7 things to know about visiting New York with kids in 2022


From fun things to do in NYC with kids to new hotels, restaurants and weed vendors (they’re everywhere!), here’s what parents should know about the Big Apple right now.

Considering a trip to New York with the kids in 2022? As always, there’s tons for families to do in New York. But a few things have changed over the pandemic. Here’s what you need to know.

1. There are new places to visit and stay

While the world stayed home in 2020, property developers were busy making New York a city visitors would want to return to.

A bird's eye view of Little Island in New York City

Little Island is on the west side of Manhattan, near Chelsea Market. Photo: Michael Grimm

If your kids need to run off excess energy, head to Little Island, a free public island park (within the larger Hudson River Park) that opened in May 2021. There’s tons of space to run around, not to mention stunning gardens, a central plaza with seating and snack bar, and breathtaking views of the city and the Hudson River.

A family looks out over the Manhattan skyline from a glass viewing box at Summit One Vanderbilt.

Along with incredible views, Summit One Vanderbilt also offers an immersive art experience. Photo: Summit One Vanderbilt

There are a handful of different high-rise observatories in New York, but Summit One Vanderbilt, which opened its doors to the public in October 2021, definitely stands out, offering unparalleled views and a somewhat thrilling experience (there’s an optional glass elevator!), not to mention tons of Insta-worthy photo opps. Kids under five are free, but if you’re travelling with a baby, note that strollers must be folded. Consider a baby carrier instead.

The interior of Margaritaville in New York City with a giant Statue of Liberty right in the middle of the dining area.

Margaritaville Resorts Times Square is a tropical paradise in the middle of New York. Photo: Kim Shiffman

Welcoming its first guests in July 2021, Margaritaville Resort Times Square is a fun spot for families, with its upscale but playful beachy vibe, multiple restaurants, ultra-clean, comfortable guest rooms and ideal location (theatres, restaurants, shopping and Times Square are all nearby). After a long day in the city, enjoy a drink by the rooftop bar while your kids splash around in the heated outdoor pool.

2. Some places now require reservations

In the Before Times, you could arrive at an art gallery or museum whenever you wanted, buy tickets and walk in. These days, in an effort to control crowds to manage the spread of COVID, many popular tourist attractions ask visitors to purchase tickets in advance and to arrive at a specific entrance time.

The Sept 11 memorial museum in New York City.

The 9/11 Memorial Museum is a popular tourist attraction for families with older kids (children under 7 are free). Guests must purchase tickets in advance, which includes a specific entry time. Photo: Julienne Schaer/NYC & Company

Buying tickets days or weeks in advance requires a bit of itinerary planning, but you’re a parent—you’re not scared off by a little planning! Consider a CityPass, which lets you buy conveniently bundled tickets to popular attractions.

3. The restaurant landscape has changed

The pandemic forced dozens of once-loved small businesses to close their doors—especially restaurants. If you were planning to add all your old favourites to your family’s itinerary, check online first to avoid disappointment.

The interior of Johns of Bleeker Street restaurant in New York City's Greenwich Village

Johns of Bleeker Street in Greenwich Village is a kid-friendly spot that’s been around for almost 100 years. Photo: David La Spina/NYC & Company

Of course, plenty of new restaurants have cropped up around Manhattan over the past year, too! Eater NY offers an updated roundup of the newest eateries here, as well as a list of the most kid-friendly restaurants in New York here. If your toddler isn’t used to restaurants yet, try these tips for ensuring your restaurant experience doesn’t suck!

4. Flying to New York is better now

There are brand new terminals at Newark Liberty International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport. A well-designed, modern airport with solid food options and strong safety measures makes travelling in and out of the city so much more enjoyable. That said, no airport can make flying with little ones completely stress-free. Try these tips for keeping your kids entertained on the plane.

5. COVID rules vary depending on where you go

A Broadway show on stage has a group actors sitting in a circle while a man stands in the middle. An image is projected on the floor and the wall behind him.

The Little Prince on Broadway is recommended for kids 5 and up, mainly due to the show’s length. Photo: Courtesy of Joan Marcus

These days, it’s smart to always have a mask in your pocket (and a few extra masks for the kids in your bag). But be aware that COVID-related rules aren’t consistent across the city. For example, at Broadway shows, ticket holders must be masked and show proof of vaccination (at press time, anyway—the policy is subject to change). The same goes for The Ride, the popular bus-tour-meets-theatrical-experience. On the other hand, you can shop around Times Square and get a bite to eat with no mask at all. At some establishments, only non-vaccinated guests are asked to mask up.

6. Weed is everywhere now!

In September 2021, New York legalized cannabis for recreational use, and the city is now dotted with weed stores on street level, as well as parked trucks selling cannabis and accessories. You might even notice folks selling pre-rolled joints on the sidewalk in tourist-heavy areas, along with knock-off handbags and counterfeit sunglasses.

7. The city is as magical as it always was

A wide angle shot of Times Square in the afternoon.

Photo: Brittany Petronella/NYC & Company

There’s a reason New York is such a wildly popular destination for travellers around the world: It’s truly like no other city. If you’re wondering what effect the pandemic has had on the sparkling, bustling metropolis, rest assured the city’s magic and energy are alive and well.

For more information about visiting New York, visit nycgo.com.

Stay in touch

Subscribe to Today’s Parent’s daily newsletter for our best parenting news, tips, essays and recipes.





Source link

toysforgirls

Toys for Girls

toysforboys

Toys for Boys

craftsupplies

Craft Supplies

babywalker

Baby Walkers

best toothpaste tablets
Best Toothpaste Tablets 2024 – Today’s Parent
tick spray
Best Kid-Safe Spray for Ticks
GettyImages 1191574624
Can You Overfeed a Breastfed Baby?
og image default
7 Books About Kindness for Kids
TP x Belize 1
5 Reasons Why Belize Should Be Your Next Family Vacation Destination
14 Easter Basket Stuffers for Kids
Easter Basket Stuffers for Kids
1 4
14 Kid-Friendly Easter Recipes Ideas to Try
clek foonf
Best Toddler Car Seat 2024
Nicknames for Victoria
250+ Cute, Funny, And Creative Nicknames For Victoria
Top Last Names That Start With J
250+ Top Surnames Or Last Names That Start With J
Persian last names
150+ Popular Persian Last Names Or Surnames, With Meanings
Southern last names
200+ Top Southern Last Names And Meanings
Summer Fun Takes Flight with Viviana Malls Science Fiesta
Summer Fun Takes Flight with Viviana Mall’s Science Fiesta
15 Rebus Puzzles For Kids With Answers And Tips To Solve 2
15 Rebus Puzzles For Kids, With Answers And Tips To Solve
Child temperament is unique for each child
Traits, Types, And Tips To Manage
Sharks are the top predators in the ocean
50 Fun And Interesting Shark Facts For Kids To Know
TP x Tena
I peed my pants at the trampoline park
canadian parents drink less alcohol
Canadian parents are being told they drink way too much and REALLY?!
marie curie science roundup 750x422
Can role playing encourage girls in STEM?
best new period products feature
12 cool and sustainable period products to help manage your flow
maxresdefault
Expresso Show LIVE | Parenting Advice | 9 June 2021 | FULL SHOW
maxresdefault
Daily English Conversation in Parent Teacher Meeting.
maxresdefault
SMART PARENTING HACKS AND CRAFTS #shorts
maxresdefault
Parenting styles Psych 2015