New York is best approached by neighbourhood. A morning anchor and a park stop keep the city exciting rather than exhausting.
Parent tip: Check ferry/operator tickets, subway accessibility and attraction security rules.
A huge museum across from Central Park with famous dinosaur halls, a giant blue whale model and the Hayden Planetarium. It is easy to spend hours inside, so choose a few halls and plan breaks.
Aircraft, ships and space hardware strongly fit transport and engineering interests.
Flexible green space can provide an important reset between high-stimulation city attractions.
One of the world's great museums, on Fifth Avenue at Central Park. Families can pick up a family guide, join family events or use the kids' play space at the 81st Street Studio, then choose a few galleries rather than trying to see everything.
The Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island, reached by Statue City Cruises ferries from the Battery or Liberty State Park after airport-style security. Walk the island, visit the museum, or climb to the pedestal or crown with a reserved ticket.
Historic transit displays suit train and city-history fans.
Exhibits designed for children's exploration can suit a younger-family day.
The floor piano is the most famous toy store moment in the world (Big, 1988) — now back at 30 Rock with toy soldiers, build-your-own toys, and extraordinary stuffed animals.
Full-service doll hospital, a restaurant where dolls sit with children, and a customisation service that can build a doll matching the child exactly.
One of the world's biggest city zoos, with more than 11,000 animals across 265 acres in the Bronx. Choose a few areas rather than trying to see it all; the Bug Carousel runs until closing time.