If this is your first time visiting New York City, congrats! There are lots of great sightseeing opportunities. Times Square is impressive and overwhelming at the same time. You can actually see the Statue of Liberty for free by taking the Staten Island Ferry, though it's definitely fun to check it out up close too. For those not afraid of heights, the Edge building has gorgeous panoramic views of the city. For those who want a walking tour, the High Line park in Chelsea is free and offers a peaceful walk through art and gardens that will make you forget you're in the city for a moment.

Great question! While Central Park can be touristy, this is actually where locals spend a lot of time (especially further North in the park where the crowds thin out.) We like the Reservoir, North Meadow, the Great Lawn, and the Conservatory Garden. If you want a fun side quest, you can spend the day renting a Citi bike and biking up and down Riverside Park. Heading out of Manhattan and into Brooklyn (like Brooklyn Heights) can also give you a bit more fresh air & riverfront strolling.

Yes! The American Museum of Natural History has lots of interactive exhibits and the iconic dinosaur fossils and whale statue. The NYC ferries are also a fun and cheap way to see the city. One of our favorite ferry rides is to Governor's Island where there are playgrounds, bike rentals, food carts, and great views of the Manhattan skyline. Little Island is also a fun & scenic park with interesting architecture and food trucks.