Kid-Friendly Activities for MISWeek 2018 NYC
Landmarks and Parks
Empire State Building
Open: everyday until 2am
Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building Experience is more than just a view. Embark on a journey through one of the most famous landmarks in the world, where you will experience the Art Deco lobby and murals, the historical “Dare to Dream” exhibit, and sustainability exhibit. Learn the fascinating history of the building’s construction, restoration and industry-leading sustainability retrofit. Take in New York’s most breathtaking views from its open-air observatory. See New York’s world-famous skyline as it was meant to be seen. Enhance your visit with the free Empire State Building Experience app, available on the App Store and Google Play.
One World Observatory
There are a million things to experience in New York City and only one way to truly see them all. Start by ascending to the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere in less than 60 seconds; look toward the horizon and feel the City’s invincible spirit. Explore three levels filled with innovation and inspiration at One World Observatory, located in the top three floors of One World Trade Center.
The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is perhaps New York City’s most familiar landmark and the easiest one to overlook since it’s only accessible by boat. This historic monument has welcomed so many generations of hopeful Americans to our shores. The American Family Immigration History Center at Ellis Island contains more than 25 million Port of New York passenger arrival records and 900 ship pictures circa 1892–1924.
Meadows Corona Park
The largest park in Queens (and fourth largest park in all of New York City) has something for jocks, artists, nature lovers and the technologically inclined: green recreational spaces for baseball, soccer and cricket; playgrounds; skateboarding areas; handball courts; dog runs; the Queens Museum; the New York Hall of Science; the Queens Zoo; USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (home of the US Open); and City Field, home to the Mets. A handful of features on the grounds are leftovers from world’s fairs held here.
The Cyclone
Terrifying Brooklynites and visitors since 1927, the Cyclone has become synonymous with Coney Island and is the iconic roller coaster for New Yorkers. The NYC summertime destination and must-see attraction is both death defying and addictive. After the famous 85-foot first drop, passengers endure a harrowing barrage of 60-mile-per-hour twists and turns—but once the rides over, they can’t wait to do it again.
Chinatown
Noisy, crowded and utterly fascinating, Chinatown makes for a colorful stroll and tasty dining. Start on Canal Street where food stands are stacked with mysterious vegetables and dried foods, and all manner of seafood shimmering on beds of ice. Turn onto Mott Street, the main artery, for a sampling of lures like chopstick shops, bakeries beckoning with cookies and soft buns filled with roasted pork or beef, and souvenir stands selling slippers, back scratchers, dolls, toys and bamboo plants, which the Chinese consider good luck. Buy a mini-stalk to take a little luck back home Stop into the Eastern States Buddhist Temple at #64 to see offerings piled high on altars and over 100 golden Buddha gleaming in the candlelight. Turn left to Bayard Street for the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory’s unique homemade flavors. Stay on Bayard to Columbus Park for a playground and the chance to see residents practicing Tai Chi. Then return to Mott and choose among the many restaurants for a final Chinese treat. One caveat: the crowds and commotion may not be ideal for young children and there is little room for strollers. Take the 6, N or R trains to Canal Street.
