New York family-friendly travel guide

There really isn’t a best time to be in New York, since the city that never sleeps just keeps on entertaining year-round. The best of the weather is in spring (May and June) and autumn (September and October) when the weather is mild and pleasant.

In July and August many New Yorkers flee the city on weekends, making museums and restaurants a little less crowded, but the weather is hot and humid. January to April is when you are most likely to get discounts at hotels.

In winter be prepared for the weather and temperatures that often fall below zero, with a biting wind chill factor. Still, this is the best time to go for theatres and performing arts, and since the Broadway shows are generally slower, you have more chance of getting tickets.

The Christmas period is magical, with terrific shopping, street lights and all manner of Christmas events, but expect to pay top dollar for hotels.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date you intend to return to Australia. For more information you can contact the Embassy of the United States of America in Australia.

The United States administers a strict entry regime that also applies to transit passengers. If you’re visiting the United States for business or pleasure for 90 days or less, you may be eligible to enter without a visa, under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

In all other circumstances, you’ll need to get a visa before you travel. Get advice from an Embassy or Consulate of the United States on visa requirements.

John F Kennedy International Airport has six working terminals, serves more than 59 million passengers annually and hosts flights coming and going from all corners of the globe.

Used mainly for domestic flights, LaGuardia Airport is smaller than JFK but closer to midtown Manhattan.

About the same distance from Midtown as JFK (16 miles), Newark Liberty International Airport is used by many New Yorkers and is a hub for United Airlines.

The airport you chose to land in will either depend on the flights available or where you are staying in New York.

The excellent New York Subway is safe and a very efficient way to get around the city for anyone with older kids, even if a little confusing initially. (Give your kids the challenge of working it out.) The fare is US$2 for everyone, except kids under 44 inches tall, who go for free. However, it’s much easier with a stored value MetroCard, which provide a variety of options, including a seven-day pass.

Unfortunately, the subway isn’t really that great for those with toddlers or strollers, since there are long walks, steps and lots of crowds. It might be better getting a taxi for shorter distances.

The USA doesn’t exactly have a reputation for fine cuisine, but New York will is in a league of its own. Home to some of the world’s best restaurants and specialties from all over the world, thanks to its huge immigrant population, its a party for the tastebuds. Despite all the excellent ethnic variety, the old American staples and children’s favourites – pizza, hotdogs and burgers – are to be found everywhere, and some of them very good. One thing is for sure: your family will never go hungry in New York.

Anyone who likes shopping has found paradise on earth in New York. Stores don’t seem to have standard opening hours, but most come alive after 10am and stay open until around 7pm. They operate every day of the week and generally Thursday is late night shopping. Sales tax adds 8.65% to your bill (it isn’t included on the ticket price) but isn’t applied to clothing or shoes values at under US$110. There are shopping listings online at Citysearch and Time Out New York, while Daily Candy lists spontaneous sales as they occur around the city.

You’ll be expected – in fact, obliged – to give tips to all and sundry. Bellhops get $1-2 per bag, hotel maids $2 per day, doormen who get you a cab $1-2. If your concierge helps you with any arrangements, a tip is also expected. Taxi drivers and waiters get 15-20% of the bill.

In summer, you can make do with little more than shorts and t-shirts, but in winter you’ll need to bring a full range of winter paraphernalia, from good coats to scarfs, gloves and woollen hats. If you are going to the theatre or better restaurants, New Yorkers generally dress up much more than Australians, so bring some smart casual wear.

A third of New Yorkers were born outside the USA and, therefore, the culture of the city varies quite substantially between ethnic groups and neighbourhoods. Many people say that New York doesn’t really have an American culture, but rather the culture of an international urban metropolis. If there is any shared culture, it is that of the immigrant experience that has defined life in New York since its founding. Others comment that, with most New Yorkers living in small apartments, using public transport rather than cars and eating a vast range of ethnic cuisines, its culture is more European than American.

Electricity mainly operates on 220 volts. You will need a power adapter for the USA.

No vaccinations are required to enter the US and tap water is treated and safe to drink.

New York is a generally a safe city. There is some pickpocket-related risk in, so be careful around crowded Midtown streets, packed subway cars.

You may recognise Grand Central Terminal from its multiple appearances in films and television shows, including North by Northwest, The Avengers, Gossip Girl and Men In Black. Take your chance to play director and select the perfect vantage point to photograph the atmosphere and the general hustle and bustle of this icon.

If you leave New York City without photographing the Brooklyn Bridge, did your holiday even happen? It’s best to arrive early to avoid crowds and take in the skyline views. Also, its a lovely walk with the little ones and once you arrive on the other side you can take a break in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

For that iconic skyscraper shot from up high it’s hard to beat the iconic Empire State Building. A landmark in its own right, it’s not just about the views here.

New York City’s celebrated elevated green space has food trucks, water features (which kids will love having a splash around in to cool down) and incredible views. A picture of this lush path and its surrounding architecture is an Instagram must.