I'll get a few basics out of the way and let others fill in the rest.
Forget VRBO. Most rentals of under 30 days are illegal in NYC. You may even get caught in a scam where you pay for something that doesn't even exist.

With 6 people (the kids count) you would need at least 2 hotel rooms, Some hotel suites might be big enough, but many won't allow more than 4 people due to fire code and other laws.

You don't need to switch locations in the city. The attractions to see are spread out a little, but most are within a 20 minute subway ride of any place you'd want to stay.

More comments will come faster than you can imagine, but it would also help for you to tell us when you are coming, for how long, what your budget is and what other places you want to see

Hop On Hop off buses will get expensive for the group. SOme hate them, some like them. They are not good as transportation but may work for some if you consider it a tour to get your bearings

It sounds to me that a suite at the Beacon (upper West Side) might work for you. I've never stayed there but others on here have and I think it would fit your family. Plus, it's not such a frenetic neighborhood as others, which would be better, too. The Upper West Side is primarily residential (although the Beacon is on a "commercial" street) and very family friendly. I'd definitely agree that you should park yourself in one place, unpack and have a "home away from home". The Beacon is very close to Central Park and several fabulous markets (Fairway and Zabar's).

With 6 people you will have to get either 2 rooms or a suite. The Beacon has the latter at reasonable prices but may be sold out - you don;t say whenyou are coing. The area is perfect for kids since it;s near Central park, the Museum of Natural History and the Met (yes both have a tone of stuff for kids) plus a plethora for inexpensive/moderate family friendly restaurants (which can be difficult to find in some areas - esp midtown).

Another good deal for a sujite is the Eastgate Towers. Location not so convenient but a lot of room for the budget.

Do NOT do the HoHo buses. they are very expensive and you will spend a lot of time sitting n the hot sun (you can;t see from inside) in traffic; And they run only every 30 minutes (if there;s room on the one that pulls in) versus every 5 minutes or so for city bus and subway.

There is no need to move around - its; a waste of time. the subway can get you anywhere fairly quickly and inexpensively. I would do Top of the Rock vs ESB to avoid long waits. You can see the SoL from a distance on the free Staten Island ferry or from closer up on the Circle line harbor cruise. Ellis Island is brilliant but you must get ferry tickets in advance rom the national park service - and allow at least 4 to 5 hours for the visit - including the various ferries to and fro,

If you provide dates and budget and how you're getting here (will you have a car to garage?) people can make specific recos.

Hi Stephanie,

I've been to NYC with kids several times. Here's a few suggestions:

1. Don't waste your money on the tour buses, they are crowded and sit around in traffic most of the day. You can see lots of stuff near Central Park and Broadway on foot (even with a 6 year old). Anywhere else you need to go, hop on the subway. Just a note: Times Square can get pretty crowded, just keep a good grip on the little ones

2. If you are going to do Empire, go on a weekday and get there as early as you can, expecting to wait. You can buy your tickets ahead of time online.

3. The Statue of Liberty has a complicated security process since 9/11 and you can only go up to the first level, which isn't really seeing much. If time is an issue, I'd just take the ferry to the island, take your pictures of the NYC skyline and then go back.

4. Definitely take your kids out at least one night to see Times Square lit up - it's just cool

Sorry - SoL is closed for renovations until late this year - you can't go in at all. Much better to see form a regular ferry or boat trip - unless you are taking the ferry to Ellis Island anyway.

1) HOHO bus? No, no , NO.

2)There is no one "best area". Any place that can hold your entire family and is convenient to sightseeing/subway is the "best" for you. Take a look at these:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60763-d80087-Reviews-BEST_WESTERN_PLUS_Hospitality_House-New_York_City_New_York.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60763-d93562-Reviews-Affinia_Manhattan-New_York_City_New_York.html

3) ESB: See vivid01's advice above.

4) S of L: Just "see it". Your kids will love taking the Staten Island Ferry and enjoying the close up views of the Statue and of the Manhattan skyline. This also takes MUCH less time out of your day than actually going to the island. Plus it's free.

