Getting Around New York City with a Young Family in Tow
October 03 2022
Thinking about visiting New York City with your young family in tow?
Be prepared for everyone to tell you you’re crazy – but believe it or not, New Yorkers have babies every day! If you know what you’re doing, navigating the city with a young family is no more difficult than trying to organize a babysitter.
Despite being the capital of the world, New York is surprisingly child-friendly – and there is no reason why you can’t enjoy the urban space with your young family.
Transport
New York isn’t the easiest place to navigate and tackling the crowds with an escape artist and a stroller can seem overwhelming – but fear not, getting around with a young family is easier than you think.
Bus
Buses are one of the best ways to get around the city – and being above ground you have a chance to see part of the city you would otherwise miss using the Subway. That said if you are traveling with a child in a stroller, the stroller needs to be closed for the duration of the journey, potentially making things complicated.
Subway
One of the biggest advantages of using the subway in New York is kids under 44 inches tall travel completely for free. Strollers are accepted on all trains and most stations have elevators to help you avoid stairs or escalators. It’s important to note, although strollers are allowed on all trains, rush hour will make it difficult to find a carriage with space – so avoid rush hour travel or be prepared to fold up your stroller!
Walking
Before booking your hotel, think about what it is you want to enjoy in the city and look at hotels within walking distance of the experiences you want to enjoy most. Walking is a great way to get around New York City, especially if you’re trying to encourage an afternoon nap! The wide city sidewalks – especially in popular areas – make it easy to navigate with a stroller, even when things get busy.
Private
Uber, taxis, and limousines are all easy to book and use in the city, however, they are often the slowest mode of transport and can be the most expensive. If you’re flying in with your family, a taxi or uber is often the easiest way to get directly to your hotel, but throughout your stay, we recommend using public transport instead.
Accommodation
When traveling with a new or young family, routine and familiarity are important. Opting for an apartment-style suite over a hotel room can make all the difference. A small kitchen can help you continue with your regular feeding routine, while a real bath and bathroom make things a lot more comfortable than your average New York hotel shower.
Unlike private apartment rentals, hotel suites (like those found at The Hotel Beacon) offer peace of mind, security, and a helping hand if you ever find yourself in need.
Attractions
Many of New York’s best attractions are in Midtown – just a 30-minute walk or 10-minute subway ride from the Hotel Beacon. Surprisingly most attractions are baby-friendly – and many offer free entry to infants as well as stroller access. If you’re looking for the best attractions for you and your young family, this list by Show Them The Globe has selected the best 12 New York attractions for babies and young children in 2022.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly hotel, within walking distance of all the City’s best attractions, The Hotel Beacon could be the perfect fit. Learn more about what we can do to help you and your family feel more comfortable on your next trip to the Big Apple.
