The borough of Manhattan is an island located in New York County that is bounded by the Hudson, Harlem and East rivers. It is home to many of New York's famous historic sites and museums, sports teams, festivals, parks, and colleges and universities. With so much to see and do, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, Manhattan is sure to have something to offer the entire family, particularly children.
At the American Museum of Natural History, children will especially enjoy the permanent exhibits in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, where they can marvel at a 94-foot blue whale model, and Dinosaur Halls, where they can see exhibit specimens of a Tyrannosaurus Rex and other dinosaurs. Kids can experience the Space Show in the Hayden Planetarium and learn in the interactive Discovery Room, where kids can explore artifacts and specimens and solve puzzles and scientific challenges. Special programs and tours also are offered.
The American Museum of Natural History is open daily, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas days; an admission fee is charged.
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th Street
New York, NY 10024
212-769-5100
amnh.org
Not your typical tour, Bike the Big Apple offers bike rides at a leisurely pace for people of all ages and all skill levels, making it an ideal activity for the whole family. Depending on the tour you take, you may bike over the Manhattan Bridge, along the Hudson River Greenway, or through Union Square, Brooklyn, Greenwich Village and Coney Island.
You can choose from half-day, full-day and customized tours that are available daily. Fees vary depending on the tour and include a bike, a helmet and a guide. A discount is available if you bring your own bike.
Bike the Big Apple
962 Sheffield Road
New York, NY 10019
201-837-1133
bikethebigapple.com
Take your children to the 5 1/2-acre Central Park Zoo where they'll enjoy seeing animals and exhibits and will participate in activities, programs and tours. Surrounded by the Manhattan skyline and the trails of Central Park, you can come close to more than 150 species from around the world, including polar bears and poison frogs. Activities include harbor seal, sea lion and penguin feedings. Youth, family, school and summer education programs also are offered.
Central Park Zoo is open every day of the year; children under 3 years old are free.
Central Park Zoo
64th and 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10021
212-861-6030
centralparkzoo.com
