top kid-friendly activities in new york city

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mynameispaul

Top Kid-Friendly Activities in New York City

New York City, 5 Days

Table of contents:Guide Description 2

Itinerary Overview 3

Daily Itineraries 6

New York City Snapshot 21

http://www.nileguide.com/destination/new-york/trips/top-kid-friendly-activities-in-new-york-city/6129923

Guide Description

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AUTHOR NOTE: Guide written by Kara Mayer Robinson, LarissaRanzolin, Amanda Morgan, and Carol Cain of NYCityMama.com...When visiting a city like New York, deciding what to do can beoverwhelming. With almost 500 square miles of city, the BigApple is intimidating, and it can be easy to stick to the tried andtrue favorite kid-friendly activities, such as the Statue of Liberty,the Children’s Museum and Zoo. Granted, those places must beexperienced—but NYC offers a plethora of kid-friendly activities inaddition to these usual suspects...Note: Be sure to read the Day Notes for the kid-friendly details onrecommended attractions...Ciao Bambino provides tips and advice around all things relatedto traveling with kids and is a guide to the best kid friendly hotels.

Itinerary Overview things to do

restaurants

hotels

nightlife

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Day 1 - New York CityDAY NOTE: Yes, it's one of the world's tackiest tourist traps, butfirst-timers absolutely must visit Times Square. No ifs, ands orbuts about it. Save this locale for nighttime, when its bright lightscreate a magical, moonlit-like atmosphere and when the hustleand bustle is at its peak. If you have young kids that can't stay uplate, visit Toys R US during the day and its wonderful ferris wheel.If you want to go to the theater as a family, The New VictoryTheater on 42nd Street showcases many classics like Peter andThe Wolf and Shakespearean plays in a way that engages smallchildren...Duck into the New York Marriott Marquis on Broadway (at 46thStreet) for a free ride up its glass elevators and a peek into oneof the world's most energetic spots. For a bite out of history, jumpacross to 46th Street for a slice of Junior's famous cheesecake.Looking for a souvenir? Your kids will find plenty of ways to spendtheir hard-earned allowance at oodles of trinket shops that lineBroadway..

Times SquareIconic center revamped for the tourist's enjoyment

New Victory TheaterChildren's theatre

Toys "R" Us

New York Marriott Marquis TimesSquareTheater Lovers Paradise

Junior's RestaurantCheesecakes galore

Day 2 - New York CityDAY NOTE: Central Park..Central Park has it all. Truly. Besides miles and miles ofmeandering paths, footbridges and grassy knolls, it's filled withmassive rocks that any kid would kill to climb. Rent a remote-controlled boat at the Conservatory Water (which happens tohave been the setting for a memorable boat race in E.B. White'sStuart Little) and follow it with a climb on the nearby Alice inWonderland statue and, if it's summer, story time at the HansChristian Andersen sculpture. Pop into an old-fashioned puppetshow at the tiny Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater or visit the

zoo. Test out your birdwatching skills in The Ramble. Or simplybring a ball or a Frisbee to one of the vast grassy zones and vegout...Alternatively, you could whittle away hours at one of the dozenor so playgrounds that dot the perimeter of the park. Withsandboxes, water play zones and climbing apparatus of all kinds,they're a superb spot for burning off excess energy. If you aretraveling during the Summer months, expect to find a free concertor performance for the entire family as these are very popularwhen it is warm...Wollman Rink..How many visitors are aware that there is an amusement parkhidden in the trees? During the summer months, Wollman Rinkis turned into Victoria Gardens, which features an array of kid-friendly rides and games, as well as several entertaining shows,including clowns, magicians, and more! In the wintertime, theGardens are converted to an ice skating rink, so there’s fun to behad all year round. Get more info and specific locations for thesehighlights at www.centralparknyc.org...The Met..Manhattan kids are a breed all their own, raised on museums,theater and gourmet restaurants. Add a little culture to yourkid's persona by dabbling in the arts at one of the city's reveredmuseums. Young and old kids alike will find things to talk aboutat one of the city's well-known museums, like the MetropolitanMuseum of Art. For the perfect balance of culture sans boredom,spend just an hour and follow your child's lead...Dylan's Candy Bar & Serendipity 3..For a treat that is sure to please all ages, visit Dylan's Candy Barwhere you'll probably feel like a kid in a candy shop too. Thisover-the-top, modern take on the candy store takes up just ateeny, tiny spot on the corner of 3rd Avenue, but it's stocked sofully with candy of all kinds that it's tough to stick to just a fewpurchases. Skip the sit-down ice cream treats and take yourpurchases to go, though, because there are plenty of betterchoices around the city for ordering off a menu like Serendipity 3.Eating ice cream here is a must (note, reservations are requiredfor dinner).

Central ParkUrban oasis, perfect for exploring or relaxing

Wollman RinkSkating in Central Park makes for a fun family outing


restaurants

hotels

nightlife

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Central Park Zoo/Tisch Children's ZooPenguin suits

Metropolitan Museum of ArtMammoth museum featuring art from around theworld

Dylan's Candy Bar

Serendipity 3Home Of The Frozen Hot Chocolate

Day 3 - New York CityDAY NOTE: Upper West Side..If you have very little ones, head to the upper west side for amorning at the Children's Museum of Manhattan. Check out itsunique hands-on exhibits and be sure to catch City Splash, anoutdoor water-play zone included in your admission...While you are on the West side of town, you can hit the iconicEmpire State Building and/or the Museum of Modern Art.

