At One World Observatory, the show starts before you reach the top. The SkyPod elevator plays a time-lapse of New York City on the way up, and our 2.5-year-old thought it was the coolest thing ever.
We did One World Observatory with a toddler on a Saturday in late October, the second day of our 3.5 days in New York City with a toddler. We had a 4:40 p.m. entry, timed for sunset, and Johnny was 2.5.
Here is what to expect, what stood out, and how it stacks up against Top of the Rock if you are deciding between the two.
Is One World Observatory Good With a Toddler?
Yes. One World Observatory was a great experience from start to finish with our 2.5-year-old. The elevator ride has its own visual show, the views are a full 360 degrees, and strollers are allowed.
The one thing to plan for is the stroller rule. You can bring one, but you have to take your child out and fold it to ride the elevators and escalators.
What Is the SkyPod Elevator Ride Like?
The SkyPod elevators take you to the top in 47 seconds, and the walls of the elevator play a time-lapse of New York City's history while you ride.
The time-lapse runs from the 1500s to today, so you watch the city grow on the way up. By the time the doors open, you are 1,250 feet up.
The visual was super cool, and Johnny was looking all around the whole ride. It was very immersive for him.
Once you are up top, you watch the See Forever Theater, a short cinematic reveal with time-lapse imagery, music, and motion. Compared to the pre-show at Top of the Rock, it was not anything special. After the show, we moved on to the observation deck itself.
What Can You See From One World Observatory?
You get 360-degree views of New York City from the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
The deck is a full 360 that you can walk all the way around, so you see every direction and every part of the city. The views were amazing, and we could point things out to Johnny and show him some of the buildings and places below. It was very cool.
One small thing I really liked: underneath some of the windows, there are little prompts that point out the bridges and buildings below and challenge you to find them. It was a really nice touch.
The observatory also has Tour Ambassadors on the floor, real New Yorkers who talk about the neighborhoods and landmarks you are looking at.
How Much Are One World Observatory Tickets?
Standard general admission starts at $39, with a $3.50 processing fee plus tax on every ticket. The upgraded tiers are the Combination at $49, the All-Inclusive at $59, and the VIP Tour at $69. Prices change by date and time, so check the official ticket page for your day.
Here is exactly what we paid for our 4:40 p.m. Saturday entry. We booked the Combination Experience: two adult tickets at $49 each ($98), two $3.50 booking fees ($7), and $9.32 in tax, for $114.32 total. Johnny's child ticket was $0. Each adult ticket came with a $5 voucher to spend at the cafe, bar, restaurant, or gift shop, while the site now lists the Combination with $20 to spend, so check what credit is included when you book.
Two discounts are worth knowing about. The Family Pack takes 20% off four or more tickets, and the Late Night Package takes 50% off visits after 8 p.m.
When Is the Best Time to Go?
One World Observatory recommends booking at least one hour before sunset, which is exactly what we did. Our 4:40 p.m. entry was more than an hour before sunset that day.
The observatory is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and it recommends planning 45 minutes to an hour for a visit.
How Does One World Observatory Compare to Top of the Rock?
Do both if you can. They are different experiences in different parts of the city, and each one does something the other does not. We did Top of the Rock the night before, so here is how they compare.
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Location: One World Observatory is downtown at the World Trade Center. Top of the Rock is in Midtown at Rockefeller Center.
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Height: One World Observatory is 1,250 feet up. Top of the Rock is 850 feet up.
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Before the view: One World has the SkyPod time-lapse elevator and the See Forever Theater. Top of the Rock has a short history show that ends with a snow effect.
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Extras: Top of the Rock sells ride add-ons, Skylift and The Beam. One World's upgrades are ticket tiers with priority entry, food and shop credit, or a guided tour.
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Strollers: Both are listed as stroller-friendly. At One World, you fold it and carry your child on the elevators and escalators.
My take: Top of the Rock is cool because you are outside, and that is a whole experience on its own. At One World Observatory, you are inside. The pre-show at Top of the Rock was amazing, while the pre-show at One World Observatory was not anything special. Where One World wins is the elevator ride up, which was so cool. If you only have time for one, location can break the tie, since One World Observatory sits on the same site as the 9/11 Memorial.
Where Is One World Observatory?
One World Observatory is at One World Trade Center, 117 West Street. The entrance is on the West Plaza along West Street, and you can also get in from inside the World Trade Center Oculus.
We paired it with the 9/11 Memorial pools, which are right there on the same site, and then walked over to dinner at P.J. Clarke's on the Hudson in Brookfield Place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is One World Observatory good for toddlers?
Yes. We visited with our 2.5-year-old, and it was a great experience from start to finish. He thought the SkyPod elevator was the coolest thing ever.
How long is the elevator ride at One World Observatory?
The SkyPod elevators reach the top in 47 seconds while playing a time-lapse of New York City from the 1500s to today.
Are strollers allowed at One World Observatory?
Yes. Strollers are allowed, but you have to take your child out and fold the stroller to ride the elevators and escalators.
How much are One World Observatory tickets?
Standard admission starts at $39 plus a $3.50 processing fee and tax. The Combination starts at $49, the All-Inclusive at $59, and the VIP Tour at $69.
When should you go to One World Observatory for sunset?
One World Observatory recommends booking an entry time at least one hour before sunset.
How long do you need at One World Observatory?
Plan 45 minutes to an hour for a visit to One World Observatory.
Should you do One World Observatory or Top of the Rock?
Do both if you can. Top of the Rock has outdoor decks and an amazing pre-show, while One World Observatory is indoors and has an elevator ride up that was so cool.
Final Thoughts
A good observation deck visit with a toddler is one where every part of it holds up. At One World Observatory, the elevator ride, the 360-degree views, and the little prompts under the windows all did.
