Hi--I have looked at lots of prior threads but many are from years ago. So, a few questions re next week Christmas trip with an 8 yr old LA boy (we have tix for Wicked and Rockettes):
--Will there be huge lines at Jeckyll and Hyde and Mars 2112 which he is dying to see? Any other interactive eating places to recommend?
--Huge lines for lunch at Rockefeller Ctr ice skating and cafe on Xmas eve? Fun alternatives for lunch after Rockettes?
--He likes Eloise--should we do tea at the Plaza?
--Is Queens MOMA worth it if we are in Queens anyway?
--We are doing the Guggenheim because of Men In Black--any similar locales you can think of for boy interest?
--Little Italy Xmas lights worth it? Best food?
--Any soda fountain besides Serendipity and Dylan's?
Thanks a million!

I am not sure about Mars 2112 at Christmas. There was quite a crowd when we went on a Saturday night last year in April, but we didn't have to wait for a table. It is a pretty big place. There was a very long line for the space ride. As far as I know, all the Little Italy Christmas lights were up a few weeks ago when I visited. The ones I saw weren't anything out of the ordinary and wouldn't be worth a trip for the lights alone.

I'm sorry I can't help with those specific questions, but did want to offer another suggestion - The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. It's a great place on an old aircraft carrier with lots of planes to see, but specifically now I'd love to go - they just got a concorde aircraft!

Here's the website: http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/

It is mostly outdoors, so keep weather in mind when planning your trip there.

Put the American Museum of Natural History at the top of your list--the Planetarium show, the dinosaurs, etc., etc., etc.

This seconds the Museum of Natural History reco. Kids always love this - in fact, in New York all elementary school kids take a feidl trip here. Besdies the planetarium and the dinosaurs they have a great mineral and gem exhibit (some hands-on) if he's interested.

Also, just across the river in New Jersey is the Liberty Science Center which is very interactive and great for kids.

Hope this helps.

Sounds like a fun trip. If he loves Eloise, do tea at the Plaza. Even if you don't have tea, go inside and wander around (the gift shop has lots of Eloise 'stuff'). Home Alone 2 (I think--or was it 3??) was filmed at the Plaza so rent that ahead of time and he'll get a kick out of seeing familiar things when you visit. There's a Fodor's post about a 'slacker' boy visiting NYC that you might want to check out. Even though an 8 year old and 16 year old obviously have way different interests, there are some suggestions that you might like. Have a fun trip!

Other interactive eating places- ESPN ZONE if he likes sports. Not sure he'd like tea at the Plaza but you could certainly walk around the lobby. The Plaza now has something called Young Ambassadors Club after the success of Eloise & Home Alone 2. Look at info here

http://www.plazaypa.com/whatis.html

Try to go to FAO Schwartz since it's closing soon.

As a Manhattan resident and mother of a nine year-old boy, I can give you a bit of advice about Jeckyll & Hyde & Mars 2112. He will love them. You will not. Yes, they will be packed - go as early to opening time as possible, or you could hit a quiet time around 3:00 or so . . . Eat as little as possible . . . There is also a lower key, smaller but still interactive Jeckyll and Hyde downtown on 7th Avenue and W. 4th Street. - easier to get into, but not quite the same experience.
For lunch after the Rockettes, if you want nice - try Citerella on 6th Avenue, or Judson Grill 0n 52 & 6th - both good places, but still kid friendly

He will most probably really like the Planetarium show at the AMNH and the dinosaurs are usually a big hit - you can easily spend 4 hours there before museum overload sets in. The Met is spectacular at Christmas - really fun to see the tree there - and the Temple of Dendur and the sarcophogi (spelling?) along with the Arms & Armor and the fountains in the American Wing are wonderful, too.
For a bit more interactive exercise in midtown, you could try Lazer Tag - another parents hate, kids adore place - arcade games and chase around a maze and shoot each other with pretend lazer guns.
If your boy is really into art then MOMA QUEENS is definitely worth it - it's pretty easy to get to, but traffic getting back into Manhattan can be bad - check the MOMA website for train directions - really the best way to get around . . ..
Just walking down 42nd St will excite him - of course there is also Madame Tussauds and lotsa disney stuff - but also you could check out The New Victory Theatre which is great - the show now is Circus OZ - a great Australian troupe that does amazing acrobatics and really fun stuff.
There is also the Big Apple Circus behind Lincoln Center - great fun (a little pricy) but worth it. Have fun!

Thanks much for all your help. I am a NYC girl born and bred, so Museum of Natural History dinos and Met Tree are definitely on the list. Also Sony Wonder Lab sounds good. Circuses are a great tip. Can't wait to just walk around and have my son just feel the electricity in the air!

I just went to the Christmas model train exhibit at the Citigroup building (53rd and Lex?). I wish I had a little boy to bring with me, it was such fun! Instead I brought Mom, Dad, and boyfriend, who all got a kick out of it. It's very intricate, with little villages, people, tny lights, and lots of moving parts. A must-see, especially because it's FREE!

Another free thing to occupy kids is the 10-minute (?) laser light show every half hour at Grand Central (in the main room, on the ceiling). After seeing the show, go to the lower level and grab a bite at the food court. That way your boy can eat his kiddie food and you can get whatever YOU want, like some nice Indian food or a slice of cheesecake.