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