escargot

you do not use a car seat in a taxi in nyc - which I know goes against everything they tell us about safety for toddlers, but it isn't done.

I put "car seats in taxis, nyc" and 'nyc with toddlers" into the search bar and there are a lot of threads about it, plus posts about traveling with infants that you might find helpful to look through - also put in whatever else interests you like "sightseeing with toddlers, nyc" that type of thing and you might also get some good tried and true ideas !

Have fun -

johng

Random thoughts from somebody who lived in NYC for 15 years, and has returned w/ kids in tow.

5 is a tough age for NY - too big to be wheeled around, but too small to walk a whole lot, so I would agree that in general you need to downgrade a bit.

Switch AM and PM for Day 2 - you want to do the museum as early as possible unless you love crowds.

CP Zoo - a dull zoo except for the sea lion feeding and maybe the reptiles and polar bears. Also in CP, if your kid likes Stewart Little you could go to the pond near 5th and 72nd where they race sailboats. Stewart (in the book - don't know about the movie) sails on a boat there. Also go to the boat lake near Belvedere fountain and rent a rowboat. It's really pretty, plus you could see herons, turtles, falcons, etc.

Empire State Building has become a really depressing, obnoxious tourist trap where they work hard to wring every last dollar out of you. To be avoided, plus a 5-year-old can't see over the concrete wall.

The view of the Statue from the S.I. ferry, which is free, is plenty good enough.

Yes, ride the subway! Kids love that - not just for the trains but the chance to see lots and lots of interesting people up close and personal.

bugswife1

The Mets and Yankees will be in full swimg--check their schedules for a home game. Yankees stadium is easy to get to by subway--he will love that.

Consider the double decker hop on and off bus.

If you are going to the Union Square Farmers Market, walk south through the park to 13th and Broadway. Have lunch in Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Guy. Absolutely sinful.

Blue Man Group is still a favorite of 5 year olds.

Check New York City events and parks department events on line - tons of street fairs, craft shows, parades that time of year.

MelAnderson

I am going to look up the NYC transit site to see where it's most appropriate for us to take the subway. My Day 1 is still TBD...maybe a double decker hop on hop off tour depending on our flight time.

We're all chocoholics so Max Brenner sounds wonderful!

Regarding the Yankees or Mets game. Can you really get tickets easily? In Chicago, the Cubs tickets are hard to get unless you pay a broker - just wondering about that one.

bugswife1

You can get tickets for Mets & Yankees, however, they may be way up there. Won't matter much,half the fun is being there. It also depends on whom they are playing. If it is Boston, forget it.