New York in 1 Day for Families - Indoor outlet mall with 200+ stores — perfect for all-weather shopping
In Collaboration with New York Luxury Travel Inc. Updated on January 28, 2026.
A relaxed, family-friendly outlet shopping day trip from Midtown Manhattan to The Mills at Jersey Gardens (over 200 stores under one roof). Includes coach transfers, time for bargains, a kid-friendly lunch break, and practical tips for parents traveling with strollers or young children.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with New York Luxury Travel Inc, inspired by the tour Shopping at Jersey Gardens. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Indoor outlet mall with 200+ stores — perfect for all-weather shopping
- Family-friendly facilities: changing rooms, nursing rooms, stroller-friendly layout
- Convenient coach transfer from Midtown Manhattan (meeting point near Times Square)
Itinerary
Day 1
Morning meet in Midtown, coach transfer to The Mills at Jersey Gardens, shopping session with lunch, and return to Midtown in the afternoon.
Meet-up: 7th Ave at West 53rd Street (Times Square area)
Gather with your group and your guide at the agreed meeting point on 7th Ave at West 53rd Street. Quick check-in and head-count before departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Meet near the southeast corner of the intersection (closer to Broadway) so coaches can pick up without blocking traffic.
- If you have a stroller, fold it briefly during boarding to make loading easier — most coaches have space for folded strollers.
- Have snacks and a small activity (coloring book, tablet with headphones) handy for kids in case boarding is slightly delayed.
Coach transfer to The Mills at Jersey Gardens (Elizabeth, NJ)
Comfortable coach ride from Midtown Manhattan to the indoor outlet mall in Elizabeth, NJ. Restrooms available on board depending on coach type; otherwise short stop on route if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a seat near the front for quicker boarding and easier access if you need to step off quickly with a child.
- Bring a lightweight blanket — buses can be chilly; also pack small trash bags for snack wrappers.
- If anyone uses a car seat for toddlers, bring a travel/car booster seat approved for coach use (check with operator ahead of time).
Morning shopping session — The Mills at Jersey Gardens
Browse family-friendly outlet stores (children's clothing, toys, sneakers) and kid-focused stops. We'll suggest best stores for parents and arrange brief meet-up points inside the mall.
Tips from local experts:
- Start with the big family-focused stores (e.g., Nike Factory Store, OshKosh/Baby or Carter’s outlet) to secure sizes — these sell out fast during holiday season.
- Locate family restrooms and nursing rooms on arrival (ask mall info desk) — the mall is fully indoor and stroller-friendly with elevators between levels.
- Download the mall directory or ask the Guest Services desk for a printed map — pick a bright, obvious landmark (a store or kiosk) as your group's central meet-up point every hour.
Family lunch at a mall food option (Panda Express at The Mills at Jersey Gardens)
Quick, kid-friendly meal in the mall food court. Plenty of seating and high chairs available in some food court areas; choose a spot near restrooms.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose child-friendly staples (rice, noodles, chicken) and order slightly earlier than peak lunch (we suggest arriving at opening or just before 12:30) to avoid queues.
- Bring a small cooler bag for any refrigerated baby food or milk; the food court has benches and family seating near the restrooms.
- If a child has allergies, ask staff about ingredients — most chain outlets at the mall can accommodate basic allergy requests if notified at ordering.
Afternoon shopping & playtime — small purchases and quick play
Finish any remaining shopping, pick up souvenirs/toys. Short free play time near kid-friendly seating areas to let little ones move before the return trip.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this time for quick stops at toy and shoe outlets — keep a small bag for purchases so kids can carry a light item themselves (fun and practical).
- Look for indoor seating/play spaces or benches near the mall entrances where children can stretch; avoid long queues by saving larger purchases for last.
- If someone needs a quiet feeding or nap, ask Guest Services for the nearest quiet corner or nursing room — the mall staff can point you to family facilities.
Coach transfer back to Midtown Manhattan
Return transfer to the original Midtown meeting point. Use this time for light snacks, checking purchases, and helping kids settle for the short ride.
Tips from local experts:
- Board with all shopping bags consolidated to speed up loading; keep valuables and travel documents in a small carry bag you keep on your person.
- If a child is prone to motion sickness, seat them facing forward and have a small snack before departing.
- Confirm the exact drop-off point on arrival so the group can unpack strollers and children safely without blocking the sidewalk.
Drop-off & wrap-up in Midtown (Times Square area)
Final drop-off and quick debrief. Help families collect purchases and confirm onward plans or transit directions.
Tips from local experts:
- If you used a stroller, re-open and check straps before leaving the coach so children can be placed securely for onward travel.
- Point out nearby subway lines (e.g., 1/2/3, N/Q/R/W, or 7 depending on exact drop-off) and help families pick the easiest route home.
- Exchange contact info with your group leader in case anyone needs assistance locating lost items from the trip.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Transfer, Shopping, Meal, Break |
