The family fun never ends when you're hanging out at Coney Island. The famous Brooklyn destination is home to a variety of attractions that everyone in the family can enjoy. A few places to experience while you and the family visit Coney Island include 12th Street Amusements, Kiddie Park, The Cyclone roller coaster, the New York Aquarium, Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs, and the Boardwalk.
See the world-famous landmark and renown New York City icon that is the Empire State Building. You and the whole family will be in awe as you take in the view of NYC from the observation deck. Be sure to take a look at the Dare to Dream exhibit on the building's 80th floor.
Grand Central Terminal was built by the New York Central Railroad in the prime time of American long-distance passenger trains. Since the decline in popularity of train travel, the terminal has become a booming attraction, home to five superior restaurants and cocktail lounges, including the world famous Oyster Bar and 20 casual eateries. The Grand Central Market is also housed in the terminal. Besides having specialty food stores, restaurants, accessory boutiques and more; the market is home to some big names in the shopping industry. Aveda, Banana Republic, Kenneth Cole, L'Occitane, M.A.C Cosmetics, Origins and Swatch are all available here.
When in New York City, it's important to remember to pay respects to those whose lives were altered forever by the devastating September 11th terrorist attacks. See the tragedy through the eyes of the city that lived it at the Ground Zero Museum Workshop founded by Marlon Suson, the Official Photographer at Ground Zero for the FDNY. He photographed the "recovery" process six days a week and approximately 17 hours per day from the date of the attacks, September 11, 2001 to the closing ceremony in May 2002. The non-profit museum showcases Suson's images from Ground Zero and donates to various charities associated with the disaster, particularly organizations that participate in Mesothelioma research like the Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center.
Travel back in time when you tour the attractions at Historic Richmond Town. The open-air museum is located on Staten Island and is the former county seat and commercial center of Richmond County. The town is comprised of over 30 historic buildings that date back from the late 17th to the early 20th century. Exhibits include the Voorlezer's House, the Dutch Colonial Farmhouse, The Britton Cottage, The Christopher House, the Treasure House, the Meeting Center and many more. The village paints an accurate picture of what it was like living in the 19th century.
Let the kids run wild at Hudson River Park. The park is full of kid-friendly activities like tennis courts, soccer fields, batting cages, and a playground. Many New York City attractions are connected by the park, including Battery Park, the World Trade Center site, the World Financial Center, Chelsea Piers, Pier 57, Pier 63, Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum and Riverside Park.
If you and the family are in New York City for the holidays, then skating at the Ice Skating Rink at Rockefeller Center is a must. This is one of the nation's most magical places and family time here will be a memorable and special experience. After the family is done skating, explore the attractions that surround Rockefeller Center.
Explore the ultimate celebrity experience in Times Square! With over 220 wax figures and the Marvel Super Heroes 4D Experience, there is a star for every generation at Madame Tussauds New York. Who do you want to meet?
Tour the history of the city and explore the exhibits and attractions at the Museum of the City of New York. The museum was founded in 1923 to showcase the history of New York City, and is home to art in various medias like paintings, drawings, prints and photographs featuring the city and its residents. Other pieces of the collection include costumes, decorative objects and furniture, toys, rare books and manuscripts, marine and military artifacts, police and fire artifacts and items documenting the golden age of Broadway theater.
Take an underwater adventure as a family as you explore the attractions at the New York Aquarium. The seaside aquarium is the oldest in the nation and is home to over 350 species, including animals like sharks, sea otters, penguins, sea turtles, sea lions, and octopuses. Some of the exhibitions you'll see are Explore the Shore, Sea Cliffs, Conservation Hall, and Alien Stingers.
Experience the city version of the circus at New York City's Big Apple Circus. Trapeze acts, acrobats, and animal performances are all a part of the show! Features of the show include a singing Ringmistress and The Big Apple Circus Band, all with bright costumes and colorful choreography. You and your family have never seen a circus like this before.
