NYC with Kids.....HELP!!
 

A whole bunch of us are planning to go to NYC during the summer for 5 to 7 days. There are 3 families with kids aged 4 to 13. Just wondering what the best places to go to keep them busy. Thinking of some museums, but which ones would you recommend.

Are there places in Central Park to go that are kid friendly?

Any other kid friendly ideas would be greatly appreciated. We have already earmarked Empire State Building, Liberty and a broadway show, but are there any other things that you can recommend.

If you do a search on NYC on this board you will find more posts and suggestions than you will have time to do.

Also get a book or two and let the kids pick things they would like to see. That way you get them involved in the planning.

The Central Park Zoo would be a fun day for everyone. And if you join as a family you would have passes to the Bronx Zoo and the Aquarium for the next year as well as a monthly magazine sent to your home.

My sister-in-law came to visit with my two nephews last fall: Central Park was definitely the highlight for them. We picked up picnic supplies from Zabar's and bagels from H&H (on the upper West Side, and classic NY--so appealing to adults) and then picnic'd in the park. In general, while we love lower Manhattan, we found it easiest with the kids in upper Manhattan (and the playgrounds and open space in the Park) were definitely part of that--constant options for respite. There's also a small zoo in the park that everyone might enjoy.

Another fun option in good weather? Renting bikes--ride along the west side parkway and riverside park; stop for lunch by battery park with a view of the Statue of Liberty.

No doubt others will recommend the American Museum of Natural History. It's a full day. And I love going to the roof deck at the Met in the summer and checking out the skyline.

Have fun!
Ashley
www.hitherandthither.net

where are u coming from?

The Museum of Natural History is probably the most popular for kids. It's also the one that "Night at the Museum" is based on so all families should watch this movie before coming. The Children's Museum is good for the younger kids (4-6).

The ice rink in Central Park becomes rides in summer, so that's fun for the younger kids. http://www.victoriangardensnyc.com/ The carousel and the zoo are also good fun in Central Park. For the older kids, you might want to take them kayaking on the Hudson or fishing in Central Park. I think you'll have to be careful about doing too much together stuff as the older kids may be bored by younger kids' stuff and vice versa.

gocitykids.com has some good information in general and by date. Have you sorted out accomodation already?

There are a ton of things in Central Park including a small zoo, a lake for boating and bike rentals. Look at the website of the Central Park Conservancy.

Museum of Natural Hist is most popular with kids - also look at the website for that and the Planatarium.

The will also like:
The Met - has something for everyone (check out the Egyptian department, Temple of Dendur, Costume Institute, arms & armor etc)
Touring the intrepid
Top of the Rock
Touring the Intrepid
Staten Island ferry (free and view of SoL)
Another boat ride - perhaps the Shark if no the Circle line
The older ones would love a Broadway show but someone would have to sit with the younger
Depending on what else you do you might want to see the real zoo- but it's in the Bronx and would take the whole day]
Many suburban kids think just riding the subway is cool

For dining you might want to go to Ellen's Stardust - just basic diner fare but the singing wait staff is fun

Whatever you do avoid the chain/theme restaurants near Times Square - the food is awful and the prices high

Go to Zabars and get food to go for a picnic in Central Park

Also if you look above NYC for kids will have a lot of info.