Children's Museum of ManhattanChildren's heaven

Empire State BuildingClassic skyscraper offers great views from itsobservatory

Museum of Modern ArtCutting-edge museum with huge selection ofcontemporary art

Day 4 - New York CityDAY NOTE: Statue of Liberty..A visit to the Statue of Liberty is a NYC basic and now you areable to climb to the crown (only available on certain days/times)...Staten Island Ferry..If the lines at the Statue of Liberty are too long, take a free, roundtrip ferry ride on the Staten Island Ferry—or in warmer months,you can also take a free ferry ride to Governor's Island for a funfilled day of activities, including performances and bike rides..

.Battery Park..You are near Battery Park, where you can find a nice number ofplaygrounds where the kids can burn off some steam...South Sea Port..South Street Seaport has a great selection of shops and eateriesoverlooking the majestic Brooklyn Bridge with a little somethingfor everyone.

Statue of LibertyLady Liberty welcomes the masses to New York andAmerica

Staten Island FerryFree trip across New York Harbor

Battery ParkSouthern tip of Manhattan

South Street SeaportHistoric port houses tourist-friendly shops &restaurants

Day 5 - New York CityDAY NOTE: Chelsea Piers..Looking to wear out those youngsters, perhaps after indulgingin some treats at Homer’s? Look no further than the ChelseaPiers. A large sporting complex located on the Hudson, yourfamily will love the wide variety of options presented here: battingcages, basketball courts, an ice skating rink, a bowling alley, agolfing range, indoor courts for soccer, and more. There’s also aRollerblade shop that allows you to rent skates and embark onthe sidewalks along the Hudson River...The Chelsea Market..The Chelsea Market has an array of baked goods, soups, andother treats—this is a perfect place to relax and eat lunch...Max Brenner's..For the most decadent chocolate fix, eat a meal, drink a beverageand savor a dessert at Union Square's Max Brenner (Chocolateby the Bald Man) a restaurant with chocolate everything on themenu and a delightful decor that includes copper-filled vats ofcontinuously melting chocolate. (Simply divine.)


restaurants

hotels

nightlife

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Chelsea PiersVast sports and entertainment complex

Chelsea Market

Max Brenner - Chocolate by the BaldManFood for the Gods

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Day 1 - New York CityQUICK NOTE

DAY NOTE: Yes, it's one of the world's tackiest tourist traps, but first-timers absolutely must visit Times Square. No ifs, ands or butsabout it. Save this locale for nighttime, when its bright lights create a magical, moonlit-like atmosphere and when the hustle andbustle is at its peak. If you have young kids that can't stay up late, visit Toys R US during the day and its wonderful ferris wheel. If youwant to go to the theater as a family, The New Victory Theater on 42nd Street showcases many classics like Peter and The Wolf andShakespearean plays in a way that engages small children...Duck into the New York Marriott Marquis on Broadway (at 46th Street) for a free ride up its glass elevators and a peek into one of theworld's most energetic spots. For a bite out of history, jump across to 46th Street for a slice of Junior's famous cheesecake. Looking for asouvenir? Your kids will find plenty of ways to spend their hard-earned allowance at oodles of trinket shops that line Broadway..

contact:tel: +1 212 768 1560 (TimesSquare Alliance)fax: +1 212 768 0233 (TimesSquare Alliance)http://www.timessquarenyc.org/

location:1560 Broadway, Between46th & 47th streetsNew York NY 10036

1 Times Square

OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:A free tour of the area run by the Times Square Allianceleaves every Friday at noon from the Times SquareInformation Center. Perhaps even more helpfully, the centeralso has public restrooms and a wealth of tourist resources.

DESCRIPTION: Located at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenueand stretching from West 42nd to West 47th Street, its glittering lightsand neon signs make Times Square one of the most iconic sights of NewYork City. Formerly the property of fur trading and real estate tycoonJohn Jacob Astor, the square got its name in the early 1900s when theNew York Times moved into a new skyscraper on 42nd Street. Afternew subways brought thousands of commuters to 42nd Street, the city's

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Day 1 - continued...

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theaters moved up from the Bowery and lower Broadway, and the area isnow the center of New York's bustling theater district.In the decades after the Great Depression, Times Square became knownas a dangerous neighborhood and a symbol of the city's decline andcorruption from the 1960s to the 1990s. After a long-term developmentplan and a comprehensive crackdown on crime by the city government,the infamous center of pickpockets and porno theaters has beenthoroughly reinvented and filled with more upscale and tourist-friendlyattractions, hotels, vendors, and street performers. © NileGuide

contact:tel: 646 223 3020fax: 646 562 0175http://www.newvictory.org/

location:229 West 42nd Street, 10thFloorNew York NY 10036

hours:Hours vary. Call forinformation.

2 New Victory Theater

DESCRIPTION: Opened as The Republic Theatre by OscarHammerstein in 1900, the New Victory Theatre was the firsttheatre to be renovated as part of the 42nd Street revitalization.Since its re-opening in 1995, it has become the premier theatrefor family entertainment. From theatre to puppetry to dance,some of the world's top children's companies flock to this lovelyspace. Though marketed directly for kids and families, thelevel of performances are so diverse and exceptional, adultsshould not pass on the chance to visit this unique cultural andtheatrical experience. © wcities.com

Shona Reppe Puppets

contact:tel: 800/869-7787www.toysrus.com

location:1514 BroadwayNew York NY 10036

3 Toys "R" Us

DESCRIPTION: Geoffrey the Giraffe must be mighty pleasedwith this multi-level, high-tech home. It occupies almost anentire city block in the heart of Times Square, and evenboasts its own indoor Ferris wheel, which kids can ride forfree. The huge collection is well-organized, and the store's"ambassadors" are abundant and very helpful; they'll evenpoint you to restaurants and kid-friendly attractions in theneighborhood. Don't miss it if you're traveling with kids. ©Frommer's

