Cecilia

We are planning to go with our 5 and 7 years old kids to New York City. We want activities that ineterests both parents and kids, we plan: Lion King, Blue man group Metropolitan, Museum of Nat. Hist. riding bicicles at central park , Rockefeller center, Children's museum of Manhattan. Are we missing something important for them? and Do's anyone recomend us restaurants where we can eat delicius (I donīt care expensive) but suitable for children? (Italian, japanise, french or international food). Thanks in advance

em

You have lots of good ideas. When r u coming? How snobby r u about food?
For ex, kids love Benihana's--allegedly japanese food(chefs cook at the table & tossfood in the air); must eat in Chinatown--Golden Unicorn is nice, almost any place has good food, wander around; kids love Ellens Stardust cafe & stick to Ruben sandwiches, rootbeer & meatloaf (51 & bwy)-singing waiters & patrons, lots of fun; Tavern on theGreen for brunch or lunch; Sapphire Indian (63rd /Bwy?) has a great lunch buffet;
L'Ulivo's in Soho is fine for kids & has yummy Italian; Noccello is good in the theatre district; Pizza Jt 2 on 71 near Columbus has great pizza & burgers in a friendly neighborhood plain place.
I am not sure about bikeriding in central pk for that age; roller blading in the park mall is good; ice skating at Walman Rink is neat; bowling at chelsea piers; do walk aroung broadway area & Rock center after dark---very beautiful. By the way,central park has 2 adjacent zoos that are both charming &
fun for kids. Sony Wonder is a big hit with many--lines? You will have a ball.
PS I like the advice in TIMEOUT NY, t

Caitlin

If you have a day to make of it (and are coming when it's warm enough), consider the Bronx Zoo, which has an excellent gorilla exhibit and a great butterfly tent (you're inside with free-flying butterflires), and much more. Sometimes they move the butterfly exhibit to the Museum of Nat History for the cold season. If you're willing to spend the money, the kids would probably get a kick out of a carriage ride in Central Park. I also recommend a Circle Line Harbor cruise to see the city from the "outside," and either the World Trade Center or Empire State Building for the view from up very high.

The John's Pizzeria in midtown (40s) in a converted church is beautifyl and very kid-friendly, with good New York-style pizza to boot.

annk

You also might put America on your restaurant list. The brunch there is wonderful and the portions are HUGE. During brunch there is a magician that walks around and does magic "in your face", he is really good and the kids will be asking "How did he do that?"

The kids will LOVE Lion King, it is one of the best shows I have ever seen, and I think they would like Blue Man Group as well.

I would suggest getting a copy of New York Magazine before you get here and let the kids read some it so they get some ideas of what they would like to see, helps to get them involved in the planning.

Also put a ride on the Staten Island Ferry on your list, at night you have a great view of the Statue of Liberty and the ride is free.

Have a great time.

ElisaK

A great place to eat with kids is Mars2112, on Broadway (just north of 51st St., I believe). Good food, and definitely a fun experience. It's a theme restaurant (about Mars, obviously), so the walls are red rock, and there's an overall alien/space theme. You even take a "ride" to Mars before entering the dining area - the kids would love it.

I've heard that it can get busy during peak hours, but when I visited I went for an early lunch and didn't have any wait at all.

steve

Your kids would probably enjoy eating at Serendipity 3 near Bloomingdales--whimsical decor and lavish desserts are the drawing cards. They might also enjoy one of the restaurants in Central Park: the famous Tavern on the Green or the Boathouse Cafe. Sarabeth's(several locations) is a very "family friendly" restaurant and is especially good for breakfast or brunch. If you're on Madison Ave. and want a quick bite there are a couple of old fashioned coffee shops called Viand.
Trattoria Del Arte and Red Eye Grill are next to each other across from Carnegie Hall and both have pretty extensive menus. The kids might also enjoy one of the New York delis-the Stage, Carnegie, Katz's or Second Ave are the most well known. If you want to spend a bit more money Osteria del Circo(owned by same family as the famed Le Cirque) has good Italian food and interesting(circusy) decor.

alien

Mars food is lousy & its mostly an arcade. Warning earthlings!

howard

You gotta take them to FAO Schwartz's on Fifth Avenue and 59th Street!

GOL

Bronx Zoo.
NY Aquarium.
ESPNZone has an arcade on the 3rd floor which kids and adults might like.

Marj

downtown places (union Sq/Village area):
America - huge place, huge menu, very lively and kids -friendly, has strolling magician and/or balloon person for sunday brunch/lunch.
Also Cowgirl Hall of Fame, Chat & chew, John's pizza on Bleecker ST (related to the other johns). Patsy's Pizza (has exc. pizza, pasta and salads), Osso Buco (family-style italian), any chinese (they're usually kid friendly). most little italy/chinatown, the food is generally ok, not great but it's just fun for the lively atmosphere. sequoia at the seaport.

marj

forgot to mention, climbing rocks in central park. outdoor entertainment constantly at washington sq park. if you're in the village, the forbes gallery, it's well worth checking out, kids like all his collections (toy boats, soldiers, monopoly boards, abe lincolns top hat, hist. docs, etc). hudson river park, if weather permits.

jhm

Jekyll and Hyde theme restaurant -- never been, but know lots of other kids who loved it. If you're around when Cirque du Soleil is here, that's another good one. Serendipity and Mars 2112 are good for kids. Definitely check out a show at the Planetarium, and try to get to the Bronx Zoo if you can. They might like a bus tour to see everything without walking their little feet off! Have fun.