4 Family-Friendly Fun Finds in the Big Apple
First-time visitors to New York City are often surprised by how family-friendly the city can be, but it's not really all that shocking when you consider how many families call the city home
From parks and museums to world-famous landmarks, there are tons of fun things to do in NYC with kids.
American Museum of Natural History
Even if the American Museum of Natural History (Central Park West & 79th St., NY) only offered its dinosaur exhibits, it would still be enough to make this list. But in addition to one of the greatest fossil collections on earth—yes, they have a T-Rex—the museum also has meteorites, rare gems, a hall of reptiles, a life-size blue whale replica and an ever-changing lineup of exhibits. Kids and grownups alike can count on being amazed.
Central Park
Fly a kite on the lawn, go for a bike tour, rent a rowboat or have a picnic. The possibilities are endless in Central Park (59th St. to 110th St. and 5th Ave. to 8th Ave.). This iconic 843-acre oasis is right in the heart of Manhattan, just footsteps from the American Museum of Natural History. It also offers countless places where you can sightsee and grab a bite to eat. The park even has its own zoo (64th St and 5th Ave, NY), which the kids won't want to miss.
Statue of Liberty
Seeing the Statue of Liberty up close is an experience that stays with you for a lifetime, especially when you get to do it as a kid. You can take a guided cruise around the statue—and even stand on the pedestal or see what the city looks like from the top—or catch a free view from the Staten Island Ferry. Either way, it's not something any youngster is likely to forget.
The High Line
A beautiful linear park created on the surface of a disused railroad line, the High Line stretches through a mile and a half of Manhattan. It offers great views, colorful plant life, and a reprieve from the fast-paced city. The whole family can walk among fields of wildflowers. Cool your feet in the wading pool or stop off for a treat—ice cream trucks from Melt Bakery (132 Orchard St., NY) are a fixture along the High Line, serving scoops of ice cream sandwiched between two cookies.
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