Why Let Tourists Have All The Fun?

Each year, travelers from all over the world come to our city to experience what, for New Yorkers, are just a bus or subway ride away. Yet, year after year, many of these treasures go untouched by local families. This summer, why not grab the kids and your camera and rediscover the iconic sights and sounds that help make this city one of the greatest in the world?

Empire State Building

The city’s most famous skyscraper offers stunning views and yearround fun. After a high-speed elevator ride to the building’s 86th floor Observatory, witness the wonder in your child’s eyes as they gaze across the landscapes of five states! Follow up with an exciting trip on the NYSKYRIDE, a simulated helicopter ride that “flies” guests over 30 of New York’s most popular sites without ever leaving the second floor of the building. 350 Fifth Avenue, esbnyc.com.

Statue of Liberty

With the recent reopening of Lady Liberty’s crown, children have the opportunity to see their city skyline from a most unique vantage point. Ferries leave from Battery Park and a round-trip ticket includes stops at both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, so be sure to explore the historic immigration museum as well. nps.gov.

Central Park

Sure, you know all about the Central Park Zoo and Belvedere Castle. Why not explore some of the park’s hidden gems? Head over to the Chess & Checkers House, which offers free arts and crafts activities; hop over to the Swedish Cottage for a marionette show; or stop by the Harlem Meer, which features catch-and-release fishing through mid-October. Between 5th and 8th Avenues and 59th and 110th Streets, centralparknyc.org.

Bronx Zoo

Home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species, the 265-acre Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the country. Visit the African Plains to see lions, zebras and gazelles; go to Madagascar to meet lemurs and crocodiles; and see a Siberian tiger in mountainous Eastern Russia. This summer, check out “Animal Tales Extravaganza”— thirteen weeks of book readings and live musical performances at the zoo! 2300 Southern Boulevard, bronxzoo.com.

Times Square

Kids will be amazed by the oddities at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, which holds 25 themed galleries displaying everything from a six-legged cow to books made from spider webs. Madame Tussauds offers more than just lifelike wax creations of celebrities, sports icons and historical figures—it also has a Cinema 4D theater and “American Idol” stage, where kids can sing and record their very own performances. Afterward, head over to Dave & Buster’s for a kid-friendly meal and a wide selection of games. timessquarenyc.org.

Nintendo World Store

With more than 10,000 square feet of hands-on entertainment, kids won’t lack for things to do inside this Nintendo nirvana. Feeling clueless about the Wii phenomenon? Learn the basics with a virtual tour, and then test your new skills on the game stations. And be sure to check out the collection of Nintendo artifacts. 10 Rockefeller Plaza, 646-459- 0800, nintendoworldstore.com.

South Street Seaport

Tall ships and a fabulous view aren’t all this historic seaport has to offer. The South Street Seaport Museum traces the history of New York through this port, and is full of paintings, drawings, models and other sailing-related paraphernalia. Grab a bite to eat and enjoy shopping and strolling the cobblestone streets. Plus, check out the new “Tigers” exhibition, where kids can learn all about their favorite striped felines through high-tech interactive exhibits. Fulton and South Streets, Pier 17, southstreetseaport.com 

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Polaris Productions Theater Camp

<p>Kids will learn, rehearse, and perform the wonderful Maurice Sendak and Carole King musical, Really Rosie. For 10 weekdays, campers will take part in physical and vocal warm-ups and learn choreography, staging, and vocal parts. They’ll develop skills in acting, singing, character development, and more. This camp will ignite your child’s imagination and passion for performing, build their self-esteem, and help them form lasting friendships. They’ll have fun! At camp’s end, the kids will perform Really Rosie for family members and friends. Kids of all levels of experience, ages 8 through 13, are welcome to join.</p>

Monster Mini Golf

<p>Upon entering Monster Mini Golf, all perceptions of traditional mini golf will be spirited away by the indoor, 18-hole, monster-theme, glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course! The locations in <a href="https://monsterminigolf.com/deerpark/">Deer Park</a>, and <a href="https://monsterminigolf.com/gardencity/">Garden City, NY</a> invite guests to experience a host of family-oriented fun activities. Whether visiting for the first time or the one hundredth, mini golfers feel the excitement and adventure of playing mini golf amidst spooktacular monsters and custom, glow-in-the-dark, hand-painted artwork. While testing their skill on the fairways, lively music flows over the course from the unique “WEIRD Radio” station” and an interactive DJ entertains golfers with contests, awarding cool prizes for the wackiest reasons. While the course is challenging enough for adults, it is also quite playable for children. Monster Mini Golf is open year-round and frightfully fun for the entire family. In addition to miniature golf and thrilling arcade and redemption games, the locations offer additional attractions. <a href="https://monsterminigolf.com/deerpark/">Monster Mini Golf in Deer Park, NY</a> offers a Laser Maze and a Virtual Reality experience. The Garden City location offers a Laser Maze, Bowling, and a Virtual Reality Experience. Two very posh, private party rooms are also available and are perfect for any event. Monster Mini Golf looks forward to making it a monstrous success. Monster Mini Golf is indoors, ensuring that the event will always take place, regardless of the weather. It is a climate-controlled, affordable source of family entertainment. For more details please visit <a href="http://monsterminigolf.com">monsterminigolf.com</a> or find them on Facebook.</p>

Steps on Broadway Youth Programs

<p class="m_6201101365486487057m_1751229968981391907gmail-m-6447730382188674378msonospacing" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For 40 years, the Youth Programs at the internationally celebrated Steps on Broadway have nurtured young dancers, ages 18 months to 18 years.  Whether seeking a fun dance experience or comprehensive pre-professional training, there is a program suited for everyone.  Classes include ballet, tap, jazz, theater dance, hip hop, contemporary, modern, pointe and more.  Taught by a faculty of internationally-recognized concert, ballet, Broadway and celebrated guest artists, every student is encouraged to discover their artistic uniqueness, deepen their passion for the art form, while growing as dancers and individuals. </span><u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a5a5a;">Classes are offered throughout the academic year and summer.</span><u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a5a5a;">First Steps (ages 18 mos – 5 yrs)</span><u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a5a5a;">Kids & Teens (ages 6-18 yrs)</span><u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a5a5a;">Pre-Professional Program (ages 7-18 yrs, by audition only)</span></p>