36 Hours in NYC? We’ve Got You Covered

New York City is one of the largest tourist destinations in the world, and visiting can feel daunting with so many must-sees like the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty. But if you only have 36 hours in the City- what should you do?

We’ll give you the low-down on some creative ways to explore New York for art lovers of all shapes and sizes. If you happen to be in the city for the holidays, have a trip on the calendar, or you just want an excuse to plan a family friendly “stay-cation,” here are some tips for you to make the most of your time in The Big Apple. Let’s get started!


NYC Subway train. Photo by Antonella, 9 years old, New York, NY.

Day 1 – 9:00 a.m. Just getting off the plane? Your first stop is to grab your MetroCard and hop on the subway! The city is best explored on foot, and with a little help from the public transportation system, you can access all 5 boroughs with ease. Antonella captured this pic crossing over the bridge from Brooklyn to Manhattan (added bonus: great views of the city skyline!). No need to stay confined to Manhattan- there’s so much to see!

MoMA Sculpture Garden. Photo by Giancarlos, 12 years old, New York, NY.

11:30 a.m. Tour the amazing Picasso sculpture collection at the Museum of Modern Art. After you’ve had your fill of one of the world’s of the most famous modern art collections, the MoMA Sculpture Garden is a lesser-known, but welcome respite amid the hustle and bustle of this highly visited museum. Spend a quiet moment with a Giacometti sculpture (framed perfectly by Aubrey) and plan the rest of your afternoon. Tip: the MoMA is free every Friday from 4-8pm, and children 16 and under are free all the time.

Street performer, Central Park. Photo by Alex, 14 years old, New York, NY.

3:00 p.m. While you’re in the heart of Midtown, take a walk up 5th Avenue to Central Park. Be sure to soak in the street vendors and performers on your way. Try a hot pretzel or a hot dog for the stroll, people watch, and window shop! Alex’s snapshot documents the energy of the neighborhood perfectly. Once you make it through the crowds, Central Park awaits. Tip: Did you know there’s a Castle in the Park? Be sure to check it out while you’re there.

Big Apple Circus, Lincoln Center. Photo by Michael, 13 years old, New York, NY.

6:30 p.m. If you’re looking to steer clear of tourist-filled Broadway, The Big Apple Circus is fun for kids of all ages. Trust us- we’ve been. Book your tickets early for a performance at Lincoln Center and spend a night enjoying “The Grand Tour”, through January 11, 2016. Michael captures the lively spirit of a night out at the circus in his documentary-style photograph.

New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY. Paulyn, 9 years old, New York, NY.

Day 2 – 9:00 a.m. After last night’s festivities, head uptown to the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx for a breath of fresh air just outside of the city. Now is the best time of year to go- while the fall colors are in peak season. And, as the temperature begins to dip into below-freezing digits, the vibrant colors and exotic plants in the tropical greenhouses are sure to warm you up. Paulyn captures a unique view of some sweet succulents found in one of the gardens.

Photo by Jerrica, 17 years old, New York, NY.

1:00 p.m. Feeling hungry? Make your way to Arthur Ave., a quick bus or taxi ride from the Botanical Garden, for some of the most authentic Italian food in the City. Try Dominick’s (buyer beware, they’re cash only) for a delicious, family-style Italian meal in the heart of New York’s “real” Little Italy. We love the old-school checkered tablecloth in Jerrica’s selfie, as she awaits an Italian meal herself.

3:00 p.m. Wind down by taking “the long way” back from the subway and take a chance to explore your neighborhood, wherever you may be staying. Part of the magic of the city is in it’s discovery – you may be surprised at what you find!  

6:00 p.m. Safe travels home – we hope you enjoyed this adventure with us. There’s always more to see… ‘til next time, NYC!

Photo by Campbell, 7 years old, New York, NY.