Here are some terrific kid friendly places to visit the next time you're in New York City!
New York city isn't just a "happening" place for adults. There's lots to do for kids too. Here's a sampling of just some of the many exciting kid centered activities in this great big city"¦
A good way to start your day in the city is a visit to the Brooklyn Children's Museum. Known as the first museum created specifically for children back in 1899, there is much to see and do among the many award-winning exhibits and displays including a working greenhouse fully equipped with dirt and bugs.
Another worthwhile kid museum is the Children's Museum of Manhattan located on West 83rd Street. This interactive museum features five floors of fabulous fun for children between the ages of eighteen months to ten years old. There are many interesting displays including a waterwhirl.
Yet another must do for kids visiting the big apple is the Sony Technology Lab. At this free technology museum, you can create your own video game, design a movie preview, or dance and jam with music artists in a sound studio.
Take a lunch break and head on over to Bubba Gump Restaurant, a very kid friendly place to eat. Here, kids and their families can delight in some tasty meals including great sizzling burgers, crispy fish and chips, and a choice selection of smoothie drinks.
Find your way to the heart of the jungle right in the city at the Central Park Zoo where a wildlife oasis awaits you. Several varieties of animals from the tropics to the artic can be seen here. Walk through a simulated rain forest to see rare monkeys and tropical birds or get chilly with the penguins in the Antarctic habitat. Young children will especially love the Tisch children's zoo, an area where they can meet and greet animals up close. Wildlife theatre performances make the visit even more special.
Little girls who collect American Dolls will enjoy spending a few hours at the American Girl Place, a museum and doll store that includes a real café that serves brunch, lunch, tea, and dinner. And, there's even an opportunity to catch a theatrical performance such as the American Girls Review or Bitty Bear's Matinee.
For more kid style theatre, visit Literally Alive, a children's theatre that brings classic children's theatre to life on stage. Productions have included The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, and The Velveteen Rabbit. Families can participate together in a pre-show arts workshop.
For some awesome toy shopping, visit Toys R Us in Times Square. Known as the "center of the toy universe," this 110,000 square foot store has one of the best toy displays in the U.S. You definitely won't want to leave this giant toy store without buying at least one special toy.
Finally, end your day with a visit to the Little Shop of Plaster and Pottery located on East 73 rd Street and paint a souvenir project or design a t-shirt. Choices include pottery painting, plaster painting, sand art, wood crafts, and mosaics. Design anything you like - a frame, a mirror, or even a chair to remember your special day
