Destination guideUnited States
FROMLON
ABOUT 8 HRS ✈️
TONYC

Family holidays in New York

Huge parks, rooftop views and a pretzel on every corner. Here's what New York is like with the family, when to go and how long to stay.

BEST FOR🏙️ City break
NIGHTS AWAY4 to 6
BUDGET£££
BEST MONTHSApr–Jun, Sep–Oct
Add New York to your ideasFree. One email per family.
Manhattan skyline from Central Park

New York at a glance

FLIGHT FROM LONDON
ABOUT 8 HRS
TIME DIFFERENCE
5 HRS BEHIND THE UK
CURRENCY
US DOLLAR ($)
ENTRY
ESTA FOR UK PASSPORTS
PLUGS
TYPE A / B · 120V

Check entry rules on GOV.UK before you book.

When to go

  1. JANCold, quieter
  2. FEBCold, quieter
  3. MARMixed, a good time to go
  4. APRSpring, best time to go
  5. MAYSpring, best time to go
  6. JUNWarm, best time to go
  7. JULHot, busy, a good time to go
  8. AUGHot, busy, a good time to go
  9. SEPWarm, best time to go
  10. OCTAutumn, best time to go
  11. NOVCrisp, a good time to go
  12. DECFestive, a good time to go

Spring and early autumn are mild and good for walking all day. Summer is hot and busy, but school holidays make it the easy choice for many families. December is cold, crowded and very festive.

Things to do with the family

FREE

Central Park

Rowing boats, playgrounds and plenty of space to let off steam.

INDOORS

American Museum of Natural History

Dinosaur halls and a life-size blue whale. Go early on a weekday.

FREE

Staten Island Ferry

A free crossing with views of the Statue of Liberty and the skyline.

FREE

The High Line

A park built on an old railway line, raised above the West Side.

TICKETED

Top of the Rock

An open-air deck with the Empire State Building in full view.

SUMMER

Coney Island

Beach, boardwalk and fairground rides at the end of the subway line.

New York: common questions

Is New York good for a family holiday?

Yes, if your family enjoys walking and busy streets. The parks, museums and ferries suit all ages, and the subway makes it easy to get around without a car.

How many nights do you need?

Four to six nights covers the big sights at a family pace. The first day often goes on jet lag, so plan something light.

Do UK families need a visa?

Most British passport holders, children included, apply for an ESTA online before they fly rather than a visa. Check GOV.UK for the current rules.

When is New York cheapest?

January to early March, outside school holidays. It's cold, but flights and hotels usually cost less.

If you like New York

BOSBoston🏙️ City break
WASWashington, D.C.🏙️ City break
ORLOrlando🎢 Theme parks
YTOToronto🏙️ City break

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