New Year, New View! After the hustle and bustle of the holiday scene – what better way to heighten your mood with our favorite jaw-dropping views? Start the year off with a new perspective for your family – with our list of the best views in New York City.
New Year New Perspective – Best Views in New York City for Families
Reflect on the Year – Summit One Vanderbilt
The perfect place to gain perspective and reflect is Summit One Vanderbilt, the World’s most immersive observatory experience. The mirrored installation called Air (seen here) mixes transparency and reflectivity, transcending the illusion of boundless space, faceting the world into an infinite universe without fixed form or limit. It is SPECTACULAR. Visitors also will experience Ascent, an all-glass elevator that ascends on the side of the building, and Levitation, a skybox that allows guests to step out from the envelope of the building and stand on transparent glass 1,063 feet above Manhattan. Bonus – one of the rooms is filled with metallic balloons. For Kids: The infinite city reflections and epic balloon room will be experiences they will never forget. 45 E. 42nd Street, New York NY. summitov.com/
Living on the Edge – The sky-high view at The Edge
The Edge is the highest sky deck in the Western Hemisphere with a one-of-a-kind design: it’s suspended in mid-air, giving you the feeling of floating in the sky with 360-degree views of New Jersey, NYC, and beyond. The deck spans 7,500 square feet and stretches 65 feet out from the 101st floor of the building at 30 Hudson Yards. Its height makes it the fifth tallest in the world! Don’t miss the triangular glass floor at the center of it all, the space’s indisputable showstopper. Adrenaline seeker? The Edge just opened City Climb – an epic experience where you climb to the top of the skyscraper (Note: there’s a height + age requirement for City Climb! Must be 13+). For Kids: The glass walled-barriers do not restrict views – making it great for toddlers. The glass floor observation will be their favorite. Where else can you walk on top of taxi cabs and buildings? 30 Hudson Yards, 4th Floor, New York, NY. www.edgenyc.com
Top of the World Views at the Top of the Rock Observatory
Situated on top of 30 Rockefeller Center, this incredible midtown landmark offers quite a panoramic view of Central Park and Manhattan skyscrapers. The gorgeous, tri-level viewing area from the 68th, 69th, and 70th floors are spacious and offer both indoor and outdoor viewing options. The views rival those of the Empire State Building, but some say they’re even better – a city skyline view here includes the Empire State Building itself. Top of the Rock has been adding fun decals on the glass that change often to match the season or current events. For Kids: Little ones will love exploring all 3 viewing platforms. Bonus – Top of the Rock offers the best view of Central Park. 30 Rockefeller Plaza. www.topoftherocknyc.com
Be the King of the NYC Skyline at Empire State Building
So big it actually has its own zip code, the Empire State Building has quite a view of its own. Visitors can gaze at the city below from the observation deck on the 86th floor, or pay for an even higher view from the 102nd floor. On a clear day, visitors can see up to five states and mesmerizing views of Central Park, the Chrysler Building and Times Square. Little builders will love the history lesson in the Dare to Dream exhibit, which chronicles the construction of the famous building, as well as the light, shows celebrating holidays and events, often synchronized to music broadcast simultaneously on radio stations. Make sure to check the schedule for details. For Kids: Little ones won’t forget standing on top of one of the world’s most famous buildings, and the exhibit where they can hang with King Kong. Don’t forget your camera! 20 W 34th Street, New York, NY. www.esbnyc.com
Cross a New Path on the Brooklyn Bridge
Cross over into the new year with a family walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Once known as the 8th wonder of the world, the Brooklyn Bridge continues to be an architectural marvel and one of the most recognizable icons in the country. Even more special is the elevated pedestrian walkway that runs above the hurried lanes of traffic underneath. The view from the top can’t be beat! The walk across is a little over a mile, making it doable for most ages. The views are spectacular, and metal plaques give visitors a history lesson on the bridge’s construction as you cross. Bonus – if you start in Manhattan, you will end your walk at DUMBO, Brooklyn – home to Jane’s Carousel, epic pizza parlors, and a view of Manhattan from the Waterfront. For Kids: They will love the skyline views, discovering the information plaques, and that the Brooklyn Bridge footpath runs over the traffic below! From Manhattan, you enter the bridge footpath near City Hall, right along Centre Street.
Marvel at the Skyline from Central Park’s Tree Tops
There are few places on earth that are as magical as Central Park. With only one visit, it’s easy to see why. The park is much more than just a pretty nature oasis, the city’s playground has an endless array of amazing things to see and experience. From rock climbing to playgrounds, cafes, and the art that abounds – we could easily spend a full day exploring the 800 acres of tranquility that is smack dab in the middle of one of the world’s largest cities. Too many views to list them all – but we suggest starting with Gapstow Bride (seen here), located on The Pond. For Kids: This area has it all – bridges with skyline views, many turtles and ducks, ponds, and climbing rocks. Little ones will not want to leave. Don’t miss Heckscher Playground – located a short walk away. www.centralpark.com/gapstow-bridge/
Start the Year off with Love
Lovely start of the year? Discovering new art with a view. The Heart Monument by sculptor Sergio Furnari is a Covid Memorial that pays tribute to Health Care Heroes. After, it will go on a little “Love” tour around NYC to remind New Yorkers (and the world) to focus on love. For Kids: Come for the heart, stay for the park! The park is also home to an amazing playground, open grassy spots, and another storied view—the massive (and official New York City landmark) Pepsi Cola sign, too. Heart located on the waterfront, near 50th and Ave and Center Blvd. www.hunterspointparks.org
Happy New Year!
