Visiting New York with children

As big and as busy as New York City can seem to small travelers, Manhattan offers plenty of children’s attractions that parents can enjoy, too. Check out five of New York’s most popular stops for families travelling.

Broadway

With plenty of child-friendly fare on the Great White Way, a trip to New York City offers the perfect opportunity to introduce your children to the fun of live theatre. Disney shows like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast tend to sell out quickly.

With a little advance planning, you can secure your seats through a ticketing agent or through a hotel concierge.

For last minute travelers, the Theatre Development Fund’s TKTS booth near Times Square offers half-price seats for many same-day shows.

TKTS at the Marriott Marquis: 1535 Broadway, NY, NY 10036

Circle Line Tour

Families that want to see as much of New York City as possible during a visit love these daily boat tours. During summer months, Circle Line adds a fun speed boat, called “The Beast,” to its fleet of ferries and tour boats. Older kids will love “The Shark,” a fast-paced thrill ride through New York Harbor. On all of Circle Line’s vessels, knowledgeable tour guide point out highlights of city life, making these short cruises a perfect way to begin or end a visit to New York.

Circle Line: 42 W. Pier 83, NY, NY 10036.

Metropolitan Museum Of Art

Since children might not put the Met at the top of their “must-see” lists, exhibit planners and curators at the legendary museum offer interactive, child-friendly activities throughout the week.

Sunday afternoon programs for children aged six through twelve feature live demonstrations and vibrant displays.

At other times, families can opt for hour long audio tours, designed to keep children engaged while exposing them to some of the world’s finest art.

Metropolitan Museum of Art: 1000 Fifth Avenue, NY, NY 10028.

Rockefeller Center

To your children, it may seem like just another office complex. However, Rockefeller Centre features three of the most child-friendly activities in New York City. The “Top of the Rock” observation deck gives children and parents a spectacular view of the city. Many parents prefer the Rock to the Empire State Building because ticketed elevator times mean no lines (and no bored children).

Downstairs, the NBC Studio Tour combines a behind the scenes peek at a legendary broadcasting facility. Children can play along by presenting news and weather in a mock studio.

During winter months, Rockefeller Plaza’s iconic skating rink offers family fun that’s just as popular with the locals as it is with visitors.

NBC Studio Tour: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, NY, NY 10012. Skating Rink: 5th Ave between 49th and 50th Sts., NY, NY 10020. Top of the Rock: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, NY, NY 10012.

Toy Stores

The shopping capital of the East Coast doesn’t leave children in the cold and there are plenty of places to pick up a New York souvenir. Many of the world’s most popular toy makers and toy sellers have flagship stores in the centre of Manhattan. New York’s American Girl store has become a must-visit destination for girls from six to sixteen. In Rockefeller Plaza, children can play the latest Wii and DS games at the Nintendo World store.