Hi there, Looking for advise as to what are the fun places to take them..and recommendation of best location to stay at....we are coming from the topics and know it will be COLD! Thanks in advance.

You don't have a hotel yet? I think you are going to be in for a bit of sticker shock. Hotels this time of year are at their highest prices booked late, just so you know.

Go to all the hotel websites asap and find a hotel before you book your flights.

Anywhere you find a hotel in Manhattan will be fine, the subway and bus system here will get you everywhere.

I'd suggest getting a book on the city and have your guys bick a couple of things they want to see, since there is so much to see and do.

Right now the temp is 22 so it's COLD. You will need WARM
coats, hats, gloves and scarves and plan on dressing layers, especially since you are not used to these kinds of temps.

Figure the temps during the day will be in the 30's and at nigth will be in the 20's.

Of the things to see, I suggest the Central Park Zoo you can run in and out of the buildings there to stay warm. The Museum of Natural History would be a hit and there is a 3D movie there that changes daily of earth or space that is really good documentary moviemaking. There is also the planetarium attached. Out side right there is also a skating rink if the kids want to try ice skating and there are rental skates available.

Hope this helps and have a great time.

Agree that you need to get a hotel this minute. the city is bursting at the seams with tourists and finding a room (do you want a double double room - many rooms hav eonly on bed - or 2 separate rooms?) at and sort of decent price will be next to impossible.

And agree that yo have to have cold weather clothing - next week may be warmer - but that can mean highs of about 40 and perhaps 25 at night. So you each need a warm coat, hat, scarf, gloves and warm, waterproof (we haven;t had much snow yet but you never know - Buffalo has 6 feet) booties.

Things I would do with kids that age:
Top of the rock
Museum of Natural History
Central Park Zoo - and explore more of the park (if you get a warm day)
The Met (look at the web site for dep'ts they may like - Temple of Dendur, arms & armor)
Consider tickets to the Radio City /christmas spectacular or one of the kids shows: Lion King or similar
Staten Island Ferry ride (great views of Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline)
Train show at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx

If you search above you will find a lot of choices listed for kids.

But to avoid being shut out get a hotel reserved today.

There is no one best location for everyone. Given that you're coming at the most expensive and busy time of year and looking to book on such short notice for a room for 3 (or maybe 4) I'd suggest you first see what's available within your budget in Manhattan and then narrow options by location. As long as you're near a subway station, you'll be ok.

Here's a link to a holiday guide http://nymag.com/guides/holidays/

If you give us your budget - and if you're looking for a double double room, 2 separate rooms or a family suite people can make specific hotel suggestions of places htat might still have rooms left.

Thanks all....we ended up staying at the Marriot Marquis in Times Square - perfect as the shops were open 24 hours! We went Ice Skating every evening at Bryant Park...saw Radio City and the Big Apple Circus. We had a blast - we stayed 3 nights and had perfect weather and got out before the chaos with air travel. NYC rocks!

Glad it was such a good trip!