For your next family vacation, consider the "Big Apple," New York City. Even if the city's tourism market seems to be more focused on adults and the elegance of areas like SoHo and Tribeca, kids of any age never fail to be impressed by the city's vibrant street life and sky-scraping architecture. Furthermore, there are many New York City attractions perfect for the entire family.
One of the most prominent family attractions in New York City is the American Museum of Natural History. Although most New York museums are on the Upper East Side, this is one of the few on the Upper West Side. Maybe the best part, therefore, is being able to take kids for some recreation at nearby Central Park afterward.
While you're looking for things to do in New York City on the West Side of Manhattan, consider visiting the USS Intrepid, a decommissioned aircraft carrier located just south of the Meatpacking District. Further down the West Side you will find the ferry to the Statue of Liberty from Lower Manhattan. Taking the ferry is one of the most popular things to do in New York City. Also in Lower Manhattan, near the East Village, is the Lower East Side Tenement Museum, one of the attractions in New York City that might be great for kids a little bit older.
It's hard to not mention Midtown Manhattan, the home of Central Park, as a great source of recreation and family fun in New York City. Times Square, the FAO Schwarz toy store, and the numerous events in New York City that take place in Midtown make it a top New York City attraction.
As you can see, the list of things to do in New York is virtually endless and limited only by you and your family's imagination. Get out there and have fun. The city awaits!
Here are a few more options for great attractions for the whole family: