NYC with kids in October - ideas please

[Itchyandscratchy]

Dh and I have been twice before but before dcs. We're going for 5 nights and staying fairly central.

Dds will be 11 & 7.

Also, what's weather like around that time? I've been in September & it was lovely. I was imagining 'typical' autumn conditions - cooler but still sunny?

Weve looked at the halloween parade - suitable for kids?
It'll be just before the election too - exciting!

We are visiting around then and I used to live in Manhattan (rather a while ago now!) I wouldn't say the Halloween parade is suitable for children, but it depends on your views and your kids. It sort of grew out of a gay event, and was often quite risqué. This may have changed, but I'd really be surprised.

It takes a large part of the day but the kids might really like the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island trip. Boats, statues and a bit of history. If that's too much, the Staten Island ferry return trip is fun and comparatively cheap. Check out the Roosevelt Island Aerial tramway for a cheapish view from the air.

Central Park (you can rent rowboats or ride the carousel or rent remote controlled boats in different parts) and FAO Scwartz (either set rules beforehand or bring your credit cards but it is good fun. I don't think the ice skating will be on at Rockefeller Center yet. Rumplemayers on the edge of Central Park is kid heaven.

The weather should be cool but sunny. It can get very cold though at times, particularly once the sun goes down. You can get surprisingly decent forecasts a week ahead of time at weather.com.