Best Places to Take Family Photos in New York City
The Big Apple is full of beautiful parks, historic districts, and, yes, lots of skyline views that make excellent family photo spots. Your next trip to New York City is a great opportunity to take some new portraits for your gallery wall. Due to its sheer size, diversity, and grandeur, choosing where to take family photos in New York City is a tall order! Between riverside parks and dense urban landscapes, there are plenty of options. This guide covers all the best places to snap a great photo in NYC for your next holiday card.
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25 Best Places to Take Family Photos in NYC
1. Bow Bridge (Central Park)
This dreamy 19th-century cast-iron bridge is the perfect spot for family photos. It overlooks Central Park Lake and is near Cherry Hill and the Ramble, which are photogenic locales.
While it’s popular with couples, there’s no reason why you can’t take pictures on Bow Bridge with your little ones! Especially during fall with burnt orange leaves in the background.
2. Domino Park in Brooklyn
Some of the best, iconic skyline shots of Manhattan are across the East River in Brooklyn. Domino Park has a stunning riverside boardwalk with sweeping views of the Williamsburg Bridge and Lower Manhattan skyscrapers.
It also has the old Domino sugar refinery for a historical touch. You’ll feel more relaxed in the park atmosphere and will be able to take your time capturing the best shots.
3. South Street Seaport District
This historic district in Lower Manhattan boasts cobblestone streets, strings of fairy lights, and old-time shops. The Seaport District could almost be a cute New England town, if it weren’t for Pier 17 and the skyscrapers in the distance, of course!
Fulton Street offers historic charm, while the pier has a sleek, urban feel with river views for a varied family photo shoot.
4. The High Line
The High Line is a former railway-turned-urban park. It stretches from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street at Hudson Yards. It’s fairly stroller-friendly, but it can get busy later in the day.
This cool location covers lush green flora, elevated views, modern architecture, street art near 26th Street, and more. There are many benches (like the one near 30th Street) for seated or standing photos, too.
5. Brooklyn Bridge
Is any family photo shoot complete without the Brooklyn Bridge making an appearance? And there are tons of great places to capture this good-looking structure in your family portraits! Bridge View Lawn is a great place on the Brooklyn side, as is Squibb Park Bridge.
Another option is to walk along the Brooklyn Bridge itself with the Manhattan Bridge in the background. The symmetrical lines add drama to your family photos, and the pedestrian-friendly walkway is ideal with younger kids.
6. Hudson River Park
This is possibly the best view of Manhattan’s skyline without leaving Manhattan. Hudson River Park is close to Tribeca, Greenwich Village, and Soho, so it’s in such a convenient location.
But it’s a long stretch of park, so it’s essential to know exactly where to go for the best shots. Head to Pier 26 for the most incredible skyline view. Pier 62 has a carousel, which might be fun for photos.
7. Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met’s steps aren’t just reserved for Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl. It’s also one of the best spots in NYC to take family pictures! Large groups can arrange themselves on the steps so everyone is visible. The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Beaux-Arts and Neo-Classical façade is such an elegant backdrop.
Due to its location on the Upper East Side, you can easily stop by The Met and Central Park in one photo shoot. Perfect for little legs that tire of walking easily.
8. Madison Square Park
While Madison Square Park might not seem like the most camera-friendly park, it offers fantastic angles of NYC’s most famous landmarks.
The Flatiron Building and the Empire State Building are clearly visible from this humble patch of grass. It provides a safe and pretty place to pose with your family.
9. Rockefeller Center
If you want to take family photos from a rooftop platform, make it the Top of the Rock. While it’s a storied building, Rockefeller Center is nowhere near as iconic as the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building. But you want those buildings in your photos, so don’t stand on top of them!
The Top of the Rock’s tall, pristine safety glass is also less intrusive to your photos than the stone walls at the Empire State Building.
Of course, nowhere is more cinematic than Rockefeller Plaza during the holidays. Snap next year’s greeting card in front of the huge Christmas tree and take fun photos while ice skating. In fact, Rockefeller Center dresses up for almost every holiday, so it’s worth visiting for family photos any time of year.
10. Bethesda Terrace (Central Park)
I won’t lie, Bethesda Terrace is arguably one of the busiest spots in Central Park. It’s also one of the park’s most iconic locations and so pretty!
