{"id":4656,"date":"2019-04-29T17:23:58","date_gmt":"2019-04-29T21:23:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/?p=4656"},"modified":"2021-04-27T13:13:29","modified_gmt":"2021-04-27T17:13:29","slug":"what-its-really-like-to-live-in-new-york-city-with-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/what-its-really-like-to-live-in-new-york-city-with-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"What It&#8217;s REALLY Like to Live in New York City with Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1707\" height=\"1138\" src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nyc-with-kids.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5002\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nyc-with-kids.jpg 1707w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nyc-with-kids-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nyc-with-kids-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nyc-with-kids-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nyc-with-kids-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nyc-with-kids-655x437.jpg 655w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1707px) 100vw, 1707px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>People come to visit New York from all over the world. They usually stay in Manhattan, and enjoy the best the city has to offer: museums, shopping, Broadway shows, etc. But most New Yorkers live outside of the bustle of <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/midtown-to-downtown-things-to-do\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"8826\" target=\"_blank\">midtown Manhattan<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are so many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/the-best-things-to-do-in-nyc-with-kids\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4807\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">things to do in NYC with kids<\/a>, but what about the nitty gritty day to day?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s a glimpse at what it&#8217;s really like* to live in the city that never sleeps&#8230;with kids! Read all about raising a family in New York City, what it&#8217;s like to live in New York with kids on a daily basis and then <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/how-our-family-of-5-lived-in-a-one-bedroom-nyc-apartment\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"8114\" target=\"_blank\">how to make a small apartment work<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<p>This post may contain <a href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/disclosure\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"863\">affiliate links<\/a>. Thank you for supporting our work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_64 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Skip ahead!<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-662a7eeb79272\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-662a7eeb79272\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/what-its-really-like-to-live-in-new-york-city-with-kids\/#Living-in-New-York-City-with-Kids-Means-So-Much-Walking\" title=\"Living in New York City with Kids Means So Much Walking\">Living in New York City with Kids Means So Much Walking<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/what-its-really-like-to-live-in-new-york-city-with-kids\/#The-Subway-with-Kids\" title=\"The Subway with Kids\">The Subway with Kids<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/what-its-really-like-to-live-in-new-york-city-with-kids\/#Your-Stroller-as-a-Car\" title=\"Your Stroller as a Car\">Your Stroller as a Car<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/what-its-really-like-to-live-in-new-york-city-with-kids\/#Scooters-for-kids\" title=\"Scooters for kids\">Scooters for kids<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/what-its-really-like-to-live-in-new-york-city-with-kids\/#Driving-not-recommended\" title=\"Driving not recommended\">Driving not recommended<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/what-its-really-like-to-live-in-new-york-city-with-kids\/#Cooking-in-New-York-City\" title=\"Cooking in New York City\">Cooking in New York City<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/what-its-really-like-to-live-in-new-york-city-with-kids\/#Delivery-Delivery-Delivery\" title=\"Delivery, Delivery, Delivery\">Delivery, Delivery, Delivery<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/what-its-really-like-to-live-in-new-york-city-with-kids\/#Schools-in-New-York-City\" title=\"Schools in New York City\">Schools in New York City<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/what-its-really-like-to-live-in-new-york-city-with-kids\/#Activities-for-days\" title=\"Activities for days\">Activities for days<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/what-its-really-like-to-live-in-new-york-city-with-kids\/#City-life-expensive-and-busy\" title=\"City life: expensive and busy\">City life: expensive and busy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/what-its-really-like-to-live-in-new-york-city-with-kids\/#In-Conclusion\" title=\"In Conclusion\">In Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Living-in-New-York-City-with-Kids-Means-So-Much-Walking\"><\/span>Living in New York City with Kids Means So Much Walking<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We walk a lot! I mean a lot! We walk from our house to the subway; we walk because it\u2019s not worthwhile to go on the subway; we walk because it\u2019s faster than the subway (you get the idea) \ud83d\ude09 We walk because there is no parking. But also because there is so much to do and see along the way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You might notice that many New Yorkers look fit, or rather you don&#8217;t often see the type of obesity that is rampant in other areas of the country that are more car-oriented. So here&#8217;s to walking!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The-Subway-with-Kids\"><\/span>The Subway with Kids<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before I move onto other forms of transportation let&#8217;s get this out of the way: the subway is a necessary part of life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, getting around on the subway is extremely difficult if you have any type of disability or in my case, a stroller. Most stations <em>are not handicap accessible<\/em> and you will be carrying your kids up and down the stairs. So there&#8217;s some more walking!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f5f3c7\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Let&#8217;s say you plan your outing around subway stations with elevators (something I have done regularly), keep this <a href=\"https:\/\/new.mta.info\/elevator-escalator-status\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/new.mta.info\/elevator-escalator-status\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">link of elevator outages<\/a> handy so you can check in real time if your plan will work!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1518\" height=\"1138\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/brooklyn-bridge-park-above.