We will be traveling to NYC at the end of March with 2 adults, a 17 yr old, a 11 yr old and a 1 yr old. (Yes, we know we are crazy!!) We are looking for some family activities, possibly a Broadway show, that everyone could enjoy. We had hoped the Rockettes did an Easter show but see that is not the case. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks!!

If you were planning to take the one-year-old to the theater (a bad idea in the first place), forget it. Children under 4 are not permitted into any Broadway show.
With three children spanning 16 years, you've got your work cut out in terms of planning an itinerary. It might be best to split up during the stay for concurrent activities.

Yes it is a good idea to split up and take the 2 older to a show. Be flexable and see what ones are discounted?? With a one year old- you also need to plan your getting around most subways have stairs and depending on what level your train is on- several flights. A real challenge if you have a stroller. Cabs may not take 5 people, buses would probably be your best bet. Look online at routes and determine what buses for the attractions you want. Off hand- something for everyone at Central Park and ride on the Staten Island ferry, if you have a stroller- the Brooklyn Bridge may be of interest for a stroll??

Plan your trip around the 16 and 11 year old. The one year old will not care what you do.

Some suggestions, with a child that young, eat early.

What is the gender of the kids? American Girl, Sephora, Macy's, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Madame Tussaud's, and the ship thing (name escapes me) are all good activities. Empire State building is another along with a ride on the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty.

Intrepid

Go - do you mean the Intrepid or South Street Seaport?

Good suggestions here - plus weather will probably not be too great - the Museum of Natural History would be one place you can all enjoy - from the butterfly "tent" to the dinosaurs to the planetarium space show. Splitting up - shows the older two would enjoy include Blue Man Group, Wicked, Little Shop of Horrors (they're offering discount tix if you buy soon) and Hairspray. there's also a new show, Cookin' that's great for everyone and is starting this month downtown.

Thank you cyberUK, it is the Intrepid!

Thanks for all of your help. We know we're in for a challenge! The boys are 17 and 1 and the 11 year old is a girl. The Intrepid sounds like a great idea. Any thoughts on the Circle Line? If anyone has other suggestions, please feel free! Thanks again!

A stroller is not that bad if you use a small, umbrella type. I used one for a week and went practically everywhere from the Met Museum to South Street Seaport, carrying a heavy camera - lots of subways included. Our daughter had just turned four; she probably tolerated all the sightseeing and the stroller better than most 1-year olds would, however. In fact, she loved it all. We did split for a Broadway show I wanted to see one evening. My wife (5-months pregnant at the time - and you think you are crazy) and daughter rested in the hotel that evening after a brief visit to Toys R Us. The Brooklyn Bridge would be a great walk with a stroller. I saw someone doing it with a double stroller on my last trip. Have fun.

Rather than the circle line, I'd suggest doing the small yellow boat (darn, what's that thing called?) that goes from the west end of 44th or so around the south end of Manhattan and making a stop at Brooklyn right at the Ice Cream Factory (and a block from Grimaldi's Pizza) two places that should make everyone happy. It's cheaper than the Circle Line and actually more fun in my opinion.

And yes, do not think you're taking a one year old into a Broadway theatre. It "ain't" gonna happen!!

That yellow boat is called "The Beast"

the kids will love it!!

Ummm - sorry, guys - Patrick - do you mean the New york Water Taxi? Because the Beast (which doesn't stop in Brooklyn) is a large yellow (and there is a red one too) motorboat that circles the harbor, splashes the passengers, plays rock n roll music while the crew tells bad (stupid) jokes. My 9 year old adores it - we do it at least once every summer.one beast leaves from South St. - the other leaves from 44th street. But I'm pretty sure it doesn't start until the warm weather - check on the circle line website (www.circleline.com)

If you can't see the Rockettes, you can still see Radio City Music Hall. They have a back stage tour several times a day. It's fun to see. Also, check out the planiterium and natural history mueseum if the kids are into that.

I would recomend if you want to do radio city tour and a circle line type cruise that you get an entertainment book for manhatten. You can get them on sale on the internet and it has coupons for all these "tourist" type attractions/ cruises. I use it whenever friends come to NY. With a family of four or five you'll make up the $20 cost with one use.