Message: Hi We are visiting NYC in the Fall spending 6 days in Manhattan and 4 days visiting a friend in Southampton. We had all our plans in place to take in the Niagara Falls, but as two adults with a 7, 5 & 2yo. we have decided this trip is probably out of the question as we only have ten days and I don't think 14 - 16 hrs in a rented car with three children is such a hot idea. We are all disappointed about the decision to cancel Niagara, and now we are left with a couple of spare days to use up.
We are going to hire a car so we could travel to outside the city if necessary, What I really am looking for is something really exciting to do with children or somewhere amazing to see within a 150-200 mile radius of NYC
All your suggestions would be greatly appreciated, or should just go to Niagara and worry about the driving whenever we get there

Where are you visiting from?

I did a bit of research-- it looks like dunican is coming to the States from Ireland. My feeling is that you could spend all six days in New York City and not run out of things to do. Is that a possibility, or do you have your heart set on driving around the area (which I strongly discourage you from doing-- especially if you're staying in the Manhattan area)?

Perhaps one day in Philadelphia and then on the return trip to NYC a day at Six Flags Great Adventure. Six Flags has "Fright Fest", weekends in October. Many rides are open in the park (there are nice areas within the park for your kid's ages) and also the kids might enjoy a hay ride or other Halloween like activity.

If you want to drive approx 2 1/2 hours you could take the kids to Mystic Seaport in Mystic, Conneticut. It is a wonderful family area and the aquarium is fabulous.
Niagara Falls (Canadian Side) is a nice trip yet a very long side trip for young kids esp. when there are so many wonderful things to do in the Metro NY area. Bronx zoo is fun. The Intrepid Air Craft Carrier. Running in Central Park checking out the playgrounds, the Childrens zoo, the carosel are all great. The Children's Museum on the Upper West Side is also perfect for your kids ages. ToysRUs in Times Square takes a while to visit. Get your tickets for the ferris wheel- lower level of store- first thing upon arriving at the store. How about a day trip to the Jersey Shore- Long Beach Island is great for kids. Just a few ideas. I am sure other people can offer even more. Enjoy your trip!

Oops, I just saw this message. I replied to your other thread "children in new". I also provided info on Mystic, Conn.

Keep in mind that there is not much to see at Niagara in the U.S., you have to cross to the CN side. Just beware of any immigration requirements.

Dunican - I would also suggest a drive to Connecticut to see Mystic Seaport and maybe a stop to do some apple picking, a hay ride or a corn maze. All of these activities are very nice, the kids will enjoy and then you can still take the ferry over to Long Island from New London. Once done visiting Southampton just drive back to NYC to return car.

While in NYC be sure to take the kids for a ride on the carousel in Central Park.

I agree with your decsiion to forget about Niagra Falls. It's a looong, boring drive. What I'm not clear on is whether the extra time is over and above the 6 days in NYC & the 4 days in Southampton. There is so much to do in NYC with kids. Have you done a text search here on NYC AND children? The Museum of Natural History (dinosaurs) and the Planetarium. The children's museum. The zoo, carousel and boats in Central Park. Toys R Us and FAO Scwartz, Dylan's Candy store, a boat or ferry ride, a Broadway show or 2-the possibilities are endless.

Then while you're in Southampton, I understand the aquarium in Riverhead (only a half hour drive) is very good. Look at info here.

http://www.atlantismarineworld.com/

If you're interested in discount shopping (for you and the kids) the Tanger Outlet Mall, also in Riverhead, is great. Depending on when your trip is, there may be fall harvest festivals in the Hamtpons with rides, pumkin patches etc. Take the kids to the Whaling Museum in Sag Harbor (15 minutes from Southampton). Drive out to Montauk-the end of Long Island & ahve a look at the lighthouse.

I agree a trip to Mystic Connecticut could be fun and you could take a ferry from there to Long Island & avoid backtracking to the city.

The other area you could explore is north of the city in/near Tarrytown, NY where there is the Rockefeller estate, Kuyikut, Washington Irving's home, Sunnyside (where he wrote the Legend of Sleepy Hollow) and Lyndhurst Castle. You can even do river cruise day trips to Tarrytown from NY. Have a look here for info.

http://www.discoverourtown.com/TownP...Cat=Recreation

The Amish country in Pennsylvania is another popular area to explore from NYC. Hope this helps.