The American Museum of Natural History (amnh.org) contains an exhibit on just about every phase of nature on earth and beyond. Some of the highlights in the permanent collection at the museum include an IMAX theater, dinosaur bones and space shows. The Butterfly Conservatory is a live exhibit in which children walk among hundreds of species flying about. The Discovery Room is geared towards children ages 5 to 12, and offers hands-on science exploration activities.
Children of all ages can work off extra energy by stopping in at the 30-acre sports complex, Chelsea Piers (chelseapiers.com). For an hour or more, children can participate in structured classes with staff members who are sport professionals. Classes aim to help improve the playing skills of each child in attendance. Activities include bowling, ice skating, rock climbing, batting, driving golf balls and gymnastics. There is also an outdoor area for skateboarding.
Children are fascinated by fire trucks, fire houses and firemen. A renovated 1904 firehouse houses the New York City Firemen Museum (nycfiremuseum.org). The museum is complete with antique artifacts relating to the NYFD, such as a 1901 horse drawn steam engine. Safety measures are taught by retired firemen with interactive participation from the younger members of the audience. A permanent exhibit is dedicated to the firefighters that lost their lives on 9/11.
Admission is the price of a subway fare for each person riding on the Roosevelt Island Tramway (rioc.ny.gov). The aerial tram provides an unobstructed view of the NYC skyline. The tram has also been a backdrop and a supporting player in several movies, including "Nighthawks" and "Spiderman." The tram runs every day from East 59th Street and Second Avenue in Manhattan; it leaves every 15 minutes.
Most museums in New York City charge admission but entrance into the SONY Wonder Technology Lab (sonywondertechlab.com) is free. Hands-on exhibits are especially designed for specific age groups from toddlers and up. Behind-the-scenes technology is highlighted including a TV studio allowing the visitors to explore television production. There are computer animation stations, as well a robot zone. A high definition screening room seats 73 people; call in advance to secure seats in the screening room.
After dusk, the Broadway theater district and Times Square is illuminated by neon lights on billboards. There are several Broadway shows that cater to children, including Disney productions. Broadway is not that only area that offers live theatrical events. There is an abundance of theater performances all around Manhattan that are appropriate for children. Theater Mania (theatermania.com) and Playbill (playbill.com) have extensive listings of current shows.
