raeven_moon

I am planning a trip to NYC in late July of 2007 with my son and daughter (10 and 5 at time of trip). Decent and inexpensive(for NYC) places to stay and possible iteniaries. Bronx Zoo, central park, MNH are planned already (1day each)any suggestions would be appreciated

mclaurie

One of the best bargains in NYC is the Radio City apartments. It's right near Rockefeller Center and as the name implies, it's apts. with kitchen(ettes) and some extra space.
radiocityapartments.com

The Salisbury is another good budget option with apts. near the south end of Central park and within a short walk to Times Square and Fifth ave.
nycsalisbury.com

On the upper westside, a good location with kids (a bit more residential), the Beacon is another suite hotel. This area is close to the Mus. of Nat. Hist. and you'd be closer to the Bronx zoo and not far from Central Park. Other popular hotels in this neighborhood are the Excelsior, the Lucern (prob. the nicest), On the Avenue.

gocitykids.com is a good website for planning things for kids. You can search for things to do by age group, area etc.

nytraveler

With 2 kids that age I would definitely stay on the upper west side. This will give you immediate access to Central Park and playgrounds (to kids that age 10 days in a big city will get old soon and they'll need some time to just be kids).

Also - in this area are a lot of inexpensive restaurants - used to having kids, since it is primarily residential - especially if you eat early -like 6pm.

The Lucerne is my favorite - but may not fit your budget. There is also the Excelsior, Belleclaire, Beacon etc.

Besides the zoo in Central Park (including petting zoo), carousel you can rent a boat on the lake, rent bikes for riding - or just use space for running around or one of the several formal playgrouns. (Go to the web site of the Central Park Conservancy for details.)

They might also enjoy at least one boat ride:

Staten Island ferry is free and gives great views of the harbor and Statue of Liberty - without a huge wait on Liberty Island

Also consider one of the Circle line boat rides - go to the web sites to see what they have available

There is also something called the Beast - a giant speed boat - but might not be good for a 5 year old

Reco Top of the Rock versus Empire State Building

Do at least 1 or 2 shows (they should like the Disney shows, perhaps Stomp or Blue Man - depending on what is playing). For whatever it is try to et discounts in advance from broadwaybox.com.

There's an aquarium in Coney Island - but it's along trek on the subway - and is a relatively small one - but does have whale and dolphin shows

I think the Circle line does trips up the Hudson to Bear Mountain - might be another simple way to get them out of the city for a day

There's a Museums of Childhood(?) but it gets mixed reviews

Depending on the kids don;t nix the Met - my brother loved the Egyptian section when he was a little kid and arms & armor.

Check out the web site of the local 24 hour news channel - which features info on special programs for kids each weekend. Its New York 1 News.

amelie

The above poster mentioned the Excelsior hotel. We stayed there in June/July and were really pleased with it. Directly across from the Natural History Museum (which you should take your kids to), and less than half a block from central park. Also less than half a block from the subway station.

It was on such a nice, tree lined street, away from all the hustle and bustle and craziness. Our rates were about $200 a night.

Good luck planning!

raeven_moon

Thanks for the suggestions! What is the best place on the Upper West Side that won't break the bank? I want us to be near Central Park, and a place with a kitchen(ette) would be great. Was wondering if city passes are really worth it? We will also spend a couple days visiting friends in Westchester who also have kids. Also, is it going to be a real hassle to get in and out of EWR airport? They are running the cheapest rates, and I was planning on taking the trainfrom there into the city.

KathrynT

We decided not to go with the City Pass on our last trip as we didn't think we'd visit enough of the sights it covers to make it worthwhile.

As far as UWS hotels, I think the Beacon has kitchenettes.

mclaurie

If you wind up staying on the UWS, EWR is not bad at all but I wouldn't use the train. I'd take the Express Bus to Port Authority bus terminal and then a cab from there. Kids under 12 ride free on that bus. Your fare is $14 or $23 roundtrip.
http://www.coachusa.com/info/olympia...farepolicy.asp

While they offer transfers to your hotel, you have to go to Grand Central for that which takes you out of your way. Might be worth it to you though for just another $3 but it will take much more time.

Whether the NY Pass makes sense is totally dependent on how many places you visit. Only you can calculate that. The pass only includes general admission to Mus. of Natural History, not the Rose center of IMAX.

As I said in my first post, the Beacon is probably the best option on the UWS. The Milburn also has suites and the Excelsior and the Lucerne also have SOME suites with kitchens.