Photo courtesy of Toys "R" Us

contact:tel: +1 212 398 1900 / +1 800843 4898 (Toll Free)fax: +1 212 704 8930http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2005797-10406976


4 New York Marriott Marquis Times Square

DESCRIPTION: This quality hotel is ideally located near most Broadwaytheaters. Built in the 1980s, the 50-story building is an integral part of thetransformed and family-friendly Times Square. The Marquis has whatmost business and leisure travelers cannot find in New York-large andcomfortable rooms (request a high floor for a good view). Do not overlookthe revolving rooftop lounge, ideal for a pre or post theater drink. Thesauna and whirlpool in the health club should also put you in a goodmood. © wcities.com

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contact:tel: 1 718 852 5257fax: 1 718 260 9849http://www.juniorscheesecake.com/

location:386 Flatbush AvenueExtension at Dekalb AvenueNew York NY 11201

hours:Daily 8a-7p

5 Junior's Restaurant

DESCRIPTION: More of a bakery and diner than a restaurant,this downtown Brooklyn spot near Fulton Mall serves breakfast,lunch and dinner fare all day long, and the liquor to go withthem. The place is a throwback to the 1950s, with colorful andcasual decor. Kids like coming here, perhaps due in part tothe big burgers, blintzes, and the amazing cheesecakes whichJunior's is world famous for. Other location: Grand CentralTerminal at dining concourse (+1 212 586 4677). © wcities.com

Photo courtesy of Junior'sRestaurant.

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DAY NOTE: Central Park..Central Park has it all. Truly. Besides miles and miles of meandering paths, footbridges and grassy knolls, it's filled with massive rocksthat any kid would kill to climb. Rent a remote-controlled boat at the Conservatory Water (which happens to have been the setting for amemorable boat race in E.B. White's Stuart Little) and follow it with a climb on the nearby Alice in Wonderland statue and, if it's summer,story time at the Hans Christian Andersen sculpture. Pop into an old-fashioned puppet show at the tiny Swedish Cottage MarionetteTheater or visit the zoo. Test out your birdwatching skills in The Ramble. Or simply bring a ball or a Frisbee to one of the vast grassyzones and veg out...Alternatively, you could whittle away hours at one of the dozen or so playgrounds that dot the perimeter of the park. With sandboxes,water play zones and climbing apparatus of all kinds, they're a superb spot for burning off excess energy. If you are traveling during theSummer months, expect to find a free concert or performance for the entire family as these are very popular when it is warm...Wollman Rink..How many visitors are aware that there is an amusement park hidden in the trees? During the summer months, Wollman Rink is turnedinto Victoria Gardens, which features an array of kid-friendly rides and games, as well as several entertaining shows, including clowns,magicians, and more! In the wintertime, the Gardens are converted to an ice skating rink, so there’s fun to be had all year round. Getmore info and specific locations for these highlights at www.centralparknyc.org...The Met..Manhattan kids are a breed all their own, raised on museums, theater and gourmet restaurants. Add a little culture to your kid's personaby dabbling in the arts at one of the city's revered museums. Young and old kids alike will find things to talk about at one of the city'swell-known museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art. For the perfect balance of culture sans boredom, spend just an hour andfollow your child's lead...


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Dylan's Candy Bar & Serendipity 3..For a treat that is sure to please all ages, visit Dylan's Candy Bar where you'll probably feel like a kid in a candy shop too. This over-the-top, modern take on the candy store takes up just a teeny, tiny spot on the corner of 3rd Avenue, but it's stocked so fully with candyof all kinds that it's tough to stick to just a few purchases. Skip the sit-down ice cream treats and take your purchases to go, though,because there are plenty of better choices around the city for ordering off a menu like Serendipity 3. Eating ice cream here is a must(note, reservations are required for dinner).

contact:tel: +1 212 310 6600http://www.centralparknyc.org

location:14 East 60th StreetNew York NY 10022

1 Central Park

OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:The Central Park Conservancy runs free, volunteer-led walking tours; they take place rain or shine. Noreservations are necessary.

DESCRIPTION: The idea for Central Park was born in 1858,which a competition was held to choose a design for whatwould be the first public park built in America. The winners wereFrederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, whose Greenswardplan proposed an entirely man-made park that would beintended only for public use, as a refuge from the relentlessrhythms of New York City's already overcrowded streets. It tookmore than 15 years and $14 million (the equivalent of about$200 million today) to build the Park, with its 843 acres andsix-mile perimeter extending from Central Park West to FifthAvenue and from 59th Street to 110th Street. Those 843 acresinclude 136 acres of woodlands, 250 acres of lawns, and 7different bodies of water totaling some 150 acres.Starting in 1980, a public-private partnership between NewYork City and the Central Park Conservancy restored andpreserved Central Park, and attendance has only been risingin recent years. Now, more than 25 million visitors per yearstroll its 58 miles of pedestrian paths, go horseback riding on4.5 miles of bridle paths, bike or jog on its 6.5 miles of windingroads, or simply relax on the grass or on the nearly 9,000benches provided. The famous Tavern on the Green restaurant- the location of the finish line for the New York City Marathon- was originally a sheepfold, housing the shepherd and theflock that grazed Sheeps Meadow until 1934. In nice weather,the still lush meadow now welcomes hordes of sunbathers,picnickers, and people-watchers, all of whom enjoy loungingunderneath some of the only sky in Manhattan unmarked by tallbuildings. Other special features of the park include the CentralPark Carousel, the Marionette Theater, the Central Park WildlifeCenter, the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, the DelacorteTheater, the Great Lawn, the Central Park Zoo, the Henry LuceNature Observatory, Wollman Rink, Lasker Rink, the LoebBoathouse, and the North Meadow. © NileGuide

