Celebrating a 12th birthday while we're on vacation in N.Y. Can either celebrate on Long Island where we'll be staying or in the city. Any suggestions for either? First visit for birthday girl.

I would get some tickets to Beauty and the Beast and for a pre-dinner "show", try Stardust, which is on Broadway and not a far walk from the theatre.

A first Broadway show is something special, mine was Man of LaMancha, back in 1969, and I loved it.

Beauty and the Beast is perfect for a 12 year old.

You might make a day of it, do some shopping or take in a Museum, like the Museum of Natural History and the Planetarium.

Have a great time.

Bashful:
If this is her 1st visit, by all means, you should have a birthday dinner in Manhattan. Long Island is more like any other suburban area, and although there are some historic and well known restaurants, the most popular tend to be the national chains such as Houstons, Outback, and such.

Thre are literally thousands of restaurants in Manhattan. One choice would be Ruby Foo's in Times Square. They serve various asian dishes in an over the top asian decor. Plus you'll be right in Times square

Bashful, are your the same person who is traveling from Canada? In any event, I was just wondering if you are looking for something upscale or something geared more for a 12 year old? Tavern on the Green in Central Park at 67th Street is especially magical if you can get into its Crystal Room. I don't recommend it so much for the food as the atmopshere (very pretty) and its fame. If you're looking for something geared more toward a preteen then I would suggest The Hard Rock Cafe or the Jekyll and Hyde's on 6th Avenue near West 57th Street. If you call ahead they will put balloons (or they used to) on the backs of the chairs at your table and they will also supply you with a birthday cake (at your expense, of course). The staff will also sing Happy Birthday to the person. The latter two are not fine dining experiences, but they are fun for kids. Another idea that is fun and casual is to go to Serendipity, which has good food and fantastic desserts. It may even look familiar because a couple of movies have been filmed in there.

There's a huge sports (fun) complex named Chelsea Piers at 23rd Street on the Hudson River. You could go there and have a bowling or roller skating party. I think the roller skating party requires a 12 person minimum, but I'm not sure about the bowling. In any case they supply the food, cake, etc.

Hi Mariangela.yes from Canada and taking my grandkids. Jekyll and Hydes sounds perfect - she would love having the balloons and attention etc. I will look into that and then Beauty afterwards. Thanks everyone.