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The Top of the Rock observation deck offers amazing views of the city.

Why Top of the Rock is Perfect for Families

Top of the Rock offers panoramic city views from indoor and outdoor viewing platforms. Its location at 30 Rockefeller Plaza means you're perfectly situated to see Central Park to the north and iconic skyscrapers of midtown and Lower Manhattan to the south.

Beyond the views, thrill-seekers can enjoy a pair of new attractions: The Beam, which was inspired by the iconic photo of early 20th-century construction workers, and Skylift, a telescoping ride that raises you three stories above the 70th-floor observation deck for a 360-degree, unobstructed view of the city beyond!

Planning Your Visit: Top Tips for Families

Top of the Rock visitors enter on 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. The observation deck is also accessible from the concourse level. Regular hours are 8am to midnight, with the last elevator leaving at 11:10pm.

Like most major city attractions, you have to go through a security checkpoint upon entry. Once you've cleared that, you're on your way to an unforgettable experience. From the Swarovski Joie chandelier in the lobby to the displays of photos and artifacts chronicling the history of Rockefeller Center, the main attraction is, undoubtedly, the unobstructed, panoramic view of NYC from indoor viewing areas on the 67th floor and open-air platforms on the 69th and 70th floors.

Top of the Rock Tickets: Prices, Hours, and How to Save

Tickets start at $40 for adults and $34 for children ages 6 to 12; children ages 5 and under enter for FREE. Visit the ticket site to purchase general admission tickets or money-saving combo packages. Prices vary by the date and time of day; you'll pay more during peak times and hours, like sunset. But, once you're at the top, you are welcome to stay as long as you please. There is no time limit to your visit.

Specialty tickets at higher price points include everything from skip-the-line privileges to photo packages, and rides on The Beam and Skylift.

For a true red carpet experience, book the VIP Pass, which includes arriving at a private lounge, skip-the-line access, and a guided observation deck tour before you climb aboard The Beam and Skylift. You'll also enjoy a champagne toast at the top!

Tickets to Skylift require advance planning—purchase either an all-in package or one of the VIP options if you have your heart set on this attraction!

The Beam Ride: A Thrilling Experience for Brave Kids (and Adults!)

A ride on The Beam costs $25 per person, and currently includes a photo of the experience. There are some limits on who can ride: Children must be over 42 inches tall to ride with an adult or 52 inches to ride alone.

If you want a private ride, book the VIP experience to avoid getting paired with another group. Up to seven people can ride at one time. You'll have to leave the selfie stick—and your other belongings—to the side. They're not allowed on the ride.

If you'd like to purchase a full photo package to remember your visit, including other professional shots at set-ups around the Top of the Rock observation deck, you'll pay an extra $40 for your group.

RELATED: 19 Picture-Perfect Instagrammable Spots with Kids in NYC

The Top of the Rock observation deck offers a stunning view of the Empire State Building.

Planning Your Visit: Top Tips for Families

Buy timed tickets in advance: Purchase your timed-entry tickets in advance, and you'll almost always go up right away. During peak times, there may be delays, especially since there's no time limit once you get to the top. Some people hang around for a while. Miss your time slot? Don't worry, you can exchange your ticket for later in the day.

Bring your own camera: There are photo-ops everywhere you turn.

Bring your stroller: The Top of the Rock is very stroller-friendly. My toddler slept comfortably as we toured the place, both inside and out.

Look up, too: The elevator ride is awesome. A clear ceiling lets you watch a cool light show as you travel up and down.

Skip it if the weather is bad: There are two indoor viewing lounges on the 67th and 69th floors, but because the main highlight is the view, you won't get as much out of the trip on a less-than-ideal weather day. If the weather is bad, Top of the Rock will reissue your ticket for a later date or time

Don't expect to see the Christmas Tree: If you visit during the holidays, you won't be able to glimpse the famous Rockefeller Center tree from the Top of the Rock observation deck—so make sure to include a stop in your walk to or from 30 Rock!

Bundle up: Even on a warm-weather day, plan for a bit of a breeze at the top. We cut our visit short because we weren't well bundled.

Bring some quarters: If you want to use the viewfinders at the top, you'll need quarters to operate them. Alternatively, there is a change machine on the 67th floor.

Potty emergency: There are restrooms on the 66th floor. Take the elevator from the 67th floor to access them.

Top of the Rock Restaurants

The Weather Room is an all-day cafe on the 67th floor of the observation deck. Enjoy light bites and cocktails, plus coffee, hot chocolate, tea, sodas, mocktails, and more alongside the breathtaking views.

When you're back down on the ground level, the dining options are ample. We have an entire post dedicated to the family-friendly Rockefeller Center restaurants.

More Fun at Rockefeller Center

When you return to ground level, be sure to check out the rest of the family-friendly attractions at this multi-acre campus! In the winter, there's ice skating and the aforementioned Christmas tree. Kid-friendly shops include FAO Schwarz, American Girl New York, Nintendo New York, and the flagship Lego Store. You can find all our top things to do with kids in this guide to visiting Rockefeller Center.

This post originally published in December 2013. Kelly O. contributed additional reporting.

Photos by the author