Awesome Apps For Planning Trips

Editor’s Note: For more on attractions in New York City, see our articles 2014 Guide to Attractions and “NYC By Foot, Boat, Or Bus”

Navigating New York City’s busy streets and subway lines can be confusing. Luckily, in the age of smart phones there are apps that can help you get to where you want to go fast.

HopStop
This app gets you door-to-door transit, walking, biking, and taxi directions all over New York. Users can also use it to plan trips with multiple destinations, estimate travel time and taxi cost, and even how many calories you burn or carbon emissions you save on your chosen route. hopstop.com Free for iPhone

Embark NYC
Step-by-step instructions combined with notifications of advisories and closures based on real-time information eliminate the need for guessing which route is fastest. Even better, this app can work without an internet connection, which means that even underground you can still plan your trip. letsembark.com Free for iPhone

Exit Strategy
Just as the name implies, Exit Strategy provides users with strategies for where to get on subway trains, so you can board at the right position to arrive directly in front of the exit at your stop. Complete with official subway maps, this app can be used underground as it works entirely offline. exitstrategynyc.com $4.99 for iPhone, $3.99 for BlackBerry, $0.99 for Kindle, $2.99 for Android

MTA
For those who want more options, be sure to browse through MTA’s app gallery. It includes 78 (and counting) New York City transportation apps, some of which are MTA licensed, for a variety of smartphones. web.mta.info/apps

Uber
With Uber, taking a taxi has never been so easy—or so stylish, in their sleek black cars. Now rising in popularity worldwide, this app lets you call drivers to your location based on your phone’s GPS. Offering fare quotes and a cashless payment option, this app is the cutting-edge of convenience. uber.com Free for iPhone and Android

Play On! Studios

Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games! Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun! Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show! During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us. &nbsp;

USC Gymnastics & Baseball Training Facility

We offer sports activities, after school programs, birthday parties &amp; private lessons for kids ages 3&ndash;13 years! Our gymnastics classes are a great way to keep your child active and healthy. We strive to empower and challenge children through the sport of gymnastics.

Advantage QuickStart Tennis

A proven teaching method, customized by age and ability for ages 3 and up. Special kid-sized racquets and playing area, plus slower-bouncing balls, make it fun from day one!