4 Family-Friendly Stars in New York City

[Sudarsan Chakraborty]

Everyone has a bucket list and a city they would like to visit, and there is certainly a lot in the Big Apple that will capture your imaginations, whether you're traveling on your own, with friends, your significant other, or your kids,.In fact, NYC is particularly rich in attractions that the whole family can enjoy, and here are five of the best, all in the borough of Manhattan (there are plenty of others in the Bronx, Brooklyn,  Queens, and Staten Island, but that's for another post):

Central Park

Located between the West Side and the East Side, the USA's most visited urban park covers 843 acres of meadows, woods, and lakes, dotted with various attractions the whole family will love. Rent a rowboat or swan boat for $15 an hour. Go roller skating (or ice skating in winter) at Wollman Rink with breathtaking skyscraper views. Talk to the animals at the Central Park Zoo. Take one of the famous (albeit somewhat pricy) hansom carriage rides. Catch one of the free summertime concerts. And dine on great food at the Boathouse, right on one of those lakes. Fantastic!

The Statue of Liberty

Another classic bucketlister, Liberty Island is reachable via Statue City Cruises, which charges $23.50 for adults, $12 for ages 4-12 (under 4 free), and $18 for seniors, including admission to the statue as well as transportation/admission to another remarkable harbor site, Ellis Island, where immigrants to the USA were processed in the early 20th century. Keep in mind that because of the pandemic, at present unfortunately only the pedestal is open, not the climb up to the crown. Tip: go as early as possible, when crowds are less.

American Museum of Natural History/Hayden Planetarium

Opened in 1877 in a Victorian Gothic Building right across from Central Park, it's famous for its massive (as well as not so massive) skeletons of dinosaurs, whales, and other animals; dioramas depicting ecosystems, animals, and peoples from across the planet; interactive exhibits of all kinds; and attached planetarium with amazing astronomy shows. Sure to be another hit with the kids!

Ellen’s Stardust Diner

Founded iin 1987 and scheduled to reopen this fall, this retro eatery at Broadway and West 51st Street in the Theater District at the top of Times Square is nostalgic fun for parents but also very entertaining for children. In its candy colored interior you'll find 1950s chestnuts on the jukebox; singing waitstaff in bouffants and poodle skirts (many of whom have gone on to success in Broadway theater and elsewhere); and a classic Americana menu (the milkshakes are a specialty here). Just don't get there too late or you'll have to queue!

And these are really just the tip of the iceberg. And to make sure you have the right transportation to cover several bases in a day, find out more about We Drive Global, of the most reputable local transportation companies.