The Children's Museum is rife with activities that promote fun and learning at the same time. Featured exhibits, such as Adventures with Dora and Diego or TOYS: The Inside Story, will engage your hands-on toddler, and Mom or Dad might learn something, too.
City Splash, from May to October, offers all sorts of fun ways to use water, including a "puddle patch" and a stream for boats.
Some exhibits change every five months or so; you'll want to check the Web site or call for more information.
One other thing to remember: the museum can get crowded on rainy days, so if you like to avoid places teeming with exuberant children, you may want to go when it's sunny.There are other children's museums in Brooklyn and Staten Island, so if your toddler is a real museum fan or you're staying closer to one of those, you may want to check them out as well.
Children's Museum of Manhattan
The Tisch Building
212 West 83rd Street
New York, N.Y. 10024
212-721-1223
cmom.org
Central Park Zoo
64th Street and Fifth Avenue
New York, N.Y. 10021
212-861-6030
centralparkzoo.com
The consummate toy store, showcased in movies such as "Big" (your toddler's likely never heard of it), is chock full of toys for all ages and interests. Brands include Alex Toys, Chicco, Melissa and Doug, Playmobil, Madame Alexander, Learning Resources and others. Certain toys are available only at FAO Schwarz and may make for good trip souvenirs if you want to spend the money.
The store's Grand Hall has more than 20,000 computer-controlled lights. Then there's the huge, walk-on piano keyboard and "FAO Schweetz", with its hundreds of candy varieties.
FAO Schwarz
767 5th Ave. at 58th Street
New York, N.Y. 10153
212-644-9400
fao.com