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contact:tel: +1 212 439 6900fax: +1 212 396 0008http://www.wollmanskatingrink.com/

location:62nd StreetNew York NY 10019

2 Wollman Rink

DESCRIPTION: Located in Central Park, this outdoor rink isone of the city's premier ice skating spots. The atmosphere isfun and relaxed, and amateurs are certainly welcome. There isa snack bar and lockers available. Try to visit on the weekdays,as the weekends bring large crowds and lines. Skate rentalsand lockers are available. During the off-season, the spacebecomes a roller rink (call for hours and details). © wcities.com

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contact:tel: +1 212 861 6030http://www.wcs.org

location:830 Fifth AveNew York NY 10153

hours:Apr-Oct Mon-Fri 10am-5pm,Sat-Sun 10am-5:30pm; Nov-Mar daily 10am-4:30pm.Last entrance 30 min. beforeclosing

3 Central Park Zoo/Tisch Children'sZoo

DESCRIPTION: This Central Park zoo has a smart, eco-friendlyenvironment. Animal cages have been dispensed with in favorof open-air habitats, water and pseudo-forests. The Centeris divided into three major territories: the Polar Circle, theTemperate Territory and the Tropic Zone, all of which encirclethe central Sea Lion Pool. In the Polar Circle, glass walls allowyou to see penguins and polar bears swimming just inches fromyour face. Check the website for admission prices and furtherinformation. © wcities.com

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contact:tel: +1 212 535 7710fax: +1212 570 3972http://www.metmuseum.org

location:1000 Fifth AveNew York NY 10028-0198

hours:Sun, holiday Mon (MemorialDay, Labor Day, and soforth), and Tues-Thurs9:30am-5:30pm; Fri-Sat9:30am-9pm

4 Metropolitan Museum of Art

OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:To cover the costs of special exhibitions, the Met asks gueststo pay the full "recommended" admission fee, which is $20for adults. This fee includes one-day admission to the MainBuilding as well as to The Cloisters Museum & Gardensin Fort Tryon Park, the Met branch dedicated to the art andarchitecture of medieval Europe.

DESCRIPTION: Don't expect to fully take in all that this enormousmuseum has to offer in one visit. With the finest collection of Americanart in the world, a collection of more than 3,000 European paintings, anexpansive array of art from ancient Egypt, and recently renovated halls ofGreek, Roman, Cypriot, and Asian art, there is a reason the MetropolitanMuseum is considered the foremost symbol of arts and culture in a citychock-full of arts and culture. Often referred to simply as "The Met", themuseum is located on Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street, on the eastern edge ofCentral Park and at the center of the so-called "Museum Mile".First opened in 1872, the Met has been significantly expanded over theyears, and its permanent collection now contains more than two millionworks of art, divided into nineteen curatorial departments. In addition to itsgiant holdings of American, European, Egyptian, African, Asian, Oceanic,Byzantine, and Islamic art, the museum is also home to encyclopediccollections of musical instruments, costumes and accessories, and antiqueweapons and armor from around the world. A number of notable interiors,

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ranging from 1st century Rome through modern American design, arepermanently installed in the Met's galleries. The Met also organizes andhosts a continually changing series of special exhibitions each year. ©NileGuide

contact:tel: 646/735-0078www.dylanscandybar.com

location:1011 Third AveNew York NY 10155

5 Dylan's Candy Bar

DESCRIPTION: =Dylan (daughter of Ralph) Lauren is one ofthe co-owners of this bazaar for sugar addicts. Located acrossthe street from Bloomingdale's, you'll find all the candy classics,such as Pixy Stix, Wack-o-Wax Wax Lips, collectors Pez sets,and favorite childhood chewing gums like Black Jack andGold Mine. Dylan's also makes signature chocolates; candycreations; candy spa products, such as hot-chocolate bathbeads; and custom-made ice cream flavors. © Frommer's

Photo courtesy of Dylan's Candy Bar

contact:tel: 212 838 3531http://www.serendipity3.com/

location:225 East 60th StreetNew York NY 10022

hours:Su-Th 11:30a-mid, F11:30a-1a, Sa 11:30a-2a

6 Serendipity 3

DESCRIPTION: You'd never guess that this whimsical placewas once a top stop on Andy Warhol's itinerary. Wondersnever cease -- and neither does the confection at this delightfulrestaurant and sweets shop. Tucked into a cozy brownstone afew steps from Bloomingdale's, happy people gather here atmarble-topped ice-cream-parlor tables for burgers and foot-longhot dogs, country meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy,and salads and sandwiches with such cute names as "TheCatcher in the Rye" (their own twist on the BLT, with chickenand Russian dressing -- on rye, of course). The food isn't great,but the main courses aren't the point -- they're just an excuseto get to the desserts. The restaurant's signature is frozenhot chocolate, a slushy version of everybody's cold-weatherfavorite, but other crowd-pleasers include dark double devilmousse, celestial carrot cake, lemon icebox pie, and anythingwith hot fudge. So cast that willpower aside and come on in --Serendipity is an irony-free charmer to be appreciated by adultsand kids alike. © Frommer's

