New York with children: What to see and where to stay

<p> An essential attraction for movie fans (this iconic landmark features prominently in King Kong, Elf, Spider Man, Sleepless in Seattle and Independence Day), the views from the <a href="http://www.esbnyc.com/tourism.asp" target="_blank">Empire State Building&rsquo;s observatory</a> are nothing less than spectacular.</p> <p> Your kids may take a few days to adjust to the time difference, so make the most of an early start by avoiding the queues and watching the city come to life from 1,250ft.<br /> <br /> Open daily 365 days a year, 8am to 2am.<br /> 86th and 102nd floor combination tickets are $36.00 (for over 13s) and $30.00<br /> (for 6 to 12-year-olds).</p>

<p> No visit to New York is complete without spending the day (at least!) in <a href="http://www.centralpark.com/" target="_blank">Central Park. </a>You&rsquo;ll find playgrounds where children from around the globe climb, swing and play in the sand, beautiful gardens to explore and a fairground.</p> <p> You can catch an impromptu baseball game, rent a bike, enjoy a picnic, visit a castle, and if you enjoy walking there are miles of different trails to discover, from woodland adventures to lakeside strolls.</p> <p> The kids will also adore <a href="http://www.centralpark.com/guide/central-park-zoo.html" target="_blank">Central Park Zoo</a> which houses 130 different species, from bats to polar bears.<br /> <br /> Central Park Children&rsquo;s Zoo is open daily, 10am to 5.30pm (April to October) and 10am to 4.30pm (November to March).<br /> Admission is $10 (for adults) and $5 (for children aged 3 to 12). Admission for children under-3 is free.</p>

<p> For unparalleled views of the Statue of Liberty (and lower Manhattan), board the <a href="http://www.siferry.com/" target="_blank">Staten Island Ferry. </a></p> <p> Not only is this gorgeous, 25-minute boat ride an authentic, once-in-a-lifetime New York experience, it is also absolutely free. Once you&rsquo;ve made the trip you can either enjoy the beaches, museum and Esplanade on <a href="http://www.visitstatenisland.com" target="_blank">Staten Island</a> or get straight back on the ferry for your return journey to Manhattan.<br /> <br /> Check <a href="http://www.siferry.com/" target="_blank">www.siferry.com</a> for ferry times and further details.</p>

<p> The sights and sounds of Times Square are spellbinding at any age, but children will be particularly enamoured by the gigantic <a href="http://www.toysrusinc.com/about-us/times-square" target="_blank">Toys &ldquo;R&rdquo; Us</a> right in the middle of the hubbub.</p> <p> With a 60ft Ferris wheel and a life-sized T-Rex, it&rsquo;s much more than a shopping experience. Times Square is also known for its many Broadway theatres, showing family-friendly shows including <a href="http://www.broadway.com/shows/the-lion-king/" target="_blank">The Lion King,</a> <a href="http://www.broadway.com/shows/spider-man-turn-off-the-dark/" target="_blank">Spider Man: Turn off the Dark</a> and <a href="http://www.broadway.com/shows/mary-poppins/" target="_blank">Mary Poppins.</a><br /> <br /> For more information on Broadway Shows and tickets visit<a href="http://www.broadway.com/" target="_blank"> www.broadway.com.</a><br /> <br /> </p>

<p> If your kids have seen Night at the Museum, they will recognise the <a href="http://www.amnh.org/" target="_blank">American Museum of Natural History. </a>Exterior shots of the museum's fa&ccedil;ade were used in the film, and it&rsquo;s easy to convince your brood that they are coming face-to-face with the real &lsquo;Dum-Dum&rsquo; (an Easter Island head).</p> <p> Also housing the Rose Center for Earth and Space (a must for space fanatics), the museum is packed with jaw-dropping exhibits covering every discipline of human science and a collection of millions of artifacts.</p> <p> SuperSaver tickets are $32 (adults) and $20 (children aged 2 to 12) and include admission to the Museum and Rose Center for Earth and Space plus all special exhibitions, IMAX films and the Hayden Planetarium Space Show.</p>

<p> Lazy afternoons in the Village are a great choice for families.</p> <p> Check out the &lsquo;Friends building&rsquo; on the corner of Bedford and Grove before a fabulous lunch in <a href="http://cowgirlnyc.com/menu_dinner.html" target="_blank">Cowgirl </a>on the corner of Hudson and West 10th Street, with a great kids menu and a warm, friendly atmosphere.</p> <p> Then head to Bleecker Street to pick up delicious cupcakes at <a href="http://www.magnoliabakery.com/home.php" target="_blank">Magnolia Bakery </a>and devour them across the road in Bleecker playground, where the hip, New York moms hang out with their kids.</p>

<p> Coney Island is a peninsula in Southern Brooklyn famed for its beaches, aquarium and huge amusement parks. With a distinctly retro feel, the kids will enjoy munching on frankfurters from <a href="http://nathansfamous.com/PageFetch/" target="_blank">Nathan&rsquo;s </a>before braving a white knuckle ride in one of the massive fairs.</p> <p> The iconic Cyclone, one of America's oldest wooden coasters, is now situated in<a href="http://www.lunaparknyc.com/index.php" target="_blank"> Luna Park,</a> the first new amusement park to be built in Coney Island in over 40 years, complete with 19 brand new rides.<br /> <br /> Check <a href="http://www.lunaparknyc.com/index.php" target="_blank">lunaparknyc.com</a> for opening times and special events.</p> <p> An unlimited ride Luna Park wristband is $30 (Friday to Sunday) and $26 (Monday to Thursday).</p>

<p> Another amazing (and huge &ndash; wear comfy shoes!) museum, the <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/explore/museumkids.asp" target="_blank">Metropolitan Museum of Art </a>has activities and events for children and families, as well as a breathtaking collection of art from across the world and the centuries.</p> <p> During your visit, it&rsquo;s worth finding your way to the roof garden (weather permitting) where you can enjoy a light bite and panoramic views of Manhattan.<br /> <br /> Open Tuesday to Thursday, 9.30am to 5.30pm, Friday and Saturday, 9.30am to 9pm, and Sunday, 9:30am to 5:30pm. Closed Monday (except certain public holidays &ndash; see website for details), Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year&rsquo;s Day.</p> <p> Admission is $20 (adults). Children under-12 (accompanied by an adult) admitted free of charge.</p>

<p> If you want to stay in the heart of the city &ndash; and keep the kids happy with an indoor, heated swimming pool - the <a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/search/hotel_detail.html?propertyID=425" target="_blank">Manhattan at Times Square Hotel</a> is a great base.</p> <p> Cribs and rollaway beds are available in the rooms and the hotel is also offering exclusive VIP tickets to Harry Potter the Exhibition, featuring the props and costumes that appeared throughout the Harry Potter films, until September 2011.<br /> <br /> For rates and special deals, including the Harry Potter offer, visit the hotel&rsquo;s <a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/gx/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=425" target="_blank">website. </a></p>

<p> Excellent for families, <a href="http://www.virginholidays.co.uk/brochures/usa/holidays/new_york/new_york/hotel_beacon_and_apartments/" target="_blank">Hotel Beacon </a>is situated in a desirable Upper West Side location near Central Park. The rooms are larger than in the centre of Manhattan; one bedroom suites accommodate up to four people and two bedroom suites fit up to six, so the whole family can be together with plenty of room.</p> <p> The local restaurants are cheaper than Midtown and with your own kitchenette you can save extra pennies by fixing breakfast in your suite.<br /> <br /> Visit <a href="http://www.virginholidays.co.uk/" target="_blank">Virgin Holidays </a>for availability and prices.</p>