New York Family Things to Do
New York, the biggest city in the United States and certainly its best known, pulses with activity. There are so many exciting adventures awaiting its visitors that you couldn’t get them all done in a month. However, with careful planning, a family planning a New York City vacation can enjoy the highlights. Here are some of the best things for families to do while in New York.
Statue of Liberty
Because the Statue of Liberty is so dear to the hearts of most Americans, it was closed for a time after September 11th to protect it, and US citizens. It is now reopened and you can take a ferry to Liberty Island and see it for yourself. A gift from the citizens of France to the American people, the Statue is one of the most famous, and beloved, symbols in the United States.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is still one of the most enduring landmarks in New York City, and 10,000 – 20,000 people climb the 1800 or so steps to the 102nd floor each day. Once there, if the day is clear, you can see for almost 80 miles in any direction.
Central Park
An 800 acre splash of green smack dab among the urban jungle known as New York City, Central Park offers extensive walking trails, places to picnic, take the dog for a walk, or fly a kite. Often, the park hosts open air music concerts in the summer. Rent a pair of roller skates, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride nearby.
Circle Line Cruise
The perfect way to kick off your New York City vacation, a Circle Line Cruise orients you to the city and its borogughs while entertaining you ship board. Take the partial, 2 hour cruise, or the full, 3 hour cruise. Landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and the former site of the World Trade Center towers, are pointed out.
FAO Schwartz Toy Store
This world famous toy store is an emporium of kiddie delights; several stories high and full of enchanting departments such as a Puppet Park, a stuffed animal ecosystem sponsored by the Museum of Natural History and a transformer that is really an elevator. Girls will thrill at the huge Barbie “neighborhood” while their brothers, and fathers, check out Star Wars.