Anyone’s first trip to New York can be special, but for a child, the bright lights and towering skyscrapers can be spellbinding. From a Broadway show to Central Park, the Big Apple contains plenty of wonderful family activities for visitors of all ages. Here are three attractions that will ensure your kids have a memorable trip to New York.
American Museum of Natural History
Who says learning can’t be fun? Located next to Central Park on New York’s Upper West Side, the American Museum of Natural History has been educating and delighting kids and adults for over 130 years. With a staggering collection of over 32 million animals, plants, birds and historical artifacts from every continent, this enormous museum is sure to entertain parents and kids alike. Exhibits like the Hall of Biodiversity, dinosaur displays and the Hall of Meteorites will teach children about some of the earth’s most fascinating wonders from throughout the ages.
Visitors can take a break from the exhibits to enjoy a flick at the IMAX theater or enjoy a meal at the food court. The basement houses an impressive Hayden Planetarium, which boasts one of the most technologically advanced Space Theaters in the world that makes for a dazzling show.
New York toy stores
Nothing excites children more than toys, and New York contains some of the most impressive toy stores in the world, conveniently located next to the city’s major landmarks. After a day in Central Park, head to the legendary FAO Schwartz to build your own Muppet character, dance on the famous floor piano or simply marvel at the outrageously expensive kiddie sports cars. For girls of all ages, the American Girl store is located just a few blocks away. Here you’ll find boutiques for different varieties of the iconic doll, as well as a Doll Hair Salon and American Girl cafe.
Right on Rockefeller Plaza, the Nintendo World store contains a number of interactive experiences to amuse kids and adults alike. Toys “R” Us in Times Square is undoubtedly one of the city’s most famous stores. With a 60-foot indoor Ferris wheel and a fearsome 34-foot T-Rex, it’s little wonder that this megastore attracts over 26 million shoppers each year.
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is a museum unlike any other. Filled with interactive exhibits, this delightful museum offers five floors of fun with science, art, literature, media and a variety of educational programs. Children can climb through a giant mouth to learn about digestion or learn skills like pottery from trained experts. Professional dance troupes and Broadway artists stage family-friendly interactive performances that teach as well as entertain. Each week, over 80 workshops, classes and performances are offered free with admission.
