Family-Friendly Attractions and Tours in New York City

Empire State Building Observatory

Spectacular View

Almost any site in New York City is visible from the Observatory.

New York is one of the cornerstones of America and a popular tourist destination. When the family needs to get away for some fun and excitement, this is the place to go. With numerous attractions, rich history, and plenty of activities, New York is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

ATTRACTIONS

The Statue of Liberty, our national monument, is located on Ellis Island and is reachable via ferry. The statue was a gift from France over 100 years ago. It continues to represent America and its freedoms. The island receives millions of visitors each year and is the perfect spot to take your family to bask in the glory of American independence.

Intrepid Air and Space Museum was formerly the USS Intrepid, and is now a 900-foot, floating museum. Onboard the deck of this museum, you will find an A-12 Blackbird spy plane, seaplanes and other aircraft. The museum features a strategic-missile submarine, a Vietnam destroyer and a wide variety of other naval equipment. The museum also offers a Navy Flight Simulator (for an additional charge).

Empire State Building Observatory, built in 1931, used to be the tallest building in the world. The observatory is located on 86th floor, 1050 feet in the air. The observatory offers a 360-degree view of the city and on a clear day you can see up to 80 miles away. In addition to office space, the building features restaurants and stores as well as the New York Skyride. The kids will love this simulation ride that highlights New York hotspots and is part rollercoaster, part helicopter.

American Museum of Natural History is home to over 30 million items including dinosaur fossils, Indian artifacts, and many other interesting and educational exhibits. The Human Biology and Evolution section and the Millstein Family Hall of Ocean Life are just two of the exhibits the museum has to offer. Take your family to this attraction and watch the kids learn while they have fun. The museum offers a wide array of dining options as well, from sushi to pizza, so there's enough variety to suit the whole family's tastes.

Metropolitan Museum of Art is home to over two million pieces of art. The museum was formed in 1870 and displays American decorative arts, American paintings and sculptures, ancient Near-Eastern art, Asian art, African art, and artwork from all over the world. This is one of the best places in the world to begin your children's appreciation and knowledge of art.

Central Park is an 843-acre park is one of New York's most famous vacation stops for tourists. The park is broken down into four sections; North End, The Reservoir, Great Lawn, and South End. Among the features of the North End of the Park you will find highlights like Duke Ellington Circle, Untermyer Fountain, Burnett Memorial Fountain, a variety of playgrounds and the pool. The Reservoir offers the tennis center, the reservoir, a bridle path and three playgrounds, making this the perfect place for families to visit. Great Lawn features Seneca Village, Shakespeare Garden, theatres, Belvedere Castle, Loeb Boathouse, and a variety of playgrounds. The park also features a Zoo with a petting zoo and wildlife area. With all of the playgrounds, pools and the zoo, your only problem may be that the kids won't want to leave.

Rockefeller Center is the creation of John D. Rockefeller and the home to over 100 pieces of art. NBC, Christie's Auction House and Radio City Music Hall all call Rockefeller Center their home. Your kids will be delighted to find out that it also houses the most famous skating rink in the world. The center features the beautiful Channel Gardens, the statues of Atlas and Prometheus and the prestigious Rainbow Room.

TOURS

All Loops Double Decker Tour is a hop-on, hop-off tour will provide you and your family with a narrated tour of the city as it takes you to the best sights in Manhattan. Get off at any stop, explore, and jump back on the next bus that comes around.  You'll have 48 hours with the opportunity to enjoy over 35 stops, including Central Park, Lincoln Center, the Uptown Loop, American Museum of Natural History, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Guggenheim, Harlem, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Times Square, Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Little Italy, Chinatown, Financial District, Battery Park, South Street Seaport and more.

Essential New York Tour offers unlimited hop-on, hop-off service on the Uptown Loop, Downtown Loop and Night Tour. See sights such as Central Park, Lincoln Center, American Museum of Natural History and more.

LODGING

Comfort Inn New York offers comfortable accommodations and friendly service at reasonable rates. The hotel features amenities such as a free continental breakfast, in-room coffee maker and a 27" TV with cable.

Quality Hotel offers both smoking and nonsmoking rooms as well as in-room coffee makers. Cable television is available to ensure the kids have in-room entertainment, and easy access to local attractions is a plus.