Central
Park is a great place to let kids run off the energy
that builds up while they're sitting in an apartment or
a strange hotel.
For
a stay of only a few days, you probably won't want to
trek up to the Bronx, but if you'll be in the city longer
you have to get to see the Bronx
Zoo. It's an all day walk. Bring a picnic basket and
have some sandwiches across the street in the Botanical
Gardens or stop in at one of many places to eat in
the Zoo.
While
the Zoo
in Central Park is a second runner-up to the Bronx
Zoo, it is definitely one of the best in the country -
and the Tisch
Children's Zoo there has never disappointed any kids
I've known.
Try
to arrive early - there is an animated
clock that plays music and has characters that dance
around every half hour - a definite must-see for the kids
and very nice for the adults as well!
Face painting, balloon sculptors, clowns, puppet shows
and other child friendly performances are provided by
local street performers as you approach the entrance of
the Children's Zoo.
If
you can get someone to direct you to the carousel
- it is worth the hike!
It's
an old fashioned merry-go-round
with wonderful painted
ponies that still go up and down!
On
the corner of 58th you'll find FAO
Schwartz - a toy store put together from every child's
imagination. The store has closed, but the huge statue
of a Teddy Bear in front is still a great photo op for
families.
A
little further uptown, you'll find the Museum
of Natural History. The dinosaurs, the mummies and
the Indians make this the perfect kid's
place to explore. The Planetarium
also has a great show for older kids.
The
Staten
Island Ferry should definitely be on your list. The
price is great - it's free! Forget about waiting for hours
and dealing with crowds to see the Statue
of Liberty - this ride floats you close enough to
say hello and get
some great pictures. It's also one of the best views
of the skyline. You'll need to get off in Staten Island
and return for the ride back to the city featuring a great
view of the world's most famous skyline
The
ferry is not far from South
Street Seaport - with the tall ships available for
touring, this should be squeezed into your schedule!
The
Hudson River - on the West Side - is the home of the Intrepid
Air-Sea-Space Museum. You actually get to go aboard
and climb around the inside of a huge aircraft carrier
and a submarine.
The
Empire State Building is probably already on your
grown-up list of things to do. Great - the kids will love
it too. The lights are changed for various commemorations...
Here's
the schedule so you can impress everyone with your
worldly knowledge!
Don't
leave the Empire State Building without visiting the New
York Sky Ride.
We could keep on going...