New York City’s beaming lights and sparkling skyline shine even brighter for kids paying their first visit to the big city. Even if you’ve visited New York countless times for business and leisure, there’s something special about helping your family’s youngest members unlock the magic of America’s most enchanting city.
From the standard kid-approved sights and attractions to out-of-the-box experiences and unexpected educational opportunities, New York City offers a vast array of attractions for all ages. The New York Palace is positioned on Madison Avenue in the heart of Midtown East – just a short walk, subway trip, or cab ride away from the following family-friendly activities in New York City.
American Museum of Natural History
Best known for its stunning architecture, appearances in Hollywood productions, and impressive size, The American Museum of Natural History is a must-visit for families in New York City. A real-life science class, parents and kids alike are bound to learn a few new facts about the natural world. The museum’s top exhibitions for the summer and fall 2015 seasons include “Life at the Limits,” an exploration of the strange creatures that live at the margins of the earth, and “Nature’s Fury: The Science of Natural Disasters,” a look at the planet’s most impressive and imposing forces of nature.
Central Park West and 79th Street
New York, New York 10024
www.amnh.org
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building may be one of New York City’s standard tourist attractions, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. Kids – and adults – are sure to end up awe-struck by the view from the building’s 86th- and 102nd-floor observation decks, which provide far-reaching panoramic views of the five boroughs and beyond. The Empire State Building is located just a few minutes’ walk south of The Palace at 34th Street and Fifth Avenue.
350 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10118
www.esbnyc.com
American Girl Place
This Fifth Avenue retail mainstay is a must-visit for kids who love dolls and parents seeking to instill a bit of education in their next toy purchase. Each of the high-end American Girl brand dolls featured at this expansive store comes with a historic theme, illuminating a particular time in American history. The New York City flagship, located just short walk away from The New York Palace, features an afternoon’s worth of entertainment and points of interest, including a theater and a full-service café, serving brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner.
Book The New York Palace American Girl Place® Package and give your kids a special treat. Book now and receive choice of Superior or Tower accommodations, a complimentary American Girl doll-sized travel bed and a special sweet treat.
The American Girl Place
609 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10017
www.americangirl.com
Central Park Zoo
Wilderness and wildlife might be hard to come by in New York City, but the Central Park Zoo does a good job of offering temporary respite from the bustle of the city. The zoo isn’t one of America’s most expansive, but it’s just the right size for an afternoon trip that won’t require too much walking or tire out the family too much. A few of the zoo’s most notable residents include the majestic Snow Leopards, massive Grizzly Bears, and inquisitive Snow Monkeys. The zoo’s summer hours run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
64th Street and 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10065
www.centralparkzoo.com
New York Style-Pizza
There’s something special about grabbing a slice of pizza in New York City that just can’t be replicated anywhere else. Give your family the gift of this deliciously indelible memory by stopping by one of the city’s hundreds of pizza joints for a pie or a few slices. You can find pizza at almost every price point and every style imaginable across the city, but we suggest keeping it simple. Drop in at kid-friendly Two Boots Pizzeria in Grand Central Terminal, walk over to Abitino’s on Second Avenue for a signature slice, or embrace the food’s history as an affordable Italian snack item at one of Midtown’s many 99-cent pizza joints.
Let The New York Palace Concierge be your guide – our knowledgeable staff is here to help with recommendations!
Sweet Treats at Pomme Palais
Ensure the kids cover every section of the food pyramid by visiting Pomme Palais for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon snack. The Palace’s in-house French Market Café, located just off the lobby on the 51st Street side of the hotel, serves sweets and savory snacks daily from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Parents’-only tip: Pomme Palais offers a collection of caffeinated beverages, should you require a little assistance summoning the energy to chase the kids around New York for another day.
Pomme Palais
30 East 51st Street
New York, NY 10022
Grand Central Terminal / New York Transit Museum
The subway might be a mere form of transportation – and cause of much frustration – for many adults. But trains and transportation are an endless source of fascination for younger NYC visitors. Walk down to Grand Central Terminal to view one of America’s great remaining architectural wonders and true cathedrals of transportation – and be sure to drop by the basement dining hall for refreshments from one of the many vendors. If you’re up for a brief trip to Brooklyn, the New York Transit Museum is an easy-to-reach and largely undiscovered gem of a museum. The underground museum allows you to step into history – literally – in the form of old, out-of-service subway cars maintained for visitors to walk through.
Grand Central Terminal
Lexington Avenue and 42nd Street
New York, NY 10017
www.grandcentralterminal.com
New York Transit Museum
Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
web.mta.info/mta/museum
The New York Palace simplifies and streamlines family travel to NYC by offering a variety of family-focused amenities. Adjoining rooms, kid-friendly TV stations, baby amenities like strollers, cribs, high chairs and car seats, and babysitting service are all available at our property. Our oversize room layouts — including spacious hotel suites in New York City with 3 bedrooms — provide plenty of space to stretch out, kick back, and relax.
Looking for additional tips on family activities in New York City? Visit Lotte New York Palace website or reach out to our expert Concierge staff, who are happy to recommend child-appropriate shows, exhibits and educational attractions.
Book Now and give your kids a NYC vacation they will never forget, courtesy of The New York Palace. Rates start at $279.