With the hustle and bustle of the subways, fashion district, and power walkers on Wall Street, many people seldom see children in the mix of New York City life. Anyone regardless of their age or location could probably provide an extensive top five list of things adults can do in New York City. But what about children? Does New York cater to the grownups of the world or are there things to do for the younger generations as well?
Central Park is one of New York’s finest landmarks and children’s needs are a forefront on its comprehensive activity list. It is the major site of most New Yorker’s recreation. Central Park is not just for the sunny day anymore, and offers a long list of indoor activities as well. If you are visiting New York, Central Park is an excellent one stop shop for you and your children. And you won’t have to worry about the weather. You will be accommodated with entertainment, dining, or activities regardless of what the clouds are doing. Whatever it is you are looking for, indoor or out, this guide will offer you some amenities that you can see for yourself.
Central Park Zoo
Here is one of the most famous zoos of the world, and what kid does not love the zoo. At the Wildlife Center in Central Park you can wander through a steamy rain forest or experience Antarctic penguin life. Check out the Tropic Zone, an unbelievable tree filled rain forest. You can also wander through the Temperate Territory to visit the sea lions and the monkeys. And you certainly don’t want to miss the Polar Circle to see the underwater swimming polar bears.
A special component of Central Park Zoo is the Tisch Children’s Zoo, designed specifically for children under the age of 6. Here your child can get up close to the animals and experience the petting zoo with goats, sheep, cows, pigs, and many others. Admission here is included in the price of admission to the main zoo.
The zoo, located at 64th and Fifth Ave. is open 365 days a year, generally from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM 7 days a week. You can call (212) 861-6030 for more information. Admission is $3.50 for adults, $1.25 for seniors, and $.50 for the little guys.
Wollman Rink
The famous Wollman Rink is the rink you see in all of the big movies taking place in New York. It offers ice skating in the winter, and inline skating in the summer. Once you get the hang of inline skating in the rink, you can also take your rollerblades through the rest of the park. It runs October through April 10 AM to 3 PM Monday and Tuesday, and 10 PM to 11 PM Wed through Saturday. Admission is $7.50 for adults ($8 on weekends), $3.75 for seniors and children under 12, and $3.75 for skate rental. Check it out: http://www.wollmanskatingrink.com
NorthMeadowRecreationCenter
This recreation center is a great resource for parents as it offers indoor and outdoor activities ranging from wall climbing to arts and crafts. It currently houses 12 recently renovated fields for basketball, soccer, and softball. The exterior of the building has been preserved to protect its landmark status, but the interior now has a cushioned climbing room with a 20-foot climbing wall; a community room used for classes, gatherings, and recreational activities; basketball and handball courts, and an outdoor 25-foot climbing wall. Staff use a variety of approaches to encourage fitness and self-esteem among the elementary, middle school, and high school students who participate in NMRC programs. They offer free or low-cost courses that are coordinated with local schools and community board organizations. Weekend climbing is also available.
They are open Monday to Friday 9AM to 6 PM, and weekends 10 AM to 4:30. There is a $5 fee for rockclimbing, but all other usage is free. (212) 348-4867.
Craft and Theater Workshops
The CharlesA.DanaDiscoveryCenter is a great place for your budding artist. Every weekend they have regular craft activities, or a chance to meet one of your favorite authors. Most crafting classes offer free admission, but you may have to bring you own craftings supplies. They are located inside the park at 110th street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues. Call 212-860-1370 for more information.
Story Telling
The Great Hill Children’s GladeCentral Park West and 103rd Street. This new addition to Central Park stemmed from a vision envisioned specifically as a new venue for family programs – will feature storytelling throughout the day on weekends. You will see famous authors here such as
Christian MacLean, Augustine Lynas, and Kathy Jakobsen.
These options are just a few of the many many things there are to do with your children in New York City. You can enjoy these if you have just popped in for a visit, or if you have lived in the Big Apple all your life. If you want more information, visit Central Park on the Internet. is located West of Great Hill Oval from West 103rd to West 106th Streets. Enter Park at
Central Park West and 103rd Street. This new addition to Central Park stemmed from a vision envisioned specifically as a new venue for family programs – will feature storytelling throughout the day on weekends. You will see famous authors here such as
Christian MacLean, Augustine Lynas, and Kathy Jakobsen.
These options are just a few of the many many things there are to do with your children in New York City. You can enjoy these if you have just popped in for a visit, or if you have lived in the Big Apple all your life. If you want more information, visit Central Park on the Internet.
