A Mother-Daughter Trip in New York City: Adventure, Tales, and Pro Tips for Single Moms

New York City—it’s electric, chaotic, and absolutely magical. For a single mother traveling with her daughter, it can seem a bit overwhelming, but trust me, with a bit of planning and some helpful tips, it can be a smooth, memorable adventure. I recently took my daughter Ayla on a mother-daughter trip to the Big Apple, and here’s what I learned along the way.

Pro Tip: Spread Out the Cost

One of the best things I did to prepare for our New York adventure was buying tickets and passes in advance. I recommend getting a Go City Pass, which grants access to multiple attractions at a discounted rate. This not only saves money but also helps spread out the expenses so that by the time you arrive, most major activities are already paid for—leaving more cash for treats and spontaneous finds! Trust me, it was so nice to not worry about shelling out money every single day we were there. Also, I found an INCREDIBLE deal on roundtrip tickets through Going. Can you say $200/p? I’m totally serious! 

Day 1: Early Start, Easy Arrival

Our trip kicked off at 4 AM with a flight to New York via Chicago. Getting through security was a breeze with our Nexus cards (I’ll never travel without one again). After landing, we took a bus from the airport to the subway station. It was Ayla’s first time on the subway, and navigating it was surprisingly easy. The secret? #JustFollowTheCrowd. People generally know where they’re going!

Our hotel, right in Midtown Manhattan, was another great find thanks to an online deal. It was clean, quiet, and had a little kitchenette, which saved us from eating out for every meal. After settling in, we grabbed a veggie burger at Shake Shack (you know it’s a NYC staple!) and went for a walk around Times Square. We planned to return at midnight to see “Midnight Moment” , a digital art display that takes up all the screens in the square but, spoiler alert, we didn’t make it—we were just too wiped out! (We did make it another night and I LOVE the concept of showcasing artists in this way). 

Pro Tip: Don’t Be Afraid of Public Transportation

Public transportation in New York City is so easy, efficient, and incredibly cheap compared to taxis. No need to buy tickets or download an app. Every bus and subway station is equipped with tap readers that accept credit cards or devices like your phone. You just tap and go! Seriously, do not be intimidated by it. It’s the best way to get around the city, and you’ll save so much money.

Day 2: Bagels, Rainy Adventures, and Broadway

Our second day was full of excitement. We started with bagels at Broad Nosh, a must-visit spot for breakfast and delicious NY Style bagels and sandwiches. We then set out to explore the Garment District, with another detour through Times Square. My daughter was keen to find a homecoming dress, and although our first stop was a bit overwhelming due to pushy salespeople, we eventually found the perfect dress in a tiny, tucked-away shop. 

Pro Tip: If You Don’t Ask, The Answer is Always No. 

Many of the stores that sell clothes in the Garment District are wholesale only, supplying the larger department stores, but don’t be discouraged! Depending on the shop owner’s mood, they’ll sell to you for cash. Our experience with these “wholesale-only” stores was overwhelmingly positive, with many owners more than happy to make a sale if you ask politely. Buying direct cuts out the middleman allowing for incredible finds at steeply discounted prices. So don’t be afraid to ask!  

One of the highlights of the day was visiting Summit One Vanderbilt, an immersive experience with glass floors, mirror rooms, and a thrilling elevator ride (Ayla wasn’t a fan, but I loved it!). While the weather was cloudy, making for limited views, the balloon room—a room filled with shiny, floating silver balloons—was extraordinary. We ended our evening with the spectacular Broadway show Moulin Rouge. The costumes were dazzling, though the story had some surprising changes from the movie.

Pro Tip: Make Time for Broadway Deals

If Broadway is on your must-do list (and it should be!), there are always last-minute ticket deals to score if you know where to look. We were able to fit in another impromptu show, Chicago, because we nabbed cheap tickets. We were even upgraded to second-row balcony seats on arrival. A win-win for budget-conscious moms!

Day 3: Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and... A Carousel of Fish?

Day three brought us to one of New York’s most iconic landmarks, the Statue of Liberty. The ferry ride alone is worth the price, offering stunning views of the city skyline. We also ventured to Ellis Island, where we tried to trace our family’s roots.

After returning to Battery Park, we discovered The SeaGlass Carousel, where iridescent fish glide around in a dreamy, aquatic-themed ride. Definitely one of the most unique and whimsical carousels I've ever seen!

We ended the day with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge which I highly recommend. 

Day 4: Central Park, MoMA, and More

Riding bikes in Central Park was something we’d been dreaming of and I found another deal for this activity through Groupon. Navigating the park’s hilly paths, surrounded by vibrant fall colors and horse-drawn carriages, was an absolute joy. A quick stop for lunch and a visit to the historic Central Park Carousel (crafted in 1908!) added to the fun.

Afterward, we explored the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), where Ayla was thrilled to see Van Gogh’s Starry Night in person. Art, nature, and history—New York City truly has it all!

Day 5: Rainy Day Magic and Broadway Encore

Because of the rain, we decided to catch another Broadway show. This time, we went to see Chicago, which was a very different experience from Moulin Rouge. The minimalist set and amazing cast, featuring TV Star Alyssa Milano, delivered a powerful performance, and we loved every minute.

Pro Tip: Don't Be Afraid to Wander

Some of our favorite moments came from simply wandering. We stumbled upon cute cafes, fabulous restaurants (like Tavola Hell’s Kitchen), spontaneous performances in the subway, and even street garage sales where Ayla found another cute dress. This is the beauty of New York—there’s always something to discover if you take the time to explore.

Day 6: Farewell to NYC

Our last morning was bittersweet. We woke up to a clear day and rented bikes again to enjoy one last spin through Central Park. It was the perfect way to say goodbye to the city that never sleeps. As we headed to the airport, we caught an impromptu performance on the subway—the performers doing flips, dancing, and acrobatics using the handrails—a quintessential NYC experience.

Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead, Stay Flexible, and Enjoy Every Moment

Traveling to New York City as a single mom with a daughter is an unforgettable adventure. By planning ahead—buying passes, finding deals on hotels, and spreading out the cost over months—you can make this trip more affordable and less stressful. But don’t forget to stay flexible! Some of the best moments are the unplanned ones, like finding a perfect dress in an unexpected spot or stumbling into an amazing meal at a local restaurant.

NYC has so much to offer, and experiencing it with your daughter is a bonding experience you’ll both treasure for a lifetime.

Happy travels, mamas!