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Visiting New York with Kids

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5 places to visit with the tykes to keep them from getting bored

New York City is a wonderful, magical place. The attractions, the shows, the shopping all seem to be designed to keep you occupied 24 hours per day whenever you visit. However, many of these attractions are not suitable for younger children.

Visiting New York with Kids

Times Square, for example, can be an eye-opening experience for the most jaded traveler, but the multitude of pan-handlers, performance artists and peddlers can give your children a view of the world that they may not be ready for. Striking the balance between adult behavior and childlike enjoyment can be difficult in the city that never sleeps, but there are solutions.

Places to go, things to see

By avoiding the more ‘adult’ parts of Manhattan, you can make your kids trip to the Big Apple more enjoyable. Most of the attractions that are children-friendly are also interesting for adults.

  • The Statue of Liberty. No matter your age, the Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic sculptures in the world. Long the symbol of immigration and American spirit, it remains a must-see part of your New York tour. Children will love visiting the statue and if the tours are kept reasonable, they should not get too worn out with stair climbing. Taking the self-guided tours is recommended so you can judge how tired they are becoming.
  • Central Park. An oasis of green inside of Manhattan’s concrete jungle, Central Park offers families numerous museums and attractions while giving them a break from non-ending crowds and congestion. The Tisch Children’s Zoo is a popular attraction and includes a petting zoo for children to touch their favorite animals. Between April and November, the Central Park Carousel is in operation. Over a hundred years old, the carousel is a low-cost way to feel and experience history at first hand.
  • The American Museum of Natural History. Children, and adults, who have seen the Night in the Museum movies will recognize the AMHA. Resting on the edge of Central Park, the museum is filled with interactive exhibits that are designed to be kid-friendly. Not a small museum, the AMHA can keep your family busy for hours.
  • The Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Almost a babysitter in the middle of Manhattan, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan is chock full of interactive exhibits and activities for children of all ages. This is a wonderful place for children to burn off energy while keeping them engaged in learning and creativity. It’s a delightful place for parents to take a break, too.
  • The High Line. The High Line is one of the most unique parks in New York – or the world. Built on an abandoned elevated rail line, the High Line is a green space soaring above the streets of Western Manhattan. Filled with plants and trees, the relatively young park has become an integral attraction in Manhattan. Children, as well as adults, will marvel at an elevated green space surrounded by industry and residences.
Visiting New York with Kids

Visiting New York, with or without children, can be a maddening experience if you don’t take the time to plan your trip. The best way to take a tour of New York City is by linking up with a tour company to plan your trip and travel between attractions quickly and inexpensively. Bus tours are popular because you can visit the attractions you want to see for as long as you like.

More formal tours don’t lend themselves well to maintaining children’s attention while catering to their unique needs. Riding a double-decker bus through the heart of Manhattan can be the most memorable part of your trip for impressionable children.

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