Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market occupies a full city block on 9th Avenue between 15th and 16th Streets in the former Nabisco factory. Yes, Oreos were literally invented in this building. Today it's one of New York's most popular food halls, with 35+ vendors selling everything from tacos to Thai food to lobster to artisanal doughnuts.

For families, the format is the point. Food halls eliminate the restaurant standoff where one child wants pizza, another wants mac and cheese, and the parents want to eat something that isn't shaped like a dinosaur. At Chelsea Market, everyone goes to a different vendor, meets back at a shared table, and actually enjoys the meal. Revolutionary.

The standout vendors for families: Los Tacos No.1 (the best tacos in the city at $4-5 each, always a line, always worth it), The Lobster Place (kids who eat seafood will be thrilled), Doughnuttery (mini doughnuts made to order), and Li-Lac Chocolates (the oldest chocolate shop in NYC). The market also has non-food shops, including Artists & Fleas upstairs with crafts, art, and oddities.

The High Line connection makes Chelsea Market part of a natural family itinerary. Enter the High Line at 14th Street or 16th Street, walk north or south, descend at 15th Street directly into Chelsea Market for lunch, then continue to Hudson River Park's playground (10th Avenue and 14th Street) for post-meal playtime. The whole route is stroller-friendly and requires zero subway rides.