Recommendations for Day (or 1 1/2 Day) NYC Trip

Looking to take me two young boys (ages 8 and 5) to NYC to see some of the sights they hear so much about.

Looking for recommendations for sights and best way to get around / accomplish the trip.

Need of course to see Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, I assume Ground Zero.

Don%26#39;t want to drive around the city. We are located in PA - so would either drive to Port Authority(?) and park, or take a limo to some location for a later or next day pickup.

If we stay overnight - recommendations for a family of 4.

All suggestions / recommendations welcome.

Thanks - K

Recommendations for Day (or 1 1/2 Day) NYC Trip

It%26#39;s tough to keep an 8 and a 5 year old focused on anything anywhere! But there are a couple of things you might consider, which I used successfully when my son was small....the South Street Seaport has old ships you can go aboard and poke around on...and the shops have plenty of junk the kids will find fascinating. There are also loads of places that sell ice cream, pretzels, and other kid-friendly stuff (in addition to excellent, more adult restaurants). There%26#39;s a comic book and science fiction store called ';Forbidden Planet'; that they definitely will find fascinating. It used to be across from the famous Strand bookstore on Broadway and 12th Street. (Google it to see where it is now--I think there may be two of them.) The Metropllitan Museum of Art is not quite the British Museum, but it%26#39;s got tons of stuff that will interest kids--medieval displays, knights in armor, weapons, etc., and other stuff...just don%26#39;t plan to spend too much time there...It can get very boring...An hour or so is enough, then you can scoot by cab across Central park to the Museum of Natural History...Kids love that one! (Try to go to museums weekdays around 10 a.m or 3 p.m., a couple of hours before the museum closes)....

NEVER on weekends. The crowds will make you wish you never left Reading!

Recommendations for Day (or 1 1/2 Day) NYC Trip

Dear ColdinPA,

Given your brief stay and the ages of you kids it is best to limit the to do list to just a few sites that will be enjoyed by the entire family.

Luckily, three of the four things noted on your list are in lower Manhattan. You can hop on the subway (4 or 5 train to Bowling Green station) or just take a taxi. Once in that area you can catch the ferry to see both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. In that same area there are a few other attractions all within walking distance. For example, you might be interestede in seeing Castle Clinton which is a fort. There you can take a brief tour with a Ranger or a costumed guide.

Other options include a visit to the Museum of the American Indian or a walk along the Esplanade (great views of Lady Liberty, Ellis Island and NJ) to the World Financial Center/Winter Garden. There is almost always a live performance or exhibit going on there. Check out the WFC website to find the calendar of events. Ground Zero is directly across from the WFC.

If you get hungry there are a lot of places to eat in the WFC but ,I recommend you head to a very special McDonald锟斤拷锟絪 located at 160 Broadway. You will be greeted by a Doorman and seated by a Hostess and enjoy the talents of a pianist while you eat.

You can then head to ESB at dusk. It is great to see the city make that transition from day to night.

For accommodations check out the Holiday Inn on W57th Street. I think HI has a kids stay free policy.

Also, look into the Southgate Tower. It is an all suite hotel - larger rooms and the kitchen could be handy for the family.

Finally, if you have another half day head to the Upper West Side for breakfast at Good Enough to Eat -Amsterdam Ave. bet. 83rd %26amp; 84th streets and then check out the Childrens Museum of Manhattan - 83rd street between Amsterdam and Broadway. Lots of interactive exhibits; fun for kids and adults.

Enjoy your visit,

ATreeGrowsinBrooklyn