New York sights with 3YO and 6YO

[Willabywallaby]

So following on from my train/accommodation thread, has anyone any tips/must dos while in New York for 3 full days.

I was thinking Natural History Museum, since Night At the Museum was filmed there (or maybe just meant to be filmed there). And a boat trip around to see the Statue of Liberty, but not one which goes on for hours, I have boys!

I've got cheap tips.. If it's not raining you could easily spend a day in Central Park there's always something going on there - breakdancing or roller disco, celebs filming etc..! And at the park corner is FAO Schwartz toy shop which your boys are prob a bit old for but worth a look round anyway.
I think climbing the empire state is a must. Or you can go up the Rockerfeller tower which has glass walls at the top so you don't get bars across all your photos and the added advantage of being able to see the beautiful Empire State.

For eating head for diners on the upper east side, say circa 86th St

If you're not actually climbing the statue of liberty then the Staten Island ferry is a cheap alternative, you get great views of the statue and then you can.. see some weird grey partridge things then get the ferry back...

Strike that about boys being too old for FAO Schwartz I read their age as 10 for some reason..

Thanks,
I've wanted to go to New York for years, getting excited

In addition to your list -

Children Museum of Manhattan
New York Library - Visit the Library lions and the real Winnie the Pooh in the Children's Centre
The Big Piano at FAO Schwarz
Top of the Rock viewing platforms (and lift!) much more child friendly than Empire State
Watch the yellow taxis and trains at Grand Central Station
Central Park Zoo and Tisch petting area - small enough to do in an morning/afternoon
Visit the carousal and Children's Reading area in Bryant Park
There is an amazing playground in Central Park to the right of the entrance to the Met Museum (there are loads in CP but this is one of our favourites)

Have fun!

I have 2 boys and I took them to NYC 2 years ago. My top tip is do NOT go up the Empire state Building unless you want to queue for 3 hours - wish we had gone to the Top of the Rock instead.

They really enjoyed the trip to Statue of Liberty and going inside (although you could just get the Staten Island ferry if you don't want to do the whole thing).

And the Sony Wonder Technology Lab is completely free and huge fun - best if you can book tickets in advance because the lines are quite long.

Thanks for the tips any more greatly appreciated.

We took our DDs to Dylans Candy Store. It was recommended on here and they will love it. Imagine a real life Willy Wonka shop! Fab!

DDs loved;
The Empire State Building
Boat trip around the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Top of the Rock
Dylans Candy Store
The 'Big' piano at FAO Swartz
The Carousel in Central Park
Grand Central Station!!
The Natural History Museum
The Gugenheim
Horse and Carriage ride in Central Park
Hot dogs from a street vendor!
Ellen's Stardust Cafe

We also took them to see The Lion King on Broadway which was fantastic.

Do the Aircraft carrier museum too - my boys LOVED it! They also loved the big toys r us near time square - there is a big wheel you can ride in there. Central park zoo, especially the polar bear there, was a hit too.

My friend has heard about the New York pass, does anyone have any info?

I am taking DS at Easter and I think the statue of liberty is closed at the moment as I tried to book tickets so the free staten island ferry is probably the best option. Also if you want to avoid queuing you can pay extra at the empire state, although when I went with ds1 there was no queue at all.

Definitely get the New York Pass it is a really good value pass and gives you a jump on the queue in some places. Check out the website for all the places it covers (over 50).

Re empire state you can book express tickets online which means you can skip the horrendous queues. Would recommend Spiderman musical on Broadway- google for discount tickets though. Statue of Liberty is closed and Ellis Island prob a bit boring so Staten Island Ferry def the way to go. Bike tours of Central Park might be good if you can find a company with tagalongs or trailers for bikes. Nintendo world at Rockefeller Plaza will provide hours of fun!

So I've googled the NY passes, my only concern is because they are so expensive we will feel we have to 'sightsee' and rushing around from sight to sight it not necessarily something my boys will 'enjoy', ie will whinge.

But they do have 15% off online on the 3 day and 7 day ones until the 29th of feb and they are valid all year.

I took my boys when they were that age, go to the m & m store in time square and toys r us next door, it has a ferris wheel in store. The piano on fao shwarz is also fab and the magnolia bakery where they have loads of different types of cup cakes to choose from. I think there is an unofficial guide to NYC with kids, if not the regular one is also good. Have a fab time

We went in 2010 when DD was 6 and DS was 3 and had an absolutely wonderful time. Could definitely recommend Top of the Rock. We went first thing in the morning when there was no queue - great view of The Empire State Building. DD and DS also loved the Ferris Wheel inside the big Toys R Us at Times Square, Dylan's Candy Store and Central Park Zoo.

DD's favourite bit was hailing the cabs!

Museum of the moving image great for kids. Short subway trip to queens.

I'd also recommend the aircraft museum. For three days I'd properly not bother with a pass, but then we did use corporate ID to get into some places,for free.

you must take them to mars 2112, a space themed restaurant - even the lift to the first floor dining area is a spaceship ride simulator, great for kids!!

If iit's still even there, it was 7 years ago that I visited!!

Thanks mummytime that's what I was thinking, my friend is going for a week, so doesn't have to cram so much in.

Just reread that you had corporate ID, so got into places free. Hmmm the dilemma of buying things online a not not using them!

The Children's Museum of Manhattan. It is brilliant! Lots of interactive stuff and not too pricey a perfect morning trip.

We used to live in NY and have enjoyed many trips there with our DC I would think about taking a buggy as much as you think your children will be happy to walk they will get tired and its handy to chick your shopping somewhere.