In just a few short weeks, the kids will all be out of school for winter vacation. You may be dreading having them cooped up inside all week, so it’s time to start planning some activities for the whole family. New York City is the perfect destination for a quick winter break getaway—this time of year, all the tourists have left and it’s easy to get around the city. Whether you want to check out a Broadway show, window shop on Fifth Avenue, or spend a day in a world-class museum, New York City has something for everyone.
Wondering how to get around the city? Use our interactive map to navigate to each one of the destinations in this post like a pro.
Believe it or not, New York City boasts 83 museums spread out across its five boroughs. That’s a lot to choose from when you don’t know what you want to see! Luckily, we have a little insight on which museums are worth the trip (and which ones the whole family will enjoy, too).
We love the American Museum of Natural History, located in the Upper West Side neighborhood and bordering Central Park. Their impressive exhibitions feature dinosaur fossils, a life-size blue whale model, and even a real mammoth skeleton. Kids (and most adults) will recognize the museum from the popular movie Night at the Museum. It’s easy to spend an entire day here, so be sure to arrive early so you can see everything you’re interested in.
The New Museum is another great destination for the whole family. Its halls are filled with new and modern art from a wide variety of artists in an incredible array of mediums. The space itself is beautiful, too. Take an afternoon and check out a few of the latest exhibitions and be sure to snap a picture from the Sky Room, which looks out at the rest of the city.
When the weather is bad, sometimes all you want to do is cozy up inside with a good movie, book, or play. This winter break, head to New York City to see a Broadway show! There are a few performances this winter that are completely jaw-dropping. Bring the kids to see The Lion King live on stage for a show they’ll never forget—there’s a reason it’s been running since 1997!
Another beloved Disney movie comes alive on the Broadway stage with Frozen. Young children love singing along to the songs they know so well. Be sure to buy your tickets ahead of time for this very popular show. Or, if your kids are older, you’ll all love the newly-revived West Side Story. It’s a modern and fresh look at the 1961 movie and subsequent plays.
Most kids, both young and old, roll their eyes when they hear they’re going on a guided tour with their family. However, we’ve got the scoop on the most entertaining tours throughout New York City. One we especially love is the Catacombs Tour, which will take you below St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. It might sound spooky, but once you get there, the incredible architecture and stories will make you forget that you’re in catacombs.
Another way to make lasting family memories is on a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park! This two-mile loop through the park will take you past many historical monuments and amazing sights. Plus, it’s the best photo opportunity for your 2020 holiday cards!
For those foodie families, specifically pizza enthusiasts, A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour is a can’t-miss excursion. Not only will you indulge in some of Brooklyn’s best pizza, but you’ll also have the chance to see famous locations and landmarks from the comfort of a tour bus.
What’s a trip to New York City without checking out the breathtaking views offered by the Empire State Building? The 102nd floor observation deck is not to be missed, which offers 360-degree views of the entire city. The Top of the Rock is also one of those unforgettable experiences—check out how small Central Park looks from above!
No matter where your New York City trip takes you, be sure to plan your travel with C&J Bus Lines. We make getting to the city easy, with direct routes to Port Authority from Dover, Portsmouth, and Tewksbury. There is plenty to do onboard to keep the family captivated, during your travels – from an onboard entertainment system with games and movies, to wi-fi, and free snacks, there is something everyone will enjoy. And don’t worry about battling city traffic—kick back, relax, and let us take you to and from New York City.
