Taking the subway with kids can be a cheap, green and fun way to get around the city. But it also poses different challenges to other modes of transport. Traveling by subway with a family requires a good amount of planning and preparation.
Public transportation is relatively inexpensive compared to taxi or rideshare, provides learning opportunities for children in using subway etiquette, and is great for the environment. It’s also stressful when you have little ones in tow and have to navigate a complex subway system with impatient crowds and unexpected delays.
Research the best route, pack the essentials, and take the necessary precautions regarding your child’s safety, and the routes, as well as supply the best navigation tools for the subway ride. Wearing the kids down to make the ride fun. It’s possible for the whole family to comfortably embrace public transit and leave the car at home with some thoughtful strategies.
Benefits of Subway Travel for Families
While it’s not the best option when alone, or when in a couple (driving or hiring a private car service are much better), having a family means that a subway system provides a much cheaper mode of transportation that can be very useful. Most transit agencies charge fares that are just a few dollars per ride and many have reduced fares or free rides for young children.
It also allows families to be able to affordably access many different neighborhoods and areas throughout the city. Riding on the subway is also a great learning experience for kids to learn how to get around on public transportation systems.
Reading maps, following markings and signage, interacting with station agents and conductors and displaying proper etiquette as a passenger are all things children will become familiar with. These public transit skills help to make them independent and ready for adulthood.
Pre-Trip Planning
Planning a smooth subway excursion with the whole family is meticulous. They should spend time researching routes and packing supplies and safety precautions beforehand.
Study the subway map and find stations and lines which are best suited for each destination. New York City’s extensive system is laid out on a user friendly map on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) website. Additionally, parents should download transit apps like Citymapper for real time navigation assistance en route.
Families preparing their supply bag will want to pack nut free snacks, water bottles, hand sanitizer, a lightweight stroller or baby carrier and entertainment items such as books, coloring supplies or tablets. These essentials will keep kids, well, content, nourished, and comfortable.
And yet one must not forget about safety precautions, such as setting a meeting place in case family members get separated and caring to remember that children have parental contact information, and subway etiquette basics stored somewhere in their brains. Safe riding procedures can even be practiced at home. These simple steps give peace of mind when you’re in crowded stations.
Safety Precautions
Subway systems overall are extremely safe, but there are some risks to be on the lookout for when kids are involved. So by teaching children to act right; being on alert and ready to face emergencies parents can actually prevent potential hazards.
Basic rules like holding handrails, staying away from platform edges, yielding priority seating to elderly and disabled passengers and keeping noise levels reasonable are rules that children need to understand. Behavior that is rowdy and that interferes with or endangers others, should be resolved quickly. Small rewards may be offered by parents for model conduct.
Since most subway networks are extensive, even with close supervision, accidental separation is possible. Children can be given an ID card, contact information and clear instructions to notify a transit employee if they get lost. It’s also wise to establish a predetermined meeting location.
Lastly, being any mode of public transportation, disruption of this kind, e.g., stalled trains can make conditions uncomfortably crowded. But pack patience, and stay ever vigilant about your surroundings. Plan backup plans or have alternate routes planned before heading out. Unexpected issues don’t have to ruin the journey with preparation.
Navigating the Subway System
Deciphering an intricate web of subway lines, stations, and schedules while wrangling excited children poses a transportation puzzle. These navigation strategies help simplify city travel:
First, opt for off-peak travel times when feasible to avoid overwhelming crowds. While midday trips may not always align with nap schedules or plans, the tradeoff of less congested stations and train cars often warrants adjustment. Peak hours on weekdays generally span 6-9 am and 4-7 pm.
When boarding, identify train car doors in advance and stand nearby to efficiently load strollers, bags, and kids before doors close. Upon arrival, position the family near exit doors as well to expedite alighting. Factor in a few extra minutes for entering and exiting with children.
Utilizing Subway Resources
Beyond map literacy and navigation apps, the subway system affords other family-friendly resources to simplify travel. Seek out accessibility accommodations when available and leverage kid-centric entertainment during lengthy rides.
Many stations now provide step-free access from street to train via ramps and elevators. Identify these wheelchair- and stroller-accessible locations along the route when trip planning. Features like level boarding platforms and priority seating also ease navigation for families.
Engaging Children During the Ride
In addition to leveraging resources, parents can further enrich the subway journey by embedding educational opportunities and entertainment. Ensuring children remain happily occupied curbs misbehavior arising from restlessness or impatience.
One approach involves transforming children into co-navigators by reviewing subway maps together and challenging them to identify upcoming stations and transfer points. Kids gain confidence from mastering this grown-up skill and contribute to the travel process.
Addressing Common Challenges
The best laid plans of subway family escapades still get snarled up by long delays or crowded cars. Get flexible mindsets and plan B’s ready and loaded to keep your cool when stuff spins out of control.
The subway system is always susceptible to more or less unplanned delays caused by maintenance fusses, trains blocking, the sick passenger, police investigation, or some other kind of disturbances. It’s frustrating, especially with antsy kids, but be patient and understanding with conductors making announcements. Make it a giant snack and games party.
Encouraging Positive Experiences
With the right parental mindset — one of flexibility, patience and joyful adventure making — subway excursions become treasured memories, not tense ordeals. Have reasonable expectations, reward good behavior, tell imaginative travel stories and kids will happily embrace public transit!
Of course travel disruption is inevitable, but you don’t want frustration to overwhelm the entire trip. People watch on packed trains and sing along on stalled rides. Meet mishaps with optimism.
Conclusion
Travelling across cities in an eco friendly way and teaching children priceless life lessons, subway trains are a great way for families to travel economically. To get all the benefits you’ll need to be diligent in planning, aware of safety, have creative distractions, and be flexible in the face of challenges.
Upon adequate research of routes, packing the essentials, using navigation tools, anticipating crowds and delays and incentivizing good behavior, parents can make the dreaded journey as smooth and happy as can be. Make a character building adventure out of public transit. Doing subways journeys with kids right can be a lot less hassle and a lot more rewarding.