6 Tourist Attractions New Yorkers Should Visit With Their Kids

The Empire State Building
Located in Midtown Manhattan, the 86th and 102nd floors of this National Historic Landmark are the Observation Deck and offer stunning 360 degree views of the city up to 80 miles away. One of the most popular places to visit in New York, visitors reach their destination by taking a ride in one of the manually operated elevators that allow them to watch their ascent as they go. In addition to the observation decks, also check out the newly restored art deco-style ceiling murals in the lobby, as well as either of the building’s two exhibits. On the 80th floor, the Dare to Dream Exhibit is a historical and educational experience that walks visitors through the history of the Empire State Building’s engineering and construction. Original documents, including historical photographs, architectural sketches, construction notes, and bookkeeping documents, pay tribute to the architects, builders, and laborers who helped make the iconic skyscraper a reality.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest museum in the United States and one of the most-visited museums in the world. It has been a staple of the Manhattan experience for decades. With over 2 million permanent works divided among 17 different curatorial departments, this is an educational experience like no other. The Met Fifth Avenue spans more than 2 million square feet and offers more than 5,000 years of art from a multitude of cultures and time periods. For a more personal experience, try an EmptyMet tour. The EmptyMet tour offers visitors the opportunity to see one of the city’s most visited attractions before it opens to the public, featuring the museum’s most engaging tour guides. Tickets for the tour also include same-day admission to The Met Fifth Avenue, The Met Breuer, and The Met Cloisters.
American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History’s entire complex is comprised of 28 interconnected buildings that house 45 exhibition halls, as well as a planetarium and library. Yet another of the world’s largest museums, the site is home to over 33 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites, human remains, and cultural artifacts, and also employs a 225-person, full-time scientific staff. Self-guided tours include the Dino Tour, the Earth and Space Tour, the Highlights Tour, the Night At The Museum Tour, the Theodore Roosevelt Tour, and the Whales Tour.
The Statue of Liberty
Commissioned in 1876 to symbolize freedom and democracy in the United States, the Statue of Liberty has since become one of New York’s most internationally-recognized landmarks. Situated on Liberty Island in the middle of New York Harbor, visitors reach the World Heritage Site via ferry. Once there, you can walk around, take pictures, and enjoy views of both Lady Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
Ellis Island
Visitors can spend hours at The Ellis Island Immigration Museum learning about the island’s history before, during, and after it served as one of America’s busiest immigration stations. During your visit, you’ll also hear many stories of immigrants that explain why they came to America and what happened to them after they arrived. For those feeling more adventurous, the 90-minute Hard Hat Tour (for ages 13 and up) is being offered through August 2017 and provides visitors with the chance to see several of the island’s untouched facilities, including its 750-bed hospital and laundry building. Since Ellis Island is included as part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, tickets purchased for tours that leave before 2 p.m. will take you to both locations.
Central Park
Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962, Central park spans over 843 acres of land and welcomes more than 25 million visitors each year. From Belvadere Castle, to the Great Lawn, to Strawberry Fields, to the Shakespeare Garden, Central Park has hundreds of outdoor sites and activities to offer. The best part about this tourist site? It’s free to anyone and everyone who wants to visit.

Young Actors at Strasberg

Young Actors at Strasberg&nbsp;offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 &ndash;&nbsp;12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry &ndash;&nbsp;all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson! Young Actors&nbsp;Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in&nbsp;July and August. About The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute: Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.

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;

The Tutorverse

Join The Tutorverse for the highest quality in academic enrichment and test preparation! Whether your student is gearing up for the&nbsp;state exams, ISEE, SSAT, SHSAT, or SAT/ACT, their team of experienced and local professional educators&nbsp;can help. Have your student join a&nbsp;small-group class&nbsp;at our downtown or Upper East Side locations. Or, they can meet with a&nbsp;private tutor when and where it&rsquo;s most convenient for your family. Does your student need help building study skills or improving grades? Whether your middle or high schooler needs help with&nbsp;STEM or humanities, The Tutorverse's patient and affirming tutors will teach them how to build confidence and content mastery.&nbsp;<a style="color: #1155cc; background-color: #ffffff;" href="mailto:info@thetutorverse.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Send an email</a> or give them a call.