Get a good map. If you aren’t familiar with the subway walk, take a taxi or Uber. Think of Manhattan like distinct walking sections. On our first trip to NYC we took a car/taxi from our hotel to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. While there is no age limit on who can enter the museum - be warned - when we were in the lower part of the museum (the museum is under ground - the memorial is above ground with all of the water) they told us that the museum was not recommended for kids under age 10. My daughter was 9 so I left her with our friend and walked the whole museum to make sure it was ok. The museum hides the most graphic things behind walls so you don’t have to see them if you don’t want to. I took my daughter inside the museum but not behind the walls (they have warning signs) and we were fine. After the Museum we had tickets to go into The Freedom Tower - it’s right next door. If you want to go to the Tower and/or Museum you should get tickets in advance. The entrances to both are timed so you know when you should arrive. Then we walked to the American Stock Exchange, then walked a few blocks down to catch a boat to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Otherwise if you want more pop culture go to Time Square, walk to Grand Central and Rockefeller Center or Broadway - all within walking distance of Time Square. From Time Square we also walked to Central Park, Fifth Avenue, Trump Plaza, F.A. Schwartz the toy store, etc. I’m not sure that it is humanly possible to hit all of these attractions in one day but best of luck!!