5) Have not gone to the 911 memorial - here's info:
http://www.911memorial.org/ You might consider it as part of a day exploring Lower Manhattan (South St. Seaport, Brooklyn Bridge walk, Battery Park, Staten Island Ferry).

When you are exploring Lower Manhattan, know that the Museum of the American Indian is pretty cool and it is FREE

Add my vote to those suggesting riding on the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. It's free, and you go close enough to get great views and pictures.

Also, I haven't been up the Empire State Building, but we went up the Top of the Rock, and it had only a short line and then great views all around, including a view OF the Empire State Building. I'd recommend it.

Definitely go to Times Square. Go to Central Park. Go to the Apple Store (unless you have one where you live and are in it all the time), FAO Schwartz, etc.

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is AMAZING. My kids were 11 or 12 when we did it. Also, don't be afraid of the subways. Use them.

hi kansasmom: which side of the Brooklyn Bridge did you walk from?

Id recommend the Central Park Zoo when you are in the Park. Also, take a look at the Natural History Museum - you could spend days in there..,The Intrepid Aircraft Carrier is a great museum and right near where you pick up the Circle Line Cruises.

Add me to those for the TOTR. Great view and a great shot of the ESB which is what is iconic of the building anyways

You are all so awesome! I am arriving July 6th in the morning and staying for a full week. So far only thing planned is a Broadway show on Sunday.

I'm thinking maybe of spending 1 night in a hotel in Time Square (that is close to the theaters right?) That way maybe we could walk back and the kids could see it all lit up?

With that many people, I can't imagine packing up all the luggage and people to move hotels just to see some neon and video screens. You can go to Times Square without staying there. It's literally in the middle of everything and practically every subway line goes through it.

Also, what is the best way to get from JFK to Times Square?

I think the answer to this ^^^^ question is always a cab. There are minivan cabs, and if I did the math correctly, you should all fit in one. Just wait for one to come up in the queue, or perhaps the dispatcher at the airport can call one for you.

Like Mike says, there is no need to move hotels just to be near TS. My DD and I were in New York for a week and we didn't even want to take the time to move rooms in our hotel to get to a higher floor than the one they had for us when we checked in. And with four kids? Pick a place and move in!

Hi Stephanie - we went with our two boys aged 10 and 13 last summer, and we are going again this summer by popular demand. We actually arrive July 6th as well

Last summer we took a private tour with Real New York tours who tailored the tour to exactly what we wanted to see and at the pace we wanted and included lots of kid friendly stops because that is what we wanted to include. It was a walking tour but we took the subway to all the places along route so it was a really good way to become comfortable with getting around.

My kids loved Times Square at night, but you don't have to stay there - the only thing for chosing your location would be knowing that you are close to a subway. We stayed in Chelsea last time and had two different subway lines within a 5 minute walk. We don't live in a city, so the subway was an attraction itself for the kids. This time we are staying just over the river in Queen's, but again close to a subway.

We went up both TOTR and ESB. ESB we went to after a Broadway show and the lines were long... and deceptively long where we thought we were in the last line... and then there was another one... and then there was another one. Once we got up it was crowded - the views were good - but sometimes views don't really give you more than views you have seen in movies etc. So we didn't stay long, and it was definitely not the hightlight of our trip...
That said, even though it was maybe not our favourite experience at the time, both kids (and I must admit us adults as well) really enjoy knowing we have been up it - being able to say 'hey I've been up that building' when you see it on TV.
So if it makes any sense... it wasn't worth doing, but is worth having done!

Second the votes for Natural History Museum, Intrepid Museum and Central Park. But the Broadway shows were the favourite thing of both the boys (who are not specifically 'theatre buffs')

have fun!

There is absolutely no reason to stay in Times Square to see it. (And it only takes about 30 minutes- it;s just a lot of lights - and sidewalks so mobbed you may be walking n the street.)

With little kids TS (especially those not used to busy cities) can be overwhelming - so I would avoid staying there if at all possible.

Arriving around 10 am at JFK, after a red-eye from CA. We won't have a lot of baggage (we are trying this thing my husband found http://zenhabits.net/kids-ultralight/ which teaches kids to pack ultra-light in prep for traveling to Europe one day) and the hotel probably won't be ready until 4:00.

