World Observatory.
Families love sunset.

Day 3: Waterfront, Downtown & Brooklyn Bridge

Morning:

Select a Statue of Liberty tour:
Full Tour (4–5 hrs): Ferry to Liberty Island + Ellis Island via Statue City Cruises.
Quick Version (1 hr): Staten Island Ferry round trip for great views.

Lunch (Downtown):

Eataly, Leo’s Bagels, Blue Smoke, or Shake Shack.

Pick your family style:

Option A — Science: Liberty Science Center (hands-on exhibits + planetarium).

Option B — Manhattan Fun:
South Street Seaport.
Museum of Ice Cream.
Color Factory.
Playground - Pier 25 and mini golf.

Dinner:

Chinatown: Nom Wah, Joe’s Shanghai, Shanghai 21.
Little Italy: Paesano’s, Il Cortile, Da Nico.

Evening:

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset → optional carousel + skyline photos in Dumbo.

FAQ (Snippet-Optimized)

What do you think is the best 3-day kids’ NYC itinerary?

The best 3-day NYC itinerary includes: Times Square, Central Park, American Museum of Natural History, Rockefeller Center, LEGO/Nintendo shops, Broadway Magic Hour, a skyline observation deck, Statue of Liberty or Staten Island Ferry, and a sunset walk on the Brooklyn Bridge.

Is 3 days adequate for NYC with kids?

Yes. It’s enough for three days to catch major kid-friendly highlights and keep the trip feasible. Focus on walkable clusters and 1–2 top attractions in one day.

What is the most kid-friendly show in NYC?

Broadway Magic Hour is one of NYC’s most highly rated family shows, specifically for kids ages 6 to 14, with interactive magic and illusions.

Where should families stay for a 3-day visit?

Midtown West or Times Square is perfect — nearby to major attractions and transit.