The bi-level terrace, steps, fountain, covered walkway, and tiles offer options and dimensions for your family pictures. Get up early to avoid the crowds. You’ll be glad you did once you see the pictures.
11. Ellis Island Ferry
Book your family tickets to Liberty Island and Ellis Island and turn the ferry ride into your photo shoot location. While the Staten Island Ferry is free, the views of Lady Liberty are best from the Ellis Island Ferry.
Ensure you’re on the correct side of the deck (right, or starboard side) and lock in a spot by the railings. The ferries don’t return via the same route, so don’t miss your shot!
12. Gantry Plaza State Park
While not a hidden gem to Queens locals, Gantry Plaza State Park is shockingly underused as a photo setting. It has everything! Its riverside location offers unobstructed skyline views of Midtown Manhattan.
The vintage Pepsi Cola sign is a fun addition to action shots. Pile on the Adirondack chairs, walk along the loading docks … So many backdrops in one park!
13. DUMBO in Brooklyn
Although you won’t be the main subject in the shots you take in this location, it’s an iconic photo spot for a reason! Before you head to the Brooklyn Bridge, why not take family photos in DUMBO?
The Instagrammable shot on Washington Street provides the perfect angle to see the Empire State Building peeking through the gap in the bridge. There’s an upside to visiting such a popular photo spot: lots of people to take your picture!
14. Riverside Park
The quieter Upper West Side offers a more relaxing experience for taking photos with your family. Specifically, Riverside Park’s leafy walkways, old-school street lamps, and winding paths are comparable to Central Park. But it boasts waterfront views and way, way fewer crowds!
Take advantage of the flowering cherry blossom trees in spring in the park near W 116th Street and the Empire State Trail. Visit the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument to add interesting subjects. There’s also a boardwalk where you can snap photos leaning against the railing.
15. Times Square (at night!)
Long exposure photos might be necessary for most night-time shoots, but they’re a non-starter with kiddos who can’t stand still.
At night, head to somewhere that provides its own studio lighting. Times Square! Specifically, locations like the steps near TKTS and outside Hershey’s or M&M World.
16. NYC Public Library and Bryant Park
Similar to The Met, the New York City Public Library’s 19th-century spectacular building makes a grand backdrop for family photos. Walk through its arches or stand in formation on the steps.
Head to Bryant Park for pretty spring pictures with the Empire State Building behind you.
17. FDNY Ladder 8
When choosing where to take family photos in NYC, consider movie locations! New York City is full of cinematic settings that make for fun backdrops. One of the best is the firehouse in the Ghostbusters movies. FDNY Ladder 8 is on a fairly quiet street in Lower Manhattan, and, since it’s an actual fire station, the façade is always clear of cars.
18. Doyers Street, Chinatown
Another unusual, hidden gem is the vibrant and colorful Doyers Street in Chinatown. This pedestrianized lane has a bright mural sweeping across the ground and yellow lanterns criss-crossing over the walkway.
Multicolored shop fronts, alfresco diners, and smaller murals add to the vibrance. Wear colorful outfits to match the vibes of this neighborhood.
19. Staple Street Skybridge
This photogenic hidden gem is tucked down Jay Street, just a few blocks from FDNY Ladder 8. This is a covered cast-iron bridge connecting two apartment buildings across a street. It’s like an NYC Bridge of Sighs!
The red brick, fire escapes, and half-cobblestoned lane also add a gritty New York touch. This street is pedestrianized, so it’s perfect for walking shots.
20. Conservatory Garden (Central Park)
Do you have your heart set on Central Park, but everywhere seems so busy?! Luckily, there are some quiet spots in this 843-acre green space. The Conservatory Garden is a lesser-visited but breathtaking formal garden near the northeast corner. It’s split up into three seasons, so you can choose the best vibe:
- French-style North Garden
- Italianate Center Garden
- English-style South Garden
The seasonal floral displays mean that you’re guaranteed beautiful blooms 365 days a year. The ornate iron gates, dense foliage, fountains, and lily pads in the ponds all provide the perfect backdrop for a quiet family photo shoot.
21. Grand Central Terminal
This famous Beaux-Arts train depot is huge and offers families so many places to snap cool shots. Outside in Pershing Square Plaza, you can see the Chrysler Building. Inside, the balcony allows you to take in the entire main concourse. Even the elevators are photogenic.
