If, like me, you have always thought of the Big Apple as a destination more suited to adults, think again! There are a surprising number of fun things to do with kids in New York City, which the big kids amongst us will enjoy too.
So why not take the whole family on a New York break? Visiting New York with children is not only fun but also a great experience that they are going to remember for forever!
Take in the sights of New York, including the Statue of Liberty, by taking a boat trip around Manhattan. You can also climb up to the top. You could take a glass lift up to the top of the 102 story Empire State Building, and let the kids see New York from the perspective of King Kong. And what’s more, kids under 6 go free, get the tickets here. Kids will love the views over Brooklyn Bridge, or why not try ice-skating at the Rockefeller Centre ice rink.
Not everything to do with children in New York will break the bank, in fact there are loads of things to do in New York for free. Why not take the kids to visit the Bronx Zoo, which on Wednesdays has a “pay-what-you-wish” donation policy, find more on the Bronx Zoo’s website. As well as sealions to feed there are grizzly bears.
For a budget day out, put together a picnic, (bagels anyone?) and head for the lake at Central Park. Central Park has 21 playgrounds, so kids are well catered for! Nearby, on the Upper West Side, you will find the American Museum of Natural History, find more here. Children can even spend the night at the museum!
New York has many excellent museums for children to enjoy. The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum is located inside an aircraft carrier. The Manhattan Museum of Childhood runs exhibitions which kids will love, and my own personal favourite, the Museum of Modern Art has special exhibitions on Saturdays which are free for families. Visit their website to find out more. The MoMA shop contains some innovative toys, or take them to FAO Schwarz, New York’s biggest toy store.
Any visit to New York with children would not be complete without brunch. Why not try the Sunday brunch at the Marriott: make sure you check out the chocolate fountain.
All kids (big and small) will be amazed by the lights in Times Square. If you have time, why not take the children to see a show on New York’s Broadway: current shows include Aladdin and The Lion King. And then grab a burger at one of New York’s many spectacular themed restaurants.