New York City is definitely not just for adults; many attractions in the city are specifically aimed at younger visitors or at least offer something to keep the children entertained alongside their parents. If your children love the great outdoors, sports, museums or good food, then New York has plenty to offer them whether you live in the city or are just on vacation for a few days.
Boats, Bicycles and Basketball
If the sun is shining, then Central Park is a great place to take children who love being outdoors. You can choose from many different sporting activities from hiring a boat on the lake to hiring bicycles and taking a tour of the sights. The Great Lawn, as well as being a good place for a picnic, is also home to free basketball courts and baseball fields where you can watch games or even join in. Younger children may prefer Central Park Zoo, which has a children's zoo allowing youngsters to get close to animals like sheep and goats, If you're visiting New York in winter, Central Park is home to two ice skating rinks, the Wollman and the Lasker, which are open daily.
Indoor Fun
Chelsea Piers is an indoor and outdoor sports center covering 30 acres on New York's waterfront between 17th and 23rd streets. If the weather is bad, your children can burn off some energy ten pin bowling or trying out ice hockey on the indoor rink. The Field House offers programs for New York residents ranging from soccer to rock climbing on the indoor wall while the venue also houses a number of restaurants and snack bars. Chelsea Piers is the departure point for a number of boat trips, so you can always head out on the water if the weather improves.
Walk and Talk
New York City Walking Tours is one of the many companies offering this service in the city, but is one of the few that tailor their routes and subjects to interest children. Topics range from engineering and the building of the Brooklyn Bridge to discovering Chinatown or Soho. Young visitors can join walking tours of the Jewish quarter or hear spooky tales from the city's history on the company's popular ghost tour. Check the company's website for booking and meeting details.
Delve Into the Past
If your children are dinosaur fans, then a visit to the American Museum of Natural History near Central Park will be near the top of their list. Aside from the two dinosaur halls full of skeletons and fossils, the museum also features the dioramas of scenes from US history made famous by the move "A Night at the Museum." Kids who liked the movies may want to sign up for the "Night at the Museum" sleepovers, which are held throughout the year, allowing you to camp in the museum and explore the halls after dark.
Good Food
New York has more to offer than just fast food diners when it comes to keeping your family fed. The city is full of innovative restaurants offering healthy food that kids will still enjoy eating. Mars 2112 in the Times Square area is a Mars-themed cafe with Martian staff serving children's favorites while Bare Burger in Queens serves great hamburgers made with organic ingredients. You can find unusual lunchtime snacks at the Peanut Butter & Co Sandwich Shop in Greenwich Village. The menu consists of various sandwiches, all involving peanut butter and a wide range of other ingredients such as pickles or banana.
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