New York City is known as the city that never sleeps. Shopping, the hustle, and bustle of Fifth Avenue, evening cocktails, Broadway shows - this city is a paradise for many adults. But what if you're there with your child and the shopping and cocktails are somehow no longer appropriate?
"What to do in New York City with kids?" - is a question that worries many parents. And luckily, we have the answer. Spend the night in a museum with dinosaurs and ride a bike with square wheels, visit a closed subway station and climb the captain's bridge of the aircraft carrier Intrepid, voice the movies and climb into the crown of the Statue of Liberty, find a farm among skyscrapers and compare the zoo from the cartoon "Madagascar" with the real one, eat candy and go to the holiday parade - in this article we have collected the best ideas of spending a weekend with kids in New York.
Stores
1. FAO Schwarz Toy Store
FAO Schwarz Toy Store in NYC - right here "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" was filmed, and little, plucky Kevin defended so fiercely. In reality, the store doesn't look quite like it does in the movies. We can't tell if it's better or worse, perhaps more modern. However, children and adults alike will have the most pleasant experience in this place. FAO Schwarz often organizes festivals for their young customers - the store regularly hosts entertainers and contests for children and their parents. The variety of toys can capture the imagination of all the little mischiefs. In addition, there is a unique atmosphere - joy and magic. However, there is one disadvantage - you can't get the kids out of there, at least not without shopping.
2. M&M'S World in Times Square
M&M'S World in Times Square is the largest M&M'S store in the world. There you will find an incredible variety of candies of the famous and beloved brand. Souvenirs, clothes, unusual toys, in a word - a paradise for children. A visit to the store is also recommended for adults. The authors of many guidebooks on the city included this in the program of tours of Times Square. This place is practically a landmark in NYC, so tourists of all ages will be interested to see the candy wonder of M&M'S.
Museums
3. American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is a must-see for travelers of all ages and is one of the top 5 most famous museums in New York. Returning to the theme of movies, this is where the movie "Night at the Museum" was filmed. All of the characters beloved by viewers are living exhibits and are represented in the exhibit halls. But of course, this is not the main reason to visit the museum. The dinosaur skeletons, the Indian hall, the section devoted to space, and many other halls are of interest to everyone without exception. The Planetarium deserves special attention. You can't see anything like it anywhere else.
4. Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum
Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum is a museum of military, naval, and space technology. Here children can see what a real submarine looks like from the inside, sit in the cockpit of a fighter jet, fly on simulators of the most jet fighters of the USA, and see space shuttles. Based on the experience of most tourists, it is safe to say that the museum is equally fascinating for both children and adults.
5. Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Ripley's Believe It or Not! - Mr. Ripley's Museum of Wonders. What's there - the most unusual people (the bearded woman, the ugliest man in the world, the half-man), incredible scientific achievements, the most extraordinary incidents in history, and unusual objects (for example, things lifted from the Titanic, part of the Berlin Wall, souvenirs from outer space, a fragment of a meteorite). It is probably the most fun and at the same time one of the most informative museums in the world. In addition, there are a few surprises that will make you laugh and be remembered for a long time.
6. Madame Tussauds Museum
Madame Tussauds Museum is the Madame Tussauds wax museum. This museum is excellent entertainment for the whole family. It contains figures of the world's great people: politicians, movie and show business stars, superheroes from movies, and several entertaining attractions for children. The figures look very realistic. The main thing you should not forget before you go to the museum is a loaded camera. In the photo, it is difficult to distinguish the wax figures from real people. The museum is delightful for those who love to be photographed.
Zoos
7. Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is the largest and most famous Zoo in New York City, with over 4,000 animals worldwide. According to many, this is one of the best places in the city to visit for the whole family.
8. Central Park Zoo
Central Park Zoo is not as big as the Bronx Zoo, but it is in the city's heart. It has everything you need to keep the little ones amused. You will see penguins, polar bears, and many other exotic animals here. And in the fall and winter, you can combine a trip to the Zoo not only with a walk-in Central Park, where it is located but also with a visit to the skating rink, one of the most famous in the city.
Broadway Shows
9. The Lion King
To be in New York City and not go to a Broadway musical is, one might say, a crime. "The Lion King", based on the Disney cartoon, is recognized as Broadway's best show. Plus, knowing the language doesn't matter to enjoy the spectacle - the actors make "jungle calls" for most of the performance, and the plot is quickly revealed through dance and music. Whether or not to go to a musical without children is a moot point, but we would still recommend this show for younger audiences more than for adults.
10. Spider-Man, Turn Off The Dark
"Spider-Man, Turn Off The Dark" is a breathtaking show. The actors fly over the audience's heads during the show, with significant special effects, very colorful and awe-inspiring. Interestingly, many viewers came to see the actors fall at the first shows, falling off the safety ropes. The fact is that almost all of the show takes place at heights, and at first, the actors often fell off the set, giving considerable pleasure to the bloodthirsty audience. However, no falls experience and skill have taken over the heights in the last year. The show is impressive, including the risk the artists take. It is worth coming here both for the children's enjoyment and for a natural Broadway-worthy spectacle.
How to get to New York?
Of course, the easiest way to get to New York is by plane. New York's airports are some of the largest airports in the world, so it's no surprise that this is the most popular way.
As for how to get downtown directly from the airport, you have several options. From Kennedy Airport, where a massive number of different flights arrive, you can get to the city by:
- Air Train Mini Metro. It goes to several New York City subway stations, and the travel time is 10-20 minutes.
- Bus from Terminal 4. Also, to subway stations or through the city itself - routes are starting at Q). There is also JFK terminal 4 parking, convenient for people who leave their car at JFK parking.
- By classic yellow cab-taxi.
- A helicopter to midtown Manhattan. A helicopter to midtown Manhattan is for those in a hurry and who don't mind overpaying.
New York City does not have a separate Aeroexpress to take passengers downtown: in any case, the second part of your trip will be by subway.
Returning to parking at JFK Airport (and not only), we want to give you one more little tip. If you are looking for cheap JFK parking, we recommend you to look at parking lots not directly on the airport grounds but close to it. They are much more affordable, and you can always use the airport shuttle to get from the parking lot to the airport. You can find out more about this type of parking, its benefits and more on our website.
