Is Times Square Worth Visiting with Kids?

Times Square is one of the most recognisable places in the world — and for many families, it’s what they picture when they imagine New York.

Huge digital billboards, bright lights, crowds, street performers, yellow taxis — it’s loud, hectic and very different to anywhere else in the city.

So the real question isn’t what Times Square is, but:

Is it actually worth visiting with kids — or is it something you can skip?

Quick Answer: Is Times Square Worth It for Families?

Yes — but you don’t need long.

It’s worth visiting because:

• it feels exciting and very “New York”

• it’s visually engaging for children

• and it’s easy to combine with other Midtown stops

But in reality, most families only need 30–60 minutes before the crowds and noise start to feel a bit overwhelming.

We visited Times Square with our son as part of a short New York trip, and it worked well when we treated it as a short, flexible stop rather than a main activity.

This guide shares what it actually feels like with kids, when to visit, what to expect, and how to fit it into your itinerary without it becoming too much.

Where helpful, we’ve included links to nearby attractions, tours and planning tools we used along the way. These may be affiliate links, but we only ever recommend experiences we’ve personally visited or would include again as a family.

From here, we’ll break down:

• when Times Square feels most manageable with kids

• how long you actually need there

• and how to fit it into a busy New York itinerary

What Times Square Is Actually Like

Times Square is loud, busy, bright and crowded. It’s not somewhere you go to relax or spend hours walking around, but it is somewhere that’s worth seeing at least once, especially with children.

For school-aged kids, it can feel quite exciting because:

• the screens are enormous

• everything is very bright and over the top

• there’s a lot happening all at once

• there are big shops like the M&M’s store and LEGO store nearby

It feels very different from anywhere in the UK, and that’s a big part of the appeal.

We took Joshua to see it, and he loved seeing all the lights and the giant screens, but realistically we didn’t stay that long.

Once you’ve seen it, taken some photos and maybe visited one or two of the big shops, you’ve kind of done it.

If you’re deciding what to prioritise in New York, this is why we recommend combining Times Square with other nearby attractions, which we explain in our 2-Day New York City Itinerary for Families with School-Aged Kids.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Times Square?

Times Square is impressive during the day, but it’s much more impressive at night when all the screens and lights are fully lit up.

That said, it will be busy at all times of day. If you visit in the evening, just expect crowds and keep a close eye on children, as it can get very packed in certain areas.

We visited in the afternoon, walked around, went into a couple of shops, took some photos and then moved on — and that felt about right.

Things Kids Will Enjoy in Times Square

While Times Square itself is mostly about the atmosphere, there are a few things nearby that work well for children:

• The M&M’s World store

• The LEGO Store

• Big American candy stores

• Street performers

• Huge toy shops and themed stores

These stops break up the visit and make it feel more like an activity rather than just standing in a busy square.

How to Get to Times Square

Times Square is located in Midtown Manhattan, around 42nd Street, and it’s one of the easiest places in New York to get to because so many subway lines stop there.

The main subway station is Times Square–42nd Street, and multiple lines stop here, including the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W and S trains. This makes it very easy to reach from most parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn.

If you’re already sightseeing in Midtown — for example visiting Summit One Vanderbilt, the Edge, Rockefeller Center or the big shops on Fifth Avenue — you can also simply walk to Times Square, as many of these attractions are within walking distance.

We found Times Square easiest to visit in the afternoon after other Midtown attractions, rather than making a special trip just to go there.

It works well when combined into a day where you are already in that part of the city.

If you’re unsure about using the subway, read Getting Around New York City with Kids: Subway, Walking and Taxis, where we explain how we found navigating New York transport as a family.

Is Times Square Worth Visiting with Kids?

Yes — but think of it as a short stop, not a full activity.

It’s one of those places where:

• children will probably love the lights and atmosphere

• you’ll take some great photos

• but you won’t want to stay for hours

For us, it was definitely worth seeing, but it worked best as part of a wider day rather than the main event.

Final Planning Insight for Parents

Times Square is chaotic, crowded and very touristy — but it’s also iconic.

For a first trip to New York with kids, it’s worth visiting just so they can see it and experience the atmosphere for themselves.

Just don’t plan your whole day around it. See it, enjoy it, take it in — and then move on to the next thing.

plan your NEW YORK FAMILY trip

If you’re planning a New York family trip, these are the key guides that will help you pull everything together. Start with the itinerary — it makes everything else easier to plan.

About Plan Family Escapes

We’re a UK-based family sharing real, experience-led travel guides based on trips we’ve taken with our school-age son Joshua across destinations like Lapland, Turkey and India.

Everything we share is based on what we’ve personally experienced — with honest advice on what actually works when travelling with kids, focusing on making family travel easier, more comfortable and genuinely enjoyable.