6 great spots to take the kids
Family-friendly spots in NYC Wochit
The Hills on Governor's Island.(Photo: Timothy Schenck 2016)
During the last two weeks of summer, when summer camp is over but school has yet to begin, getting the kids out of the house is a must. And if you're not jetting off to Europe — or even heading down the shore — you're going to need a plan.
Lucky for you, we have one. From a ferry ride out to Governor's Island to a tour of an aircraft carrier, from 65-million-year-old fossils to playful sea lions, very much alive, we have curated six fun trips to New York City that promise to keep your child not only occupied, but entertained. We've even included plans for lunch.
Kids' decor::Little girls' backyard dream house comes to life
Going 'round::Take a spin on these magnificent carousels
Governor's Island
Governor's Island is a pretty magical place to escape to for the day, and there really is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. The ferry ride out to the 172-acre, car-free island itself offers stunning views of lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, and the vistas and viewpoints don't stop once you disembark.
Best for: Adventurous sorts. There's plenty to occupy kids: an urban farm and teaching garden from GrowNYC that's open to the public on weekends; a free, sculptural mini golf course; a new park section of the island called The Hills that boasts giant slides, including a 57-foot slide that's apparently the longest one in the whole city; fountains kids can splash in; climbing structures; swings and a hammock grove; and much more, from pop-up events from the Children's Museum of the Arts and free kayaking.
Nearby eats: We're always fans of packing a picnic, especially with so much lush green space available to dine on, but there are food stands and Island Oyster, a tempting brand-new, massive oyster bar that seats 600 along the water.
Good to know:The best way to see different spots of this former military base is to rent bikes; bring your own on the ferry, or, much easier, rent them from Blazing Saddles (which offers rides for adults, kids, tandem bikes and even surreys so couples and families can ride together) or from Citi Bike stations on the island.
GrowNYC teaching garden on Governor's Island." width="540" height="405" />The GrowNYC teaching garden on Governor's Island. (Photo: GrowNYC)
Details: The ferry runs daily from the Battery Maritime Building in Manhattan and from Brooklyn Bridge Park on weekends and costs $2 for adults, $1 for senior citizens and is free for children under 13 (it's also free for journeys before 11:30 a.m. on weekends!). More info at govisland.com.
— Sophia F. Gottfried
The Hills, Governor's Island. (Photo: Timothy Schenck)
New York Transit Museum
A line up of subway trains on display at the New York Transit Museum in Carroll Gardens in Brooklyn. (Photo: James W. Anness, The Record/James W. Anness)
Want to delight a child? Nothing beats a choo-choo.
Thomas the Tank Engine, the Polar Express, the HO gauge layout in your basement — if it's a train, kids are on board. But the 16 subway cars, dating from the early 1900s, on permanent display at The New York Transit Museum aren't the only reason this Brooklyn attraction is especially well-suited to tots.
Since July 4, 1976, it's been a repository for New York's mass transit history. Not just trains are here, but also buses, trolleys, and associated artifacts including turnstiles, tokens, coin boxes, lighting fixtures, vending machines, maps, advertisements, and a fully operational subway command center.
Best for: Kids who like trains. But also, kids who like novelty. And what could be more novel than a museum in an actual subway station? You enter this museum the way you would enter any subway stop: by taking a stairway down from the corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, and descending into the bowels of the city. In fact, this was once an operating stop on the IND line. The Court Street Station, as it was originally known, lasted only 10 years — from 1936 to 1946. Afterwards it became Hollywood's go-to location for subway scenes: Both versions of "The Taking of Pelham One, Two Three" (1974, 2009) were filmed here.
model 4902 Subway car from circa 1917" width="180" height="240" />Views from a model 4902 Subway car from circa 1917 on display at the New York Transit Museum in Carroll Gardens in Brooklyn. (Photo: James W. Anness, The Record/James W. Anness)
Nearby eats: No shortage of food in the Borough Hall area of Brooklyn, including — if your kids are picky — the familiar Burger King, Checkers and IHOP franchises. Looking for something more adventurous? You might try Honeygrow (194 Joralemon St., 347 422-0714, honeygrow.com), which offers custom-created stir-fries and their patented fruit-honey desserts. Or Bareburger (149 Court St., 347 529-6673, bareburger.com) which boasts "eco-friendly" burgers made of various ingredients. Yaso Tangbao (148 Lawrence St., 929 337-7599, yasotangbao.com) specializes in dumplings and what is billed as "Shanghai street food." Or you could opt for the po-boys, gumbo and other Louisiana specialties at The Gumbo Bros. (224 Atlantic Ave., 917 909-1471, thegumbobros.com).
Good to know: On the lower level, you can go aboard more than a dozen subway cars going back to the 1910s and Twenties (New York has had subways since 1904). You can marvel at the changes in decor: what ever happened to woven-straw seat covers, and the leather straps — later metal handholds — that gave rise to the term "straphanger"? And those old ads! "Courtesy is contagious, Let's start an epidemic." "Every woman will eventually vote — for Gold Dust." (This pre-1920 ad referred to a detergent brand). "Bet You Do Better in a Hat — 84 out of 100 women prefer men who wear hats." Did we mention: this subway station is also a time machine?
