Jess215

Any ideas to amuse 4 little girls ages 5, 6 1/2, almost 9 and almost 11? We'll be in the fifties, West Side. Two of them will be in a dance competition, so I may may be in my own with just the 5 and 9 year olds.
Thanks,
Jess

nytraveler

How much time will you have - assuming just a couple of hours?

You could do Top of the Rock. Cab up to the south end of Central Park and do the small zoo (also has a kid's zoo). Have lunch at Ellen's Stardust Diner - with singing waitstaff.

If you have more time you could do a matinee.

lss1

NYC Times Square has an incredible Toys R Us; three levels...it is amusing just to go in and see all of the things they have. Unfortunately, it replaced the FAO Schwartz store, but the kids will like it just as well. Also the Scholastic Books main store is in NY; although the location escapes my memory right now. They have activities going on, and they are listed on the web.

paula1470

FAO Schwartz is open on 5th Ave at 58th I think. They would love it.

travelbuff

Central Park would be my best suggestion, the Central Park Zoo, the Dairy and the Carousel would be big hits with the kids.

The Museum of Natural History would also be fun on the West Side at 79th St and a vist to the IMAX Theatre would be another hit.

The American Girl on 5th Ave near Rock Center would also be fun for the girls.

ENJOY!!

hopalongmay

for food try alice's tea cup. It is a cozy teahouse on the upper west side. less touristy than any of the restaurants near times square.

http://www.alicesteacup.com/

sweettea

They'd probably also have fun at Serendipity (Frozen Hot Chocolate) and Dylan's Candy Bar (both on the East Side but not a bad walk from the west 50s if it's nice). Second Central Park Zoo suggestion and Museum of Natural History as well as Planetarium too.

Jess215

Thanks for all the great tips so far.
Jess

lss1

Serendipty is wonderful, but very expensive and a long wait. You can make reservations. I think Central Park is a splendid idea; so many options there. Also the double decker bus tour- gives you a tour of the city with hop-on/hop offs.

missypie

Jut FYI, there is a theatre at the American Girl store. I've never seen the show, but you can get a 15% discount on the tickets through
theatermania.com.

mp

If you go to Central Park, the younger ones are good ages for the small seasonal amusement park there, Victorian Gardens. it's a little pricey, but kids I know love it . . .Check it out at: http://www.victoriangardensnyc.com/info.html

Jess215

That site comes with a good little map of Central Park, too. These tips are great - thanks.
Jess

missypie

So the 6 1/2 year old competes? So few schools have companies of the little girls. We have a great Petite Company-it has won nationals two years in a row. Do you have to do her makeup? My daughter was devoted to soccer until she was 10 and didn't start dance company until 11...she was old enough that I just taught her to do her own makeup!

Will you know the competition schedule very far in advance? It makes it hard to plan things when you don't know when they'll be dancing until the last minute.