🗽7-days NYC Itinerary (With 2 Kids Under 5)
We’re no strangers to international travel — our oldest has already been to the USA, the UK, and New Zealand, and even our youngest had her first overseas trip to Bali. But this was her very first long-haul flight — and our first time tackling 25+ hours of travel with two kids under five.
Flying from Perth to New York City felt like a whole new challenge compared to our earlier trips. With FIFO life, running a business, and two little ones in tow, we knew this journey would test us in new ways.
And it did 😅. It was big, exhausting, and unforgettable. We learnt so much about making long-haul travel with toddlers easier (and what to avoid), and I’m sharing it here along with our 7-day NYC itinerary to hopefully make your next family adventure smoother.
🎒 Packing & Prep
Packing for four people across multiple climates and a two-day journey was… intense. Here are a few things that really helped us:
Packing cubes: I swear by these. Each child had their clothes split into cubes (undies/socks, outerwear, everyday clothes). We also packed one cube into our carry-on with a change of clothes for everyone.
Ziploc bags: For snacks, sunscreen, meds, and anything that might leak.
Travel pram: We used the Redsbaby Skip2, which folds into the overhead locker. A lifesaver in airports and walking around NYC.
Entertainment stash: Fresh colouring books, sticker packs, a soft toy each, plus iPads loaded with movies and games. (We’d held off on iPad use for months, so this felt like a huge treat.)
Snacks: Never too many. Plane food is unpredictable with toddlers. Crackers, yoghurt pouches, and a few lolly treats for take-off and landing saved us.
💡 Tip: Weigh your bags at home. No one wants to be the family repacking at the check-in counter.
✈️ Flying 25+ Hours With Toddlers
Leg 1: Perth → Auckland (6.5 hrs)
We flew economy, one child in their own seat, one on lap. Skipping naps earlier in the day worked in our favour; by the time we’d done our usual dinner–bath–pyjama routine, both kids fell asleep quickly and stayed that way for most of the flight.
13-Hour Layover in Auckland
We booked a “day rate” at Naumi Hotel near the airport ($140 NZD). Best decision ever: two queen beds, blackout curtains, rainfall shower. Exactly what we needed.
Lounge Access
Koru Club gave us space to eat properly, let the kids run around in the children’s zone, and reset before the next flight.
Leg 2: Auckland → New York (16 hrs)
We splurged on the Skycouch upgrade and it was worth every cent. Both kids stretched out and slept for 10+ hours. We also booked an extra aisle seat, which gave us breathing room and made a huge difference.
Arrival in NYC
Instead of paying $150 USD for an Uber, we braved the subway ($22). It was a mission with kids and luggage, but it actually helped us get moving, adjust to the time zone, and tire out the kids for a proper night’s sleep.
💡 Pro Tip: Hydralyte sachets were a lifesaver on the flights. Kept us hydrated without endless trips to the bathroom.
📅 Our 7-Day NYC Family Itinerary
We planned our week to balance classic NYC experiences with downtime and play so the kids didn’t get overwhelmed.
Day 1: Arrival & Settle In
Checked into our Financial District accommodation, grabbed a quick dinner, showers, and straight to bed. Jet lag had us all done.
Day 2: Brooklyn Bridge & Dumbo
Walked across Brooklyn Bridge in the morning (perfect space for the kids to run). Playground time at Brooklyn Bridge Park, then exploring Dumbo. Caught the ferry back to the Financial District — such a fun way to see the city.
Day 3: Financial District, Times Square & FAO Schwarz
Explored our own neighbourhood, then headed to Battery Park for playground time. Took the subway to Times Square — the kids loved the lights and chaos, while we found it a bit overstimulating 😂. Dinner and arcade games at Dave & Buster’s, then a stop at FAO Schwarz where each kid chose one special toy.
Day 4: Parks, Staten Island Ferry & Outlet Shopping
Started the day at Battery Park, then hopped on the free Staten Island Ferry for Statue of Liberty views without the tickets or crowds. Lunch at Shake Shack (always a winner), followed by outlet shopping. Early night, jet lag was still catching up.
Day 5: American Dream Mall & Walmart
Took a day trip to New Jersey for the massive American Dream Mall. It was mind-blowing, especially for the kids. On the way back we stopped at Walmart, which honestly felt like an adventure in itself.
Day 6: American Museum of Natural History
A full museum day, but we kept it simple. We chose a few key sections to explore rather than trying to see it all, which kept it fun and manageable with the kids.
Day 7: Chelsea & West Village
Our last day was slower. We explored Chelsea and the West Village in the morning, fit in a little shopping, and then let the kids relax and play with their new toys. Early night with bags packed for the next leg of our trip.