Growing up in suburban New Jersey, my parents frequently piled us into our huge Buick station wagon and headed into the city for the day. Whether we were taking visitors to see the sights or going to museums, plays and restaurants, the city was a part of my life from a very young age. It always amazed me to hear that many of my friends rarely went into the city with their families when they were kids. Yes, it can be a hassle to lug the whole family into New York for the day, but don't deprive your children of the city experience. You can make city trips more manageable by finding a few affordable parking garages in various locations, deciding where you are going to eat beforehand and sticking to one to two neighborhoods on a given day.
Here are some fun kid-friendly excursions:
Rose Center for Earth & Space (Featuring the New Hayden Planetarium)
The new Hayden Planetarium offers amazing space shows and exhibits that will leave your kids in awe. If you're able to visit after dark, The Rose Center is a spectacular sight with glowing planets in the glass atrium.
West 81st Street & Central Park West
Daily 10:00 am - 5:45 pm, Friday until 8:45
Website
The Museum of Natural History
On the other side of the planetarium, The Museum of Natural History can be part of the same excursion or a separate day trip. The museum offers everything from IMAX movies to the memorable Hall of Ocean Life, the hands on Discovery Room to dinosaur exhibits and much, much more.
West 79th Street & Central Park West
Daily 10:00 am - 5:45 pm
Website
The Children's Museum of Manhattan
Also nearby is the Children's Museum of Manhattan. The entire museum is hands on with educational exhibits, classes and more. The Children's Museum is geared toward young children and can be very loud when crowded.
West 83rd Street between Amsterdam and Broadway
Wednesday - Sunday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Website
Kid-Friendly Restaurants on the Upper West Side
The Upper West Side is one of the city's most family-friendly neighborhoods. If you're not dining at one of the museums, there are many other options. Pizzeria Uno on 81st & Columbus is located directly across from the planetarium. Patsy's Pizza has wonderful brick-oven pizza and is just a few blocks away at 61 West 74th Street (just off of Columbus). For something other than pizza, try EJ's Luncheonette at Amsterdam and 81st Street, which is an upscale diner with burgers, sandwiches, salads and more.
