The New York City Skyride is a 30-minute virtual tour located inside the Empire State Building. The tour, which provides an enjoyable way for children and families to experience New York City, is on a specially designed flight simulator that features an 18-foot high-definition screen for viewing. Actor Kevin Bacon narrates the virtual journey. The simulator covers over 30 city attractions in addition to the city's skyline and landmarks as seen from a bird's-eye view. A fast-track pass to the Empire State Building Observatory is included in the price of admission. Also included are two pre-shows: a history of the Empire State Building and a presentation on other city attractions.
The Shark Speedboat Tour, from Circle Line Downtown, is a 30-minute thrill ride through New York Harbor. Designed to capture the energy and excitement of New York City, the boat can hold up to 135 people. On the tour, you and your family will explore Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, the South Street Seaport, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty at speeds up to 35 mph. The tour departs from Pier 16 and operates seasonally from April to September. According to USA Today, the tour caters to children and families with on-board music and entertainment as well as a visit from the tour mascot, Sharkie. Children must be 40-inches tall to ride. Since guests can expect to get wet on the tour, it's an ideal adventure for hot summer days.
New York for Kids and USA Today recommend a Central Park movie sites' experience as a top tour for children and families. On the 3 1/2-hour walking tour, guests will go to Central Park to learn about some of the famous movies in which the park has been featured. "Serendipity," "Home Alone 2" and "Ghostbusters" are a few of the 40 movies that the tour covers. It also includes sing-a-longs to New York-themed TV theme songs and visits to the apartment building from "Friends" and backdrops to shows such as "Seinfeld" and "Ugly Betty." Tours operate daily and begin near Broadway and 51st Street.