Photo courtesy of Serendipity 3

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DAY NOTE: Upper West Side..If you have very little ones, head to the upper west side for a morning at the Children's Museum of Manhattan. Check out its uniquehands-on exhibits and be sure to catch City Splash, an outdoor water-play zone included in your admission...While you are on the West side of town, you can hit the iconic Empire State Building and/or the Museum of Modern Art.

contact:tel: +1 212 721 1234fax: +1 212 721 1127http://www.cmom.org

location:212 West 83rd StNew York NY 10024

hours:Winter: W-Su 10a-5p;Summer: Tu-Su 10a-5p

1 Children's Museum of Manhattan

DESCRIPTION: Are your children tired of walking around thecity with you and looking at buildings? Do they want to havesome "real" fun? Then this non-profit museum is the placeto go. There are always special exhibits, such as Oh, Seuss!Off to Great Places, where you can celebrate the magic ofDr.Seuss or Dora the Explorer. Those 5 years of age or oldercan sign up for a workshop in the Computer Lab and use thelatest digital imaging technology to create a digital design!For less technology-based creations, register for a program inthe Creativity Lab and explore the visual and performing arts,science and literacy. Check the museum's website for a currentschedule of performances in the theater--shows put on by allsorts of internationally renowned performers! © wcities.com

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contact:tel: +1 212 736 3100fax: +1 212 947 1360http://www.esbnyc.com/

location:350 5th Avenue, Suite # 3210New York NY 10118

hours:Daily 8am-2am, last elevatorat 1:15am

2 Empire State Building

OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:Kids love the NY Skyride, which offers a simulated flight overNew York City without leaving the second floor of the EmpireState Building. Tickets are $25.50 or $38 combined with atrip to the observatory.

DESCRIPTION: This 102-story Art Deco skyscraper, located at theintersection of Fifth Avenue and West 34th Street, has been one of NewYork's most notable landmarks since its completion in 1931. Built as partof an intense competition to build the world's tallest building, the EmpireState Building overtook its rivals - 40 Wall Street and the Chrysler Building- to gain the distinction, which it held for four decades, before the WorldTrade Center towers were completed in 1971. With the destruction of theWorld Trade Center in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, theEmpire State Building again became the tallest building in New York City.It was designed by Gregory Johnson and his architectural firm Shreve,Lamb and Harmon.The building's façade is classic, with modernistic stainless steel canopiesmarking the entrances on 33rd and 34th Streets and leading to corridorssurrounding a core of 67 elevators. Though the Chrysler Building isundoubtedly the more attractive of New York's two Art Deco towers, theEmpire State Building has earned its reputation as a top destinationlargely due to the popularity of its indoor and outdoor observation decks.The outdoor observatory on the 86th floor, with its sweeping 360-degreeviews of the city, is one of the most popular in the world, and has beenvisited by more than 110 million people. The second observation deck, onthe 102nd floor, is completely enclosed and much smaller, and it may beclosed on days with especially high traffic. In addition to the observationspaces, the building has 85 stories (2,158,000 square feet) of commercialand office space. In 1964, floodlights were added to illuminate the top ofthe building at night; special colors are chosen to match seasonal andother events, such as Christmas, St. Patrick's Day, or victory by any one ofNew York's sports teams. © NileGuide

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contact:tel: +1 212 708 9400fax: +1 212 333 1246http://www.moma.org

location:11 W. 53rd StNew York NY 10103

hours:Sat-Mon and Wed-Thurs10:30am-5:30pm; Fri10:30am-8pm

3 Museum of Modern Art

OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:From November 2009 through April 2010, the MoMAhouses a major career retrospective of the wonderfully weirdscreenwriter/director/producer Tim Burton.

DESCRIPTION: Opened in 1929, the Museum of Modern Art was oneof the first museums with a focus on modern art, and it boasts one ofthe world's most comprehensive collections. Its permanent collectionnumbers 135,000 paintings, prints, photographs, drawings, sculptures,films, and design objects, including works by Picasso, Cézanne, VanGogh, Kandinsky, Dalí, O'Keeffe, Pollock, Warhol, and some of the bestmore contemporary artists, like Richard Serra, Cindy Sherman, and ChuckClose.

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MoMA reopened in 2004 following a $425 million expansion program thatmarked the museum's 75th anniversary. Led by the Japanese architectYoshio Taniguchi, the renovation nearly doubled the capacity of theoriginal building and revamped its appearance completely, starting with thestriking entrance. A 110-foot-high atrium towers over an indoor walkway,extending over 53rd Street to a new entryway on 54th Street. The new six-story David and Peggy Rockefeller Building houses the main collectionand temporary exhibition galleries, while the restored and expandedsculpture garden, named for museum founder Abby Aldrich Rockefeller,boasts more than 30 masterworks of modern sculpture. The MoMA's sleeknext-door restaurant, the Modern, is also worth a visit.© NileGuide

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DAY NOTE: Statue of Liberty..A visit to the Statue of Liberty is a NYC basic and now you are able to climb to the crown (only available on certain days/times)...Staten Island Ferry..If the lines at the Statue of Liberty are too long, take a free, round trip ferry ride on the Staten Island Ferry—or in warmer months, youcan also take a free ferry ride to Governor's Island for a fun filled day of activities, including performances and bike rides...Battery Park..You are near Battery Park, where you can find a nice number of playgrounds where the kids can burn off some steam...South Sea Port..South Street Seaport has a great selection of shops and eateries overlooking the majestic Brooklyn Bridge with a little something foreveryone.

contact:tel: 212-363-7620fax: +1 212 363 6304www.nps.gov/stli/

location:Liberty IslandNew York NY 10004

1 Statue of Liberty

OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:As of late 2009, the elevator at Liberty Island wasreported to be "out of service for an extended periodof time," so that visitors with Monument AccessPasses were required to climb 168 steps to the photo courtesy of Koshyk


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hours:Daily 9am-3:30pm (last ferrydeparts around 3:30pm);extended hours in summer

top of the pedestal. Visitors should confirm viathe website whether the elevator will be in servicebefore their trip .

