New York City is a mecca of entertainment for the young and young-at-heart. This dazzling concrete jungle with buildings so high you'll get a crick in your neck just looking up at them has many opportunities for young kids to learn more about the world around them. Activities that get children outdoors and moving are an extra bonus. The savvy parent can sneak some educational activities into all the fun and spend some quality time with her child at the same time.
Parks and Recreation
The mother of all parks sits in the middle of New York City, hence the name Central Park. This charming chunk of nature in the middle of the city spans over 800 acres, has 24,000 trees and 36 bridges, and attracts over 35 million visitors each year. Here you can walk or bike over six miles of drives, or play any variety of games in one of 26 ball fields. You can even rent a rowboat and paddle across the 22-acre lake.
Your family can also enjoy the awe inspiring views from the Statue of Liberty at Battery Park, which sits at the southern tip of Manhattan, and in fact is the largest open space in downtown. Here you can explore gardens, a waterfront promenade and even a castle.
Museums and Culture
Any child who has watched "Night at the Museum" will recognize the familiar backdrop of the American Museum of Natural History. While "Rexy" will probably not come to life and spirit your child around the museum, there are plenty of hands-on activities available for kids, including several camps. There's even a sleepover.
If you want to provide your child with a bi-cultural experience, there's Let's Play in Japanese, which offers visitors the opportunity to play, sing and learn about the Japanese culture.
Zoos and Aquariums
One way to keep the kids outdoors and active is to take advantage of the many zoos and aquariums in the city. In the Central Park Zoo, there's the Tisch Children's Zoo. This allows city-dwellers the chance to see and literally touch nature and learn about conservation. Similarly, the New York Aquarium allows visitors to learn about aquatic animals and even experience a touch pool. Top off your visit to Coney Island with this popular gem.
Indoor Recreation
If you're looking for something out in the elements, New York provides several unique options to keep you active even indoors. The Chelsea Piers has an entire sports complex complete with a rock climbing wall in addition to a bowling rink and a sky rink where kids can get out onto the ice for a rousing game of hockey.
In New York, you can even fly. Check out the Trapeze School of New York for some out-of-the-ordinary activities. Children as young as six are welcome to take trapeze classes.
Seasonal
New York celebrates its holidays in grand style. Children will be amazed as they watch enormous balloons inflate for the the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. You can sled at Central Park, ice skate at Rockerfeller Center and go Christmas shopping at FAO Swartz.
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