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So, your family wants to take a trip to New York City, huh? Great choice! As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, there’s a lot to see and do in NYC.
My wife and I visited NYC earlier this year with our two kids; both are under two years old. We found many ways to save money in NYC as a family!
So let’s jump into the 22 money-saving tips we’ve prepared when traveling to NYC with kids!
Related Content: 17 Pro Tips to Save Money on Travel
Table of Contents
1. Book your flight online
Countless sites are fighting to sell you your plane tickets, so take advantage of the competition and search for the best deal.
Kids under two years old can sit on your lap for free, so you don’t have to pay for another seat! We did this for our two kids, saving us a lot of money.
You could use a site like Skyscanner or Kayak, which allows you to compare prices across multiple airlines.
It’s a huge mistake even to consider booking through a travel agency. You’ll almost always save a ton of money by booking your flights directly with the airline.
In addition, these travel sites are highly competitive, and they’ll do whatever it takes to get your business, so take advantage of it.
2. Ask the hotel for free pack-n-plays/cribs
One of the first things we considered when traveling to NYC was where our kids would sleep at night. If your kids are old enough to sleep in a bed, that’s great! If not, don’t forget to call your hotel in advance to secure a pack-n-play or crib.
Our hotel was able to provide us with a pack-n-play and a crib free of charge! Just make sure to call in advance to ensure availability and that it is free.
We did this at the very beginning of the booking hotel ticket process so we would not have to cancel tickets or pay for one.
3. Find local parks or splash pads
One of our best activities was visiting local parks and splash pads. For example, there is an excellent park with water features next to Chinatown! Our son had a blast hanging out with other kids and playing with the water.
We also found other splash pads and parks essentially everywhere we went. Having that break time makes vacation time very relaxing and is no burden at all to your wallet.
4. Call the airline in advance to secure a free bassinet
We took a redeye flight to help the kids sleep on the way to New York but made the mistake of not calling the airline early enough to secure an in-flight bassinet.
This amenity for families traveling with babies is fantastic and was free with the airline we were taking! Unfortunately, we did not call enough in advance, but this is an excellent tip for those traveling with babies.
Make sure to call sooner than later to check with your airline for availability.
5. Travel during the right time of year
This tip will save you a lot of money on your trip to NYC. If possible, avoid traveling to NYC during peak tourist season (from June through August).
Not only will you have to deal with larger crowds, but prices for everything from hotels to Broadway tickets will be at their highest.
Instead, aim for a more shoulder season like May or September. You’ll still be able to enjoy all the best that NYC offers, but without the crowds and high prices.
Also, remember that NYC is a great destination year-round, so don’t be afraid to travel during the winter months!
Christmas time in NYC is especially magical, with the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and all the holiday window displays. Just be sure to pack your warmest clothes!
6. Stay in a hotel outside of Manhattan
Manhattan is the most popular borough for tourists and the most expensive. If you want to save some money on your hotel, consider staying in one of the other boroughs like Brooklyn or Queens.
You’ll still be close enough to all the action, but you’ll find better hotel deals.
The price difference can be up to a hundred or hundreds of dollars per night, so it’s worth considering if you’re on a budget.
Plus, staying in a less touristy borough will give you a more authentic NYC experience.
7. Consider getting the NYC CityPASS
The NYC CityPASS is a great way to save money on some of the city’s most popular attractions. For one low price, you’ll get admission to attractions like the Empire State Building, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Statue of Liberty.
If you’re planning sightseeing, the CityPASS can save you over $100. It’s worth considering if you want to save money on your trip.
You can have so much fun by purchasing the NYC CityPASS and getting access to some of the most famous attractions in the city.
8. Use public transportation
Taxis are definitely the most convenient way to get around NYC, but they’re also the most expensive.
If you’re looking to save money, we recommend using the city’s extensive public transportation system.
The NYC subway is the cheapest way to get around and is much easier to use than you might think. Just be sure to buy a Metrocard in advance, which you can do at any subway station.
We also found it challenging to find a subway entrance with a wheelchair or stroller access (without taking it down).
So if you’re traveling with a stroller, try going to larger subway stations or running down the stairs first to see if there is access.
9. Eat like a local
One of the best things about NYC is the food, but it can also be one of the most expensive parts of your trip.
So if you want to save money, we recommend avoiding tourist traps and eating like a local instead.
There are countless great restaurants around the city, so research in advance and find some promising places.
You can also ask your hotel concierge for recommendations.
Use sites like Yelp or Zagat to find restaurants that fit your budget and taste.
And don’t forget to take advantage of the many food carts around the city! They’re a great way to get a quick and cheap bite.
NYC has so many great food options, and it only takes a little to get away from the touristy areas to find them.
10. Buy Broadway tickets in advance
Buying your tickets in advance is best if you plan to see a show while in NYC. You can often find GREAT deals on sites like Broadway Box or Playbill.
If you wait until you’re in NYC to buy tickets, you’ll likely have to pay full price. And if you really want to see a popular show, you might not even be able to get tickets at all!
Depending on the age of your kids, they might also be eligible for discounted or even free tickets. Check out the TKTS booth in Times Square for more information.
11. Skip the taxi and take the train from the airport
It’s tempting to take a taxi from the airport to your hotel, but it’s actually much cheaper to take the train. The AirTrain is a quick and easy way to get from JFK or Newark airport into the city, and it only costs a few dollars. When we landed at JFK airport, we used the AirTrain and Subway to get to our hotel.
