Going with Kids
 

Hello, I am traveling to Manhattan in the month of march for 5 days and I need some suggestions. A total party of 6 adults and 2 kids (3 and 2 years old)
1)Budget transportation from LGA to Manhattan.
2)An apartment to stay all of together.
3) Good and economical places to eat with kid's enviroment friendly.
4)Activities where kids can have a good time.

Thanking you in advance for your inputs.

Ricky

Ricky,
The NYC experts will want to know your budget for accommadations and what type of food you like!

I can tell you that we visited last month and we used a car service from airport to hotel- Dial7.com !

Read my trip report for food ideas!

Skip the ESB and do TOTR!Views are stunning!!!!!!!!

Loved the Museum of Natural History!

Don't waste your money on any discount cards!

Buy advance tickets for whatever you can!

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge! (Take subway over and walk back)

Buy the 7 day metrocard for $25-well worth it! I think we used the subway at least 25 times while we were there.

Most importantly, don't overplan and have a fantastic time!

Happy Planning:)
Tam

1) There is no such thing as budget transportation for 6-8 from LGA. A taxi which will fit 4-5 people is ~ $25-35 depending on traffic. A car service will give you a flat rate and will send a vehicle that fits the size of your party. dial7.com is reliable. So your options are 2 taxis or the car service. Avoid shuttle services as they're not reliable and won't be cheaper for your size party.

2)Renting a private apartment in NYC for less than a month is a problem since most buildings are not zoned for vacation rentals. There are also lots of apt. scams online so avoid anything unless you get a specific recommendation from someone who knows the apt. There are also very few units that would fit a party that size but you could split up into 2 or more units.

Here is one apt. I know of that's large enough and know people who've stayed there and were happy. It only rents for a week, but since they seem to have no bookings for March, you might be able to strike a deal. http://www.vrbo.com/115235

The other safe option is to find a suite hotel that fits your party and your budget. The Best Western Hospitality has some 1 & 2 bedroom suites. The Salisbury is a good budget suite hotel. They have a few 2 bedroom suites (phone for those) but mostly 1 bedrooms. The Fitzpatrick is running a sale on travelzoo.com http://hotels.travelzoo.com/new-york-hotels/526088
The Affinia.com hotels are some of the nicest suite hotels in NYC. The Eastgate Towers is usually least expensive and they do have some 2 bedroom 2 bathroom suites.

3)menupages.com is a great place to get started doing your own research on restaurants. They have a features menu for kid-friendly

4) There's a Children's Museum that's ideal for your age kids http://www.cmom.org/ and the nearby Mus. of Natural History is very kid friendly and a good place for running around. gocitykids.com may have some particular events listed for the dates of your stay and they also have a list of kid friendly restaurants.

Central Park is an obvious fun place for kids - but in March you could have some mild days - or you could have a blizzard. If you get good weather check out the small zoo and kid's zoo.

Agree there are very few apartments large enough for so many people - and most are illegal and somewhat risky. mclaurie has given you good advice on hotels.

The upper west side is residential and fmaily friendly - and will have a lot of good, inexpensive places to eat. Kids usually not a problem, esp if you eat early - before 8pm.

Check out the web site of the local 24 hours news chanel - ny1.com - which usually lists specidal activities for kids (puppet shows etc) each week.

We stayed here: http://www.vrbo.com/183905 with our family. It was in the suburbs and not in New York city, so that was a big compromise, but it worked for what we wanted.

That's a valid point about staying outside of Manhattan. Here's a place I know of that's very close to Lga http://www.vrbo.com/98670

More details here http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic..._New_York.html