DESCRIPTION: This iconic copper statue was presented tothe U.S. by France in 1886 as a commemoration of the U.S.centennial and a gesture of friendship between France andthe U.S. Since then, it has stood at Liberty Island in New YorkHarbor as a welcome to all visitors, immigrants, and Americansreturning from abroad. Construction of the statue, supervisedby sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and engineer GustaveEiffel (mastermind of Paris's famous tower), began in Francein 1875 and was completed in 1884, after which the statuewas dismantled and transported across the Atlantic to bereassembled.Lady Liberty stands approximately 151 feet tall and weighs225 tons (450,000 pounds). Visitors used to be able to climbthe 354 steps to peer at the view through the windows in hercrown, but this option is no longer available. Currently, themuseum and ten-story pedestal are open for visitation but areonly accessible if visitors have a "Monument Access Pass"which is a reservation that visitors must make at least two daysin advance of their visit and pick up before boarding the ferry.There are a maximum of 3000 passes available each day (witha total of 15,000 visitors to the island daily). © NileGuide

contact:tel: +1 718 390 5253http://www.siferry.com/

location:1 Bay StreetNew York NY 10301

hours:24 Hrs

2 Staten Island Ferry

DESCRIPTION: This is undoubtedly New York City's best freeride. The 25-minute one-way trip across New York Harborshould give you ample opportunity to see such nearby sites asthe Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan'sskyscrapers. The fare for the ferry, which runs every 20 to 30minutes, actually went down from 50 cents a few years ago.During rush hour, it is filled with Staten Island residents going toor from work in Manhattan. Cars and motorcycles are no longerallowed on the ferry. © wcities.com

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contact:tel: +1 212 344 3491fax: +1 212 344 3496http://www.thebattery.org/

location:State StreetNew York NY 10280

hours:Call for details

3 Battery Park

DESCRIPTION: As you traverse Manhattan's concrete canyons, it'ssometimes easy to forget that you're actually on an island. But here, atManhattan's southernmost tip, you get the very real sense that just outpast Liberty, Ellis, and Staten islands is the vast Atlantic Ocean. The 21-acre park is named for the cannons built to defend residents after theAmerican Revolution. Castle Clinton National Monument (the place topurchase tickets for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry) was built asa fort before the War of 1812, though it was never used as such. BatteryPark is a park of monuments and memorials, many paying tribute totragedy and death. Here you will find the East Coast Memorial, dedicatedto 4,601 servicemen who died in Atlantic coastal waters during World WarII; the New York Korean War Veterans Memorial; the American MerchantMariner's Memorial, dedicated to Merchant Mariners lost at sea; the

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Salvation Army Memorial; the Hope Garden, dedicated to those who livewith HIV or have died from AIDS; the Irish Hunger Memorial, a tribute tothose who died during the potato famine in Ireland; and the 22-ton bronzesphere by Fritz Koenig that was recovered from the rubble of the WorldTrade Center, where it stood on the plaza between the two Twin Towersas a symbol of global peace -- severely damaged but still whole. Minglingthroughout these memorials you will find the requisite T-shirt vendors, hot-dog carts, and Wall Streeters eating deli sandwiches on the many parkbenches. Pull up your own bench for a good view out across the harbor. ©Frommer's

contact:tel: +1 212 732 7678fax: +1 212 964 8056http://www.southstreetseaport.com

location:12 Fulton StNew York NY 10038

hours:Museum Apr-Dec Tues-Sun10am-6pm, Thurs 10am-8pm;Jan-Mar Fri-Mon 10am-5pm(On Mon, Schermerhorn Rowgalleries only); ships opennoon-4pm

4 South Street Seaport

OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:The Titanic Memorial, a small white lighthouselocated at the intersection of Fulton andWater streets at the gateway to the seaport,commemorates the sinking of the RMS Titanic in1912.

DESCRIPTION: This historic trading port, which dates backto the 1600s, is located on the edge of the Financial District,where Fulton Street meets the East River. It was restored andrevitalized for tourist use in the late 1960s, and now boastsmore than 120 shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as theSouth Street Seaport Museum, the Pier 17 Pavilion, and theNew York City Police Museum. Visitors to the Seaport will alsofind some of the oldest architecture in downtown Manhattan,including renovated original mercantile buildings from the early19th century, renovated sailing ships, and the former FultonFish Market.With its cobblestone streets and broad piers, South StreetSeaport offers a welcome escape from the congested,skyscraper-lined streets of downtown. There are usuallyfree outdoor performances going on - check out a number ofprominent and up-and-coming acts at the outdoor stage set upin the summertime - and the cool breezes, fun people-watching,and beautiful views of the Brooklyn Bridge can all be enjoyedfor free. © NileGuide

Photo courtesy of visitingdc.com

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DAY NOTE: Chelsea Piers..Looking to wear out those youngsters, perhaps after indulging in some treats at Homer’s? Look no further than the Chelsea Piers. Alarge sporting complex located on the Hudson, your family will love the wide variety of options presented here: batting cages, basketballcourts, an ice skating rink, a bowling alley, a golfing range, indoor courts for soccer, and more. There’s also a Rollerblade shop thatallows you to rent skates and embark on the sidewalks along the Hudson River...The Chelsea Market..The Chelsea Market has an array of baked goods, soups, and other treats—this is a perfect place to relax and eat lunch...Max Brenner's..For the most decadent chocolate fix, eat a meal, drink a beverage and savor a dessert at Union Square's Max Brenner (Chocolate bythe Bald Man) a restaurant with chocolate everything on the menu and a delightful decor that includes copper-filled vats of continuouslymelting chocolate. (Simply divine.)