Suggestions for what to do first (please let me know if there would be a food spot nearby that you would suggest too).

You go first to your hotel (where did you decide to stay) and drop the luggage. They will hold it until the room is ready and you can;t trek around NYC hauling your luggage with you.

Also need to know that for food recos. As well as your dining budget and what cuisines you like and don't. The city has a host of inexpensive ethnic places - many of which have special lunch deals.

You'll need to call the Beacon Hotel directly if you want to reserve the 2 bedroom/2 bath suite. They don't book that room online.

There is a Shake Shack outpost not far from the Beacon and close to the Natural History Museum. There's also a family restaurant adjacent to The Beacon. The Beacon is not a budget traveler's choice in my opinion but it's good value for the money. What is your budget?

As far as budget, I don't really know yet. So far I don't seem to be able to find any place to stay under $350 a night and that is with sneaking 2 of my kids in. LOL.

As for food, I think we're going to try new things. We're pretty boring at home as far as food goes, so nothing too spicy but definitely different. So neat, eclectic, fun and experiential.

I called Beacon and they are booked.

Check Eastgate towers, the Affinia group, and also RCA- Radio City apart-hotel.

Short term apartment rentals are illegal in NYC if rented for under 30 days.

What are your dates?

I know you were joking, but don't bother trying to sneak in kids.

My dates are July 6-14, 2012

Thanks for the Eastgate Towers suggestion. They have availability. What are your thoughts on location? Okay?

If you have time and want a beach day, the boardwalk on Staten Island is fabulous.

Basilio Inn is a wonderful Italian restaurant very close to one end of the boardwalk. It is one of the oldest (if not the oldest - 90 years) restaurant on Staten Island, is a great place for the whole family, and the food is truly memorable. I feel I have actually made a little stop in Italy when I go there.

Did you CALL the two hotels w/ 2BR suites I suggested above??

Web sites rarely tell the whole story...

Two important things. As stated earlier do not try to sneak in your children . Seriously.
Second - if you find a hotel that might work and the rate is cancelable BOOK it first and ask questions later! You don't have time to fool around.

While the location of the Eastgate isn't as convenient since it's quite a walk to the subway - it's a huge amount of room for a bargain price. I think you need to grab somethng quickly - or you may find yourself paying twice the price for somethng no better.

@Bardo - yes thank you so much. I called Best Western was sold out and Affinia Manhattan only had $700 per night rooms.

@NYtraveler - indeed I booked Eastgate just in case. It will be $3500 for the stay.

Does anyone know anything about renting apts? I got kinda worried with what NYER said. I had already starting to inquire renting an apartment (used Fodor's suggestion)and got a response for this location:

www.staysmartnyc.com/An Artist's Dream! (http://www.staysmartnyc.com/index.php?option=com_resman&task=moreinfo&id=10&Itemid=53) It is half the cost.

Is there a way to find out if an online site is legit?

It's impossible to know for certain, but this is almost certainly illegal, but it's probably more or less legitimate. People in NYC still flout this law, so while this may not be an outright scam, there's no legal recourse if you knowingly book this and things don't work out. So no protesting on your credit card, and you'd have to find a brand-new $800 per night or more hotel room at the last minute, if one is even available. When you book one of these illegal deals, you do have to live with the consequences, and it's not like you can insure something illegal. No company would reimburse you for any loss.

It's just stupid, frankly, to rent an illegal apartment. I'm sorry that it makes your trip more expensive. Ultimately, though, it's your choice, and you can certainly rent this if you want, whether or not I or other posters think you're being stupid.

This thread came to same conclusion: legit but illegal.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60763-i5-k4445507-Staysmart_nyc_Vacation_rental-New_York_City_New_York.html

I think The Eastgate Hotel is a fine backup and $500/night for July, for six people, and only weeks away is pretty darn cheap.

The Eastgate is also a much better location than the East Harlem apartment you linked above.

Check on RCA apartments.

Short term apartment rentals of less than 30 days are illegal in NYC.

