New York with Kids

New York is one of the world's greatest places to take kids, because there is so much to do and see. In this tour we cover kid-specific stores and restaurants, but note that the museums and cultural attractions in our sample itineraries are also ideally suited for kids. Links to the places mentioned below can be found at right.

Regardless of where you are staying, hotels generally offer kid-friendly meals. If not, delis and diners as well as the endless places to get pizza make kids really happy. But there are some truly kid-fantastic places you should know of: First, the café at the new FAO Schwarz megastore is phenomenal, right out of Willy Wonka. Located on Fifth Avenue at 58th Street, kids love the oversized stuffed animals, the cool electronic toys, and the personalized service. On a budget? No need to spend money here; browsing is encouraged.

Maybe your kids have read stories about Eloise? She's the little girl who lives in the Plaza Hotel across Fifth Avenue, which has recently reopened after a multi-million dollar renovation. Instead of a formal afternoon tea, you might choose American Girl Place on Fifth Avenue at 49th Street, a phenomenal choice for girls (and their dolls)! If the boys are in tow, both Serendipity 3 and Dylan's Candy Bar never fail to please. The frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity is legendary, and the candy shoppe is yet another place right out of Willy Wonka. For a more serious and spooky meal, the Jekyll & Hyde Club is a perennial favorite on Sixth Avenue.

Have a walk on the edge of Central Park up Fifth Avenue and visit the Central Park Zoo. Or perhaps you'd prefer one of America's largest and most famous zoos, the Bronx Zoo. Or on the west side of Central Park, a visit to the Museum of Natural History and Rose Center for Earth and Space are great kid favorites. After your visit there, head to Robot Village on Broadway. If your kids aren't the museum-going type (see our sample itineraries elsewhere in the visitor guide), you could head all the way down to South Ferry on the number 1 train to Battery Park to take either the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and/or Ellis Island. Or if your time is limited and you're on a budget, the Staten Island Ferry never fails to please--and it's free!

Want dozens of more tips and great places to shop, eat and stay? Just CLICK HERE!