Luckily, NYC, has just about all there is to offer in terms of attractions, restaurants and shops (..and everything else....), so finding activities for children to do isn't too difficult. And, I've found, that if your child is well behaved the doors are open to them just about everywhere (bars and club excluded- a shame, I know). I thought I'd make a list of fun things for kids, and parents alike, to do. If your child is not well behaved... May I suggest leaving them at home?
1. Museums
Sure, kids may think they don't like museums, but if you take them to the right one they'll have a great time! My father lived in NYC when I was younger and we would go to museums and galleries all the time and look how cool I turned out! The best, in my opinion, is the American Museum of Natural History. Filled with reconstructed dinosaurs, taxidermied animals (not as creepy as it sounds), butterflies and a planetarium any child or adult is guaranteed a great time.
Other great ones are the Children's Museum of the Arts (where your child can participate in creating different art projects- a great way to stimulate the mind!), the Children's Museum of Manhattan and, if you find yourself in BK, The Brooklyn Children's Museum.
2. Central Park
While it might not be the warmest place to venture, Central Park is a must see for any one's visit to the Big Apple. Not only is it an incredible forest amongst the hustle and bustle of the skyscrapers and touristy shopping of 5th Avenue, but there are also fun things to see and do! The first stop should be the Alice in Wonderland sculpture on the East side- fun to climb and pose with and we all love the story of Alice!
While it might not be the largest zoo in the world, the Central Park Zoo is one of my favorites. You can take a leisurely stroll through it and see seals, monkeys and birds without the hassle of trekking it to the larger and more impressive Bronx Zoo.
In the summer you can float miniature sailboats in a fountain and go row boating, in the winter ice skating at Wollman Rink.
3. Broadway
Seeing a Broadway show is a great attraction in New York, and one children can appreciate as well! Shows come and go so it's best to check out websites like Broadway.com to see what is playing while you are in town. but The Lion King has been playing for quite some time and is a visually innovative and original take on the Disney cartoon. Wicked, the story of Wizard of Oz as told by the Wicked Witch, is very funny and Mary Poppins is another Disney classic worth a re-visit. And then there's Spiderman....
4. The High Line
When the weather's nice The High Line is a great place to take the kiddies. Originally an above ground subway track, it has now been transformed into a fun boardwalk. Starting at Gansevoort and ending at 30th Street, it has water fountains, benches, foliage and artwork. The view of the West Side is interesting if you want to talk a walk along the boardwalk, or you can just sit and relax on one of their lounge chairs. During the summer The Lot, an area underneath the 30th Street entrance, has different pop-up events such as a roller skating rink and food and beer trucks. Fun and Games!
5. Fun Restaurants
While most children can eat at any restaurant without a problem (maybe not Hooters...) there are a few that are extra special!
Serendipity 3 is known for their kitschy decor, gigantic hot chocolates and long lines. Definitely a good time.
Jekyll & Hyde Club Club is a one-of-a-kind experience. While the food is hardly gourmet (burgers and fries) the atmosphere takes you to a creepy other-worldly time. With cool decorations and actors dressed in costume throughout the place it is an experience. The-tongue-in-cheek comedy throughout takes away the scary factor.
Benihana is a Japanese restaurant that specializes in hibachi while entails the chef chopping up veggies and meat on a grill and cooking it right in front of you. They play around and toss food about in an entertaining way which adds to the enjoyable experience.
Ninja is another Japanese restaurant, this time with...Ninjas! Prepare yourself for surprises as people dresses as ninjas pop out in corners and make you jump with glee!
NYC might seem like a cold and busy city sometimes, but we're all heart! Whether in a park, museum, restaurant or even just meandering down the street, your child will have just as good a time (if not better!!!) as you!!!