Battery Park City
For a peaceful afternoon and a look at a different side of New York, head for this newest waterfront neighborhood, begun in the 1960s partially on landfill created from the building of the original World Trade Center, and mostly completed by 2011. The 92-acre complex, now home to some 10,000 residents, offers miles of beautifully landscaped, art-studded paths for strolling or biking with peerless State of Liberty views as well as parks and playgrounds with many activities for children. The two residential sections are centered by Brookfield Place (formerly known as the World Financial Center) an office complex with many shops and dining places and a big, tranquil outdoor terrace overlooking a marina of sleek yachts and sailboats. Rockefeller Park at the north end of the area, has basketball and handball courts, swings and a Parkhouse with ping pong and billiards tables, a play kitchen and toys, games and play equipment free to borrow from May through October. The waterside walkways continue to Battery Park and beyond. .1/2/3 or A/C to Chambers Street. Walk west along Chambers and cross the West Side Highway into BPC
Staten Island Ferry
This 25-minute, five-mile sail is one of the world’s best free rides with unbeatable views of New York harbor, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the skyscrapers and bridges of Lower Manhattan. At the Whitehall Terminal at the tip of Manhattan, a 75-foot-high entry hall greets riders with panoramic views of the downtown Manhattan skyline. On fine days, a rooftop viewing deck with benches is an excellent place to go while waiting for the next boat. The closest subway station is South Ferry, served by the 1 and 9 lines. The ferry is basic transportation to Manhattan for residents of Staten Island so avoid morning and evening rush hours when commuters crowd the terminal. This is one city attraction that is quieter on weekends.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Piers open: 6am to 11pm
Playgrounds open: dawn to dusk
This still-growing 84-acre park covering 1.3 miles between the Dumbo and Brooklyn Heights neighborhoods has transformed Brooklyn’s East River waterfront. A former industrial space and decaying piers have become a world of gardens, promenades and bike paths with spectacular views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges and the New York skyline. The park has activities galore. Pier 2 offers courts for basketball, handball, bocce, shuffleboard and hopscotch, as well as a roller skating rink. Pier 4 is a sandy beach with a boat launch. Pier 6 has a volleyball court. Pier 3 is reserved for quiet walks and reading. Several playgrounds are located around the park and an old-fashioned carousel awaits near the Dumbo entrance. The pleasantest and most direct way from Manhattan is by boat. Ferries run from 39th Street and the East River, Water Taxis from 39th Street on the river. By subway, choices include the A or C train to High Street, F train to York Street, 2 or 3 to Clark Street, 4 or 5 to Borough Hall. All these stops require a 10 to 15-minute walk to reach the park.
The Cloisters and Ft. Tryon Park
March through October: open daily 10am – 5:15pm
November-February: open daily 10am – 4:45pm
There’s a fairy tale quality to this medieval castle high on a hill overlooking the Hudson River. The late John D. Rockefeller, Jr. donated the land and the building, which holds his incomparable collection of medieval art. To make this art more fun for children. make a game of searching for the heroes, saints and fanciful figures like unicorns to be found in the tapestries, paintings and glowing stained-glass windows. On many Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. free family workshops for ages 4 to 12 cover topics such as Robes and Regalia, pointing out what heroes wore from monks’ robes to knight’s’ armor or Looking at Shapes showing how medieval artists used familiar forms like circles, squares and triangles. Check for workshop dates. Fort Tryon Park surrounding The Cloisters is a treat, with soaring views along its promenades and terraces, plus playgrounds and eight miles of paths, many of them meandering through woodland. To reach the Cloisters, take the A train to 190th Street, a 30-minute ride from midtown, then a ten-minute walk through the park or one stop north on the M4 bus. The M4 runs all the way from midtown, about an hour’s ride.
Coney Island & the New York Aquarium
Open Daily: 10am – 4:30pm
Memorial Day to Labor Day: 10am – 6pm
Come for the sea breezes along the 2 ½-mile boardwalk, the surf, the rides, the arcades, the legendary hot dogs at the original Nathans and a visit to the growing New York Aquarium. A great day is guaranteed! The Luna Park amusement center boasts classic rides like the 1918 Wonder Wheel and the 1927 Cyclone roller coaster along with plenty of state of the art scream new machines and gentle thrills for little ones including a carousel. The New York Aquarium is smaller since it was flooded by hurricane Sandy in 2012, but there’s still plenty to delight, including colorful denizens of a coral reef and an African lake, walruses and sharks and a wonderful daily sea lion show in the Aquatheater. A major addition is under construction. Baseball fans can add a game at the friendly, affordable MCU Park, home of the Brooklyn Cyclones, a New York Mets farm team. And there are fireworks every Friday night in summer. Take subways F, D, Q or N to Stillwell Avenue, about 45 minutes from midtown. Luna Park open March through November, daily Memorial Day to Labor Day, weekends rest of the season.
