We are arriving at Penn Station and staying at the Renaissance hotel in Times Square - is it close enough to walk or better to take a cab? If we do walk it, directions???

It's a simple nine block walk north, just under a half mile. (In NY, 20 north/south blocks equal one mile.) Your hotel is right in Times Square. If in doubt, just ask anyone for directions.

PS: That's 9 blocks north on 7th Avenue to the beginning of Times Square. Your hotel is a few blocks north of that.

Howard is correct. Lena, you really really need to get a map and understand Manhattan's street-grid system before you leave home!

The grid is really easy uptown, the higher #, the more north you go...downtown you lose the grid but just ask someone and they will help you. Most NYers are very friendly.

You want to exit Penn Station to 7th Avenue - ask which way to 7thAvenue. When you reach 7th Ave make a left and start walking uptown to 47th Street - it is 13 blocks to the hotel ( a bit less than 3/4's of a mile.) If you decide to take a taxi exit Penn Station to 8th Ave. one way northbound the direction you will be traveling. A taxi will cost around $5.

You don't mention whether or not you will have luggage with you. I would think that if you do, it would be well worth it to take the cab.

It's walkable, but also realize that cabs are really quite cheap and affordable in NYC. It wouldnt cost you much if you decide not to hoof it.

There is also a subway stop at Penn station.

Here's a quick reference guide. All the street numbers go out from 5th Ave. so if the address is 1 E 42nd St it is just to the east of 5th Ave, the higher the number the further from 5th Ave.

Most of the Avenues are one way so on the east side the odd numbers go north and the even number (2nd Ave) goes south.

5th Ave goes south.

On the west side it is reversed.

The streets the even numbers go east and the odd numbers go west.

If you think of Manhattan as a large grid, it's easier to navigate.

A couple more ideas would be the Central Park Zoo, which is great for kids and if you are up for a bit of a subway ride, go out to Coney Island and see the Aquarium. If you sign up for membership in the Conservency, and I think it's about $40 for a family, you get free admission to all the Zoos in the city, the Aquarium and get a monthly publication sent home, a nice way to remember your trip for the next year.

The Toys R Us store in Times Square has a HUGE ferris wheel inside the store that would be fun and there are lots of good places to eat in the area. We like Olie's Chineese restaurant.

If you want a bit of a birds eye view, go to the 7th floor of the Marriot right in times square, and for the price of a soda you can sit and watch the city go by, the lounge area turns.

Your daughter will LOVE the Museum of Natural History, they are doing an exhibit on chocolate now and are doing tastings. There is a new Chocolate Cafe, and have heard a good reviews of the exhibit.

Have a great time while you are here, and come back and visit.

I would take the subway going uptown and get off at the next stop, 42nd Street.