Traveling to NYC with Kids: A Guide for Parents and Grandparents

Summertime is here again. In the midst of summertime madness, parents are challenged to keep children engaged, while allowing them to have fun. New York may seem like an unlikely candidate for fun with the kids, but there are numerous interactive educational opportunities available in New York City that both kids and parents can enjoy. Explore our list of Top 5 for ideas traveling to NYC with kids.

Number 1: The OHMIES: Morning Wish Garden

 

If you have pre-school age children, this is a “cannot miss” theatrical performance. The energetic show has received outstanding reviews from theater critics. The performances began in June and will take place at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater. For $35 per guest, parents can engage their kids’ bodies and imaginations.

This show is akin to a modern-day Sesame Street production. The performers engage kids in healthy physical activities and also teach children, social and emotional wellness lessons. The yoga inspired dance classes help kids overcome their fears of making friends.

The Morning Wish Garden is a 55 minute production hosted in an open theater space. The audience sits on mats primarily as they sing along to original music. Mat seating and traditional seating are available.

Number 2: Central Park Zoo

 

Central Park Children's Zoo

The Central Park Zoo attracts a million or more visitors every year. Kids enjoy seeing the exotic animals in replications of their natural habitats. Performers help kids understand the conservation and animal facts through interaction and visual arts. Scientific facts are also shared in this interactive manner. Most performances take place in the Daniel Cowin Acorn Theater located in the Tisch Children’s Zoo.Kids are also encouraged to embrace wildlife through a Wildlife Integrated for Language Development (WILD) program. Pre-readers will learn vocabulary and reading comprehension through this program. Interactive learning during the summer seems more like play for kids than educational.
Number 3: NYSKYRIDE

Why not get a bird’s eye view of New York City before beginning your summer vacation adventure? Before visiting the Statue of Liberty, Times Square or Coney Island, view what is in store for you on the NYSKYRIDE. The NYSKYRIDE simulates the experience of lifting off from the Empire State Building and soaring over the Manhattan Skyline. NYSKYRIDE is a helpful planning tool that allows visitors to see attractions from a different perspective.

Number 4: Children’s Museum of Manhattan

Manhattan is full of art museums and cultural events, but not all are kid-friendly. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan encourages kids to touch and interact. Kids will learn while climbing, painting, singing and sliding. Kids may even learn the scientific properties of water through City Splash during the summer. Do not forget to check out the Russell Berrie Creativity Lab while in the area.

Number 5: FAO Schwarz

Everyone loves to shop while on vacation. FAO Schwarz is world renown for its collectibles and magnificent children creations. This is truly every child’s dream shopping adventure. Buy your kid their favorite game, stuffed animal, electronic device or toy train. A trip to New York would not be complete without FAO Schwarz.

About the author

Heather Johnson is a writer for the leading online honeymoon planning resource. Learn all about the best honeymoon destinations today!