jkap

We're staying in NYC this weekend (5/1&2) at an up west side hotel near Central Park. Looking for interesting things - not necessarily touristy ... to do in/outside that will interest my 11 yo daughter. eating ideas also ? thanx

nytraveler

Has your daughter been to New York before? If so, what did she like/dislike? What are her interests - animals? nature? art? clothes/fashion? If yoiu provide a little more info you will get better suggestions.

The upper west side is full of good, inexpensive casual restaurants - just wander up/down Broadway, Columbus, Amsterdam and you will find tons of interesting ethnic options. th eone place I suggest you avoid is Carmine's - truly enormous portions of very ordinary food and the prices are no bargain.

Maggi

We just got back from a stay at the Lucerne on the Upper West Side. I am topping my trip report for you ("A Spring Weekend in New York City). If the weather permits you can rent bikes at the boathouse in Central Park, and have lunch there afterward. Or rent a boat and paddle around the lake and have a picnic lunch on the lawn. Make sure to see the John Lennon memorial at Strawberry Fields. Central Park is so beautiful this time of year. The cherry trees and spring blooming bulbs are everywhere. We got a big kick out of watching the dogs play at the Bethesda Fountain. Take her to Tavern on the Green at night for dinner followed by a horse-drawn carriage ride. They line up outside of the restaurant. The American Museum of Natural History is nearby and is a sure winner. If she likes the "Wizard of Oz" she would love seeing "Wicked" at the Gershwin, but don't know if tickets are still available at this late date. I would go back again this weekend if I could. Hope your weather is great and you have a wonderful time!

jkap

thanx for the suggestions ... If the weather is nice we will definitely spend some time in the park. the rest of the time is still up in the air. NYTraveler: any particular ethnic restaurants you'd reccommend ? - something not too spicy and not too expensive ?

mp

Try the new Jacques-Imos on Columbus and 77th - really good New Orleans (related to the original in NOLA) very family friendly - and not expensive at all. Nice Matin on Amsterdam and 79th. Just cruise Amsterdam from 79th to 86th - a lot of small, fun places. There's going to be a big street fair on Broadway between 86th and 96th Street on Sunday - that can be fun for kids to walk through.

mclaurie

She might enjoy Alice's Tea Cup for "tea" or just a snack (west 73rd). Isabella's on 77th & Columbus is very popular, esp. for brunch. For the ethnic, Pasha (Turkish) on 71 st & Columbus could be a fun experience. Don't know if it's open yet but the cafe at the 79th st boat basin (on the Hudson) is fun on a nice day (good burgers). Remember the museums are open late on Fri & Sat-at least the Met. Not sure about the Natural History. Also, there's the NY Historical Society on Central Park West that sometimes has interestng exhibits & there's the children's museum that I think she might enjoy.