A popular holiday destination where dreams and reality come hand in hand, the stunning New York City, or the Big Apple as it’s more affectionately known as, welcomes adventure travelers from around the world for an experience of a lifetime. The cosmopolitan atmosphere, numerous parks and gardens, museums and galleries, shopping and dining venues and the many kid-friendly activities make the city a great hotspot especially for family travelers looking for fun and entertainment.
A large range of New York vacation rentals are available in the best districts of New York, from simple bed and breakfast to luxury mansions and everything in between that are reasonably priced and offer great amenities for families. To make your family vacation to New York City a success, make sure to consider the following family attractions that are sure to keep both parents and children entertained and satisfied.
Carl Schurz Park
Everybody knows Central Park, but if you are a real New Yorker, you definitely know that there’s another awesome park with great playgrounds for kids on the east side of Manhattan. Partially hidden along the East River is one of the city’s best-kept secrets, the picturesque Carl Schurz Park, with plenty of green space and no shortage of kids’ activities. A stroll along the promenade will provide visitors with unmatched views of the river, the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse, Randall’s and Wards Islands, and, of course the famous 18th-century Gracie mansion that now serves as the Mayor’s official residence. Weekly concerts happen during the summer and at holiday seasons. And do not miss the statue of Peter Pan, installed in 1928.
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
A great destination for kids, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) opens a culturally diverse world in front of the whole family through a unique environment of interactive exhibitions and programs. Opened in 1973 and relocated to the Upper West Side in 1989, the museum aims to ensure children are having fun while learning about the world around them and how to take care of their bodies. The programs introduce children to art, science and literature on every level from pre-school to high-school. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Saturday, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm), the museum serves over 350,000 annual visitors and guarantees a fine family day out.
The Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo, first opened in 1899, is the largest metropolitan zoo in the nation with more than four thousand animals, representing over a thousand species. The zoo is undoubtedly a fun place for families, as the kids will enjoy the animals in their natural habitats and take part in different events. Jungle World, for instance, is an indoor rain forest, where Asian gibbons, tapirs, hornbills and many other rare species live among equally rare plants and trees.
Special highlights of the zoo include seasonal camel rides, the Sky Safari, which will give visitors the chance to glide over the zoo for a bird’s-eye view of the animals, as well as daily feedings and the new Tiger Mountain exhibit, showcasing Siberian tigers. Admission fee is $11 for adults, $8 for children, and free for kids under 2 years old.
The best time to holiday in New York is during spring and autumn, when the city experiences mild temperatures and the foliage and flowers make for a wonderful stroll around the Central Park. Winter is bitterly cold, but if you are fond of skiing or want to see New York under a fresh cover of snow, you can plan your vacation at this time of the year!