Zoos and Gardens
The Bronx Zoo
Suggested donation on Wednesdays
The Bronx Zoo of the Wildlife Conservation Society is the premier place to study and appreciate the world’s many creatures. Home to more than 6,000 animals, the zoo spans 265 acres that re-create the diverse natural habitats of its numerous residents. Open year-round, it’s a great experience in any season. During the winter, be sure to stop by Tiger Mountain or Himalayan Highlands to see big cats enjoying the chilly outdoors—then head to World of Reptiles or Jungle World for a warm up with tropical wildlife. (Some exhibits and attractions are seasonal. Go to BronxZoo.com to plan your visit in advance.)
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
December 1–February 28: free weekdays
March 1–November 30: free Fridays from 10am–noon
New York Botanical Garden
Grounds only
Wednesdays: free 10am – 6pm
Saturdays: free 9am – 10am
Note that you’ll still need to pay admission to access the areas that generally appeal most to families, including the children’s garden and the conservatory.
Queens Botanical Garden
November 1 – March 31: free admission
April 1 – October 31:
Wednesdays: free 3pm – 6pm
Sundays: free 9am – 11am
Staten Island Zoo
Free Wednesdays: 2pm – 4:45pm
Wave Hill
Free Tuesdays & Saturdays: 9am–noon
Always free for kids under 6
Museums
Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
Sunday-Thursday & Saturday: 10:30am to 5:30pm
Free admission ages 10 and under
Friday: 10:30am to 8pm
Free for all Friday 4pm-8pm
The world’s largest collection of modern art and sculpture is housed in a striking contemporary glass building with soaring sightlines that families will enjoy as they escalate from floor to floor. The chance to see iconic paintings such as Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night, Salvador Dali’s melting watch in The Persistence of Memory and Pablo Picasso’s Three Musicians certainly merits a visit. The problem for families is the size of this museum, which can seem overwhelming. A wise approach is pre-visit research to decide which of the many galleries will most appeal and to locate the don’t-miss paintings. (You can also buy tickets in advance.) Art activity cards and gallery games to make the most of the visit can be picked up at the museum or downloaded in advance. MOMA also offers many Saturday and Sunday morning family tours and hands-on art programs divided by age, for 4-year-olds, ages 5 to 10 and tweens ages 11 to 14. Most programs meet at the Cullman Education and Research Building, 4 West 54th Street, with registration beginning online ten days in advance. Check schedules on-line and time your visit for these free events if possible. The lovely sculpture garden outside is a nice break if kids grow weary.
The American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is a New York icon. Packed with exhibitions representing people and animals throughout the ages, the museum also has a planetarium and an IMAX theater, as well as special visiting exhibitions and plenty of places to eat and shop. The dinosaur wing is a must-see, and if you have time, lies down under the life-size model of a blue whale in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life.
The Met Fifth Avenue
Located on the border of Central Park on Museum Mile, the Metropolitan Museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the world. With over two million works of art spanning 5,000 years, the Met presents the best of human creativity from around the globe. From the splendors of ancient Egypt, to the spectacular New American Wing, to the Met’s beloved Impressionist paintings, a world of great art awaits you at NYC’s most-visited attraction. The collection and exhibitions are free with Museum admission. Plus, enjoy dining, the Audio Guide, and shopping at the Met Store.
