new york city statue liberty central park
New York City

New York City is a great destination for toddlers to teens, and it's different in every season. Central Park is a shady green oasis in summer, with boating lakes, water play areas, and grass for picnics and relaxing. In winter, the park is a winter wonderland, including a large outdoor skating rink.


Central Park
Upper West Side
Upper East Side
Midtown
Times Square
Empire State Building
Chinatown - Little Italy
Brooklyn Bridge
Lower Manhattan
Ride the subway and buses - New York has an excellent public transportation system, and you'll want to use it. Purchase a MetroCard, good for both the subway and buses, and ride inexpensively all over Manhattan, from Battery Park to the Cloisters at Fort Tyron Park.
Fun food
New Yorkers have always eaten out, there's food everywhere you look - it's a terrific city for food with kids. Walking down any street, when you see the yellow Sabrett umbrellas, "dine in the umbrella room" on hot dogs and soft New York pretzels. Bagels are also a must, accompanied by cream cheese in different flavors. Stop into the many delicatessens (deli's) for a great selection of sandwiches. For a sweet, look for black and white cookies, covered with chocolate and vanilla icing. Try egg creams, a classic New York drink with milk, seltzer water and chocolate syrup.
Shopping
New York is one of our favorite places to shop, so leave room in your luggage for things to bring back. FAO Schwarz toy store is an experience in itself, popular with kids in New York since 1870. Macy's at Herald Square, with 2 million square feet is one of largest department stores in the world. Teens will have a super time shopping in the Upper West Side or SoHo.
Family Hotels

Here's Travel for Kids lists of family hotels, all styles and price ranges, in neighborhoods comfortable for families, and near to places you'll want to explore, and convenient to the airport:


New York City hotels
JFK Airport hotels