From L. Nugent, NY
As a resident of Manhattan with two children, I am constantly being asked by friends planning trips here for a list of city activities for children that won’t make an adult miserable! Instead of recreating the list repeatedly, I have the following ready to send at a moment’s notice—of course, with a city of never-ending choices, it is certainly just a starting point! It’s also a good idea to pick up a current issue of Time Out Kids – NYC for up-to-the-minute info on shows, etc.
ArtSmart (212-595-4444; www.artsmart.com): you can arrange a guide to take you on an adventure in a museum in the city.
Top of the Rock (RockefellerCenter; 212-698-2000; www.topoftherocknyc.com): Awesome views of the city from the top of Rockefeller Center. Ice Skating is also available street level in the winter months. Order tickets in advance.
Empire State Building (350 5th Ave.; 212-736-3100; www.esbnyc.com): also an observatory, but has a “NYC Skyride” that kids love. Go in the evening to avoid major crowds.
American Museum of Natural History (Central Park West at 79th St.; 212-769-5100; www.amnh.org): very cool Imax movies, Hall of Ocean Life, Hayden Planetarium, etc. Also, very good restaurant on lower level.
Wollman Ice Skating Rink (enter at 59th and 6th; 212-439-6900; www.wollmanskatingrink.com): a classic NYC experience in Central Park – skating with skyscraper views all around. You can then take a carriage ride through the park (get horse on 59th Street near 5th Ave). Also in the Park is Tavern on the Green (at West 67th St.; 212-873-3200; www.tavernonthegreen.com
Mars 2112 (1633 Broadway at 51st St.; 212-582-2112; www.mars2112.com): Restaurant that kids LOVE…food is very marginal. “Spaceship ride” to restaurant with aliens, etc. Near Broadway theaters.
NBC Studio tour and Today Show (49th Street and Rockefeller Plaza; 212-664-3700; www.nbc.com)
New Victory Theater (646-223-3020; www.newvictory.org): has some pretty cool shows, targeted at different age groups.
Theater: some of my kids’ favorites were Blue Man Group (off Broadway), Mama Mia, Wicked, and Hairspray. Best way to get tickets is through American Express Gold Card (800-448-8457)
The Beast – Speed Boat Cruise (800-533-3779; www.circleline42.com): 30 min speed boat ride around the Statue of Liberty with great music! Spring/Summer months. Some Circle Line tours are toooo long (at around 3 hours!) but these are short enough to be fun. When you check out the website, be sure to click on the Beast rides.
Sony Wonder Technology Lab (550 Madison Avenue at 56th Street; 212-833-8100; www.sonywondertechlab.com)
Serendipity 3 (225 E. 60th St.; 212-838-3531; www.serendipity3.com): fun lunch spot known for foot long hot dogs and “frozen hot chocolate”. No reservations.
SeraFina (210 W. 55th St.; 212-315-1700; www.serafinarestaurant.com): Several locations. Great pasta, pizza, etc. – really good food for both parents and kids.
Read more member tips on visiting New York City with kids
