NYC: with an 8-yr-old boy
 

We will be in NYC for a long Columbus Day weekend and would like suggestions for things to do at night. We may go to Wicked, but probably won't stay out that late.

Perhaps an entertaining restaurant? What about local productions...like at a school or community theater (especially for children)? Any ideas will be appreciated. Thanks.

For a restaurant a kid would like go to Ellen's Stardust Diner - regular diner fare - but singing wait staff.

For specifics for that weekend go to the website of the local news channel: NY1News. They have special every weekend on what to do with kids. Also - check Lincon Center web site - they sometimes have specia programs for children.

And then there's always the Museum of Natural History - look now - they often have prorms, classes or special activities (origami class, interactive exhibits etc.)

My 8yr old likes the ESPN Zone (sports theme rest)and Mars 2112(alien/space theme rest)
Chelsea pier has LOTS to do.
New Victory Theater has all kids productions/shows/events.
Dont forget the Circle Line around Manhattan and the NY Childrens Museum.
OH, also Central park
You have tons of choices! Have fun!

Those are exactly the kind of leads I needed. Thanks. I'll keep an eye on NY1 as the time gets closer.

I can't find info on whether this would appeal to a child of his age or not, but you might want to look into this very small magic show at the Waldorf Astoria if you'll be in town Friday night. The shows are at 7 and 9, so if you went to the first show you wouldn't be out too late. http://www.chambermagic.com/

National Comedy Theater has improv comedy shows at 7:30 and 9:45 on both Friday and Saturday, so again not too late. They are considered a "clean" comedy show, with all ages welcome. Might feel like a more "grown up" activity to your son without being too old for him.

http://www.manhattancomedy.com/

For other show ideas (not sure how late some of these are):

New Victory Theatre www.newvictory.org (aims specifically at kids)

Slava's Snow Shoe http://www.newyorkcitytheatre.com/th...r/theater.html

Drumstruck (everyone in the audience gets to drum too) http://www.theatermania.com/content/...fm/show/111350

Stomp http://www.theatermania.com/content/show.cfm/show/39

Also, the Empire State Building at night is great for views. You could do a night time boat ride, like the Beast (or a 2 hour harbor lights cruise, if he would like it, but not all kids would).

You might also look into what is showing at the two IMAX theaters in Manhattan. You can find listings by going to www.imax.com

There's a popular magazine in town called Time Out, and they publish a magazine called "Time Out Kids." You should get a copy of it. They have all of the listings for the week for things to do in the city with kids.

If he likes baseball and the Yankees are home, I would recommend that.

Agree with all the advice you've gotten. There's a website gocitykids.com where you can put in his age and get age appropriate activities. They also have a calendar you can check for those specific dates.

I think your son would enjoy Blue Man Group as much or more than Wicked.

Take him to see Slava's Snow Show!!! It's impossible to describe in words, but it's an off-broadway theater production about a group of clowns. The whole show is interactive, and it "rains" and "snows" on the audience. Your son will LOVE it, as it's an incredibly interactive show. I took my 8 year old god-daugther, and it was PACKED with children.

www.snowshowusa.com

Kids love Stomp, it always plays at the Orpheum Theatre which is great old, intimate venue. There is also a great little Italian place, right around the corner for dinner.

If you are in the village area, stop in the Forbes Gallery (5th Av and 13th St). It's one of my son's favorites.

New Victory is a great idea. It's geared for kids that age and they do nice productions at a very reasonable price.

This entire thread is super!!! I'll have more time to Google & follow the links this weekend. We were just talking this morning about a magic show...and now I see jlm_mi posted a magic show! You guys are great.

Thanks...keep 'em coming.

Two suggestions (the 1st one is obvious):

* American Museum of Natural History

* Belevedere Castle in Central Park

Gekko - They are particularly looking for what to do at night according to the first post.

You 'may' go to see Wicked? If you don't have tickets already, you are not going to see Wicked.
Try Putnam County Spelling Bee, maybe you will get seats.
Empire State Building at night is the best.
Little Italy for dessert at night

Bugswife, did you know you are quoted in the Fodors NYC 2006 book? Howard is quoted for a statement about MoMA and you are quoted at front of one of the chapters about a ballet you saw at Lincoln Center that took your breath away...

And JeanneB, I took my son to Mars 2112 when he was 9 and it was just awful for both of us, inedible food, awful service, screaming smaller kids, and my martini had bubbles in it from soap suds or something. Yuk, big time. We ran out.