New York City Fire Museum
Open daily 10am to 5pm
This spectacular collection of historic fire engines and equipment from the late 18th century to the present tells the story of firefighting from the days of bucket brigades to hand pumps, horse drawn steam engines to high-tech fire boats. The accessories are fun to see, as well; who knew that some firemen once wore top hats to work? The enormous, shiny fire wagons of old will wow all ages and everyone can enjoy the fun of posing for souvenir snaps in firemen’s coats and hats, available in sizes from toddlers to grownups. Prepare for plenty of temptations in the gift shop. A moving memorial gallery to the firefighters lost at the World Trade Center in 2001 is tactfully set apart so that families can decide whether they wish to visit. Occasional special events for children include coloring contests, Easter egg hunts and a kids’ Halloween party. Check the web site for schedules. The museum is housed in a 1904 triple bay firehouse with its sliding doors, brass sliding pole and winding staircase intact. To round out the day, the Children’s Museum of the Arts is just a few blocks away.
Loyal to the Crown: British Art from the George Way Collection
Dates: October 15, 2017 – October 14, 2018
Recurring weekly on Sunday, Tuesday, Friday
Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Price: Free
Location: Orangetown Museum & Archives
Address: 196 Chief Bill Harris Way, Orangeburg, NY 10962
Phone: (845) 398-1302
Loyalist or Patriot? When faced with this dilemma our founding fathers were surely daunted. On display will be a magnificent collection of original art, objects and artifacts from the 16th and 17th century including an important portrait of Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I, attributed to Sir Anthony van Dyck. Experience the culture and contrast that brought many to proclaim, “God Save the King”.
Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
Gain admission to The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, New York City’s only educational institution housed on an aircraft carrier. Make your way to the Hudson River to see the flight deck and more on the legendary USS ‘Intrepid.’ In addition, you’ll get up close to the first space shuttle (the ‘Enterprise’) and explore a guided missile submarine (the USS ‘Growler’). You’re connected to history and innovation through interactive exhibits and firsthand accounts — something the entire family can enjoy.
Lower East Side Tenement Museum
Open Daily: 10am to 6:30pm
Thursdays: 10am to 8:30pm
This restored actual tenement building gives a rare chance to experience what brave immigrant newcomers actually faced in their confusing new world. Among several tours offered, families will most enjoy interactive sessions where costumed interpreters represent past residents, from countries such as Ireland, Italy and Eastern Europe. Though many tours are recommended for age eight and up, the museum says youngsters as young as five can appreciate the Victoria Confine tour, visiting the apartment of a Greek Sephardic family and meeting 14-year-old “Victoria” who lived in this tenement in 1916. Visitors also play-act. taking the role of new arrivals and asking questions about life on the Lower East Side. Children are allowed to handle the household objects. Tours are popular and may sell out, so reserve ahead on line or by phone to avoid waits and disappointment All tours meet at the Visitor Center at 103 Orchard Street, across the street from the museum. The Center has an excellent selection of New York City souvenirs. Walking tours of the neighborhood are available, as well. For help selecting the activities best suited for your family, phone 877-975-3786.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Free Thursdays: 2pm – 6pm
Spend a few hours at this Crown Heights institution, home to around 30,000 artifacts and objects (plus a few live creatures) with an emphasis on hands-on learning. There’s even a special section, Totally Tots, for children 6 and under—a testament to the museum’s education-for-all-ages mentality.
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Free every first Friday of the month: 5pm – 8pm
little museumgoers dance, run, solve problems, design and make music at this Upper West Side spot. Exhibitions focus on health, diversity and just plain fun things like cartoons, while workshops and special events help fill the days.
Museum of the Moving Image
Free for kids under 3
Free Fridays: 4pm – 8pm
Budding cinephiles can head to Astoria for the country’s biggest collection of moving-image artifacts. This interactive institution pays tribute to all aspects of movies, television shows and digital media, from technology to social impact.
New York Hall of Science
Free Fridays: 2pm – 5pm
Free Sundays: 10am – 11am
Kids get hands-on with science and technology at this Queens institution that features more than 450 exhibitions. There are a few worthwhile things to spend money on during your visit: a round of Rocket Park Mini Golf, a turn in the 60,000-square-foot Science Playground and a screening inside the 3-D theater.
