New York City is so packed with fun things for kids that it's almost overwhelming. A good way to spend your time is to give your children a sampling of different activities--for instance, spend one day sightseeing around town taking in classics such as the Empire State Building. The next day head for one of the fabulous interactive museums, and follow that with time outdoors--say, at the Central Park Zoo. A little of each thing gives kids a taste of the vast variety New York offers.
For hands-on fun, visit the Brooklyn Children's Museum. The interactive displays cover everything from snakes to sports, and there's a special area for children up to age 5. Another exciting choice is the American Museum of Natural History, with its huge dinosaur displays and engaging activities for kids. The Children's Museum of Manhattan includes fascinating exhibits plus the opportunity to create your own art.
Don't miss the toy and game stores in New York--they offer hours of fun, even if you don't buy much. Try the wonderful FAO Schwarz, with its creative toys, interactive displays and oversize piano keys. The Toys "R" Us store in Times Square also has lively activities and demonstrations. Doll lovers will enjoy the American Girl Place with its separate boutiques, and the younger set will get a thrill from the biggest Build a Bear Workshop on earth.
If you have gamers in the family, make sure to stop at Nintendo World to find out what's new. Expect to stay a while once the kids start sampling the games.
Take a boat ride or a bus tour to give the kids an idea of the city's size and scope. Circle Line offers a 75-minute harbor tour, as well as a 30-minute ride on "The Beast," a speedboat that offers sightseeing and thrills in summer. You can also get a good view of NYC on a Gray Line tour--it's fun to see things like the Empire State Building from a double decker bus.
Get outdoors and talk to the animals. New York has great zoos and aquariums that are entertaining for adults as well as kids. Try the renowned Central Park Zoo, with its Tisch Children's Zoo that allows the young set to pet animals. If you prefer sea life, head to the New York Aquarium in Brooklyn. The fun there includes offers a close-up look at aquatic life, feedings and 4-D films.
Treat the family to live theater, a puppet show or a circus performance. Manhattan Children's Theatre puts on classic plays; puppets abound at the Charles Hayden Rooftop Theater at the Brooklyn Children's Museum; and everyone has fun at Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
