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!

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!