Queens County Farm Museum
Grounds free daily (check to see if a ticketed public event is occurring)
Take the kids to this working farm and check out goats, hens and pigs; the orchard (from which you can purchase apples on October weekends); and old farm buildings.
Waterfront Museum and Showboat Barge
Free Thursdays: 4pm – 8pm
Free Saturdays: 1pm – 5pm
Come tour this history wooden barge that is moored down in Brooklyn’s Red Hook, not far from the Fairway Market. Check to see if a performance is taking place—perhaps magic-, music- or history-related event that may cost money.
Tours
Captive Ghost Hunt
Date: 8/31/2018
Time: 8:00 PM to 4:00 AM
Location: Rolling Hills Asylum
Address: 11001 Bethany Center Rd, East Bethany, NY 14054
Phone: 585-502-4066
Rolling Hills Asylum is steeped in history and mystery! Come join us for a night to remember!
Saratoga Racecourse 2018 Season
Dates: July 20, 2018 – September 3, 2018
Recurring weekly on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Time: 1:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Price: $5- $15
Location: Saratoga Race Course
Address: 267 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Phone: 516-488-6000
The highlight of summer in Saratoga is the summer racing meet, featuring world class thoroughbred horse racing. Throngs of people from all over the world gather at the Race Track with one common interest — to hear “And they’re off!” Adrenaline pumps as the crowd goes wild with cheers of encouragement to their favorite picks of the season.
Amazing Race-Style Scavenger Hunt Adventure
Turn New York’s Central Park into a giant game board with this fun scavenger hunt adventure!
Save 20% with Promo Code: CENTRALPARK – Only $39.20 for a team of 2-5 people!
Combine the excitement of the Amazing Race with a 3-hour tour. Guided from any smart phone, teams make their way among well-known and overlooked gems of the Park, solving clues and completing challenges while learning local history.
Start when you want and play at your pace!
Sign Up: www.UrbanAdventureQuest.com and use Promo Code: CENTRALPARK
Info: Location Columbus Circle 59th St 8th Ave.
Horse-drawn carriages in Central Park
Horse-drawn carriages are a unique and historical way to experience the beauty of Central Park! Daily tours with knowledgeable drivers, scenic routes, and fully customizable options. Customize your ride for a special occasion such as a proposal, birthday, wedding, or anniversary by adding photography, flowers, chocolates, special requests and more.
Hidden Secrets Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Price: $65 adult / $55 child (Reservations are required)
Take a walk on the road less traveled in Central Park and discover its hidden gems!
Details: Experience some of the lesser-known treasures and tour the hard to find places that most don’t get to see. Make sure to bring your camera and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Central Park Tour
Price: From $25 (kids) / $35 (adult) (Reservations are required)
Details: Visit many famous landmarks and attractions like Belvedere Castle, Wollman Rink, Gap stow Bridge, Conservatory Garden, Shakespeare Garden, the Loeb Boathouse and more. Learn about the history and architecture of the park, and see where many famous movie & tv scenes were shot, like Ghostbusters, Home Alone 2, Spiderman 3, Maid in Manhattan, Enchanted, Friends, Sex in the City, Saturday Night Live, Gossip Girl, 30 Rock and more.
• 1 and 2 hour tours
• Visit many famous landmarks and attractions
• Plenty of photo opportunities
• Small group size (2-12 people)
• Knowledgeable and licensed guides
• Tours in English, Spanish and Portuguese
Central Park Zoo Quests
Wednesday, Aug 29, 2018: 10:30am – 3:30pm
Join the Central Park Zoo for some fun, free, family-friendly activities around the park guided by their great team. You’ll learn about amazing animals, the importance of conservation, and ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Broadway
School of Rock on Broadway
Rock out at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s newest musical, based on the film of the same name!
