My wife and I are leaving FL for the big apple for another trip, this time with kids in tow, 5 yr girl and 7 yr boy. Any ideas on stuff to do thats fun for them? Already planning on Times Sq ToysRus, Statue of Liberty, Wicked, top of empire, maybe Sony Wonderlab too... Thanks in advance for the help!

Hudson River park (along the river near battery park city) is a great area for kids. There's several playgrounds and otehr activities. ALso Central park for the zoo, carousel, playgrounds and just climbinon those rocks. They may enjoy the circle line cruise, also the Forbes Gallery on 5th Av near 13th st is great for kids. There's also a children's museum on the upper west side, not far from the Museum of Natural History (the dinosaurs are a must for any child in NYC) and Rose Center planetarium. The Bronx Zoo would also be a great day trip.

Both the statue of liberty and empire state bldg have huge lines, especially during the summer. I know kids and lines are not that compatable, maybe someone here can advise on the best time (usually first thing in the morning). An alternative to the statue would be a ride on the staten island ferry which would not be a problem at all. For some nice manhattan views for free without lines, go to the top of the SHelburne Suites hotel. It's not the empire st view, but a good view none the less.

If the girl is interested in dolls, there's the American Girl doll museum, which I think is on 5th or 6th Ave, somewhere in the 40s.

The Central Park Boat House is a great place to spend some time. You could rent a row boat and row around the "lake" ($10/hour) and/or rent remote controlled sailboats which is a lot of fun ($10/hour). There is a concession stand with food, ice cream, and adult refreshments. There's live music as well. Makes for a nice cool respite in the hot and steamy city.

I agree completely with MFNYC, especially about the Empire State Building. VERY long lines in an unconditioned corridor within the building. The Statue of Liberty isn't as bad for lines, and you stand outside rather that a stifling hot building. But you will be waiting.

You can call the Empire State Building ahead of time to find out best time to go if you have your heart set on it. The number is:
212-736-3100

They may also enjoy the Museum of Natural History, the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, a carriage ride in Central Park.

I'm thinking Wicked is probably too old for them. It is not really a kid's show -- more an adult take on themes of discrimination, corruption of power, etc. It could also be somewhat scary.

Maybe Lion King, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Blue Man Group or something would be better.

Don't know if they've been to the aquarium in FLA - but there's a great one in Coney Island. Kids always seem to enjoy the mammal "shows".

K9999's comment about the "American Girl Doll Museum" reminded me of what savy NY'ers told their kids (until the kids grew older and wised up) "FAO Schwarz is a toy MUSEUM - you can look but you can't buy anything!"

The American Girl Store is at 5th Avenue and 49th Street - heaven for your 5 year old girl - hell for your 7 year old boy. Plan accordingly. (And bring big bucks)

As always, MFNYC has great advice about Hudson River Park/Rockefeller Park near the World Financial Center - a great way to spend a few hours on a beautiful day. The playground has great water fountains/sprinklers for litte kids . . . Statue of Liberty is a long haul for little ones - take the NY Waterway Ferry, or Staten Island Ferry or the Water Taxi for a great view without the hassle. Or if your kids are above 44" tall - try "the Shark" - a 40 minute motorboat ride around NY Harbor and up the Hudson offered by the Circle Line.

The Children's Museum of Manhattan is at 212 W. 83rd St. between Columbus and Amsterdam - lots of fun, very hands on - great for that age. Central Park Zoo- also perfect for your two . . . you can skip wicked . . and Sony Wonderlab might be a bit boring for them . . .

Have fun!

WOW! THANKS so much for all the great tips... Regarding the CP zoo, I know its small and the Bronx zoo is huge, but is it worth the trek? Or is the CP zoo worth it? And any suggestions for places to eat that the kids would like?

I think the Central Park Zoo is an excellent substititue for the Bronx Zoo. Yes, it's much smaller, but if you're on vacation, you may not have much time to devote to the trek to the Bronx (about an hour each way). It would take up at least half a day. There are excellent and entertaining indoor and outdoor exhibits.

The CP Zoo is just steps off Fifth Avenue, so once you've been through it, you're easily on your way to your next interest. The carousel is nearby--really wonderful and fast--parents should ride, too.

The Central Park Zoo is definitely worth it IMO. I love the polar bears. Don't know what they're doing this time of year though. 8-) I can't advise on whether the Bronx "trek" is worth it. I guess it depends on how into zoos you are and how long a trip it is.

There is tons of info on kid friendly restos already here if you do a text search. The theme places are usually mentioned like Mars 2112, Jekyll & Hyde, etc. but they're usually very $$$ & the food's not very good (although some do enjoy the experience.)

Don't miss the old standbys like Grimaldi's in Brooklyn for pizza if you decide to walk the Brooklyn Bridge. There's also good ice cream there too. (there's so much good pizza in NY too.)

The 79th st Boat Basin Cafe is a fun spot for burgers and not too far from the Natural History Museum. Very close to the museum is Isabella's-very popular. There are lots of places in Rockefeller Center.

In my opinion the Central Park Zoo, while nice, can in no way be compared to the Bronx Zoo. The drive time, let's say from mid-town is approximately a 1/2 hour. If you take the IRT line (subway), a couple of stops gets you to the Fordham exit and from there it is an easy walk. Not that you would want to take the kids there, although plenty of kids go and seem to enjoy it, the NY Botanical Gardens is also right in the same location and is quite beautiful.

The Bronx zoo is far better than the CP zoo, both for visitors and the residents(the animals). If you've been to zoos before, the CP zoo isn't all that exciting, but the Bronx zoo is definitely so. So, in short, it is worth the trek unless you're too strapped on time.

The Bronx zoo is great, but you will want to devote half a day or more to it. The Central Park zoo might be better for kids your age. It is much smaller and can be seen in its entirety in about 2 hours or less. It is also conveniently located near other stuff you'll likely want to see.

I guess the question is how much time do you want to devote to a zoo as opposed to other NYC sites?

The zoo idea was just one of many, so it will depend on how much time we end up having... Thanks so much for the help! Any other fodorites have any ideas?

A good place for weekend brunch/lunch with a toddler, America on 18th st between Broadway and 5th av. It's large and very kid-friendly, usually a magician and or balloon animal maker there strolling about the tables.

MFNYC-- We LOVE America.. we eat there every time we go to NYC. Great tip about the magicians/balloons.. are they only there on Sat/Sun?

Not sure, my kids are now teens so we haven't been there in a while. I'm sure you can call and ask.

Hey MFNYC- While I have the ear of a NYer, do you know a cheap place to park for the week in Midtown?