How to Spend the Perfect Family Day at Rockefeller Center
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No matter the time of year, there isn’t a bigger playground in New York City than Rockefeller Center. Featuring a host of special events and programming, the 12-acre campus is chock-full of kid-friendly activities, like the Rockefeller Center Tour, Jr. and HERO’s interactive experiences.
Guaranteed to be as much fun for adults as it is for children, here’s our complete itinerary for the perfect family day at Rockefeller Center.
10:30 am: Take the Rockefeller Center Tour, Jr.
Head to 30 Rockefeller Plaza
Start the day on the right foot with the Rockefeller Center Tour Jr., a tour created specifically for children ages 6 to 11 (and their accompanying adults). The kid-friendly guided walk through campus delves into Rockefeller Center’s rich history and iconic hot spots with an interactive twist — complete with a scavenger hunt and a special visit from Roxy the Owl. The Rockefeller Center Tour, Jr. takes place daily at 10:30 am; tickets can be purchased here.
If all of that walking worked up an appetite…
11:45 am: Share a meal at Ace’s Pizza
When the tour ends at — spoiler alert — Radio Park, walk across the street to 30 Rockefeller Plaza; Ace’s Pizza is on Rink Level
We know it can be hard to find a place both children and parents love, but Ace’s Pizza makes family meals easy. As an exclusive Under 30 Rock offer, you can order any large specialty pie and two fountain drinks for just $29.99, tax included. Not in the mood for pizza? Ace’s also has salads, sandwiches, and three different types of cheesy bread.
Since there’s always room for dessert…
12:30 pm: Grab something sweet at Chip City or Ben & Jerry’s
Stay on the Rink Level of 30 Rockefeller Plaza
There are endless options when it comes to snacks and sweets on campus. Featuring flavors like Nutella Sea Salt and Oatmeal Apple Pie, Chip City rotates its fresh-baked cookie menu weekly, so you can try something new every visit. If everyone’s in the mood to share, you can split an ice cream flight from Ben & Jerry’s, an Under 30 Rock offering unique to Rockefeller Center.
Now that you’ve refueled…
1 pm: Gear up for the ultimate winter adventure at HERO
Stay on the Rink Level of 30 Rockefeller Plaza
This winter, HERO is taking guests on a special trip to the Arctic Circle without ever leaving New York. Its latest multisensory journey is the Northern Lights Express, an immersive train ride that brings the aurora borealis to life. You’ll make wishes in a magical forest, adventure through crystalline caverns brimming with arctic wildlife, and cozy up in a mountain chalet with hot cocoa and festive treats. Tickets can be purchased here.
Time to travel back to New York and…
2:30 pm: Take a turn around the ice at The Rink at Rockefeller Center Presented by Chase Freedom
No need to go far; just head outside the Rink Level doors
In terms of quintessential winter pastimes, there’s almost nothing more wholesome than ice skating. Now’s a great time to start a new holiday tradition — or relive an old favorite — by ice skating on The Rink Presented by Chase Freedom under the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Tickets can be purchased online, and you can read all about what to expect, what to wear, and when to go here.
For the perfect family photo backdrop…
3:45 pm: Take in the sights at Top of the Rock — and experience SKYLIFT and The Beam
Take a quick walk back to 30 Rock; the entrance to Top of the Rock is on 50th Street
Top of the Rock is the only place you can catch an unobstructed, panoramic view of New York City. It has both indoor and outdoor observation decks, so you can still soak in the sights while taking a break from the winter wind. There are a few fun stops on your way to the Top, too.
Tickets can be purchased here. You can choose to add on The Beam, which lifts you 12 feet above the deck to recreate the iconic “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” photo, and SKYLIFT, a thrill ride that brings you shoulder-to-shoulder with the city’s skyscrapers.
If you’re looking for a hands-on, educational activity…
5 pm: Learn about fire safety at FDNY Fire Zone
Head a block down to the corner of 6th Avenue and 48th Street
It’s important that every family is prepared for an emergency, and the FDNY Fire Zone is the best place to learn about fire safety. The educational center teaches visitors what to do in case of a fire emergency through interactive exhibits and presentations, giving families everything they need to eliminate fire hazards and create their own escape plans. As an added bonus, kids can even meet a real firefighter and climb on a realistic fire truck. While general admission is free, tickets for the Fire-Safety Presentation are $6 for children and $7 for adults.
To commemorate the day…
6 pm: Pick up a souvenir or two
These stores can be found between 48th and 51st Streets
There’s a store for everyone at Rockefeller Center — even kids. Voracious readers will feel right at home at McNally Jackson, and budding builders can find everything they need for their next project at LEGO. For those with specific tastes, there are endless possibilities at FAO Schwarz and Nintendo, expansive stores with two levels of interactive fun.
Before you head home…
6:30 pm: Have a family dinner at 5 Acres
Head back to the Rink Level of 30 Rockefeller Plaza
The day wouldn’t be complete without a family dinner, so gather ‘round for some good eats (and conversation) at 5 Acres. The Under 30 Rock restaurant is known for Midwestern classics like the Chicago Beef, Wisconsin Burger, and Mac ‘n’ Cheese; accompanying adults can enjoy an elevated selection of eats, which includes a fresh raw bar. 5 Acres also serves a handful of desserts the entire family can share — the cherry on top of a perfect day.
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