This week we feature some great fall and winter fun on RealFamilyTrips.com. New York City is a fantastic destination for families any time of year, but the period before, during and after the holidays holds a special charm. Whether you end up in New York because you live nearby, are visiting family, or simply want to take a great vacation; you won’t be disappointed this season. We’ve put together some great days full of seasonal fun with all sorts of families in mind, and are on the lookout to help you do it more easily and for less money.

If all roads used to lead to Rome, they now seem to lead to New York. With three major airports, multiple train and bus stations and a working seaport there are a number of ways to find yourself in this great city.

Tips For Fall And Winter Travel to New York City:

Dress for the occasion. New York can get cold in the fall or winter and experiences a full range of weather including rain and snow. The city’s tall buildings can form what feels like a wind tunnel down the north – south running avenues. Indoors will be nice and toasty most places so layers will be important. You’ll also want comfortable shoes for walking and potentially standing and waiting…

On that note, plan ahead! New York is always bustling, but this can be an especially busy time of year. Many of the activities we recommend are popular and you won’t be the only family considering them. We make special notes when especially applicable, but we also provide phone numbers and web addresses for all of our destinations for a reason: so you can call or log on and book ahead! You don’t want to be caught waiting in line in the cold, or worse yet, missing out entirely.

Play it safe. New York gets a bad rap when it comes to public safety. All of our itineraries are centered on Manhattan, in areas that are well policed and with excellent records on crime and public safety. That being said, New York is a HUGE and crowded city with millions of people. It moves at a fast pace and you need to keep an eye on children not to wander off. Set meeting points along the way and inform kids not to be afraid to ask for help from one of the city’s many uniformed police officers if need be. Don’t be afraid, use common sense and plan ahead. If you do, safety won’t need to be a concern as your enjoy the rich life of New York City.

Our Featured Days in New York for the Fall and Winter are as Varied and Exciting as the City Itself!

Our first day features the classic sights and ice skating experience in Rockefeller Center as well as a chance to do holiday shopping and see what may be the nation’s most famous Christmas Tree. Add to that the wonders of the American Museum of Natural History and you have an unforgettable day.

The next day combines the beauty of The Cloisters and some stunning fall and winter views, with the open air of Central Park and another potential for ice skating at Trump Rink. Finish the day with high tea at the famous Plaza Hotel for a day filled with history and famous sights.

Our final day brings together the wonder of an interactive science and technology museum (which happens to be FREE), with good food and fun at Chelsea Market, followed by lots of activity at Chelsea Piers. This day has all the bases covered indoors in case winter weather rears its head and allows you to still have a lot of fun while staying out of the storm.

These itineraries can be combined or used independently. They provide a nice cross-section of New York in the fall and winter with a mix of active and educational pursuits, provide time for eating and shopping and even a weather contingency

A Fun Addition To Any NYC Day:

Families visiting New York may also want to stop by world famous Times Square for a special treat. While this has always been one of New York’s most awe inspiring sights for visitors, there is a new draw that has been said to have tourists’ “jaws actually dropping.” A new digital billboard spanning an entire city block, on Broadway from 45th to 46th street, will amaze families as they enjoy what over 24 million LED pixels looks like displaying everything from digital art to advertising. We recommend a quick stop (or drive) by to enjoy this epic and free viewing opportunity.

Because the only thing we love more than helping our users plan great family vacations is helping them save on those vacations, we have some great deals for travel and links to trusted sources for the best prices.

Hotels.com has some great deals for New York City to help you enjoy the city for less.
New York hotels are currently on sale with Travelocity! Check out these great hotel prices, then browse airfare and more.
New York Hotels from $75 on Priceline.com if you book soon.
Discover New York City with two $10 Metrocards per stay and complimentary WIFI internet access included in this package from Hilton Hotels.
CityPASS makes seeing New York simpler by combining great attractions into a single book of tickets that saves you time and money, lets you skip lines and take your time. Learn more on their site.