Places to Take Kids in Times Square (1 Viewer)

[Baloney Sandwich]

My son is turning 6 in a few weeks and really wants to visit NYC. We will be getting there Friday afternoon and leaving Sunday afternoon/evening. I've done some research and came up with the below places/links that are kid friendly. Any thoughts on on the below list or anything missing that we should check out?

Additionally, what is the deal with getting around the city with kids (my daughter is 4)? Are we regulated to just walking and the subway? Will Uber pick us us up even though we have kids that technically should be in a booster chair?

Hersey's Chocolate World - Broadway & 48th
http://www.thehersheycompany.com/about-hershey/visit-hershey/retail-stores/times-square.aspx

M&M World - Broadway & 48th
https://www.mmsworld.com/locations.aspx

Toy "R" US - Broadway & 44th
http://www.toysrusinc.com/about-us/times-square/

FAO Swartz - 5th Avenue & 58th
http://www.fao.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=3810526

Madame Trussauds Wax Attraction - 234 W 42nd Street (between 7th & 8th)
https://www.madametussauds.com/NewYork/

Ripley's Believe It or Not - 234 W 42nd Street (between 7th & 8th)
http://www.ripleysnewyork.com/

Children's Musuem of Manhattan - 212 West 83rd Street
http://cmom.org/

American Musuem of Natural History - Central Park West at 79th Street
http://www.amnh.org/


Family-Friendly Restaurant Links
http://mommypoppins.com/kids/times-square-family-friendly-restaurants-kids-theater-district-eating-nyc

http://www.ellensstardustdiner.com/(I think this is the place Cassidy mentioned)

 

[Parrothead]

teach them ABC's in Alphabet City

 

[jamny]

See what show is at Discovery Times Square

 

[McGarnicle]

Does he like Korean barbecue?

 

[Eephus]

Sony Wonder Technology Lab It's free and was an OK way to kill a couple of hours. Some of the exhibits were pretty dated when we went years ago. Hopefully they've been refreshed since then.

Your son might like the USS Intrepid although you might be better off saving it until he's a bit older.

Your girl would love the American Girl store but your wallet won't

 

[RC94]

FAO Schwarz is fun for kids and it's across the street from Central Park. I also recommend the Museum of Natural History. You have both listed in your post so it sounds like you have a lot of options in mind. Those 2 are the ones I would recommend the most. I haven't been to the Children's Museum, but that will probably be a lot of fun for young kids too. There is a Shake Shack near the museums (good burgers and fries and shakes).

 

[Gawain]

Bobby Layne waxes nostalgic about the older NYC and I rarely agree with him. I'm glad the city is safer, cleaner and more family-friendly for the most part.

However, Times Square with no seediness as a kid-friendly destination makes me long, just slightly, for the good old days of smut and sin.

 

[RUSF18]

No issues with kids in taxis. I don't know about Uber but I doubt that's an issue either.

 

[fantasycurse42]

No issues with taxis/Uber... Uber does have a car seat option if you need it, but they'll take you with a kid regardless.

Toys R Us and M&M World are both worth the visit if you'll be in the area. The Toys R Us has a Ferris Wheel inside the store. Honestly, I hate Times Square and avoid at all costs.

Don't know if your kids like sports, but the Yanks are playing the Orioles this weekend and if you wait until 12pm, you can prob get the fam of 4 into the stadium for $30-$40 total on Stubhub. Yankee Stadium is pretty cool and would be on my personal hit list.

Governor's Island is also a cool spot to check out and walk around, you can take a ferry from somewhere in Manhattan to get there (I go from Brooklyn Heights so I don't know where to catch it).

Also, if you are doing a Sunday brunch/lunch you should prob go on Opentable and make a reservation now, with Mother's Day it'll be pretty hard going to most good restaurants.

 

[Plaid Boxer]

Nintendo World if always fun for kids that like Mario games.

