With children, New York City is one of the world's finest places to go.
New York City is a city that draws worldwide attention for its plethora of attractions, towering skyscrapers, top-notch cuisine, and more, and it isn't difficult to see why. In the Big Apple, experiences abound for everyone from kids to couples to individuals travelling alone.
From the glittering Broadway theaters to the dizzying heights of the Empire State Building, a stroll around Ellis and Liberty Islands, endless shopping possibilities, and cultural attractions such as the MoMA alongside outdoor spaces brimming with both events and opportunities to reflect in equal measure, it's safe to say that New York has plenty of methods to delight.
If you're visiting New York with the family, know that there's something for everyone. From theaters to museums, from renowned monuments to fun activities, we've compiled a list of some of the most popular ways to enjoy all that New York City has to offer.
Let Broadway Delight.
From The Lion King to Wicked to Aladdin, there are numerous Broadway theatre shows available for the whole family, from toddlers to teenagers to adults. A matinee or evening performance is guaranteed to have you tapping your feet and leaving you smiling and wanting more amazing, uninhibited entertainment thanks to its large songs, spectacular costumes, and stunning stage settings.
Head up high.
The best view is of the massive city and damming ahead. The most spectacular experience is to see the huge city and dam from above. On a good day, the Rockefeller Centre's 66th, 69th and 70th floor observation decks provide spectacular vistas of Central Park and beyond, while the Empire State Building's 86th and 102nd floor observatories offer even more elevated and breath-taking views of New York City.
Take in the views of Ellis and Liberty Islands while on board.
The largest of the three islands is known as Manhattan, or often simply referred to as "the island." The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and welcomes visitors to see how immigrants were processed at Ellis Island. The gift from France gives visitors an opportunity to pose in front of the green lady, which complements a visit to nearby Ellis Island.
Get up close to nature.
The opportunity to get up close with animals such as penguins, bears, and snow leopards will appeal to children and adults alike at Central Park Zoo, which houses some 6,000 species including tigers, buffalo, gorillas, lions, and rhinos.The New York Aquarium, located in Coney Island, is dedicated to educating visitors about ocean conservation and science. It has 266 species of aquatic animals from around the world and is geared toward fostering an understanding of environmental concerns.
Central Park, New York Botanical Gardens, Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, Bryant Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, The Battery, and Liberty State Park are among the many popular parks in New York City.
Magnificent museums.
Step into some of the world's most exciting museums to discover about a variety of themes through interactive displays, talks, and artifacts - you won't be disappointed. The Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum is on an aircraft carrier and features a British Airways Concorde, space shuttle Enterprise, guided missile submarine, and other aerospace vehicles.
The American Museum of Natural History, with its dinosaur exhibits, planetarium, meteorites, in addition to the hands-on New York Hall of Science and Liberty Science Center, is a must-see for science lovers.The Child Museum of Manhattan is one among the handful of kid-friendly museums in New York City. The Staten Island Children's Museum, National Museum of Mathematics, Children's Museum of Manhattan, and Brooklyn Children's Museum are other child-centric attractions. For all ages, the Met and MoMA are must-sees.
What else is there?
If you're visiting from late October to early April, go to Wollman Rink in Central Park, which has both ice-skating and curling opportunities. Late autumn is a fantastic time to visit the famous department stores and stock up on Christmas gifts.The amusements rides at Coney Island will delight, as will Madison Square Garden, which plays host to major sporting events and concerts. Baseball is also a fantastic afternoon out - go to a Mets or Yankees game and you'll feel like you've been transported into a film.