New York City is one of our favorite places to visit. The energy, the lights, and the endless list of things to see make every trip exciting. One of the best parts about our visit was traveling to the city by train.

Traveling to NYC by Amtrak

We explored New York City by taking the train with Amtrak. Train travel is one of my favorite ways to reach the city since it drops you right in the middle of everything. Amtrak offers 50 percent off kids fares, which makes the trip even better for families looking to save money.

My son enjoys the train ride just as much as the destination. It gives him time to relax, look out the window, and ease into the excitement of arriving in a big city.

Times Square

Our first stop was Times Square. The bright lights, giant billboards, and tall buildings immediately grab your attention. My son loved looking up at all the skyscrapers and watching the nonstop movement of people.

While walking around, we even spotted a wax replica of Dwayne Johnson. My son had no idea who he was, which made the moment even funnier for me.

Times Square can be busy, so visiting earlier in the day may be easier for children who are sensitive to crowds.

Complete Playground

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting Complete Playground. This indoor play space is designed with sensory play in mind and has multiple floors filled with activities for kids.

There are climbing structures, imaginative play areas, and hands on activities that keep kids engaged. The facility also includes a sensory room that provides a quieter environment when children need a break from stimulation.

Another convenient feature is the restaurant located on the upper level, which makes it easy for families to stay longer without leaving for food. My son had a great time exploring each level and trying different activities.

Seeing the City from a Tour Bus

We also hopped on a sightseeing tour bus to explore the city. Sitting on the upper level gave us amazing views of the skyline and many of the famous landmarks throughout Manhattan.

Our tour included a boat ride to view the Statue of Liberty from the New York City side. Unfortunately, the boat experienced a delay and we had to head back to the train station before boarding. My son had already visited the Statue of Liberty from the New Jersey side, so we still felt good about the experience.

New York City’s Train Station

The main train station in New York City feels more like a shopping mall than a transportation hub. Pennsylvania Station is packed with places to eat, shops, and plenty of activity.

Families passing through will find many quick food options and plenty of places to grab snacks before boarding their train.

Food Options in NYC

Finding food for my son was not difficult at all. New York City offers endless dining choices ranging from casual takeout spots to full service restaurants. Families with picky eaters will have no trouble finding something that works.

Sensory and Autism Friendly Things to Do in NYC

New York City has several places that work well for children with sensory needs.

• Central Park offers open space, playgrounds, and quiet areas away from the busy streets.

• American Museum of Natural History has large exhibits, dinosaur halls, and sensory friendly programming at certain times.

• Children’s Museum of Manhattan features hands on exhibits designed specifically for kids.

• Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum allows kids to explore aircraft and spacecraft displays.

• FAO Schwarz offers interactive toys and demonstrations that many children enjoy.

Visiting attractions earlier in the morning or on weekdays can help reduce crowds and create a more comfortable experience for children who may become overwhelmed in busy environments.

There is so much to explore in New York City and throughout New York State. Families can visit multiple times and still discover something new.

To see this adventure in action, check out the highlights from this trip on my Instagram page @autismspectrumadventures.