By Joshua Duvauchelle
More than 40 million people visit the Big Apple annually, according to
New York City's official tourism board.. New York is famous for its Broadway shows and vibrant nightlife. The city is also exceptionally family friendly. Take your kids to one of New York City's many child-focused attractions for a vacation that your entire family won't forget.
Explore Chelsea
Chelsea, found north of Greenwich Village and West Village, is known for its various big-box shopping stores. But behind the commercial facades and historic buildings are many places that allow families to escape the bustle of New York City's more tourist-driven locales. If your children have energy to burn, visit Karma Kids Yoga or Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex. The latter has a child-sized gym and an indoor ice rink. If you want a more sedate afternoon, explore the Chelsea Art Museum which hosts regular family days and gives free admission to youngsters under 16.
Karma Kids Yoga
104 W. 14th St. (between 6th and 7th avenues)
New York, NY 10011
(646) 638-1444
Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex
62 Chelsea Piers (23rd Street and Hudson River Park)
New York, NY 10011
(212) 336-6800
Chelsea Art Museum
556 W. 22nd St. (between 10th and 11th avenues)
Manhattan, NY 10011
(212) 255-0719
Staten Island Zoo
Ride a free ferry to Staten Island and come face-to-face with fish, reptiles and a rare red panda that will enamor your kids. Unlike many New York City attractions, zoo admission is budget-friendly at just $7 for adults and $4 for children. The zoo even has a petting zoo, allowing kids to interact with various animals under the careful supervision of zoo staff. Save more money by visiting on a Wednesday afternoon, when the zoo waives the admission fee for families.
Staten Island Zoo
614 Broadway (Broadway and Colonial Court)
Staten Island, NY 10310
(718) 442-3101
Baseball Stadiums
If your children love baseball, they'll be excited to know that New York City has been home to many of baseball's greatest heroes. Take your kids to explore the city's four megastadiums and walk in the footsteps of icons such as Babe Ruth. They don't need to be a baseball fan to be amazed at the size and grandeur of the stadiums' architecture. Visit on a morning when the stadiums are quiet. All four stadiums are open year-round, even when the teams aare not n town. Call ahead if your children want an inside tour. Or, just stop at the many restaurants in the stadium for lunch and an awe-inspiring view of the field.
Yankee Stadium
East 161st Street
South Bronx, NY 10452
(718) 293-4300
Citi Field
Roosevelt Avenue (at 126th Street)
Queens, NY 11368
(718) 507-8499
KeySpan Park (home of the Brooklyn Cyclones)
1904 Surf Ave. (at West 17th Street.)
Brooklyn, NY 11224
(718) 449-8497
Richmond County Bank Ballpark
75 Richmond Terrace (at Wall Street)
Staten Island, NY 10301
(718) 720-9265
Broadway
Enchant kids with a live performance of their favorite shows on Broadway. Past and current Broadway shows have reinterpreted children classics such as "The Wizard of Oz" and Dreamwork's "Shrek" movie series. Call early to ensure seat reservations, as tickets for popular shows sell out quickly.
Broadway Musical Shows (location varies)
(866) 276-4887
broadway.com
Resources
About the Author:
Joshua Duvauchelle is an editor and journalist who has been writing since 2000. His work has appeared in various national and international magazines, including "Honolulu Magazine." Duvauchelle graduated with honors from Trinity Western University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in professional communications, and earned a certificate in applied leadership and public affairs from the Laurentian Leadership Centre.
