New York Stopover -what to do?

[AnnieCatsmumtoo]

We are off to the US for the first time in April, and have a 3 day (2 night) stopover in New York. I would welcome suggestions for what to see in this limited time please - we have two children (14 & 10 years old). Many thanks .... and a Happy New Year to everyone!

Ellis Island / Statue of Liberty - book in advance to climb up to the crown

Original Winnie the Pooh toys in the public library on 5th ave

FAO Schwartz toy store on 5th ( has the 'Big' floor piano) for younger child, apple store right next door for older child

Intrepid / Concorde on the Hudson River

Pizza at Grimaldis or icecream in Fulton Stret, Brooklyn, then walk back across the Brooklyn Bridge to see the NY skyline

Either Empire State Building, or Top of the Rock ( this is better IMO, better views)

Dylan's Candy Store

World Trade Centre memorial

Thank you Budgiegirlbob - some great ideas for us to try, much appreciated. Happy new year!

Re Statue of Liberty - book now to climb up to the crown, it was booked til Jan back in Nov. You also have to book in advance to enter the monument (museum - I really liked it) - but this can be done nearer the time as there are more tickets available. You can't decide to buy a ticket once on the island. Earlier in the day is best as there is a b

Bottleneck of queues for the airline style security.

Agree view from the Rockefeller is better because you get to see the Empire State Building. We went just before sunset, which was perfect. We went up ESB earlier in the day and missed the queues.

Hi Racers - thank you, that's really helpful advice, I am now about to book Staue of Liberty as I had no idea it would be so booked up! Also, was unaware about the view from the Rockerfeller - lovely to have this trip advice.Happy new year all Mumsnet!

Definitely Ellis island fab museum which kept our 3 then aged 8 to 14 entertained. Brilliant staff and we found a relative who had through in 1906! Empire State Building at night is amazing. Rockefeller center is also great view at night. Ground zero.

Museum of natural history (the night at the museum one). Chinatown. Central Park in day time. Avoid the loos though!

Buy a sandwich from a deli which is hugely entertaining! Ruby foos is a great 2 branch Chinese type restaurant which we all love and great with kids.

You can do a 'friends' tour which older one might like?
Any huge store. My them 14 yr old dd loved the thrift shops.

Where are you staying? I can tailor advice to area. My dsis lived there and still has apartment so I know it well and can get advice from trendy nephew still in residence!

Dear overthemill - thank you for more great suggestions - Museum of Natural History will go down well I think
. We are staying at the Hotel Giraffe, 365 Park Avenue S. Would you trendy nephew also give advice on train service to/from Newark airport do you think please! I have only been to NY once, but I was single & young then & it was more than 20 years ago, but it all seems much more daunting going with children!

Will ask him and get back to you!