I am taking a 4 day trip to NYC with my daughters and my husband to see Spamalot and maybe another show. We are staying at the Doubletree Guest Suites near Broadway. Any recommendations for dining (lunch or dinner) or fun unique shopping areas (flea markets, boutiques, etc?) I don't want to go to anywhere too expensive for dinner, because they won't appreciate it or enjoy it. Any recommendations in Chinatown or Little Italy, perhaps? I so much appreciate any help you may be able to give!

If you need a dinner near the theaters try John's Pizzeria. It is in a former church which still retains the stained glass, balcony etc. The food is very reasonable (most entrees from $8-$15) and there is something for everyone from pizza to nicer pasta dishes. I took a group there that ranged in age from 7 to 70 year old and all were satisfied. They don't take reservations but the wait usually goes fairly quickly as there is a lot of seating.

Check out www.johnspizzerianyc.com to see the interior and a menu

John's Pizzeria - Times Square. 260 W 44th St (Between 7th & 8th) (212) 391-7560

Your girls would probably enjoy Ellen's Stardust Diner, in the theatre district (sorry, don't have address) It's pretty good diner food, and the waiters sing show tunes - it was a hit with my group of teenage girls.

Both of those restaurants sound like fabulous recommendations. Thank you so much!

What about "An American Girl Place" at Rockefeller Center? They can bring their dolls--or I think they also lend out dolls if bringing them is impossible.

Take them to Serendipity's for dessert. It's right near Bloomingdale's and they make these legendary "Frozen Hot Chocolate" sundaes. Also this place was in the movie "One Fine Day" with George Clooney & Michelle Pfeiffer!
http://www.serendipity3.com/

There is also a GIANT Toys R Us in Times Square which they might like...it has a Ferris Wheel you can ride. And of course, FAO Schwartz!
http://www1.toysrus.com/timessquare/

http://www.fao.com/home.jsp

I'd recommend Wicked as a musical for their age range. Chinatown & Little Italy aren't very nice or very scenic, honestly...but the girls might like walking around SoHo. Lots of street vendors (cheap, trendy jewelry & hair stuff) and fun stores.

Also, Dylan's Candy Bar is popular with kids. They go crazy!
http://www.dylanscandybar.com/index.jsp

Finally, one last spot that might be cute is a tearoom called Alice's Tea Cup. They really cater to little girls (and adults---my fiance and I go there all the time) and is decorated w/Alice in Wonderland stuff and they have a great tea service with tarts and scones. Could be a cute mother daughter thing!
http://www.alicesteacup.com/