The Concorde Hotel New York knows all the best spots for family photo shoots in NYC. New York City is known for its glamorous metropolitan culture. Movie stars, musicians, and celebrity socialites have all graced an NYC high rise at one time or another. The nightlife is incredible, and edgy artists, chefs, and other creatives flock to our melting pot. If you’ve ever turned on the TV or opened a magazine, you’ll know this already. What you might not know is how family-friendly New York City can be. We’ve covered romantic settings and seasonal must-sees , but we haven’t discussed the best places to make memories with your family. In this article, we’ll cover some of the best family-friendly locations and spots for family photo shoots in NYC.
Here are our top spots for family photo shoots in NYC:
1. Central Park
Central Park is full of fantastic photo ops and some of the most stunning backdrops, no matter the season. Whether you choose to have a family photo shoot with the Shakespeare Garden tulips, on one of the boulders by Central Park Lake , or in view of a snow-covered Gapstow Bridge , your photos will embody the beauty in this green heart of NYC. Be sure to take the kids to visit the Balto statue while you’re there!
2. Times Square
Times Square is instantly recognizable in any photo. The busy streets, skyscrapers, and digital billboards create a dramatic backdrop. You never know what you’ll find here, so if you love candid photos, this is the perfect spot. Artists and street performers flock to this popular New York City destination. Hershey’s Chocolate World in Times Square offers fun for the whole family.
3. New York Aquarium
The New York Aquarium has seals, clownfish, sharks, penguins, otters, jellyfish, and more! Take a family portrait in the Ocean Wonders exhibit with sharks swimming in a tank behind you, or get up close and personal with a sea lion or penguin through a Wild Encounter . This Brooklyn wonder is sure to provide plenty of beautiful photo ops. The New York Aquarium also has a PlayQuarium designed to let kids explore the ocean hands-on.
4. Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is another excellent spot for family photo shoots in NYC. This magnificent feat of architecture is instantly recognizable and will remind you of your family trip to New York City whenever you see it. Take your photo on the bridge with the NYC skyline in the background, or visit Brooklyn Bridge Park . Bridge View Lawn provides a great opportunity to have your picture taken with the bridge in the background. There is plenty to do at Brooklyn Bridge Park! Take the kids to the Environmental Education Center , or see if a kid-friendly movie is playing during the Movies With A View series.
5. Top of the Rock
These indoor and outdoor observation decks provide amazing views of New York City and an excellent opportunity for a memorable family photo shoot. The open-air roof deck is located seventy floors above Rockefeller Center and is a popular spot for photos. With the wind in your hair and the city sprawling behind you, you’ll feel on top of the world instead on Top of the Rock. While visiting Rockefeller Center, enjoy family-friendly activities like ice skating in the winter, or step into the American Girl Place or LEGO Store year-round.
6. Ellis Island Ferry
See a famous landmark and get a fabulous family photo at the same time. The only way to see The Statue of Liberty is by taking the Ellis Island Ferry, which provides transportation as well as a stellar view of the copper statue. Pick a spot on the ferry’s deck and get a picture with Lady Liberty in the background. Explore your genealogy by visiting the Family History Center at Ellis Island.
7. Art Installations
New York City is home to many amazing permanent art installations, like Rose III by Isa Genzken and Charging Bull by Arturo Di Modica. This great city also has a constant stream of temporary exhibits and installations. For a complete list of sculptures, monuments, and other works of art that would make unique backdrops for family photoshoots in NYC, visit the NYC Parks & Recreation art map . The Concorde Hotel New York prides itself on embodying the spirit of New York City. Like our beloved metropolis, we are chic, diverse, and family oriented. Our comfortable boutique hotel has plenty of large rooms suitable for families, and with just four rooms per floor, we offer a quiet reprieve from the hustle and bustle. We even offer pet-friendly accommodations, so when we say bring the whole family, we mean it! Book your stay in a spacious room or suite at the Concorde Hotel New York today.