contact:tel: +1 212 336 6666fax: +1 212 336 6722http://www.chelseapiers.com/

location:Hudson River, Piers 59-62New York NY 10011

hours:

1 Chelsea Piers

DESCRIPTION: These former commercial shipping piers havebeen transformed into a massive sports complex, allowingNew Yorkers to enjoy a huge range of sporting options withoutleaving the city. There is a golf driving range, rollerskating, iceskating, bowling, swimming and workout facilities, just to namea few options. Less athletic activities include children's theatreand video games. Fees and hours vary. © wcities.com Photo courtesy of Chelsea Piers


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vary

contact:www.chelseamarket.com

location:75 Ninth AveNew York NY 10011

2 Chelsea Market

DESCRIPTION: Located in an old Nabisco factory, this big,dazzling food mall is the city's largest. Come for both raw andready-to-eat foods, including divinely inspired baked goods andcappuccino from Amy's Bread; yummy soups from Hale andHearty; Manhattan's best brownie at Fat Witch Bakery; andmuch more, including the wonderful Chelsea Wine Vault. Stopby Ronnybrook Dairy for the best low-fat chocolate milk you'llever have or a delicious yogurt smoothie. Chelsea MarketBaskets is a great place to pick up gifts for home. © Frommer's

Photo courtesy of Chelsea Market

contact:tel: +1 212 388 0030 (Office)fax: +1 212 675 2304www.maxbrenner.com


hours:M-Th 8a-11p, F-Sa 8a-1a, Su9a-11p

3 Max Brenner - Chocolate by theBald Man

DESCRIPTION: Are you possessed with the nagging urge forchocolate that you just can not get over? Well, this desserthouse will bail you out with its notorious cocoa concoctions. Siphot, dark or white chocolate, or a creamy, fragrant cappuccino.To break your fast in the morning there are Strawberry-toppedwaffles, Peanut Butter Brioche French Toast, or bagels andpastries. Then crepes, lasagna, sausages, Salmon Quiche,salads and soups are up for grabs for lunch. Let your kidssqueal over the specialties crafted for them in the menu. If youare prone to piling on the pounds, avail of the reduced caloriesmenu that cuts back the flab while you take the choco ride! ©wcities.com

wcities

New York City Snapshot

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Local InfoNew York, New York: There's truly noother city like it. From the pricey boutiquesofSoho to the street food ofChinatown,the stately museums of theUpper EastSide to the teeming nightclubs ofChelsea,this sprawling metropolis offers the bestof all worlds…and that's just Manhattan.Here's an overview of some of that island'snoteworthy neighborhoods, as well asthe basics onBrooklyn,the Bronx,QueensandStaten Island. To dig deeper on any ofthese destinations, check out the relevantNeighborhood Info section.

MidtownThis is the beating heart of the Big Apple,complete with towering skyscrapers,packed streets, and many of the city's topdestinations for sightseeing, shopping, andentertainment, includingTimes Square,theUnited Nations, theEmpire StateBuilding andRockefeller Center. This ismust-see New York, but make sure tospend some time outside this neighborhoodif you want to breathe a bit more freely.

Central ParkNestled between the Upper West andUpper East Sides, this843-acre oasis isthe most visited urban park in the country.Among its many charms are miles ofwinding pathways, several lakes andponds, twoskating rinks, azoo, and aconservatory. Visit in the summer if youcan, when the park hosts freeconcertsandplays.

Times Square/Theater District/Hell'sKitchenThe once seedyTimes Square zone isall cleaned up and packed full of chainrestaurants and other tourist-friendlyattractions. Catch a Broadway show inthe Theater District, or head west to Hell'sKitchen, also cleaned up from its seedierdays and full of dining and nightlife options.

ChelseaChelsea has been the center of the city's artscene since the mid-1990s, withmore than200 galleries centered mostly in its westernreaches(near 10th and 11th Avenues). Inaddition to theHigh Line, a newly openedpublic space along an old elevated railway,it also boasts some of the city's hottestnightclubs, is chock-full of busy restaurants

and bars, and has long been seen as theheart of gay-friendly New York. �

Gramercy/Flatiron/Union SquareThis central neighborhood has a littleof everything, from pedigreedGramercyPark to bustlingUnion Square(site of thecity's largest greenmarket). It's also hometo a number of the city's most popularrestaurants, and the dining options aboundon Park Avenue South and the areaaround Madison Square Park, near theiconicFlatiron Building.

Greenwich Village/West VillageWith its labyrinthine(compared to theMidtown grid) streets and historictownhouses, the Village is classic NewYork. Its eastern region containsWashingtonSquare Park andNew York University, whilethe charming, formerly bohemian WestVillage is home to increasingly upscaleshopping and restaurants. Head furtherwest to the Meatpacking District, now amecca of expensive dining/nightlife options.

East Village �The East Village stands out for its young,arty, funky(though nowhere near as edgyas in years past) vibe, on display in itsmany shopping, dining and nightlife options.History buffs will appreciate landmarkslikeSt. Mark's-in-the-Bowery Church, whilea cleaned-upTompkins Square Park offersgreat people-watching. Lower East Side�Go below Houston Street on the eastside and you'll find even more restaurants,boutiques and bars lining the streets ofthe ever-more-upscale Lower East Side.Though this area was once home to someof the city's worst slums, its gritty pasthas made way for a vibrant shopping,dining and nightlife scene. Learn aboutthe neighborhood's past at theLower EastSide Tenement Museum(it's free!) or checkout the historic Orchard Street ShoppingDistrict.