While Grand Central Terminal is a busy station with lots of people, that’s authentic New York City for you!
22. Roosevelt Island Tramway
Travel to the Manhattan Gondola Life Station in Tramway Plaza and take a scenic ride to Roosevelt Island. These fire truck-red cable cars are like something out of a Wes Anderson movie! Take pictures both on the gondolas and on Roosevelt Island.
Lighthouse Park has, unsurprisingly, a beautiful old photogenic lighthouse. Four Freedoms Park has unique skyline views. It’s also super quiet.
23. Radio City Music Hall
Take your extended family and older teens for photos outside the landmark that is Radio City Music Hall. This 1930s building offers the most visually interesting, quintessential New York setting.
You’ve got the neon lights, yellow taxis zipping past, huge U.S. flags flying, and wide crosswalks. Wait for the green light and take action shots crossing 6th Avenue.
24. Fort Tryon Park
Is your family happy to travel a little further outside Midtown for a killer photo location? Fort Tryon Park is an impressive 67-acre green space in the Inwood neighborhood of Upper Manhattan. Its incredibly diverse scenery and total seclusion make it a great alternative to Central Park.
Head to The Met Cloisters or the Arches for interesting architectural features. The waterside offers sweeping views of the Hudson River. The pièce de résistance has to be the Heather Garden in summer. If the idea of taking family photos in busy areas makes you nervous, this park will ensure it’s a stress-free experience.
25. Permanent Art Installations
New York City is filled with hundreds of temporary and permanent art installations. They can add an interesting subject to your NYC family photos. Here are some permanent fixtures to consider for family photos:
- Charging Bull
- Alice in Wonderland
- Strawberry Fields
- The Oculus
See the full list of New York’s current art instalments and monuments on the NYC Parks & Recreation website.
Tips for Planning Family Photo Shoots in NYC
Hire a Professional Photographer
Instead of spending $$$ to upgrade your phone or invest in camera equipment, book a professional photographer for a fraction of the price. Their years of experience behind a lens will produce much better results than your amateur selfies. Or, heaven forbid, a random stranger’s attempt!
Setting aside 90 minutes of your trip for a professional family photo shoot means you can actually enjoy the rest of your trip. By the time your flight home touches down on the runway, those beautifully edited photos could be sitting in your inbox.
We recommend Flytographer, which has local photographers in over 300 cities. We’ve used them in 4 different locations around the world and have never been disappointed!
Seek Inspiration
Do you often feel awkward in front of the camera? Don’t want to receive your photos and cringe at your poses?
If this is your first time booking a professional family shoot, head to Pinterest, social media, or Google for posing and angle ideas. You’re much more likely to love your photos, and your photographer will thank you for making their job easier!
Co-ordinate Outfits
You don’t have to wear ball gowns and coat tails, but putting effort into your wardrobe gives a much more cohesive look. Pick an easy color scheme (blue or gray are winners!) or at least choose a dress code, i.e., smart casual.
Bring a Change of Clothes
Most photographers are happy to stash small, light personal items in their backpack during your photo shoot. So, if you have little kids, bring a change of clothes in case dirt or food stains their original outfit!
Eat Before, Rest After
You might not realize how exhausting professional photo shoots can be, especially for little ones. Plan a photo session just after breakfast or lunch. Leave the rest of your itinerary for that day open so everyone can recharge.
Pick Personal Locations
Whether your family loves sports, movies, books, or ice cream, there is a beautiful location related to your interests in New York!
Arrange a photo shoot at Yankee Stadium or drink milkshakes on camera at Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain. Extra thought will make the photos extra special.
Choose Time of Day Wisely
I don’t need to tell you that New York City is a super popular destination. All the famous landmarks are teeming with people by mid-morning!
The best time of day to take family photos in NYC is usually just after sunrise. It offers the best natural light, and most vacationers haven’t woken up yet.
This usually isn’t a problem for parents of early-bird little kiddos, but not as realistic for parents of teens. Later in the day, before sunset, is another great time.
Work With the Seasons
New York City truly is the ultimate year-round destination. Kick crunchy leaves in the park in fall or ice skate in winter. Walk through the flower beds in spring and explore the city streets in summer. Lucky for you, the NYC skyline is a beautiful, evergreen backdrop.