 

[El Floppo]

FAO Schwarz is fun for kids and it's across the street from Central Park. I also recommend the Museum of Natural History. You have both listed in your post so it sounds like you have a lot of options in mind. Those 2 are the ones I would recommend the most. I haven't been to the Children's Museum, but that will probably be a lot of fun for young kids too. There is a Shake Shack near the museums (good burgers and fries and shakes).

6 is right on the cusp for the Children's Museum- really better for 3-5yos... but he might like it. It's also a bit out of the way at 84th and BWY, but I guess can be combined with Natch History (although that's a lot for one day).

MoMath is pretty cool- my 7yo loves it, and it can be done relatively quickly. math related activities and exhibits... cooler and more fun than it sounds. Right on Madison Park which puts you at the Lego store, shake shack and nice park/playground.

Top of the Rock is great (tickets needed ahead of time) and also near the Rock Center Lego store. the views are insane and would be something Jr would remember forever.

The Met is pretty great for a blitzkrieg visit (don'[t get sucked into trying to see too much). the Temple of Dendur in particular, as well as the armor/armory exhibit which is close by in the museum have always been hits with my kids and cousins who visit.

if you kid likes making art, CMA is awesome down in West Soho- but also a bit far from other stuff (has some great playgrounds on the river just below it).

Times Square is a nightmare IMO... but if you're tied to it, maybe take in a show at the New Victory which is catered to kids.

 

[El Floppo]

and yeah- taxis don't care what you do with your kid, carseat or otherwise. it's going to be up to you- whether you feel comfortable travelling with your daughter on your lap, or buckled in.

subways are safe and should be fun- at least for one ride- for the kids to experience. weekends are a mess though- track-work, whole lines taken off service, and generally less trains/longer waits. check in with the MTA website for weekend service changes.

NYC is really a walking city though- great way of seeing everything... but 4 and 6 may not be up for too much of that.

 

[Baloney Sandwich]

I hate Times Square as well but definitely tied to it for this trip. My kids have never been to NYC and there is a lot of activities for them in that area.

Appreciate all the suggestions, my son is a math need so will look into MoMath as he would love something like that.

 

[El Floppo]

I hate Times Square as well but definitely tied to it for this trip. My kids have never been to NYC and there is a lot of activities for them in that area.

Appreciate all the suggestions, my son is a math need so will look into MoMath as he would love something like that.

fwiw- my 3yo goes there too... but less for her to really "get". Your 4yo might get a little more out of it- definitely the 6yo.

and definitely check Eephus' suggestion- Sony Lab of whatever. pretty sure they have a website- exhibits change fairly frequently.

whoever mentioned Governor's Island- big fan. Might not be optimal for a short trip, as it will take most of the day. nice views of the city, statue of liberty and ferry is located down by SI ferry, ground zero, south street seaport, wall street, etc.

 

[cstu]

MoMath is pretty cool- my 7yo loves it, and it can be done relatively quickly. math related activities and exhibits... cooler and more fun than it sounds. Right on Madison Park which puts you at the Lego store, shake shack and nice park/playground.

Bad idea - MoMath, MoProblems.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

I hear the wandering costumed figures are fun & they don't expect tips.

 

[RC94]

Maybe check out the Bronx Zoo.

 

[El Floppo]

Maybe check out the Bronx Zoo.

they're here for a day and a half. a bit far afield, IMO... unless they're from somewhere without a zoo.

can always hit the central park zoo instead.

 

[McGarnicle]

Maybe check out the Bronx Zoo.

they're here for a day and a half. a bit far afield, IMO... unless they're from somewhere without a zoo.

can always hit the central park zoo instead.

Or Hunts Point.

 

[Nick Vermeil]

Maybe check out the Bronx Zoo.

they're here for a day and a half. a bit far afield, IMO... unless they're from somewhere without a zoo.

can always hit the central park zoo instead.

Or Hunts Point.

Yeah don't do this. Go to the zoo when you are in San Diego.

 

[El Floppo]

Maybe check out the Bronx Zoo.

they're here for a day and a half. a bit far afield, IMO... unless they're from somewhere without a zoo.

can always hit the central park zoo instead.

Or Hunts Point.

Yeah don't do this. Go to the zoo when you are in San Diego.

they have a good produce market and prostitutes in San Diego?

 

[Righetti]

FAO Schwarz is fun for kids and it's across the street from Central Park. I also recommend the Museum of Natural History. You have both listed in your post so it sounds like you have a lot of options in mind. Those 2 are the ones I would recommend the most. I haven't been to the Children's Museum, but that will probably be a lot of fun for young kids too. There is a Shake Shack near the museums (good burgers and fries and shakes).

6 is right on the cusp for the Children's Museum- really better for 3-5yos... but he might like it. It's also a bit out of the way at 84th and BWY, but I guess can be combined with Natch History (although that's a lot for one day).

MoMath is pretty cool- my 7yo loves it, and it can be done relatively quickly. math related activities and exhibits... cooler and more fun than it sounds. Right on Madison Park which puts you at the Lego store, shake shack and nice park/playground.

Top of the Rock is great (tickets needed ahead of time) and also near the Rock Center Lego store. the views are insane and would be something Jr would remember forever.

The Met is pretty great for a blitzkrieg visit (don'[t get sucked into trying to see too much). the Temple of Dendur in particular, as well as the armor/armory exhibit which is close by in the museum have always been hits with my kids and cousins who visit.

if you kid likes making art, CMA is awesome down in West Soho- but also a bit far from other stuff (has some great playgrounds on the river just below it).

Times Square is a nightmare IMO... but if you're tied to it, maybe take in a show at the New Victory which is catered to kids.

I took my 5 year old to the Children's museum and she was too old for it..plus it was ridiculously crowded..

probably not something you'll do on a tourist trip but the Liberty Science Center is much cooler for kids.. I was VERY disappointed by the Children's museum

 

[Righetti]

I hear the wandering costumed figures are fun & they don't expect tips.

sort of

 

[El Floppo]

FAO Schwarz is fun for kids and it's across the street from Central Park. I also recommend the Museum of Natural History. You have both listed in your post so it sounds like you have a lot of options in mind. Those 2 are the ones I would recommend the most. I haven't been to the Children's Museum, but that will probably be a lot of fun for young kids too. There is a Shake Shack near the museums (good burgers and fries and shakes).

6 is right on the cusp for the Children's Museum- really better for 3-5yos... but he might like it. It's also a bit out of the way at 84th and BWY, but I guess can be combined with Natch History (although that's a lot for one day).

MoMath is pretty cool- my 7yo loves it, and it can be done relatively quickly. math related activities and exhibits... cooler and more fun than it sounds. Right on Madison Park which puts you at the Lego store, shake shack and nice park/playground.

Top of the Rock is great (tickets needed ahead of time) and also near the Rock Center Lego store. the views are insane and would be something Jr would remember forever.

The Met is pretty great for a blitzkrieg visit (don'[t get sucked into trying to see too much). the Temple of Dendur in particular, as well as the armor/armory exhibit which is close by in the museum have always been hits with my kids and cousins who visit.

if you kid likes making art, CMA is awesome down in West Soho- but also a bit far from other stuff (has some great playgrounds on the river just below it).

Times Square is a nightmare IMO... but if you're tied to it, maybe take in a show at the New Victory which is catered to kids.

I took my 5 year old to the Children's museum and she was too old for it..plus it was ridiculously crowded..

probably not something you'll do on a tourist trip but the Liberty Science Center is much cooler for kids.. I was VERY disappointed by the Children's museum

last time I took my son, IIRC, he was 6 and we had a similar experience- way too crowded and he was bored.

the 2 (now 3yo) OTOH had a blast. but as long as daddy is there, she's happy doing pretty much anything.

The children's museum in Brooklyn is much better, IMO.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

The chores!

The stores!

Fresh air!

TIMES SQUARE!