New York with the family: Times Square, Central Park, and Brooklyn

The essential Labor Day classic — Three days in NYC: New Jersey hotel with free parking/shuttle + Hop-On Hop-Off

Little thing we like: to get around more easily and visit several attractions, you can use the City Pass, especially with the option Hop-On Hop-Off, which greatly simplifies travel when you're with children.

Our classic Friday night Quebec Plattsburgh Night 1. Saturday morning → New Jersey (hotel with free parking + free shuttle to Times Square).

Day 1 — The Shock of Times Square

After a few hours of driving, we finally arrive in New Jersey, check into the hotel, and then leave the car for the rest of the trip. And then, as always, the real excitement kicks in the moment we enter Manhattan.

Even though you've seen Times Square in photos a thousand times, it never truly prepares you for how it feels to be there. The giant screens, the noise, the crowds, the lights everywhere... the kids don't know where to look. We, as parents, mostly just watch them looking around, and that's often the most beautiful part.

For this first day, we're sticking to a simple and effective sector. We're taking advantage of Times Square, we're walking in Midtown, We build the excitement with a big classic like an observatory, then we grab something to eat without making things too complicated. In New York, the first day isn't so much about doing everything as it is about simply getting into the city's rhythm.

Day 2 — Central Park and Southern Manhattan

The next day, the atmosphere changes completely. After the concrete, noise, and neon lights, Central Park It does an incredible amount of good. Children need to move around differently, to run, to breathe, to see something other than streets full of taxis. And honestly, so do we.

We take the time to walk, to enjoy the quieter spots, to sit for a while without always rushing. That's what I love about New York with family: the city is intense, yes, but it also offers calmer moments that balance everything else.

In the afternoon, we head down to Lower Manhattan. We pass by Battery Park, we see the sector of 9/11 Memorial, then we enjoy a ferry ride to admire the bay and catch sight of the Statue of Liberty. It's not just beautiful, it's also the kind of moment that stays with you. The children don't always say it at the time, but you can feel them taking it all in.

Day 3 — Last hours before returning

The third day always has a special little flavor. We already know the weekend is ending, so we approach it a little differently. No need to overdo it. We keep the activity lighter, more relaxed, depending on everyone's energy.

It is often a good time to go for a walk on the side of Brooklyn Bridge or of DUMBO, take some nice photos, enjoy the skyline one last time, and let New York impress us one last time. It's also the kind of trip ending that allows you to not return completely exhausted.

Late in the morning, we head back to New Jersey, pick up the car, and get back on the road towards Quebec. The return trip is always quieter. The kids are on their phones, snacking, sleeping a bit, and we're already telling ourselves we did the right thing by leaving.

What we love about this formula

What we liked most about this trip is that it remained intense without becoming complicated. Sleeping at New Jersey, leaving the car parked and entering Manhattan otherwise removes an enormous amount of stress.

We also like the mix that New York naturally offers:

• The Great Spectacle of Times Square.
• The more calming side of Central Park.
• The incredible views of the water and the skyline.
• The impression, in just three days, of having experienced something significant.

Practical Information

Night 1 stop in Plattsburgh to cut the road.
Nights 2 and 3 hotel in New Jersey with free parking.
Transportation Access to Manhattan from New Jersey, then getting around the city with the CityPASS and the Hop-On Hop-Off to simplify the days.

Our tip for saving money in New York: the Go City New York Pass

For this road trip, we used the Go City New York (2 days) — and it was perfect for families!

Buy Go City New York Pass here — perfect for maximizing your Labor Day!