He was so exhausted after our full days on that trip that he was ready to crash earlier than I anticipated, after a low key dinner.

Has anyone mentioned Toys R Us in Times Square, which has the cool ferris wheel inside and the cool magic trick area where they usually have a person demonstrating magic tricks that are simple 9and of course they sell them) and is open late? He's sure to enjoy that one evening, unless you are planning that for a day visit.

are you meat eaters? If so, two fun types of cuisine which kids love, and which are not necessarily common outside of New York, are Korean and Brazilian. Korean barbeque is cooked at the table. The menu can be very confusing, but if you like beef, then order bulgoki and kalbi. Pick up a Zagat's book and i'm sure you can find one to go to. The best Brazilian in the city is Churrascuria Plataforma, with two locations, one near the theater district and one downtown somewhere. They serve rodizio, which is skewers of meat brought around in rotation to your table -- they keep bringing them around until you've had enough. also have a huge salad bar.

My son aged 9 enjoyed everything we did but really enjoyed the Pokemon centre by Rockefeller plaza, Toys'R'Us, Herscheys, a trip to the top of the 'Rock', top of the Empire State, Museum of Natural History, Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island, Times Square at night & anywhere else that meant he could stay up late.

Pokeman Center----BINGO! He will definitely want to go there. Is it like an arcade?

All the others were on our list except Top of the "Rock". Is there an observation level at the top of Rockefeller Center? I didn't know that. Oh, wait. What is Herscheys?

Top of the Rock is an observation deck, and it's been open a little less than a year, I believe. http://topoftherock.com/main_index.html

I believe the previous poster meant "Hershey's", the chocolate company. They have a store in Times Square. It would probably appeal to an 8 year old, but there is definitely better chocolate to be had elsewhere in Manhattan. ;)

If he's into Pokeman, and possibly comic books, anime, action figures, etc., take him to Forbidden Planet on Braodway and 13th St. It's a 1 of a kind store.

nytraveller suggested Ellens Stardust Diner. Do they sing at lunchtime?

They sing all the time - even breakfast. :)

Ellen's Stardust over Mars2112 any day. Kids are entranced, the staff is friendly - and the diner food is good, too. My last time there, they seated us downstairs because there wasn't room in the main dining area. There was less of a crowd and it felt much more intimate; our waiter sang "Sweet Caroline" to my friend's daughter of the same name, it was so cute!

My 7 year old nephew loves the AMNH (nat history museum), the Toys R Us store, and running around Central Park. Toys R Us is definitely a good evening option as it's open late. They have a Legos area where you can make your own customized bag of pieces in a wide range of colors - difficult to drag the kids away! ;)

If you don't make it down to Forbidden Planet, there's another large comics store in Herald Square (33rd Street I think?), though I can't remember the name of it...

Oh, and my nephew loves riding the subway - can't get enough of it! :D

That's a good point about the subway. Actually, I would think a kid that age would love being "in charge" of or helping figure out which subway line to take and which direction (uptown or downtown), then finding the way in the station. Obviously mom or dad should also know the right answers in case the kid gets confused, but good for learning, and excellent to feel smart enough to do it. :)

Pokemon centre is a small 2 floor shop that sells Pokemon related items & you can play the latest PSP & gameboy samples. Whilst I was there a full blown tournament was on - The adults were more enthused than the kids.
I don't particulary like Hershey chocolate myself but the shop is one of a kind with its Wonka shute. We did spend a bit on chocolate & they have the Times Square bag to go with every purchase.
If you are not too squeamish you might try a walk past the shops in Chinatown where live crabs & other live animals are on show for tonights main meal.

emd - thanks for the info. do they actually put your name in the book? interesting

My nephew really enjoyed Jeckell and Hydes, food is not great but if he is into scary things he might like it.

i suggest Vynl Diner on 9th and 50th because a) its decorated really cool (check out the bathrooms!) b) they play awesome music, and the menus are old vynl records c) the food is delicious and inexpensive and d) it is NOT a tourist trap, its wear the locals go for a fun dinner. Your kid will like it and so will you... in fact, I may go right now for some lunch...

Enjoy NYC!!!

Lori

bugswife, yes they do. They quote you and put "bugswife" or "bugswife1" (I think you use both and I can't recall which one the quote is credited to) next to it. Your very own 15 seconds of Fodors fame!