I remember my first time visiting the Empire State Building as a kid, and my first time visiting with my own kids and it’s so different now! What was once busy, awkward line and and intersection with business people trying to get to work is now the coolest walk through history with photo ops and tons of nostalgia. I love it. The experience of visiting the Empire State Building with kids is really cool and because it’s so iconic, they’re very familiar with it as a movie setting, show transition or something from their school books. Few places in the USA hold the same connection with generations as the Empire State Building.
I used to avoid what I thought were touristy places, but there is a reason some places have such fame and popularity. Going up in the Empire State Building is more about the history and storytelling of New York City than it is of the incredible view, and yes, the view is incredible. We’ve got lots of good tips for visiting the Empire State Building, including when to go and some easter eggs to watch for. If you’ve planning your time in NYC and have questions about visiting the ESB or what to do with kiddos, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more. We love NYC and the ESB!
Highlights of Visiting the Empire State Building
Apparently the thing that makes me happiest when I travel besides getting to see wildlife is actually getting sucked into the nostalgia of a place. And our kids have grown up in that same boat, so the Empire State Building hits that note for all of us. If you’ve visited the ESB when you were a kid then you probably remember it very differently than it is now. It used to be that you kind of had a weird, cheesy entry and then long lines in gross hallways and then you went up to the observation deck.
-What makes the complete experience much better now and why you should visit the Empire State Building is the progression from the beautiful, iconic photo op lobby to the museum areas all about the construction and how it changed the NYC skyline, and then the immersion into the iconic movies the ESB has been integral to. Round all this out with an almost theatrical ascent to the Empire State Building Observation Deck and it’s a great activity. And like I said, the nostalgia and NYC of it all is what the ESB really has made as the highlight. We visit every time we’re in NYC now and each time it makes me happy and takes me back.
Tips for the Empire State Building with Kids
Visiting the Empire State Building actually takes quite a bit of time now. Where it used to be that you’d wait in lines and then go to the top and then be done, now it’s a full experience that takes about 90 minutes. If you’re not a museum person or don’t like to have fun taking pictures, you can do it in 45 minutes, but why wouldn’t you want to make the most of it. The exhibits about the construction are really cool and the effects and tools the Empire State Building uses to bring you into the 1920s up to its opening in 1930 is awesome.
From the immersive projections to the interactive survey equipment, it’s a museum unlike any other in New York. Take the time to learn something and enjoy it all! Also, as shallow as this might seem to some, visiting the Empire State Building is actually a wonderful photo op where you’ll get some really cool, unique pictures / memories from your time in New York City. From the scale models of the ESB to the iconic lobby spaces where you see celebrities getting their pictures too, or when you’re making your way through the Empire State Building experience and then you get to be grabbed by King Kong as he climbs the building. It’s all cool, even for teens. (Check our guide to Visiting New York with Teens)
I will say that when you get up to the Observation Deck of the Empire State Building it can be cold and windy, but it’s still awesome. This is another beautiful spot for photos and to actually take in the New York City skyline. If you took your time looking at the exhibits and photos on your way up, you’ll be able to see just how much NYC has changed in the last 100 years. Looking out across the city from the ESB is a wonderful way to see how time flies and give you some perspective of just how small we all are in the grand scheme of New York.
Being Prepared for the Empire State Building Observation Deck
You don’t need to bring anything special when you’re visiting the Empire State Building, but you do need to dress for the part. I’m not saying that you need to put on your 1930s garb, but that you need to dress warmly if you’re visiting in the winter, and weather-appropriate for summertime trips. And be sure you look good so that your pictures are all poppin’.
If you’re like me and love to take city photos, I would recommend bringing a nice camera for your time on the Observation Deck. You don’t need anything more than a 250mm lens, I would say, but with views all across the city at other iconic buildings, visiting the Empire State Building can be an awesome time photographing some of the most recognizable skyscrapers in the USA. Also, if you’re a wildlife person, being up on the Observation Deck is a great opportunity to watch for and photograph the famous peregrine falcons that call the ESB home. What a cool and random photography goal to conquer when you’re visiting the Empire State Building!
Need to Know for Visiting the Empire State Building
While you can often get your tickets for the museum and Observation Deck on the day of your visit, it’s recommended that you get them in advance. There are lots of tour groups that include the ESB in their itineraries so if you can secure your own entry before you get there, you’ll be guaranteed access when you want it. There are two options for the sort of visit you can have: 86th Floor (Observation Deck) or 86th & 102nd Floor Observatory. I like both parts of the building and you get wonderful views from each, but the 102nd floor is the coolest with the most awesome art deco touches and a 360 degree view. Far fewer people visit the 102nd floor, so it also feel like a more special experience. I love it all.