Taking the train is incredibly convenient if you’re staying in Brooklyn or Queens since you can avoid Manhattan’s high prices and traffic.
12. Use coupons and discounts
Many great coupons and discounts are available for NYC attractions, restaurants, and more.
You can often find these in the visitor’s guide at your hotel or in the various tourist brochures around the city.
You can also find many of these discounts online, so be sure to do some research in advance.
In addition, sites like Groupon and LivingSocial often have great deals on NYC attractions and activities.
13. Consider eating at least one meal per day as a picnic
If the weather is nice, you can buy food at a local grocery store or deli and picnic in one of the city’s many parks. This is a great way to save money on food and have a lot of fun.
Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to slow down and enjoy the city more leisurely.
Some picnic food ideas include sandwiches, salads, fruit, snacks, and drinks. Just be sure to pack some napkins and utensils, and you’re good to go. Even a loaf of bread and some peanut butter will work in a pinch. Throw in some fruit, and you’ve got an enjoyable meal.
Eating sandwiches in the park might not seem glamorous, but it’s a great way to save money and still have a good time with your kids. You’re here to make memories, not eat caviar.
14. Use your hotel’s amenities
Your hotel likely has many great amenities you can take advantage of, so be sure to use them. Many hotels have pools, gyms, laundry facilities, and more that you can use for free or a small fee.
Let’s say that your hotel has a pool or gym. Please take advantage of it! It can be a great way to have some fun, get some exercise, and save money all at the same time. There’s no need to spend money on a separate activity when you’ve access to one at your hotel.
If you’re unsure what your hotel offers, ask the front desk. They’ll be happy to tell you about all the great amenities available.
15. Eat the complimentary breakfast if your hotel offers it
Nowadays, it’s hard to find a hotel that gives you three square meals a day at a reasonable price, but some hotels offer a complimentary breakfast. If your hotel offers this, take advantage of it!
Depending on your family size, you could save $50 per day just by eating breakfast at your hotel. That’s a significant amount of money that you can put toward other activities or attractions.
It doesn’t sound like much, but if you can save a few hundred dollars during your vacation, you might be able to stay a day longer. That’s a whole day of enjoying everything that NYC has to offer.
16. Plan your days in advance
You don’t want to plan your day when you wake up because you’ll likely end up wasting time and money. Instead, plan your days to make the most of your time.
Many great resources are available online to help you plan your days. Time Out New York is a great site with tons of information on things to do in the city.
You can also find a lot of great information in the various visitor guides that are available. These guides often have coupons and discounts you can also take advantage of.
17. Buy refillable water bottles and fill them up
Everyone needs to drink, and we all know how expensive water can be, especially in the city. A bottle of water at a convenience store can easily cost $3 or more.
Instead of buying water every time you’re thirsty, buy a reusable water bottle and fill it up at one of the city’s many water fountains. You can also fill up your hotel water bottle before heading out for the day.
This is a great way to save money and stay hydrated at the same time. Plus, it’s much better for the environment.
18. Get your souvenirs in China Town
You can’t leave New York City without plenty of souvenirs for your friends and family back home. While there are plenty of places to get souvenirs, China Town is the best place to go.
You’ll find everything from t-shirts to keychains to traditional Chinese goods. The prices are also unbeatable. You can easily find souvenirs for a fraction of the price you would pay elsewhere in the city.
You can also grab a quick bite to eat while in China Town. The food is delicious, and it’s very reasonably priced as well.
19. See the Statue of Liberty for free
Yes, you read that correctly. You can see the Statue of Liberty for free if you take the Staten Island Ferry. The ferry ride is completely free and takes you right past the Statue of Liberty.
You can’t get any closer than that without paying for a tour, so this is the next best thing. The ferry ride is about 25 minutes each way, so you’ll have plenty of time to take in the sights.
Also, be sure to bring your camera so that you can snap some great photos. You’ll want to cherish this memory for years to come.
20. Be an audience member at a live television show
If you have small kids, this is out of the question. However, if you have older kids or teens, this can be a great activity.
Being an audience member at a live television show is a great way to see some of your favorite celebrities up close and personal. Plus, it’s a lot of fun.
There are many great shows that tape in NYC, so you’re sure to find one that your kids will enjoy. Just be sure to check the age requirements before you go.
21. Spend a day in Central Park
Central Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in NYC, and for a good reason. It’s enormous, and there’s so much to see and do.
You could easily spend an entire day in Central Park and still not see everything. There are playgrounds, ponds, gardens, and so much more.
Plus, it’s a great place to people watch. You never know who you’ll see walking through Central Park. So it’s a must-see when you’re in NYC.
22. Cash is King
Having cash on hand when traveling in NYC is beneficial for many reasons. You will be more conscious of how much money you are spending. There will be opportunities to bargain and talk people down when buying souvenirs or other items.
Make sure to budget the amount of money you will be spending on the trip, and bargain for the best deals using cash!
Conclusion
If you’re a family on a tight budget, don’t despair. There are plenty of great things that you can do in New York City without spending a lot of money. For many families, going to New York City is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
You want to make the most of it and create lasting memories. You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to have a great time in NYC. Use some of these tips, and you’ll have a great time without breaking the bank.
The most important thing is to enjoy your time together as a family. There’s so much to see and do in New York City. Just savor every moment and make great memories that will last a lifetime.
Disclaimer:
We hope the information in this article provides valuable insights to every reader but we, the Biesingers, are not financial advisors. When making your personal finance decisions, research multiple sources and/or receive advice from a licensed professional. As always, we wish you the best in your pursuit of financial independence!