Other options: Bid on two rooms on hotwire. Or, and I would do this in a New York minute, reserve rooms in Long Island City at the Comfort Inn and Suites where you'll be a quick train ride from Manhattan (5 minute train ride to midtown Manhattan).

Here's the link: http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-long_island_city-new_york-NY265

What're your dates?

Sorry, I see you've posted your dates already.

The Comfort Inn has 2 King rooms, both with an extra bed (one adult and 2 children in each room), for $106.00 a night for your dates. That's $212.00 for both rooms, and this arrangement provides two bathrooms.

Why not call them and see what you could do to get further discounts as you're staying 7 nights...they might discount a little further. The savings is worth it, I would say, wouldn't you? ($1400.00 pre tax for the entire stay is not bad at all.)

Bowsprit thank you so much! I'll give Comfort Inn a call - much easier to swallow than the $3500.

Country Inn and Suites Long Island City is ever so slightly closer to the subway than Comfort Inn, but both are in the same general area. It has similar rates. There are other hotels in the vicinity that are further from the subway and often cheaper.

And Country Inn and Suites might be 'fresher'. Here's the link:
http://www.countryinns.com/long-island-city-hotel-ny-11101/nynyquee

Well I got the cancellation policy mixed up with the Eastgate Towers so it looks like we are staying there or eating the $489 deposit. They wouldn't even let us stay there for one night and cancel the rest.

Anyhow, next question: Travel from NYC to Washington, DC. Any tips for the train?

Well, add on the Eastgate deposit @ $489.00 to the $1400.00 it was going to cost you at the Comfort Inn in L.I.C. and you're still ahead by a lot, right? A thousand bucks? $1500.00? hmmm. You could bag that Eastgate reservation (check on the LIC hotels if you're still at all interested, to make sure they have available rooms before you cancel anything) and save some cash.

However, The Eastgate, if it's in the budget, will be great for your group too.

Buy tickets in advance to get the best prices. Take regular Amtrak versus Acela (Acela is faster bus more expensive). Get a Red Cap to haul all of your luggage down to the train platform. they can get down there before regular passengers, you can get on first and have a better chance of getting seats together or near each other. Their tip is a modest price to pay.

Do not expect to get 6 seats together - while a lot of people get off in NYC - a bunch will be coming from Boston of New haven or ?

When you buy an Amtrak ticket you get "a" seat, not a particular seat. You get the best prices by buying at least a month in advance. The bus (Megabus or Boltbus) is cheaper, but you have to board on the street. It might be worth considering a rental car since you are 6 people. Even with kids' fares, it might be cheaper to go ahead and rent your car then drive to DC and keep it for the rest of your trip. Otherwise, wait until you are ready to leave DC and then rent. But I do like the train (I'm not sure ... well I am actually ... that Acela is not worth the extra cost for this trip). But I do think with this many kids you should pay for a red cap if you can find one to help you get down onto the platform and onto the train, especially if you have luggage. Tip generously.

Tip for train:

As mentioned just above, buy as soon as you've decided.

Unlike airlines, train prices are cheaper the earlier you buy them and just get more expensive the closer it gets (same for buses).

If you're comfortable driving, do price out a one-way, one day car rental from DC to NYC for your travel date before committing one way or the other.

I would not suggest the cheap buses - it might be pouring rain that day and you would all be standing curbside with all your luggages! Yuck!

Tip for train:

As mentioned just above, buy as soon as you've decided.

Unlike airlines, train prices are cheaper the earlier you buy them and just get more expensive the closer it gets (same for buses).

If you're comfortable driving, do price out a one-way, one day car rental from DC to NYC for your travel date before committing one way or the other.

I would not suggest the cheap buses - it might be pouring rain that day and you would all be standing curbside with all your luggages! Yuck!

Bowsprit thank you so much for the Eastgate Towers suggestion. We've found the location great for the price and quite roomy for our family of 6.

We've loved having the NYPass to do everything and I know every native will hate me for saying this - but I've loved the HoHo buses too. We got the 7 NYPass day with 3 day HoHo and it has been a joy.

Enjoy your visit! The great thing about NYC is that the options for exploring are simply endless. There's no one 'right' way to discover the city.