Special Empire State Building Experiences
If you’re in luck, you may just get to be visiting the Empire State Building on one of the days that they have a celebrity lighting ceremony. This starts in the lobby area and then continues up to the Observation Deck typically. While this isn’t really an opportunity to meet the person or people who are doing the ceremonial lighting of the Empire State Building you may get to snap a pic if you’re in the same area as they are during their visit.
Another cool experience you may be able to do when you’re visiting the Empire State Building is the special sunrise tour. This is actually bookable and is a limited access experience. I haven’t gotten to do it yet, but I bet the sunrise view from the top of the ESB is incredible, adding to the building’s iconic place in NYC.
Lastly, and this isn’t something you can book or request, but I’ve gotten to do is go to the actual top of the Empire State Building. It’s reserved for dignitaries and celebrities (and I’m neither) and is the highest outdoor observation deck in New York. I had a special visit when I got to do it and it was epic… but for me it was also terrifying to be out there, so I’m good if I don’t get to do it again. Good times.
Operating Info for the Empire State Building
Just in case you need to contact the Empire State Building visitor center to get some more detailed information or you just want to browse a bit and see what you can glean from them before you plan your visit, here’s all the info you need to add this to your travel plans.
- Hours / Season of Operations: year round, typically from 9:00 am – 11:00 pm or later
- Website: ESB NYC
- Physical address: 20 West 34th Street
- Book your visit here: Empire State Building tickets here
More Great New York City Activities to Plan For
Visiting New York City with kids is fun, especially if you don’t live in or near a big city. It can be overwhelming or awesome. Our kids love it, but then they have since they were tiny. Between visiting the Empire State Building, doing the Statue of Liberty and seeing Broadway shows, there are plenty of iconic things to do when you’re in NYC. We’ve picked some of our favorite, tried and true activities that you can easily add to your time in New York.
Here are our top ten things to do with kids in New York City (and they’re great for adults too):
- Visit Times Square at least once (it’s iconic and fun to people watch)
- Enjoy a Broadway show or two (our reviews are linked below)
- Check out MOMA – the Museum of Modern Art
- Ride the Subway – check this off with a ride to the Museum of Natural History or Lower Manhattan
- Do the Historic Sites of Lower Manhattan (Federal Hall, Trinity Church, Wall Street…)
- Visit the Museum of Natural History
- Walk the Highline – really cool repurposed elevated trail tracks
- Visit the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock (ESB is better)
- Climb the crown of the Statue of Liberty and visit Ellis Island
- Check out a few movie filming locations: Central Park, Katz Delicatessen, Ghostbusters Fire Station, FRIENDS apartment…
There are lots more things to do, but these are things that are easy to add to any itinerary, are good year round, and they’re fun/interesting for any age, including adults.
Adding a Broadway Show to your NYC Trip
Just like how the Empire State Building is a New York City icon, so is the experience of going to a Broadway show. This is one of the more costly activities when you’re in NYC, but it’s also, I think, the most worthwhile. I love when we get to support the arts and I love it even more when it makes an impression on our kids. We’ve gotten to enjoy many Broadway shows with them over the years, so write about them often, including what to expect and what may or may not be appropriate with kids.
Here are our reviews of some of the shows we’ve seen as a family. Check ’em out!:
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway – the continuation of the Harry Potter story
- SIX on Broadway – the story of Henry VIII’s six wives
- Wicked – an absolute classic and always awesome
- The Lion King on Broadway – such a good show for every age
- Little Shop of Horrors – an unusual pick in a small theater, really fun
- The Great Gatsby on Broadway – new and really beautifully done
- Chicago – good for older kids or if they’ve already seen the movie
Of course there are lots more options for shows. If you want to play it by ear and not get tickets in advance, that’s your call. You can sometimes get great same day deals, but usually the seats aren’t great and you may not be able to get your whole party sitting together. We always get our tickets in advance through Broadway Direct (consistent, easy, mobile app…).
I hope you’re excited for your visit to the Empire State Building and exploring more of New York City. I can tell you from experience that it’s much more fun when you have family or friends with you, but NYC by yourself is also awesome. If you have any questions about visiting the ESB or things to do in Manhattan, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan something amazing!
