Kids can have fun and burn off energy at a wide array of attractions in New York City. From ice skating to camel riding and peeking out of the crown perched atop the head of Lady Liberty, New York has it all.
Athletic Complex
Chelsea Piers is a huge athletic complex located at the edge of the Hudson River at the site of the old passenger terminals destination for ships, including the ill-fated Titanic. Today it features 28 acres of sports opportunities, including rock climbing, driving ranges for golf, basketball, swimming, bowling, volleyball and batting cages. There are special programs for kids, including camp, birthday parties and Junior Golf. Chelsea Piers is located near subway stops on 23rd Street, and parking is available on the premises.
Ice Skating
The Wollman ice skating rink in New York's storied Central Park is open from October through April. Ice skating in New York City creates a memorable experience for tourists and residents alike. Skaters are treated to spectacular views of Manhattan skyscrapers from the ice. Skaters can also rent rollerblades to tour the rest of the park. An ice hockey program is available at the rink, along with a skating school catering to both beginners and more advanced skaters wishing to learn figure skating, ice dancing and synchronized skating. The Wollman Rink welcomes skaters from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, and from 10 a.m. until 10 or 11 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The rink closes at 9 p.m. Sundays. Summer ice skating is available at Chelsea Piers at a reduced rate on summer Sundays. Ice skate rental is free of charge.
Zoos
More than 4,000 animals reside at the Bronx Zoo, where visitors find 265 acres filled with life-like animal habitats. The Congo Gorilla Forest is the biggest African rain forest facsimile in the world. Visitors will enjoy daily sea lion feedings, Siberian tiger demonstrations, an insect carousel at Butterfly Garden and camel rides. There is a children's zoo. Separate fees apply to some exhibits. The Bronx Zoo is open all year, and is accessible from subway stops at West Farms Square-East Tremont Avenue. Parking is on site. There is also a smaller zoo at Prospect Park in Brooklyn, where children can schedule birthday parties.
Gardens
The Brooklyn Botanical Garden has been around since 1897, and today boasts 52 acres of lush gardens for visitors to enjoy. The Japanese Hill and Pond Garden is a popular favorite. Free guided tours are available Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. The Brooklyn Botanical Garden can be reached by subway stops on Eastern Parkway-Brooklyn Museum and Prospect Park. There is street parking available. The Victorian Gardens in Central Park offers rides and games for kids.
New York Harbor Water Cruises
Take a cruise on New York Harbor and view the dramatic New York City skyline. Many of these cruises sail past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and its Immigration Museum, and some stop off at these attractions. Statue Cruises offers year around daily service to the statue and the museum. If you are interested in climbing up the 354 steps to the crown of the Statue of Liberty, you must reserve a place in advance. Advance ticketing is also recommended for the pedestal and statue access. Statue Cruises leaves from Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, and from Battery Park in Manhattan. On-site parking is available in New Jersey, and public transportation is recommended for Battery Park. New York Waterways and the Circle Line also have New York Harbor cruises.
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