Kids in New York

Definitely Ellen's Stardust Diner! (Checks all your boxes!) The kids will have a blast.

Top of the Rock for the skyline view. Plus 30 Rock is interesting to walk around and ice skating at Rockefeller Center. Explore Central Park. Museum of Natural History.

You definitely don't want to bring a rental car into the city.

My brother and I loved the Natural History museum at that age. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is nice depending on how the kids feel about museums. And the Circle Line boat can be a fun way to see some sights from an indoor, out of the weather perspective.

Ellis Island is supposed to be great. I think it's an add-on to the Statue of Liberty. I haven't been there since they did their restoration though.

Weather may not be super cold in January - I often visit then, and it can be kinda nice, actually. Plus, subway can cut your outdoor exposure if it's nasty outside. And if you are in Newark, it is probably cheaper and easier to take a train into Penn Station, instead of driving and parking.

Statue of Liberty - check timing. My understanding is you may have to line up an hour or more before your ferry, and some time might get eaten up with that and security checks. And if the weather is not ideal, might not be worth the effort. So check the website, etc.

Natural History Museum would be a great choice, and if the weather is OK, you can walk through Central Park, or maybe do a carriage ride. As mentioned above, Top of the Rock for the view - again, if the weather is good. Times Square will make you crazy but the kids will love it, especially in the evening - lots of costumed characters walking around, various street performers, lights, etc. A show might be fun as well if everyone likes theater...

Skating might be fun, at Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park. I have not done this yet, but have heard good things about it - a pizza tour.

Have fun!!

I'm a NYer (from Westchester NY, county north of NYC) and my most-loved places are Hayden Planetarium and the United Nations. Hayden Planetarium is very kid-friendly, and the UN has great tours and tax free shopping in the downstairs area. The Delegates Dining Room is great, but you may need permission for kids under age 10. I've got to get to Hayden Planetarium again, it's been too long. Not sure how one would navigate with a car, I've used trains and buses. And a cab. It's possible driving would be fine with the proper homework done. But yes, Natural History Museum's right there too, that's probably your best bet. Kids could stay happy there for the whole 3 days :) At least I could... :)
And it's all indoors, so you'll be fine no matter the weather.
Happy Travels
-Alison

I really do not recommend driving in NY and parking there as well. You can easily take the Path train into the city which is easier and much cheaper. As far as things to do, the top of the Empire State building if it is a clear day and also a ride on the Staten Island ferry is a must to me. I loved Ellis Island but I am not a kid obviously so not sure if they would enjoy . I took my kids to see the Museum of the City of New York and they really enjoyed that in addition to the others. Natural History museum was fun also. You are really only there a short period of time with the tennis match so perhaps one museum, the ferry or the Circle line and the statue might be enough. if you also go to Rockefeller Center try to at least.see the outside of St. Patrick's Cathedral a true NYC icon. Enjoy.

I giggled at "...can be kinda nice..." in New York in January is spoken by someone who lives in the great white north---Michigan!! I'm always cold, but since you and the kids won't be used to it (and it can be cold and windy, very windy, through the streets that can feel like wind tunnels), I'd consider bringing thermal underwear for everyone. As an alternative, I recently took tights to northern England and wore them under jeans when it wasn't cold enough for thermals but too cold just for jeans. That, and layers, worked very well. Don't forget hats and gloves, too, especially on the Circle Line. For a unique eating experience, try the rice pudding place called Rice to Riches in Chinatown. You can check their daily flavors on their website. Free tasting as much as you want. I never miss it,

My parents brought us as teens to NYC. What I thought was cool. Walking the width of Manhatten-We complained but it was really cool going from one side of the island to another.

Staten Island Ferry to get the best view of the Stature of Liberty.

Times Square is pretty cheesy now but I think little ones may get a kick out of all the lights at night.

The authetic ethnic food. Look up some mom/pop restaurants.

We stayed out near Bronxville area and took the commuter trains in every day-Very neat for a kid to see the Bronx and other boroughs.

See a Broadway play-Not sure if the Lion King or Wicked is still playing but I still remember my first Broadway musical.

Make sure you pack warm clothes that can withstand the wind. It might not snow but the NYC wind can be awful.

I will always recommend eating at Red Rooster. It's Marcus Samuelsson's fried chicken joint in Harlem, and it's great.

Other faves:

1. High Line Park - walk its entire length if possible
2. Columbus Circle and its entrance into Central Park; kiddos love the horse carriages
3. Battery Park - views of iconic sights are incredible
4. Grabbing a slice of pizza at one of the cheap joints on Ninth Avenue
5. Chinatown: don't miss Xi'an Famous Foods and their hand-ripped noodles
6. Riverside Park in Midtown West

There are many great places to grab a bagel. My personal favorite is Pic-a-Bagel.

Have a great visit!

Number one...The Metropolitan Museum of Art...best part is the Egyptian stuff.
Number two...MOMA...Museum Of Modern Art.
Number three...The Guggenheim.
Best view...top of The Empire State Building.
Best way to see the Statue of Liberty this time of year...is from Battery Park; good view from the edge of the waterfront, which has a railing and benches there.
I wouldn't really want to be out on the water in a boat in winter.
Not far from Battery Park is South Street Seaport, with its historic docks, good restaurants and a history museum.
In this general area is Wall Street....it may or may not be of some interest to walk past the front of the New York Stock Exchange.
Nearby South Street Seaport is Chinatown, with its many good restaurants and enticing shop front windows.
Times Square is a "miss it" for me...no offense to others...it just pales in comparison to other sights.

Heed the cold warning from Wanderlust...I lived in NYC for a number of years and was cold every year from Thanksgiving until June 1.
Of course, I live in Nashville and can barely stand the winter months here now.

P.S. The museums all have coffee shops, lunchrooms, and good gift shops, so you could spend an entire day in one of them...out of the cold wind.

I recommend:
https://www.tinbuilding.com/restaurants-and-bars/fulton-fish-co
https://www.tinbuilding.com/getting-here
For other restaurants and bakeries and pizza places! in the Tin Roof Building:
https://www.tinbuilding.com/restaurants-and-bars

Highly recommend going to see the Lion King on Broadway. We went last spring with our 15 year old granddaughter and it was phenomenal. The costumes alone made it worth going but the performers were excellent as well. I think younger children will really love it and you could walk through Times Square on the way to the show.