Back to NYC…this time as a family
After living in New York City for nearly a decade, it's a place that will always feel like home. This June, we're heading back — this time as a family of four, girls ages 5 and 8, staying at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad through our Virtuoso preferred partner access. The restaurants, the energy, the quiet corners that hold so many memories - it's where some of my most formative years were spent.
Coming back now as a mom is a full circle moment! The place I grew up in my 20’s, where I met my husband, and wandered the streets, we will now be returning with our kids.
We’ve waited until our girls were just a little older - old enough to walk the streets, sit through long lunches, and truly take it all in. This year finally felt like the right time. There’s something special about experiencing New York through their eyes - revisiting the places we love while layering in moments designed for this season of life.
Our only real goal was to keep it fun without running everyone into the ground. We wanted the iconic New York stuff without it feeling like a tourist checklist.
Where We’re Staying
We’re staying at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, booked through our Virtuoso preferred partner program.
That means:
Daily breakfast for four
A welcome amenity upon arrival
Priority upgrades (when available)
And most importantly - a room that comfortably fits a family of four.
This is a newer hotel and it’s truly beautiful - modern, elevated, and thoughtfully designed. It’s also centrally located, with easy access to multiple train lines and great restaurants nearby, which makes navigating the city with kids feel much easier. That last detail matters more than people realize. In New York, space is everything - and a cramped hotel room can shift the entire feel of a trip
The Itinerary at a Glance
Before diving into each day, here’s why this itinerary works:
One main activity per day
Neighborhoods grouped together (no crisscrossing the city)
Afternoons intentionally unstructured
Evenings close to the hotel
Uptown days include The Met, American Girl, Central Park, and FAO Schwarz. Downtown has its own rhythm - the Statue of Liberty, SoHo, and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
It’s balanced, intentional, and designed to feel easy to try to avoid any subway meltdowns!
Sunday - Arrival Day
Arrival days should feel simple - full stop.
We’ll check in, drop our bags, and take a short walk to Madison Square Park. Dinner is an easy, no-stress stop at Shake Shack, followed by time for the girls to play and burn off some energy after travel.
No reservations, no pressure - just settling in and letting the city set the tone. Watching the girls soak in the energy, buildings, and “high scrapers”
Monday - Culture & a Little Magic
We’re starting the week at The Met, focusing on the Spring Costume Art Exhibition- engaging, visual, and easy to explore without overwhelming kids. We took the girls to the Dior exhibit in Paris and they absolutely loved it, so we’re excited to lean into that again and bring our little fashion girlies to another incredible display.
Frozen Hot Chocolate
After we will have a long lunch at Serendipity III - the frozen hot chocolate is non-negotiable. I keep telling the girls we will be having this treat and they are so excited!
The afternoon belongs entirely to American Girl. Plan at least a couple of hours and let them lead - this is one of those New York experiences that’s pure kid magic.
One tip: book any doll appointments in advance. They fill up quickly and make the experience much smoother.
Tuesday - Iconic New York
We’re starting the morning with croissants and coffee from Ralph’s - one of those simple New York rituals that always feels special.
Then we’ll head to the Statue of Liberty for the morning - our most “tourist” day, and absolutely worth it. It’s one of those experiences that lands differently in person, even for kids. These tickets sell out very quickly so make sure to get these in advance. We are going to the top of the crown! Something I never did when I lived there for a decade, but excited to be in Lady Liberty.
In the afternoon, we’ll slow things down with a walk up the West Side Highway, making our way back through the West Village — including a quick stop by our old apartment.
Dinner is at Corner Bistro - classic, casual, and exactly the kind of place that feels right after a full day.
Wednesday - Classic New York Energy
This is the kind of day that feels like New York.
A slow morning in Central Park — playground time, wandering, and a few family photos along the way.
Insider tip: always take family photos on vacation. We book through Flytographer — the cost is comparable to doing photos at home, but the memories are infinitely better.
Lunch at Tavern on the Green, followed by a walk through Rockefeller Center and a stop at FAO Schwarz.
The Jellycat Diner
If you’re planning to visit, Jellycat appointments book up fast — definitely worth reserving ahead of time. We did this in Paris and had such a good time making our french desserts. I’m excited to see what options they have at the NYC Diner.
Dinner will be nearby at Eataly and definitely will be stopping by the gelato bar!
Thursday - The Grand Finale
We’ll start the day with draft lattes from La Colombe before heading to the Museum of Ice Cream — playful, immersive, and completely designed for joy.
In the afternoon, we head to Brooklyn Bridge Park — space to run, skyline views, and that unmistakable New York backdrop.
Dinner at Time Out Market is easy and allows for families to hang out without long waits and table services. I’m so excited to spend time with old friends and their kids. The perfect last night for our crew.
Friday - Easy Exit
Departure day stays intentionally light.
One final stop is at the Bluey Experience at the CAMP store. Easy to get to from the hotel and a nice capstone on our city adventure. Part toy store, part immersive experience - before heading to the airport.
I’m excited to revisit the place where I grew into an adult and see it through their eyes. The best city in the world.
Planning your own NYC family trip? Lois & James designs custom itineraries with Virtuoso hotel access and every detail handled. Click below to start planning yours.
