Things To Do With Family in New York: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary

Things to do with family in New York get a LEGO® twist here: building at LEGOLAND® New York Resort one day, soaking up Manhattan’s jaw-dropping sights the next, and exploring SEA LIFE New Jersey to round it all off. Your family gets stacks of variety in one adventurous three-day trip.

Planning Your Family Weekend in New York

Visit between late spring and early fall and you’ll catch the best weather for LEGOLAND New York Resort’s outdoor rides and a day of walking around Manhattan. Seasonal events like Brick-or-Treat and Holiday Bricktacular keep you entertained through the colder months too. 

Base yourself in Orange County, near Goshen, and you’ll keep the whole family weekend itinerary within easy reach. You’ll be about an hour’s drive from Midtown, with the Hudson Valley and New York City both close by. Book at the LEGOLAND New York Hotel and you’ll stay steps from the park gates. Or consider a Manhattan hotel if you’re splitting day one in the city.

If you’re planning what to do in New York over a weekend, pair LEGOLAND New York Resort with a multi-attraction ticket and you’ll pack more into your itinerary without separate admission for every stop. Booking online usually beats gate prices too.

Check our plan your visit page before you lock in your dates, since hours shift with the season.

Day One: Explore New York City

Start the weekend in Manhattan, where the biggest sights sit within walking distance of one another. Meet wax figures of your favorite stars at Madame Tussauds New York, right in the heart of Times Square. Pairing your Madame Tussauds ticket with a multi-attraction pass makes your New York City with kids itinerary more affordable from day one.

Head into Central Park afterward for open lawns, boat rentals and playgrounds where kids can explore and play between activities. 

Loop back to Times Square in the evening for the billboards and colourful street performers that make it one of the most photographed spots of the city. 

Family restaurants near Times Square and Midtown make it easy to refuel and keep the momentum. 

Day Two: Family Adventure Outside the City

Head to Goshen for day two at LEGOLAND New York Resort, where you and the kids can ride, build and play your way through seven LEGO themed lands, all designed for ages 2 to 12. Build a model at LEGO Ferrari Build & Race, spot city landmarks in MINILAND, or ride The Dragon coaster through LEGO Castle.

Attractions near LEGOLAND New York add options if you want to make even more of the day. Wander around Goshen’s historic downtown, or pick your own fruit at Soons Orchards & Farm Market, just outside town. They also do delicious fresh cider and seasonal favorites like pumpkin picking. Families looking for more things to do near LEGOLAND New York can build either of these destinations into day two without adding much extra travel time.

LEGOLAND activities extend past the theme park closing time too. The on-site hotel offers LEGO themed rooms, in-room treasure hunts and entertainment that keep the fun going all evening.

Day 3: Discover SEA LIFE New Jersey

Round out one of the best weekend trips from NYC with kids with a stop at SEA LIFE New Jersey, about an hour’s drive from Goshen. Walk through an underwater tunnel for panoramic views of sharks, rays and tropical fish swimming around New York-themed landmarks.

Kids can get hands-on with starfish and anemones in the touch pools, and learn how the aquarium cares for its rescued sea turtles and other marine life at the daily talks. Check the plan your day page for showtimes and feeding schedules before you visit.

Top Tips for Visiting New York With Kids

Buy Attraction Tickets in Advance

Booking online usually beats gate prices for LEGOLAND New York, Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE tickets. Look at multi-attraction options if you’re visiting more than one stop, and book early during summer weekends and school holidays when tickets can sell out.

Choose the Right Transport

Subway, taxis and rideshares all work well for a day in Manhattan, while a car makes more sense for reaching Goshen and New Jersey. If you’re traveling with a stroller, check for subway stops with elevator access before setting out.

Pack for the Season

Comfortable walking shoes matter more than anything else on a trip that mixes city exploring with riding rollercoasters. Check the forecast before you go, and pack water bottles, snacks and a light raincoat for spring and fall visits.

Plan Around Nap Times and Meal Times

Build breaks into each day rather than rushing from one stop to the next. Family restaurants sit near most major attractions, so scheduling a sit-down meal keeps everyone rested and recharged for the next activity.

Mix Indoor and Outdoor Attractions

Balance outdoor time at LEGOLAND New York or Central Park with indoor stops like Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE New Jersey. That balance also gives you a rainy-day alternative if the weather turns.

Start Early

Arriving when attractions open helps you beat the queues at the most popular rides and exhibits. It also leaves extra time in the day for travel between activities.

How Multi-Attraction Tickets Save Time and Money

Combining LEGOLAND New York Resort admission with Madame Tussauds New York and SEA LIFE New Jersey tickets costs less than buying single-day tickets at each stop separately, and booking online in advance locks in the lower rate.

A Gold Season Pass adds even more flexibility, covering repeat visits to LEGOLAND New York Resort plus regional attractions across the Northeast. It lets you spread the trip across multiple weekends instead of packing everything into two or three days. 

Check tickets and passes before you book to compare options for your family.