NYC with Kids at Christmas
 

Hi, <BR> <BR>My husband and I are taking our four children (6-14) to NYC next week. We are staying at the Hotel Delmonico. Any info about the hotel and things to do would be GREATLY appreciated! Already have tickets to Radio City, but that is about it. Have been studying the travel books and even more confused! Also, what is the best Transport from LaGaurdia? With six people, I am not sure if a cab will take us? <BR>Thanks in advance for your help! Happy Holidays to All! <BR> <BR>Kim

Two cabs is still probbly cheaper and more convenient than one of the buses from the airport. With the airport to hotel buses, sometimes you need to change buses at Grand Central station, and this is a pain, too. <BR>Even though it's cold, I'd try to get the kids onto the water. Cheapest is the Statan Island Ferry, but some of the other tours are a good deal, too. <BR>Assuming you are Americans, seeing the Statue of Liberty is a big deal. I'm not American,. and still try to see it on every visit. <BR>South Street Seaport and Rockefeller Center and the big Christmas tree are worth seeing, and the Trump Tower stores are worth a visit, as is the dozen blocks of Fifth Avenue south from Central Park. <BR>There's probably a museum withsomething of interest forech kid, but the safest bet is probably either the Museum of Modern Art (has a helicopter and a car) or the Metropolitan Museum. <BR>Carnegie Deli is worth a visit; kid friendly and famous, plus the food is very good. <BR>Make sure everyone has comfortable shoes, and be prepared to split the family up with mom and some kids going one place and dad and the rest of the kids going somewhere else. <BR>If you are rich, take a helicopter tour. <BR>The top pf the Empire State Building is worth the visit. <BR>TIP: kids like to go places that are famous, and that they will see later on television or in books and magazines, and say "I was there" <BR>I like the Tennessee Mountain House in shoho for family friendly service and great ribs. Look also for a restaurant called America, with huge portions, friendly service, and a size and feel to it that's huge, on a new York grand scale. <BR>BAK

The previous poster has given you a lot of good suggestions. Rockefeller Center and the tree are a must, along with the windows at Lord & Taylor, Saks and other stores on Fifth Avenue. If it's not too cold and the sun is out, take the Circle Line cruise around Manhattan. <BR>In addition to the show at Radio City Music Hall, there is also a well received 90-minute live musical production of "A Christmas Carol" in the Madison Square Garden complex. <BR>As for museums, the best one for children is the Museum of Natural History. You'll love it, too.

Many TV shows are live or on tape here--MTV in Times Square, SAturday Night Live, Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Rosie O'Donnell, game shows. Your kids may be too young but you can take a tour of NBC studios at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, or stand outside the morning shows. (A clever sign or costume will help get you on TV). Don't forget the classics, like the tops of buildings, Chinatown, and the Statue of Liberty--but dress in layers. A U.N. tour is great for older kids. So is a ride in doubledecker tour bus (dress warmly and it is fun!) And at your peril, FAO Schwarz toy store on Fifth Avenue.

I love NYC at Christmas time!!! Last year I saw "A Christmas Carol" at Madison Square Garden, it was fantastic. The theatre had the feeling of a ballpark, not stuffy or boring for children. Rockerfeller Center is great to visit, very crowded though--just stick together. Ice skating in Central Park always sounded fun. Never got around to it so I dont know prices, times, etc. (sorry!) South Street Seaport is a good suggestion--shops, good view of the Brooklyn Bridge. In fact, that's where I got on the Circle Line tour (expensive but very informative, funny narrator/guide on board). The mall at Pier 17, South Street seaport is a lot like any other mall in america I thought. I've heard only good things about the immigration museum at Ellis Island (I'll make it there on my next trip). Oh, and one thing I would avoid on a weekend is Macy's--so crowded you can hardly breathe, much less keep track of a family. Like everyone else mentioned, dress warmly--I'm used to the cold, and dont mind winter weather, but the wind is another story. I hope you have a wonderful time, the city is magical at this time of year!

I live on the upper east side and the location of your hotel (on Park Avenue) is a great location for walking/shopping/wandering. Do not go downtown (south street seaport, world trade center, stock exchange) on a weekend/holiday. It is abandoned--stay midtown. If you go to statue of liberty or ellis island, bite the bullet and do it first thing in the morning/weekday and take the ferry back so you can easily hit the stock exchange and south street seaport. Uptown...You won't believe how the times sq. area is cleaned up. On fifth avenue near your hotel is prime shopping even with kids (many story disney store, etc). <BR>Have fun <BR>

I can not thank you all enough! These are wonderfuld ideas, that will be put to use! Hope you have a great holiday!

Just arrived back from New York. Here are the things my eleven year old son loved: <BR> <BR>1) Ice Skating in Central Park at the Wolman Rink <BR> <BR>2) The Zoo in Central Park <BR> <BR>3) The Empire State Building <BR> <BR>4) The Kenny Kramer Seinfeld tour