SohoThough many galleries have moved toChelsea, Soho still boasts its own artscene. Shopping is the real draw in thisneighborhood, however, from high-fashionboutiques to the chain stores that lineBroadway. At the eastern end of Soho,Nolita is perfect for shoppers who favor

smaller, more unique stores. A plethoraof kitschy Italian restaurants still drawtourists to the lively neighborhood ofLittleItaly, around Mulberry Street, includingthe throngs attracted by the annual SanGennaroFestival.

Lower ManhattanThis diverse zone encompassesChinatown(with its designer knock-offs anddim sum), swanky Tribeca, family-friendlyBattery Park City, and the bustling(at leastduring the week) Financial District. Must-see spots includeSouth Street Seaport,WallStreet and theNew York Stock Exchange,and theWorld Trade Center site.

Upper East Side �TheMetropolitan, theWhitney, andtheGuggenheim are only the biggestplayers in this stately, museum-filledneighborhood, which also boasts some ofthe city's best high-end shopping(MadisonAvenue) and some of its highest-priced realestate(Fifth Avenue along Central Park,Park Avenue).

Upper West SideThe beautiful Upper West Side, historicallya mecca for New York City artists, writersand intellectuals, is also one of the city'smost family-friendly neighborhoods, withbrownstone-lined streets, brunch spots,shops galore, and easy access toCentralPark. It's also home toLincoln Center,theMuseum of Natural History, architecturalgems like theAnsonia and theDakota, and(abit further north)Columbia University.

HarlemLong a vibrant center of African-Americanhistory, music and culture, Harlem haschanged a lot in recent years, as a diversenew crowd of residents have started callingits stately old brownstones home. It's still agreat destination for soul food(try stalwartslikeSylvia's) as well as live jazz and nightlifeat historic spots like theCotton Club ortheLenox Lounge.

BrooklynFrom thegalleries of Williamsburg tothe brownstones of Brooklyn Heights,from family-friendly Park Slope tokitschyConey Island, devotees of thisborough wouldn't live anywhere else. Walkacross theBrooklyn Bridge and check outthe views from thePromenade, or stroll

New York City Snapshot continued

22

inProspect Park, for just a taste of whatBrooklyn has to offer.

QueensThe largest borough, Queens is also themost ethnically diverse, boasting arguablythe best food in the city, from Greek inAstoria, to Indian in Jackson Heights, toChinese and Korean in Flushing. It is alsoa popular destination for sports(Citi Field--new home to the New York Mets--andU.S.Open tennis) and culture(check outP.S. 1Contemporary Art Center in Long IslandCity).

The BronxThough New York's northernmost boroughis best known to many as the homeofYankee Stadium, the Bronx offers a gooddeal more than meets the eye. Exploreits beaches and museums, its world-famouszoo andbotanical garden, its ownLittle Italy, quaintCity Island, and moreparkland than any other borough.

Staten IslandThe breathtaking views from the freeStatenIsland Ferry are just the beginning of this

borough's charms. With a more suburbanfeel than any of the other boroughs, StatenIsland boasts a number of parks, as wellasa zoo,a children's museum, a botanicalgarden,a minor league baseball stadium,anda restored colonial village.© NileGuide

Fun FactsNew York State: New York Country:United States

New York City By The Numbers:

Population: 8.3 million(city); 19.8million(metropolitan) Average JanuaryTemperature: 32°F/ 0°C Average JulyTemperature: 77°F/ 25°C Annual Rainfall:47in/ 1200mm Waterfront: 578mi/ 930kmElevation: 87ft/ 27m Location shoots:40,000 annually Number of islands thatNYC is made up of: 50

Quick Facts:

Time zone: GMT- 5(GMT- 4 from firstSunday in April to Saturday before last

Sunday in October); Eastern StandardTime(EST) Electricity: 110/120 volts, 60Hz;round two-pin plugs are standard. Countrydialing code: 1 Telephone area code:Manhattan 212, 646& 917; outer boroughs718, 347 or 917

Did You Know?

The nickname, The Big Apple, came fromsportswriter John Fitzgerald eavesdroppingon stable hands in New Orleans, termingNYC's racetracks as"The Big Apple".

The department store Macy's is the world'slargest store.

Babe Ruth slammed his first home runin the first game ever played at YankeeStadium.

Once the skyline of NYC wasn't dominatedby tall skyscrapers. In the 1660s, a two-story windmill was the highest building inNew York City.©

Weather

Statistics Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Temperature C

Average High 3 3 8 15 21 26 29 27 24 18 11 5

Average Mean 0 0 4 10 16 21 24 23 19 13 7 1

Average Low -3 -3 0 6 11 16 20 19 15 9 4 -1

Temperature F

Average High 37 39 47 59 70 79 84 82 75 64 52 41

Average Mean 31 31 39 50 61 70 75 73 67 56 45 34

Average Low 25 25 32 42 53 62 68 66 59 49 39 29

Rainy Days 10 10 11 11 11 10 9 9 9 8 10 11

Rain Fall (cm) 9.9 7.5 10.3 10.0 11.2 8.9 11.5 10.5 10.1 8.6 9.6 9.1

Rain Fall (in) 3.9 3.0 4.0 3.9 4.4 3.5 4.5 4.1 4.0 3.4 3.8 3.6

© NileGuide

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