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4997\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/brooklyn-bridge-park-above.jpg 1518w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/brooklyn-bridge-park-above-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/brooklyn-bridge-park-above-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/brooklyn-bridge-park-above-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/brooklyn-bridge-park-above-655x491.jpg 655w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1518px) 100vw, 1518px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Your-Stroller-as-a-Car\"><\/span>Your Stroller as a Car<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One refrain you often hear from moms, is that her stroller is her car. I can attest to the fact, that if you are walking with a baby, a good stroller is a must. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In particular, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Vista-V2-Stroller-Charcoal-Leather\/dp\/B07Z6Y5VCB\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?dchild=1&amp;keywords=uppababy+vista&amp;qid=1604764203&amp;sr=8-3&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=atinytrip0d-20&amp;linkId=11949dc3aaae569522c1533b68d8a053&amp;language=en_US\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Vista-V2-Stroller-Charcoal-Leather\/dp\/B07Z6Y5VCB\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?dchild=1&amp;keywords=uppababy+vista&amp;qid=1604764203&amp;sr=8-3&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=atinytrip0d-20&amp;linkId=11949dc3aaae569522c1533b68d8a053&amp;language=en_US\" target=\"_blank\">a stroller with a large basket<\/a> is particularly helpful for carrying around everything you need on an outing, or even just your daily commute. Not to mention groceries!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though you may also want to invest in <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Mountain-Buggy-Nano-Stroller-Ruby\/dp\/B019DRIQV0\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?dchild=1&amp;keywords=mountain+buggy+nano&amp;qid=1604764337&amp;sr=8-5&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=atinytrip0d-20&amp;linkId=70b4d991b0c75d98ec6a779fcc8c971f&amp;language=en_US\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Mountain-Buggy-Nano-Stroller-Ruby\/dp\/B019DRIQV0\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?dchild=1&amp;keywords=mountain+buggy+nano&amp;qid=1604764337&amp;sr=8-5&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=atinytrip0d-20&amp;linkId=70b4d991b0c75d98ec6a779fcc8c971f&amp;language=en_US\" target=\"_blank\">a travel stroller<\/a> if you live near a subway station with no elevator. Countless times I have carried a baby on one hip and a folded stroller in the other arm. More on that in a second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Scooters-for-kids\"><\/span>Scooters for kids<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So in addition to hoards of people walking every where, when you enter some of the more family friendly neighborhoods, you will notice that scooters are everywhere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B01BE0J5TQ\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=atinytrip0d-20&amp;linkId=8a95871f98c95882f60e5b9f4fa40d43&amp;language=en_US\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B01BE0J5TQ\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=atinytrip0d-20&amp;linkId=8a95871f98c95882f60e5b9f4fa40d43&amp;language=en_US\">scooter<\/a> is a mobility device here, not a toy. I know from friends outside the city that they keep their scooters in the garage and the kids get to play with them in the driveway on the weekends. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For us, the scooter helps the kids traverse distances that they wouldn\u2019t be able to do walking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example when my son was in pre-K his preschool was 1 mile away from our house. At 4 years old there\u2019s no way he would have been able to walk that distance there and back every day on a regular basis. The scooter made it possible for us to commute on foot and not have to worry about parking. Which brings me to my next point. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"761\" height=\"1142\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/new-york-times-building.jpg?fit=682%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/new-york-times-building.jpg 761w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/new-york-times-building-213x320.jpg 213w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/new-york-times-building-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/new-york-times-building-655x983.jpg 655w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 761px) 100vw, 761px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Driving-not-recommended\"><\/span>Driving not recommended<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you have a car, you might not want to use it. We usually only use our car on the weekends and most of our neighbors do the same. The reason is that there is a lack of parking and even where there are garages they can be prohibitively expensive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another hassle of owning a car is <a href=\"https:\/\/www1.nyc.gov\/html\/dot\/html\/motorist\/alternate-side-parking.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"alternate side (opens in a new tab)\">alternate side<\/a> street cleaning which requires us to move our car multiple times a week so that the street can be cleaned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The city speed limit is 25 miles an hour. Effectively with the lights, you are driving <strong>at around 12 miles an hour<\/strong>. If you add in the time it takes to walk to wherever you parked, and to find parking (see above), often times it is faster to walk or just use public transportation. But moving on from the transportation department, let\u2019s talk about other things. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f5f3c7\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> If you do decide to drive, download <a href=\"https:\/\/spothero.com\/get-spothero-app\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/spothero.com\/get-spothero-app\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the Spot Hero app<\/a>, so that you can find a well priced garage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cooking-in-New-York-City\"><\/span>Cooking in New York City<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Kitchens in New York City are notoriously small. Even in housing situations in which the kitchen size is sufficient, getting groceries is a feat in and of itself. If you are not using your car (because of all the reasons I just mentioned), then you are carrying your groceries on foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For many neighborhoods outside of Manhattan grocery shopping is far from convenient. As a matter fact I will regularly commute 30 minutes to get to a grocery store with better prices. Then again, this can mean schlepping your groceries on the subway, something I frequently see people doing all over town. