There are numerous shows in New York geared towards toddlers. As of February 2011, toddlers can enjoy "ImaginOcean," which is a glow-in-the-dark musical being shown at the New World Stage. This venue is also home to the "The Gazillion Bubble Show!," a bubble magic show filled with lasers, bubble art and dazzling light effects. More traditional shows include "The Lion King" and "Beauty and the Beast" on Broadway, though these shows might be too long for a toddler, depending on how excitable your little one is.
There are museums galore in New York City; however, if you have a toddler, seek out those that encourage him to run, play and explore his imagination and creativity to the fullest. The Staten Island Children's Museum offers interactive exhibits and hands-on workshops for kids of all ages. The Children's Museum of the Arts is geared toward kids through 12 years old and provides an interactive art house and independent art projects for toddlers.
New York City provides plenty of outdoor opportunities for little ones in need of a place to work off some energy. Central Park is the obvious option, but many parents are unaware of just how much this offers. There is the classic carousel, which dazzles kids and adults alike daily, as well as a skating rink, a catch-and-release fishing pond and an amazing model boat pond. The Pier 6 park is for toddlers only and offers lots of water fun in the summer months. Madison Square Park has performance artists for little ones and Battery Park City has storytime for kids.
There are zoos galore in New York City, with a vast array of animals to delight toddlers, including the Central Park and Brooklyn zoos. There are also places to eat and enjoy the scenery around the city, including cupcakes and milkshakes at Cake and Shake or the fabulous kids menu at Johnny Rockets. Take your toddler for a shopping trip to the Disney Store or on a double-decker bus through the heart of Manhattan.