The New York Stock Exchange is located at 11 Wall Street in lower Manhattan and is one of the most famous fixtures of the city – making it yet another of New York City's must-see attractions. The NYSE is America's preeminent financial institution and the largest stock exchange in the world. Wall Street runs from Broadway to South Street on the East River. One of the most iconic symbols of Wall Street was the Charging Bull sculpture, but the sculpture has been relocated to Bowling Green. The sculpture represents the bull market economy and market prosperity.
Be delighted by a presentation of a classic story, told by puppets at Puppetworks, Inc. The theater has featured stories like Puss in Boots, Peter and the Wolf, Little Red Riding Hood, The Jungle Book, and Hansel & Gretel, all told by puppets on a string! Take a break from movies, cartoons and live actors and let your family experience a truly unique theater attraction.
The Queens Botanical Garden refers to itself as "a living museum, a collection of gardens for the study, culture, exhibition, and display of plants." Explore this 39-acre botanical oasis of rose, bee, herb and perennial gardens. Among the floral attractions, you'll also see the Visitor & Administration Center, New York City's greenest building.
Wildlife makes its home at the Queens Zoo, and these exhibits are waiting to be explored by you and your family! See wild animals like alligators, bald eagles, cougars, lynx, spectacled bears, and California sea lions – all native to the Americas.
Another of New York City's world-famous entertainment venues, Radio City Music Hall has been a city landmark since the 1930s. The hall has hosted events like the Grammy Awards, Tony Awards and the MTV Music Awards, among many others. The venue has been the home of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular for over 70 years and continues to be one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. Talented musicians like Pink Floyd, David Bowie, The Beach Boys, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan have graced the stage at the hall. No trip to NYC is complete without a visit to Radio City Music Hall.
The Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park is a combination of open lawns and gardens sprawled through paths and walkways. You'll find there's plenty to see here, as the park overlooks the Hudson River and offers stunning views of the iconic Statue of Liberty and other famous New York City attractions. While you revel in the city's beauty, take a stroll through the Hot and Cool Gardens among Graham Stuart roses, Autumn Prince daylilies, Trumpeter roses and Poinsettia daylilies. Don't go hungry while you're here either; enjoy a meal at Gigino's restaurant and check out the roof deck to see the city from a new perspective.
The Rockefeller Center is one of New York City's many must-see attractions. This famous landmark is a 22-acre complex that is home to 19 commercial buildings between 48th and 51st streets in Manhattan. Radio City Music Hall and the GE Building, or "30 Rock" are two famous buildings within the complex. For a complete Rockefeller Center experience, head to the Top of the Rock, the observation deck of the GE Building. The deck occupies the 67-70th floors and offers a 360-degree panoramic view of New York City.
Pay a visit to the one and only Lady Liberty. The Statue of Liberty serves as a global symbol of freedom and is a must-see New York City attraction. Take the kids to see a true piece of American history up close.
Enjoy the sights and attractions of Union Square, located at the intersection of Broadway and 4th Avenue. The four Zeckendorf Towers mark the eastern side of the square. Union Square South is a mix-use area featuring a kinetic wall sculpture and a digital clock, Metronome. The west side of the park is marked by miscellaneous buildings, one of them being the Decker Building. Union Square is home to famous sculpture art like the equestrian statue of George Washington, the James Fountain, and statues of the Marquis de Lafayette, Abraham Lincoln, and Mahatma Gandhi.
See the stunning architecture of the United Nations Headquarters, located in the Turtle Bay neighborhood of Manhattan. The complex was built in 1950 on land donated by the Rockefeller family and the famous building overlooks the East River on what is considered "international territory." The building is highly identifiable due to the fact that its perimeter fence is lined with flagpoles presenting the flags of all the UN member states and the UN flag.
When the weather is warm, the Victorian Gardens is in bloom with activity! This Central Park attraction features entertainment and rides like the Aeromax, Red Baron, Happy Swing, and Fun Slide – all perfect for kids. This mini-amusement park is full of family attractions that you and yours are sure to enjoy.