Details:Museum is at the corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn. Accessible by many subway lines. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tues. through Fri.; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat. and Sun. Closed Mondays and holidays. $10 adults, $5 children and seniors 62 and older. nytransitmuseum.org
— Jim Beckerman
Touring the Captain's bridge. (Photo: The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum.)
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86
Since it opened in 1982, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Complex has become one of Manhattan’s most popular tourist attractions. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend an afternoon snooping around an aircraft carrier? But the museum, which also includes the space shuttle Enterprise, has a lot more to offer than tours.
The Intrepid offers overnight sleepovers. Or that it is equipped with state-of-the-art flight simulators? (They’re just like video games. Only better!) The museum also offers educational (but fun) seminars about how Americans have lived on (and under) the sea, in the air, and in space. And don’t miss out on the museum’s planetarium, which should keep the kids starry-eyed for the rest of the day.
Best for: Model airplane-loving, star-gazing, science, history and naval buffs and those who love them.
Nearby eats: On the mess deck of the ship is the Intrepid Marketplace, which sells pizzas, sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups. Otherwise, West 46th Street is called Restaurant Row for a reason. It’s a magnet for the Broadway theater crowd, but tables are plentiful in mid-afternoon or after 8 p.m. curtains. Grab burgers and other bistro fare at Joe Allen (a theater landmark at 326 W. 46th St., 212-581-6464, joeallenrestaurant.com). Havana Central (151 W. 46th, 212-398-7440, havanacentral.com) offers empanadas, Cuban sandwiches and rice and bean dishes that are easy for kids to share. And if you need a sugar rush, head over to Junior’s Restaurant (1515 Broadway at W. 45th St. 212-302-2000, juniorscheesecake.com) for some great desserts, including Junior’s famed cheesecake.
Good to know: Almost every inch of the Intrepid, including all of the dining areas and rest rooms, is wheelchair accessible.
Details:The museum is on the west side of Manhattan on Pier 86 at 12th Ave. and 46th St. It is easily accessible by car, bus and subway. From Penn Station, take the M-42 West bus to 12th Ave. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and holidays. Admission: $33 for adults (13 and over), $31 for seniors (65 and over) and $24 for children 5-12; free for children 4 and veterans with valid ID. intrepidmuseum.org.
— Bill Ervolino
The High Line
A summer day on The High Line on Manhattan's West side (Photo: Iwan Baan)
From Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking district to 34th Street between 10th and 12th Avenues lies a 1.5-mile public park built on a historic freight rail line. But, you'll have to look up to see this rejuvenated piece of New York's history: it's elevated above the streets.
Each section of the High Line has been converted from an out-of-use railroad trestle to a public landscape featuring plants inspired by the greenery that grew on the tracks during the 25 years after trains stopped running. Visitors can take in some superb scenery by exploring the many gardens, lawns, overlook points and pathways the High Line has to offer.
exposed rail pokes through the foliage after" width="540" height="405" />An area of exposed rail pokes through the foliage after on the High Line, an industrial era elevated railway converted into a city park in New York (Photo: Kathy Willens, AP)
Best for:Kids who like to walk. The whole point of the High Line is to stroll and enjoy the views.
Nearby eats: Although families can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert options at an array of eateries along the grounds, many like to avoid the lines and crowds and grab some grub before ascending the High Line stairs. Chelsea is a family-friendly area with no shortage of yummy options. Dirty Bird To-Go is a popular spot to pick up some Southern fried chicken, rotisserie chicken or chicken fingers and creamy mac n' cheese for the kids. (204 14th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, 212-620-4836, www.dirtybirdtogo.com.) It's just a short walk to the 14th Street Sundeck at the High Line, a good spot to enjoy your lunch and some rays at the same time. Or you could grab some sweet treatsat Doughnut Plant to enjoy on the 23rd Street Lawn, the perfect spot for a picnic. (220 West 23rd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, 212-505-3700 ext. 220, doughnutplant.com.) If you'd rather sit down and enjoy a meal after you walk the park, The Meatball Shop is a great spot for, you guessed it, meatballs (pork, beef, chicken or veggie) and oddly enough, ice cream sandwiches. Kids will have a hard time deciding what hand-made ice cream and freshly-baked cookie combo to enjoy. (200 9th Avenue at 22nd Street, 212-257-4363, www.themeatballshop.com.)
Good to know:The High Line provides many fun programs for families to explore public art, horticulture, design, and history and also welcomes camps, youth groups and schools by offering educational programs throughout the year.
luxury apartment buildings" width="540" height="405" />Pedestrians stroll between luxury apartment buildings along the High Line in New York (Photo: Kathy Willens, AP)
Details: The High Line runs from Gansevoort St. (three blocks below 14th Street) to 34th Street and follows 10th Avenue until 30th Street, where it turns west to 12th Avenue. There are 11 different spots to access the park and the A,C,E; 1,2,3; and 7 trains as well as the M11, M14, M23 and M34 buses will bring you to the various entry points. Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. in the summer, however, hours vary throughout the seasons. www.thehighline.org.
