Best family-friendly hotels in New York for exploring the Big Apple

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There’s an excitement to being in New York nowhere else in the USA can match. Crammed with classic screen-famous sights – from honking yellow taxis to the elegant Empire State Building – a wander around the Big Apple’s streets and neighbourhoods, which feel like a giant real-life movie set, ticking them off, is the ultimate NYC thrill in itself.

From an entire department store filled with toys and museums packed with skeletons and dinosaurs, to diner-style restaurants and blockbuster family theatre shows, the bucket list city also packs in parks and outdoor spaces galore for when your crew grow tired after sightseeing and need some fresh air and space.

Whether it’s a luxurious blow-the-budget grand dame or a good-value boutique you’re after, the city’s playful, child-friendly spirit is evident in many of its hotels, from providing board games and welcome sweet treats to kid-friendly restaurants and pools. These are the best hotels for families in New York.

Best family-friendly hotels in New York

At a glance

1. The New Yorker Hotel

Midtown

Head to the 24-hour Tick Tock Diner at the New Yorker Hotel (The New Yorker)

A gargantuan 1920s skyscraper in the heart of Midtown, this hotel is only a few minutes’ walk from a succession of spots that allow families to easily access New York’s classic tourist sights. There’s the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, Madame Tussauds, Times Square and Broadway within walking distance – all the child-friendly big hitters for a memorable family holiday. Kids love the 24-hour Tick Tock Diner, with its booths, neon sign and Americana vibe, and family rooms and suites come with sofa beds and separate lounges.

Address: 481 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10001

Read more: Best hotels in New York City

2. The TWA Hotel

Queens

TWA’s futuristic setting makes a great place for exploration (TWA Hotel / NYC Tourism + Conventions)

Once the old TWA terminal at JFK airport, this novelty movie-set-of-a-hotel hums with mid-century modern style, its 512 peaceful rooms are fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the runway. Kids will love exploring its sweeping tunnel-like corridors carpeted in red that link the futuristic building’s various wings. There’s a free photobooth and Twister room for endless silliness and mealtimes are made easy with six restaurants to choose from. Don’t miss a trip to the rooftop observation deck complete with infinity pool – and more runway views.

Address: 1 Idlewild Drive, Queens, NY 11430

Book here

3. Loews Regency New York

Upper East Side

Stay at Loews if you want to be close to New York’s best museums (Loews Regency New York / NYC Tourism + Conventions)

Central Park is an amble away from this luxury family-friendly hotel with a flashy Park Avenue address, for trips to the zoo and its famous ice-rink, and visits to the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, the American Museum of Natural History, CAMP Family Experience Store and Dylan’s Candy bar (for emergency sweet supplies). At the hotel, there are board and video games in the lobby, and rooms feature an in-room ‘Kids’ Closet’ filled with toys, DVD players and age-appropriate films, car seats and more.

Address: 540 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065

Read more: The best New York holidays

4. Freehand Hotel

Gramercy

Freehand’s rooftop is open for all ages between 4pm and 6pm (Freehand New York / NYC Tourism + Conventions)

Cross a hostel with a boutique hotel and you get this stylish family-friendly bolt hole, slap bang in the thick of things near the Flatiron building in Gramercy, one of New York’s most popular locations for travellers. Communal areas aplenty are filled with plants and simple, stylish art-filled bedrooms – including plenty of family options with bunks. When everyone needs a bit of respite from all the sightseeing, head to the rooftop for a mocktail between 4pm and 6pm, when it’s open to groups of all ages.

Address: 23 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10010

5. The Peninsula New York

Midtown East

Add the Camp Peninsula kids’ package to your booking for welcome sweets, scavenger hunts and more (The Peninsula New York / NYC Tourism + Conventions)

With its elegant turn-of-the-century façade, the luxurious Peninsula New York – a pretzel’s throw away from MoMa – looks plucked from a Parisian storybook. It also offers one of the best kids packages out there. Add Camp Peninsula to your booking and your child receives welcome sweets, a child-size tent, robe and slippers; while activities like scavenger hunts, to cupcake decorating can be organised. The relaxing indoor pool is a win for all ages, while parents welcome the flexible check-in and out times.

Address: 700 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10019