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Family Fun in New York City
New York is so full of dinosaurs, parks, ships, toy stores, cool restaurants, giant buildings, and much more that kids can mistake this world-class city for a giant theme park. Every season brings exciting things to see and do, including summer boat trips, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, ice-skating and the giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, and a day on the farm at wildlife centers. Even a ride on the subway can be a treat - especially if you've got a conductor's view from the first car. NYC: Day 1
Morning
The universe is not too much to tackle on your first morning. Start fresh with an awesome planetarium show at the American Museum of Natural History's new Rose Center for Earth and Space . You could easily spend days exploring the rest of this world-class museum, especially the updated dinosaur exhibits and the Hall of Biodiversity. The city offers a number of museums specifically geared toward kids, children's museums in Manhattan, Brooklyn (the first children's museum ever!), and Staten Island.
Afternoon
Preteens will probably insist on a visit to at least one of the city's fun theme restaurants. Many of the newest are clustered in the reborn Times Square area, convenient to Broadway and other popular attractions. The best-known are the Hard Rock Cafe and Planet Hollywood, but there are other great ones to choose from, including ESPN Zone; Mars 2112, for an interplanetary adventure; and Jekyll & Hyde Club NYC, full of fun-house entertainment. Don't miss the new Toys R Us - with an indoor Ferris wheel! -- in Times Square.
Evening
Take in an evening of Broadway theater with the older kids. For the early-to-bed younger set, there are baby-sitting services available. Family-friendly shows tend to fall into the musical category; good bets include Disney's The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast.
NYC: Day 2
Morning
Have breakfast at the always-entertaining Ellen's Stardust Diner. This throwback to the 1950s features singing waiters, eye-catching memorabilia, and great pancakes. Next, head over to the Central Park Zoo, populated with good-natured creatures not averse to feeding from the hands of babes.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon aboard a sightseeing cruise such as Circle Line, taking in the world-famous skyline and landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Evening
Good choices for dinner spots with children's menus include the Manhattan Chili Company and Ruby Foo's in the Theater District.
NYC: Day 3
Morning
All aboard the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum, a converted World War II aircraft carrier that features multiple displays on two of its decks. Favorite kids' feature: "The Navy Flight Simulator," which lets them pretend they're landing a fighter jet in the middle of the ocean.
Afternoon
Take the tour at New York's NBC Experience Store/Studio Tours at NBC's Rockefeller Center headquarters, where kids can participate in on-camera activities. FAO Schwarz, the world-famous toy store, is nearby. Then head down Fifth Avenue to 34th Street, home of the Empire State Building. Aside from the view, kids will love the simulated flight tour, New York Skyride. Houlihan's, at street level, offers kid-friendly American fare. Evening Dine in Little Italy for atmosphere and authentic Italian food. Da Nico features kitschy decor and some of the best pizza in town, while the almost-century-old Original Vincent's is famous for homemade lasagna and meatballs. |