— Kristin Coursen
Sundeck water feature and preserve on the High Line, between West 14th Street and West 15th Street, looking south (Photo: Iwan Baan)
American Museum of Natural History
The Louvre of dinosaur fossils — there's no museum in the world that has a bigger or more impressive collection of this extinct animal's remnants — the American Museum of Natural History offers four large labyrinth-like floors filled with sensational scientific exhibits that wondrously manage to please both kids and parents. What youngster or grown up wouldn't be impressed by a 94-foot-long model of a female blue whale hanging from a dark ceiling? Meet the largest animal alive today, sometimes weighing in at more than 100 tons. But it's not all about size. Far from it. The museum is chock full of models, casts and artifacts of just about any living thing — big, small, domesticated, wild, extinct, etc. — from teeny termites to three-foot-tall King Penguins to a ferocious-looking (teeth-baring) American alligator to a giant Galapagos tortoise. It's thrilling — but a lot to take in.
Best for: Children of all ages. Who wouldn't be wowed by a beast that is so humongous that two adjoining rooms are needed to show his complete 122-foot-long skeleton? Introducing Titanosaur, now officially called Patagotitan mayorum.
Nearby Eats: One suggestion: Pack a picnic lunch and head into Central Park and dine alfresco. Your kids won't have to behave at a table, and there are playgrounds too. But if you'd rather be served, there are a bunch of family-friendly spots nearby (hey, this is the Upper West Side after all). Caffe Storico, a brightly lit Italian restaurant is housed in another museum, the New York Historical Society, that is only two blocks south (170 Central Park West, 212-873-3400 nyhistory.org/dine/storico). If it's burgers you're after, Shake Shack is a 4-minute walk away (beware though, lines can be starve-making long), (366 Columbus Ave., 646-747-8770; shakeshack.com). Nice Matin, a bustling bistro on the corner of 79th and Amsterdam Avenue, is a good choice for brunch and salads (201 W. 79th St., 212-873-6423; nicematinnyc.com). For pretty terrific Greek food, head to Kefi, chef Michael Psilakis' casual and always hopping spot (505 Columbus Ave., 212-873-0200; michaelpsilakis.com/kefi).
Good to know: The museum recommends starting your visit from the 4th floor and working your way down. But that probably would mean that you wouldn't get to the Hall of Northwest Coast Indians (gorgeous totems) or the Bernard Family Hall of North American Mammals (hello caribous, elks and deer) on the ground floor. Advice: figure out what you want to see beforehand and then focus in on that. You can always — and definitely should — come back.
Details: The museum is located on Central Park West and 79th Street. 212-769-5100; amnh.org. There's a museum garage on 79th Street, between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. The B (on weekdays only) and C stop at 81st Street and Central Park West — you need only walk two blocks south. The 1 stops at 79th Street and Broadway. Walk east three blocks and you're there. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m. daily except Christmas and Thanksgiving. Admission: $23 for adults, $13 for children 2-12 and $18 for seniors and students, but the museum has a pay-what-you-wish policy; it's up to you how much you fork out. To avoid lines, you can pay at a kiosk, but full admission amounts only.
— Esther Davidowitz
Central Park Zoo
OK, the Bronx Zoo it's not. But this little corner of the park, which has exhibited animals since around 1850, has some showy creatures, including a snow leopard, red panda and a few very playful sea lions. Alas, Gus, the beloved polar bear, died in 2013.
There are birds and reptiles, too (penguins! poison frogs!), as well as a 4D Theater and a petting zoo, which is especially engaging for younger children. The zoo is divided into four quadrants with the sea lion pool in the center, and is small enough to make a morning visit manageable with plenty of time leftover for lunch.
Best for:Children from toddlers to tweens will enjoy a trip, especially if you plan your visit to coincide with the penguin or sea lion feedings. (The penguins are at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; the frolicky sea lions do their dance at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m).
Nearby eats: There's a restaurant in the zoo that serves burgers and pizza and prepared sandwiches. But better to head out of the park. Older children might enjoy a sit-down meal at Sarabeth's (40 Central Park South, 212-826-5959, sarabethscps.com), which is famous for its brunch. Families with smaller (less patient) children should head to the Plaza Food Hall (Fifth Avenue at Central Park South, 888-850-0909, theplazany.com/dining/foodhall), a collection of vendors of upscale, tasty food like Luke's Lobster, Chi Dumpling & Noodles and a sandwich shop called No. 7 Sub.
Good to know: Once you're inside the main gates of the zoo, you can't leave and come back in, so if your agenda includes the Tisch Children's Zoo, which is a bit further north, go there first. You can buy tickets ahead, or, if you have a QR reader on your smart phone, you can scan the code and get tickets on the fly.
Details: The zoo is near the southeast corner of Central Park. The best place to enter the park is on Fifth Avenue near 64th Street. 212-439-6500, centralparkzoo.com. Admission: $7 to $18, depending on visitors' ages and exhibits you'd like to visit. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday–Friday, til 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
— Liz Johnson
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