TPAYT

So many choices. Which boat ride would you suggest for 12 yr. olds?

We'll probably do the usual (Empire State, Ground Zero, Times Sq. etc) as the kids have never been to New York) but if you have any special things your kids liked, I'd be happy to hear about them.

tchoiniere

I have done the 2 hr (Semi-Circle) and 3 hr (Full-Island) tours by Circle Line. You see all the main sights from the 2 hour cruise but I still liked the 3 hour cruise better as you will end up in the wider portions of the Hudson and see how open it really is. Either one was good though.

For 12 year olds though, take a look at the Beast
https://ticketing.circleline42.com/w...ruises&C=beast

BigAleinstein

Personally I think these rides are dreadfully dull. I would just take the Staten Island ferry past the Statue of Liberty. Take the ferry when it gets dark. It is wonderful to watch the lights grow brighter as you approach Manhattan and it is free.

SueNYC

The World Trade Center Site has a memorial to those who perished on Sept 11th. I don't know how old your children are but if they are under twelve I would talk with them before hand and do the locals boat ride, the Staten Island Ferry.

http://thestarryeye.typepad.com/expl...t-11-2012.html

nytraveler

I think the 3 hour Circle Line is too long (and we did it as our 7 th grade - 11 year old) class trip back in the ice age. The 2 hour is plenty if you want a trip with commentary.

I would also consider the free Staten Island ferry - about 1.5 hours round trip across the harbor and back - but it's really for commuters - so no commentary.

Have not done the Beast - would check where it goes and what you see.

Also - don;t forget to visit the Intrepid and the Museum of Nat'r Hist - both always big hits with kids.