globalmom

On our upcoming 3 day visit to NY City I'm planning to take our children (13 and 14) to Chinatown. I'd like them to experience the uniqueness of Chinatown and eat an authentic Chinese lunch (dim sum, etc). Where are your favorite places to eat and shop there? I've been there once before but wasn't too comfortable stepping into one of the really authentic looking places there.

We are going to stay on the Upper West Side. I'm considering walking to Central Park and renting bikes to explore on Saturday morning. Would it be best to go on our own or should we take a guided bike tour?

My 13 yr old daughter is a science buff and wants to visit a science oriented museum. Is there another one besides the NYSCI in Queens? How much time should we allow for that if we end up going there?

Both my kids love music and I would like to take them to Ellen's Stardust restaurant. Would you recommend lunch over breakfast or would dinner be the most fun?

Thank you!

doug_stallings

For science museums, there's Liberty Science Center in NJ. You can get there by ferry from Lower Manhattan or by light rail from Jersey City. The PAtH goes from Manhattan to NJ.

Biking in Central Park sounds great. No need for a guided tour. Either rent a Citibike or rent from the Boathouse. The latter is probably better since Citibike is meant for short jaunts. Unfortunately the Boathose is on the east side, and most other bike rentals are near 59th on the park's SW corner. I'm not aware of anything in the UWS but perhaps near the museum of natural history?

There's a great dim sum place in the mall directly under the Manhattan Bridge on East Bradway. But I can't remember the name. There are several spots on Bowery below Canal. Everyone has a favorite. Don't be intimidated.

HappyTrvlr

Hayden Planetarium is filled with science and it's nearby.

nytraveler

Don't miss the museum of natural history - totally science - dinos, evolution, minerals and gems - and a bunch of imax movies. one of the best in the world.

globalmom

Doug, thank you! The boathouse in Central Park would work out great in conjunction with a light lunch perhaps.

Out of the science museums you mentioned, which one has more interactive/ informational exhibits on current science, ie. the way the body works, climate change and its effects, etc.?

doug_stallings

Hayden Planetarium s just tat ... About space. Liberty Science Center is an interactive science museum. But the museum of natural history is quite a place. I would not miss it either. And it's liely close to yor hotel.

nytraveler

Check out activities at Nat'l Hist - although I think most are for younger kids - but it's an incredible experience, esp when paired with the planetarium.