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Delivery-Delivery-Delivery\"><\/span>Delivery, Delivery, Delivery<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>All these things put together make getting delivery a very appealing option! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As I first said when we move to New York: you go to <em>ALL<\/em> this effort to get your groceries and haul it on the subway and walk to your house and then you have a tiny kitchen in which to cook it&#8230; so of course it\u2019s easier just to order in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or at least get your groceries delivered! <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.freshdirect.com\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.freshdirect.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Fresh direct<\/a> is very popular here, as are all the other grocery delivery services: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instacart.com\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.instacart.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Instacart<\/a>, Whole Foods, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the bright side, New York City has many greenmarkets and farmer&#8217;s markets, so it is definitely <strong>possible to get excellent quality food<\/strong> if you&#8217;re in the right neighborhood. You could always sign up for a <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/what-to-do-with-your-farm-share-csa-share\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"6828\" target=\"_blank\">CSA share<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Schools-in-New-York-City\"><\/span>Schools in New York City<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The school experience can generally be described as stressful for many parents. Off the top of my head, I don&#8217;t think I can think of a single person I know that has not complained about their school situation! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the one hand, there are many, many schooling options. You have a lot of options between public, charter, religious, and private schools. However, the application process starts early: for some, as early as preschool. The result is that children are bussed all over the city in all directions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"public school system (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.schools.nyc.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\">public school system<\/a> is huge and highly variable. One of these days I will write about <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/unschooling-elementary-school\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"7251\" target=\"_blank\">our experience<\/a> in detail, but check the beginning of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/unschooling-elementary-school\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"7251\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the linked post<\/a> for a general idea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For now, know that there are zoned schools, but many children do not attend their zoned school for a myriad of reason. There is a Gifted and Talented program that many parents focus on. In addition, the influence of the school PTA contributes to the <em>huge<\/em> differences between schools. (Update: the reporting on <a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/nice-white-parents\/id1524080195\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/nice-white-parents\/id1524080195\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nice White Parents<\/a> definitely resonated with our experience).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, New York has <strong>a fabulous (and free) universal pre-K<\/strong> program called <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Pre-K for All (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/access.nyc.gov\/programs\/pre-k-for-all\/\" target=\"_blank\">Pre-K for All<\/a>. Our kids went to two different programs and we were extremely pleased with what they learned, but also the amount of time devoted to free play which is so, so important at this age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"759\" height=\"1138\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/at-the-met-greek.jpg?fit=683%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4999\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/at-the-met-greek.jpg 759w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/at-the-met-greek-213x320.jpg 213w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/at-the-met-greek-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/at-the-met-greek-655x982.jpg 655w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 759px) 100vw, 759px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Activities-for-days\"><\/span>Activities for days<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>New York is a great city with an enormous amount of <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"things to do with kids  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/new-york-city-with-kids-bucket-list\/\" target=\"_blank\">things to do with kids, <\/a>many of them <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"for free (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/how-to-see-the-statue-of-liberty-for-free-staten-island-ferry\/\" target=\"_blank\">for free<\/a>! The vast majority of museums and cultural institutions are kid friendly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you take advantage of all the city has to offer, it is amazing what children can learn! You can travel the world with cuisine, and see cultural programming of all types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is also a city surrounded by water, which make regular excursions <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"to the beach (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/new-york-beaches-fort-tilden-and-jacob-riis-park\/\" target=\"_blank\">to the beach<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/statue-of-liberty-and-ellis-island-with-kids\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"8881\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">on the water<\/a> an amazing attraction! There are just so many <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"fun things to do (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/how-to-visit-coney-island-with-kids-of-course\/\" target=\"_blank\">fun things to do<\/a>, that you will never run out of entertainment. Then again&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"City-life-expensive-and-busy\"><\/span>City life: expensive and busy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I can&#8217;t write about living in New York City without stating the obvious. This applies to those with and without children: New York City is expensive. