Our family is planning a trip to New York in July, and we need some help. I've asked help a couple of times before and have received some helpful responses, and thought I might get some again.
Here goes...
We want to know which way would be the best way for us to go. We have a couple of weeks, but we don't know whether it would be better to fly or to drive from Missouri. Also, if you would recommend flying, which airport is the best (safest, really) and easiest to access for people not used to driving in a city of that size. I've heard some not-so-good things about the Newark, NJ, airport (not being very safe for tourists wanting to rent cars, etc.). Are they true? I would like to here some recommendations. Any help would be appreciated.

It all depends. If you want to see some country then drive. If ou want to get to NY and take full advantage of your time (so much to do) then fly. But whether you drive or fly park your car somewhere and use the subway and taxis to get around. It is hard to find parking in NY and very expensive.

Newark is the bset airport for my money. It is cheaper to fly into Newark and the second closest airport to down town. It is totally safe to rent a car there. Just don't drive around in the Newark area. Get right on the Toll road and go straight into the city. Why even bother with a car? Reserve a limo (usually only about $40. for your whole group) It will drop you at your hotel and then use the excellent transit system in NY. Between the buses, subway and cabs you can go anywhere. The Island really isn't that big. You can stay in the midtown area nd that will put you walking distance from most of the stuff you want to do. Hope this helps. Have a wonderful time.

Having grown up in NJ, I can tell you that Newark Airport is perfectly safe. Actually, the city of Newark is improving as well, with the new Arts Center and all. But, that's beside the point. However, the airport was rated the second worst airport in the country regarding on-time flights. I agree with the above post - don't bother with a car. There is absolutlely no need for it in the city. Just use transportation from the airport; your hotel may even have a shuttle.

Do not under any circumstance try to drive a car into New York City. I can not think of any sane reason to do this.
As for choice of airport, just pick which ever one gives you the best fare. If the fares are identical, choose Laguardia as it is closest to the city (you save about $10 on the cab ride).
FYI, Southwest Airlines is starting service into an airport on Long Island. This is a long drive from NYC, but the fare savings from St. Louis may be worth it.

Brian is absolutely correct: when you factor in parking; you can get to every spot in New York City faster, cheaper, and with less stress by taking mass transit. New York is one of those rare U.S. cities where is a car is not only unnecessary, it is a complete burden. Fly into whichever airport can get you the best rate, take mass transit (Carey Bus, for instance) to your lodging, and then ride the subway and cabs for your entire stay.

If you decide to drive to New York, drop off your luggage at your lodging and then park your car at long-term parking at an airport (UNLESS the hotel has good parking rates).

The New York experience demands that you arrive by plane. There is no reasonable excuse for a personal auto in NYC. Your experience will start the moment you enter a NY taxi. I vote for LaGuardia, I have landed there for 30 years, it is quick have never had a problem as a single female traveller, so I imagine your family will be fine. I would let the airfare rates be my guide. JFK is not a good idea. Just be firm about your destination in the cab, and make sure the cab porter also hears your destination. New York is having a renaissance and is the most exciting place in the world. There is something intellectually stimulating for everyone and the theatre, museums, and restaurants are beyond compare.

As great as NY is, do you really want to spend "a couple of weeks" there? And can you afford to? Have you seen much of the country? If not, why not make the drive -- from Missouri, it looks like the interstate would take you across parts of Kentucky and W. Va., beautiful country. Maybe you can make time to jog into Pennsylvania for a little Bucks County or Amish country exploring, a spin thru Philly for some history, etc. The desirability of travelling by car depends, of course, on the size/ages of the family....but it's a great way to see America, and there is SO much to see that you totally miss in a plane. Spread out a map and start dreaming/planning. But lissen to all that other advice, and do NOT drive in NY. The traffic is awful, the drivers aggressive, etc. Good luck to you!