Children in New York in New York City

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Children in New York

For listings of children's events, consult New York magazine. The Friday New York Times "Weekend" section also includes children's activities. Other good sources on happenings for youngsters are the monthly magazines New York Family and Big Apple Parent, both available free at toy stores, children's museums, and other places around town where parents and children are found. The Web site goCityKids includes listings of what's going on. If you have access to cable television, check the local all-news channel New York 1, where you'll find a spot aired several times daily that covers current and noteworthy children's events. Fodor's Around New York City with Kids (available in bookstores everywhere) can help you plan your days together.

Publications & Web Sites

Big Apple Parent (www.parentsknow.com). goCityKids (www.gocitykids.com).

Babysitting

The Baby Sitters' Guild will schedule sightseeing tours for a flat fee of $100. Regular babysitting rates are $20 an hour for one child and $25 for two and three children, plus a $4.50 transportation charge ($10 after midnight). More than 16 languages are spoken by staff members. Minimum booking is for four hours, and infants cost extra. Cash and travelers' checks are accepted.

Agency

Baby Sitters' Guild (212/682-0227. www.babysittersguild.com. Daily 9-9).

Lodging

Before you consider using a cot or fold-out couch for your child, ask just how large your hotel room is -- New York City rooms tend to be small. Most hotels in New York allow children under a certain age to stay in their parents' room at no extra charge, but others charge for them as extra adults; be sure to find out the cutoff age for children's discounts.

Public Transportation

Children shorter than 44 inches ride for free on MTA buses and subways. If you're pushing a stroller, don't struggle through a subway turnstile; ask the station agent to buzz you through the gate (the attendant will ask you to swipe your MetroCard through the turnstile nearest the gate). Keep a sharp eye on your young ones while on the subway. At some stations there is a gap between the train doors and the platform. During rush hour, crowds often try to push into spaces that look empty -- but are actually occupied by a stroller. Unfortunately New York riders are not known to give up their seats for children, for someone carrying a child, or for much of anyone else.