August may be fast approaching its end, but there’s still plenty of summer fun to be had! For a fun twist to urban exploration, try becoming a tourist in your own backyard here in NYC! Check out all the hottest tourist spots, which are packed with fun!
The bright lights of Manhattan center around Times Square. Ride the Ferris wheel in Toys “R” Us, or dine on Restaurant Row. Times Square Arts uses the billboards and vacant areas to create exciting art each month.
Location: 7th Avenue between 42nd and 47th Streets
Become captivated by the performances that Broadway offers. The popular “Lion King” is just one of the family-friendly shows that will leave you singing.
Location: Between West 40th Street to West 54th Street
The historic landmark is more than just a structure with a view. Wander inside to see all that it holds. Visit the Dare to Dream exhibit, which is the retelling of the landmark’s history through notes, photographs, and sketches. Through an interactive exhibit, the Sustainability Exhibit, you can become educated on the building’s renovation process to reduce energy consumption. You will not want to miss the NY Skyride: Through a virtual simulator, take a narrated tour of New York without leaving the building!
Location: 350 5th Ave, New York, NY, 10118
Visit the statue that represents freedom to many around the world. The popular tourist spot can become crowded during the summer season. Advanced reservations are required to visit the crown along with a good set of lungs! You must be able to walk up 154 steps in a spiral staircase. Advanced reservations are required to visit the pedestal as well.
Location: Liberty Island, New York, NY, 10004
The 843-acre park is full of monuments, playgrounds, entertainers, conservatory gardens, and so much more! Rent a boat and enjoy a relaxing day on the water or visit the Central Park Zoo where you can walk through the rainforest!
Location: 110th street to 59th street, from Central Park West to Fifth Avenue
Madame Tussauds’ wax figures include leaders of the world, Hollywood stars, television stars, movie characters, pop stars, sports stars, and so much more! Sofia Vergara is the latest edition to this hot spot! Take pictures with your favorite celebrities from Michael Jackson to the group members of One Direction.
Location: 234 W 42nd St, New York, NY, 10036
Coney Island is home to Luna Park with the world-famous Cyclone roller coaster. For those seeking thrills, hop on line to the amusement park’s newest ride, the Thunderbolt, a 125-foot tall roller coaster. Enjoy a day of games, food, thrills, and laughs. Watch as the Brooklyn sky lights up on Friday nights with fireworks on the boardwalk.
Location: 1000 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11224
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! The Bronx Zoo is home to thousands of animals. You and your family can feed the goats, become detectives through the Butterfly Garden, ride the monorail to see animals in their natural habitat, and take part in so much more at the Zoo!
Location: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY, 10460
Enjoy all that the museum has to offer! You and your family can walk through the Met with a Family Audio Guide that is great for children ages 6 though 12-years-old. Also visit the Nolen Library where you can search through materials about the exhibits and pieces of art!
Location: 1000 5th Avenue, NY, NY, 10028
Sports Stadiums
There are many stadiums located in New York that are home to several sports teams. During the fall, you will find the New York Jets and New York Giants playing football at MetLife Stadium. The newly renovated Yankee Stadium is home to the Yankees where you can catch a game, or for those Mets fans head on over to Citi Field for a day of family fun! During the long winter months, Madison Square Garden is full with Knicks and Rangers fans. For those of you that enjoy a tennis match you can visit Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Bonus Tip: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Not only does Williamsburg have a great view of Manhattan, but the former artist-outpost is now a total hipster heaven (with plenty of family-friendly shopping, eateries, and more)! So why not walk across the Williamsburg bridge and indulge in some under-the-radar fun?
Eats, treats and fun!
A kid-friendly southern cooking restaurant located in Brooklyn. Make sure you save room for desert! Their pies and donuts are a must!
Location: 166 S 4th St, Brooklyn, NY, 11211
P-I-Z-Z-A! Choose from a large selection of pizzas from right out of the oven that you and your family will love!
Location: 187 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11211
With over a dozen cupcake flavors, it will be hard to choose which ones to get!
Location: 355 Union Avenue. Brooklyn NY, 11211
Get messy and crafty with ceramic projects that can decorate your house!
Location: 242 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11211