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/how-our-family-of-5-lived-in-a-one-bedroom-nyc-apartment\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"8114\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Housing<\/a> is particularly expensive, but so is everything else. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Food, entertainment, transportation- nothing is cheap in this city. For those of us with kids you can add to the list: kid activities, after-school sports and childcare. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>City living is busy and noisy. Though some neighborhoods are quieter than others, the sheer volume of people in the city dictates that there is always some commotion going on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is seemingly never-ending construction as well (although that may be a plus if you have a construction-obsessed little one). Cars, trucks, buses and trains all move around and contribute to the noise day and night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1138\" height=\"1138\" src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/watching-construction.jpg?fit=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5001\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/watching-construction.jpg 1138w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/watching-construction-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/watching-construction-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/watching-construction-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/watching-construction-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/watching-construction-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/watching-construction-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/watching-construction-655x655.jpg 655w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/watching-construction-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1138px) 100vw, 1138px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In-Conclusion\"><\/span>In Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>All in all, I think that living in New York City is not an easy choice for families. It is absolutely understandable why many families move out to the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"suburbs (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/a-family-hike-in-the-south-mountain-reservation\/\" target=\"_blank\">suburbs<\/a> like in any urban area. But so long as we are here, we are focused on getting the most out of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/how-to-attend-the-us-open-on-a-budget\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"our experience (opens in a new tab)\">our experience<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, as you probably have realized by reading this blog we do make a point to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/5-ways-to-make-travel-affordable\/\" target=\"_blank\">travel<\/a> outside of the city on a regular basis so that our kids are <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"exposed to nature (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/10-ways-to-bring-city-kids-closer-to-nature\/\" target=\"_blank\">exposed to nature<\/a> outside of city parks and other ways of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f5f3c7\"><strong>Before you go click to read<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/how-our-family-of-5-lived-in-a-one-bedroom-nyc-apartment\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"8114\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How and Why Our Family of 5 Lived in a One Bedroom<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Do you have any other questions about living in New York City with kids? What&#8217;s it like where you live?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>*This is obviously my personal perspective; I don&#8217;t purport to speak for all families in the city. Interested in more details about our daily life? You can check out our <\/em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/routine-with-a-preschooler-2-5-years-and-two-school-age-kids-5-and-7\/\" target=\"_blank\"><em>current routine<\/em><\/a><em>. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"735\" height=\"1102\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/live-nyc-with-kids.png?fit=683%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5030\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/live-nyc-with-kids.png 735w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/live-nyc-with-kids-213x320.png 213w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/live-nyc-with-kids-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/live-nyc-with-kids-655x982.png 655w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>People come to visit New York from all over the world. They usually stay in Manhattan, and enjoy the best the city has to offer: museums, shopping, Broadway shows, etc. But most New Yorkers live outside of the bustle of midtown Manhattan. There are so many things to do in NYC with kids, but what &hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/what-its-really-like-to-live-in-new-york-city-with-kids\/\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">What It&#8217;s REALLY Like to Live in New York City with Kids<\/span> Read More &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5030,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[189,115],"tags":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/live-nyc-with-kids.png",735,1102,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/live-nyc-with-kids-150x150.png",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/live-nyc-with-kids-213x320.png",213,320,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/live-nyc-with-kids.png",735,1102,false],"large":["https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/live-nyc-with-kids-683x1024.png",683,1024,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/live-nyc-with-kids.png",735,1102,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/live-nyc-with-kids.png",735,1102,false],"yarpp-thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/live-nyc-with-kids.png",80,120,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Daphna","author_link":"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/author\/admin\/"},"uagb_comment_info":16,"uagb_excerpt":"People come to visit New York from all over the world. They usually stay in Manhattan, and enjoy the best the city has to offer: museums, shopping, Broadway shows, etc. But most New Yorkers live outside of the bustle of midtown Manhattan. There are so many things to do in NYC with kids, but what&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4656"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4656"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4656\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5030"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4656"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4656"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atinytrip.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4656"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}