Dates & Times:
Monday, August 27: 7:00pm
Tuesday, August 28: 7:00pm
Wednesday, August 29: 2:00pm
Friday, August 31: 8:00pm
Saturday, September 1: 2:00pm, 8:00pm
Disney on Broadway Tour
Dates & Times
Monday, August 27: 9:30am
Friday, August 31: 9:30am
Saturday, September 1: 9:30am
Join our Broadway Insiders for a guided walking tour; then tour The New Amsterdam Theatre, visiting Disney’s Prop Studio getting up-close and personal with original props, costumes, and set pieces that bring the world of Disney Theatrical to life.
Please note: The tour begins at the George M. Cohan statue at West 46th Street between Broadway and 7th Avenue towards the end of the block, (NOT the statue in front of the red stairs.) The tour concludes at the New Amsterdam Theatre. On occasion tour may end within walking distance of the theater. The backstage area of Broadway theatres has been off limits to public tours for decades, and hasn’t been accessed by the public in the New Amsterdam in nearly a century. We ask that you strictly respect your tour guide’s instructions while backstage to continue to allow us to offer this highly exclusive experience. Between January 2017 and July of 2018, the costume and prop access will be restored via a mobile cart brought into the orchestra section of the theatre.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DISNEY ON BROADWAY TOUR
What is the Disney on Broadway Tour like?
Perfect for anyone with an interest in musical theatre, this Broadway tour takes you first on an exploration of the history and characters of Broadway; visiting top sights like Shubert Alley, Sardi’s, Times Square and Roger & Hammerstein Row. Led by an expert Broadway Insider (actors, theatre managers etc.), you’ll hear what goes into a real Broadway show before a special visit to the New Amsterdam Theatre. Here you’ll meet the in-house historian for a tour of the balcony areas, seeing the stage and – the highlight – a hands-on visit to the costume & prop studio!
Is the Disney on Broadway Tour good for kids?
This is the perfect experience for kids, who will love the chance to get up close to The Little Mermaid’s shell, the masks from The Lion King and Mary Poppins’ famous coat.
Restaurants and Stores
M&M’s World — Midtown West
1600 Broadway between 48th and 49th Streets
Kids and chocolate lovers alike won’t have an easy time leaving this store. There is M&M merchandise galore, a two-story wall of the colorful candies, and a 21-foot Miss Green M&M Statue of Liberty. You can spend money quite quickly and easily here, but you can also wander around without feeling the pressure to purchase one single M&M (though kudos if you can resist). Stop to take some photos with M&M mascots Yellow and Red, Miss Green, and the whole M&M gang. Plus, the staff is happy to let kids play and run around, so go ahead and let them unleash all that sugar energy before you get home.
Dylan’s Candy Bar
Sunday: 11am – 9pm
Monday to Thursday: 10am – 9pm
Friday & Saturday: 10am – 11pm
Think Candyland come to life, with a giant lollipop tree in the center, candy patterns on the walls and embedded in the stairs. Dylan’s Candy Bar claims to house over 7,000 confections making it one of the largest selections of candies anywhere and enough sweet stuff to satisfy the wildest cravings. Pick up a bag and take your pick from the dozens of bins (you pay by the weight) or choose from the endless array of chocolates and other boxed treats. Pillows, pajamas, and personalized mugs are among dozens of candy-theme souvenirs. Fudge-makers are at work downstairs and upstairs the gigantic sundaes come with three scoops and three toppings. Perfectly Peanut Butter is among several unique choices. While the kids indulge in ice cream parents can relax with a pink cotton candy martini.
Max Brenner Chocolate Bar and Restaurant
Monday to Thursday: 9am – 1am
Sunday: 9am – 12am
Friday and Saturday: 9am – 2am
Temptations abound in this nirvana for chocoholics, a mouth-watering reward for good boys and girls. How about a Chocolate Chunks Pizza made with melted chocolate and topping choices of hazelnuts, bananas, peanut butter, or roasted marshmallows? Or maybe a Cookieshake, white chocolate ganache blended with Oreo cookies and ice? The menu of hot chocolates is amazing along with the O.M.G Chocolate Chunk Cookies, served with whipped cream, berries and melted chocolate. There’s a food menu as well, and the super crunchy mac and cheese gets kudos. But it’s chocolate that makes this worth the trip. Be sure to make a reservation as the dining room is often packed. It can get noisy, crowded, and a little chaotic at peak meal times and on weekends.
HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD
EXPERIENCE CHOCOLATE
With the new location comes new, exciting experiences. The Amazing Candy Machine lets your imagination run wild as you mix and match up to 12 of your favorite Hershey products. Personalize your very own HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Bar wrapper to capture your Times Square memory, or SAY IT WITH A KISS and select a digital message to display.
MADE-TO-ORDER S’MORES
You can also enjoy made-to-order, gooey s’mores all year round with the HERSHEY’S largest s’mores experience served from our authentic camper. Our s’mores are made with special graham crackers that have a hint of smoky flavor and a full HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Bar.
HERSHEY’S KITCHENS BAKERY
And what would an experience at HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD be without in-store treats? Enjoy delicious cookies and treats at the new, in-store bakery during your visit and prepare for a new s’mores experience unlike any other.
American Girl — Midtown East
75 Rockefeller Plaza
A brand-new American Girl store this 38,000-square-foot store promises to be an irresistible destination for doll-lovers, with plenty of interactive features, including a salon for dolls and kids, a studio where kids can create their own designs for their dolls, and a media studio with a range of classes and activities. Many of these activities will come with a fee.s
Nintendo World
Monday-Thursday: 9am – 8pm
Friday and Saturday: 9am – 9pm
Sunday: 11am – 7pm
Paradise for fans of Wii or Nintendo games, this store offers the chance to try out all the newest games and find a host of unique souvenirs, including hard-to-find plush characters. The second floor is a mini-museum displaying every console and character ever created, a great nostalgia trip for older kids (and many parents). The “ambassadors” around the floor all are enthusiasts who seem to enjoy showing visitors around and teaching how to use various devices. Fans line up outside for product introduction days and to see life-size costumed favorite characters like Mario or Pikachu when they appear for photo ops. Check the web site for dates. It’s all free, but guaranteed you won’t leave without a purchase.
Paley Center for Media
Wednesday–Sunday: 12pm – 6pm
Almost every TV show ever filmed can be viewed at this center which boasts an archive of more than 150,000 TV shows, radio broadcasts and commercials. Visitors have their own TV consoles and ear phones and can call up favorites past and present, from I Love Lucy to early Sesame Street. This is an entertaining nostalgia trip for all ages, and a favorite for teens old enough to remember the old shows. Curators have compiled intriguing Top Ten lists of classics including The Beatles, Seinfeld, Nickelodeon, the Olympics, Super Bowl ads and Halloween specials. Themed screenings take place.in the downstairs theater and personal appearances are often featured. Recently the cast of Veep and Anthony Bourdain have appeared.
South Street Seaport
Wednesday-Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Print Shop Open: 11am to 7pm
Working shops and classic ships help tell the story of. the days when this area was a bustling port, its piers crowded with ships from around the world, bringing trade that helped build a thriving New York and the growing United States. Start at the Visitors Center, 12 Fulton Street, for interpretive displays, then head for the “street of ships, Pier 16 at John Street where several vintage vessels are docked. Two may be toured, the 1907 lighthouse ship Ambrose, and the four-masted barque Peking. From May through October, visitors can actually go for a sail on the Pioneer, an 1885 four-masted schooner, and help hoist the sails. The Boone Printshop at 207-211 Water Street, is the chance to see demonstrations of early letterpress printing and examples of 19th century crafts such as woodcarving. The rest of the Seaport area is a collection of shops and restaurants, some of them at the end of Pier 19 with wonderful water views. Take subways 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, or Z to Fulton Street walk east towards the river for about 10 minutes. The M15 bus stops right at the Seaport on Fulton Street.