USA & Canada · Best Apr–Jun, Sep–Dec
New York City packing list for families
New York with kids is a walking trip first, with subway stairs, long blocks, and weather that can change by the hour. Packing light, smart layers and the right stroller makes every day smoother.
Photo by Mike Chavarri on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on New York City
- Many subway stations have stairs and no elevator. Bring the lightest stroller you own, or plan on taxis for nap time.
- Kids under 44 inches ride the subway and buses free with a paying adult, and you can tap your phone or card to pay. It makes hopping around so easy.
- Most Broadway theaters require a ticket for every person, and many shows don't admit children under 4. Check the age guidance before you book.
Best timeApr–Jun, Sep–Dec
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
New York City
This time of year
Shop this list
Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on9
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Small crossbody day bagHands free for subway turnstiles and little hands.
Clothing5
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Compact travel umbrellaShowers pop up and you'll be walking between stops.
Shoes1
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Little ones6
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Stroller rain coverKeeps little ones dry on rainy walks and windy corners.
Soft baby carrier instead of a strollerKristina's pickStairs, cobblestones, or trails make strollers hard here.
Little things13
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Tap night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries4
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Blister bandagesKristina's pickMost families walk far more than they expect here.
Documents & tech3
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
The outfit edit
City neutrals
Navy, cream, camel, olive
For photos
- Neutrals plus one red scarf or hat
- Overcast days flatter everyone
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
New York City weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 39°F 4°C | Cold and gray, with wind between buildings and the odd snowfall. Bring real winter coats. | |
| February | 42°F 6°C | Cold and gray, with wind between buildings and the odd snowfall. Bring real winter coats. | |
| March | 50°F 10°C | Cool and changeable. Some days feel like winter, others like spring, so pack layers. | |
| April | 62°F 17°C | Cool and changeable. Some days feel like winter, others like spring, so pack layers. | Cherry blossoms and spring blooms in Central Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. |
| May | 72°F 22°C | Mild and pleasant, with warm afternoons and the occasional rainy day. | Cherry blossoms and spring blooms in Central Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. |
| June | 80°F 27°C | Mild and pleasant, with warm afternoons and the occasional rainy day. | Free outdoor movies, concerts, and long playground evenings in the parks. |
| July | 85°F 29°C | Hot and humid, with steamy subway platforms and quick thunderstorms. | Fourth of July fireworks over the city, best seen from a rooftop or a riverside spot. Free outdoor movies, concerts, and long playground evenings in the parks. |
| August | 84°F 29°C | Hot and humid, with steamy subway platforms and quick thunderstorms. | Free outdoor movies, concerts, and long playground evenings in the parks. |
| September | 76°F 24°C | Warm early, crisp by late October. Some of the nicest walking weather of the year. | |
| October | 65°F 18°C | Warm early, crisp by late October. Some of the nicest walking weather of the year. | |
| November | 54°F 12°C | Cool and often damp. A warm coat and hat feel good by evening. | The Thanksgiving Day Parade, plus the giant balloons being inflated the afternoon before. Holiday windows, the Rockefeller Center tree, and ice skating. Also the busiest weeks of the year. |
| December | 44°F 7°C | Cold and gray, with wind between buildings and the odd snowfall. Bring real winter coats. | Holiday windows, the Rockefeller Center tree, and ice skating. Also the busiest weeks of the year. |
Questions families ask
New York City with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit New York City with kids?
The best time is Apr–Jun, Sep–Dec. Warm early, crisp by late October. Some of the nicest walking weather of the year.
What's the weather like in New York City?
Typical daytime highs range from about 39°F (4°C) in January to about 85°F (29°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for New York City?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for New York City?
None. New York City uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for New York City with kids?
Many subway stations have stairs and no elevator. Bring the lightest stroller you own, or plan on taxis for nap time.
let's stay in touch
New destination lists, seasonal tips, and the gear we're loving.
Keep exploring
More family packing lists
Want the whole trip handled?
I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.