Surviving a NYC Adventure with My Bestie and Our Three Kids

The Big Idea

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to take three kids on a trip with your bestie, buckle up. Hint: it involves strollers, snacks, and a lot of improvisation. When my son was 16 months old, my bestie and I decided to take our trio of kids to New York City. What could possibly go wrong?

Getting There: Amtrak Adventures

We started our journey on the Amtrak, and let me tell you—it’s a full-on production. My husband helped us get on the train before saying goodbye, and then it was just us, three kids, and the hunt for a four-seater section.

• Tablet time for the older kids: iPads, Nintendo Switches, tablets—basically anything that keeps them from climbing the seats.

• Toddler entertainment: For my little guy, I brought a Velcro Montessori book. Lifesaver. Even a few minutes of independent play felt like a miracle. Here is one we loved!

• Walk + snack strategy: We walked a bit to stretch our legs and broke out snacks to survive the last hour—aka free-for-all chaos.

Stroller Strategy = Life Saver

We came prepared with two strollers, one with a piggyback board, covering all three kids. Lesson learned: NYC sidewalks are not forgiving.

• Always check subway elevator access before heading somewhere.

• Keep snacks and water handy—hangry kids + walking = chaos.

Hotel Oops (and How We Rolled With It)

Plot twist: we accidentally booked the wrong hotel. Cue a quick pivot. The hotel held our bags while we went to dinner and dessert (highly recommend).

• Pro tip: use the stroller as a mini trolley—diaper bag + shopping bags = one rolling miracle.

• Baby carrier = lifesaver for carrying toddler while freeing up hands for luggage. TushBaby was lifesaving.

Room Setup & Bedtime Battles

We had adjoining rooms:

• Older kids shared a bed.

• Me and my bestie shared a bed.

• Toddler had a pack ‘n play (thank you, hotel!).

Nervous about him waking everyone, but fatigue was on our side.

NYC Day 1: Action-Packed Adventures

Coffee in hand, we hit the city. Highlights:

1. Liberty Bagels: Rainbow bagels = instant kid excitement.

2. M&M Store: Personalized M&Ms were a fun experience. Tush Baby carrier kept toddler in tow.

3. American Girl Doll Store: Matchmaker makeover fun for kids. Snack breaks for toddler.

4. FAO Schwarz & Nintendo Store: Mini nap + playtime = sanity saver.

5. Lego Minifigure Factory: Creative break for kids while we all recharged.

6. Harry Potter Store: One stroller + baby carrier combo = manageable chaos.

Favorite Moments

Not the stores, not the hustle—it was watching the three kids hanging out on the bed before the day even started. Tiny moments like that? Pure gold.

Day 2: Sweet Stops

• Disney Store in Times Square ✅

• Levain Bakery (because yes, cookies matter) ✅

• Subway + stroller juggling = mastered

By the time we headed home, we were exhausted, but we survived—and with smiles.

Pro Tips for Traveling With Multiple Kids

1. Stroller + baby carrier combo: Game changer for city trips.

2. Elevator planning: Subway access matters. Google is your friend.

3. Snacks & hydration: Always within reach.

4. Know your kid(s): Nap schedules or go-with-the-flow strategies.

5. Travel activities: Tablets, books, coloring, Velcro Montessori sets.

6. Breathe & enjoy: Chaos is part of the adventure.

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