Uptown

Asia Society

Description: Exhibitions of Asian art, both modern and traditional.
Price: $7 for adults, $5 for Seniors and Students, free for people under 11.
Location: 725 Park Avenue between 70th and 71st Streets.
Phone: 212-288-6400
Times: Tuesday-Sunday 11-6, with extended evening hours on Friday until 9pm.
How to get there: 6 train to 68th Street
Website: none

Asphalt Green

Description: Newly Renovated featuring running tracks, and weight lifting equipment. They also have an Olympic sized pool. Note: must be over 13 to use the weight machines.
Price: CAll (212) 369-8890 x224 for current rates.
Location: 1750 York Avenue at 91st Street
Phone: 212-369-8890
Times: Monday-Friday 5:30am-10:00pm/Saturday and Sunday 8am-8pm.
How to get there: 6 train to 86th Street and then 86th Street cross-town bus to York Avenue.
Website: none

Blades East/West Skate and Sport

Description: Rent Rollerblades and go out for as long as you want. Helmets and padding are included in the rental price.
Price: $20/day.
Location: East side: 12 East 86th Street, west side: 105 72nd Street
Phone: 212-966-1644 and 212-787-3911 respectively.
Times: Mon-Sat 10-8, Sunday 10-6
How to get there: East side: 4, 5, or 6 train to 86th Street, west side: 1 or 9 to 72nd Street.
Website: None.

Central Park

Description: Who could forget the park? Play Frisbee on the Great Lawn. Skate at Wollman Rink, visit the zoo, explore Belvedere Castle, watch New York Road Runner Club races, boat at Loeb boathouse see the John Lennon memorial at Strawberry Fields, climb the Alice in Wonderland Statue run through the formal gardens or have a picnic.
Price: free. It does cost money to skate at Wollman or rent a boat.
Location: Central Park, between 5th Avenue and Central Park West. Pick up a map once you get thereat the Dairy Information Center.
Phone: 212-794-6565
Times: Always open, but call for special attractions.
How to get there: Just walk. There are entrances every few blocks on both sides.
Website: Central Park Home

Central Park Wildlife Center

Description: A small and comfortable zoo ideal for younger kids. They have polar bears and sea lions, most animals are smaller. They also have penguins which kids like.
Price:: $3.50 for Adults, Seniors are $1.50 and kids 3-12 are $0.50.
Location: Central Park, at 64th Street off 5th Avenue
Phone: 212-861-6030
Times: Mon-Fri 10-5, weekends 10:30-5:30
How to get there: N or R to 5th Avenue or 6 train to 68th Street.
Website: Central Park Zoo

Claremont Stables

Description: Horseback riding on Manhattan! You can take lessons, and beginners are welcomed. Experienced riders can rent a horse and take a stroll in the park.
Price: $4o/hour for a group lesson, $50/half hour for a private lesson, $100/hour for riding in Central Park with a chaperone or $45/hour if accompanied by an experienced rider.
Locations: 175 W. 89th Street
Phone: 212-724-5100
Times: Mon-Fri 6am-10pm, Saturday and Sunday, 6am-5pm.
How to get there: 1 or 9 train to 86th Street.
Website: None.

The Cloisters

Description: Compilation of rebuilt medieval monasteries and gardens, complete with medieval art.
Price: suggested donation $10 for adults, $5 for students. Children under 12 are free. Note: Admission to the Metropolitan Museum of Art includes admission to The Cloisters.
Location: Fort Tryon Park (Fort Washington Avenue near 190th Street)
Phone: 212-923-3700
Times: Sunday 9:30-5:30, Tuesday-Thursday 9:30-5:30, Friday and Saturday 9:30-9.
How to get there: M4 bus to Cloisters or the A train to 190th Street. Note: If you take the A train you'll need to walk through the park to get to The Cloisters.
Website: The Cloisters (a division of the met)

Columbia University

Description: Tour a beautiful Ivy League campus right here in New York City. You can walk around by yourself or go for a tour meeting at the Low Library.
Price: free
Location: Columbia University, Broadway at 116th Street. Tours leave from room 213 in Low Library
Phone: 212-854-4900
Times: Monday-Friday tours leave at 10 and 3
How to get there: 1 or 9 train to 116th Street.
Website: Columbia University

Gene's Bicycles/West Side Bicycles

Descriptions: Bike riding in the park is a great idea. Even if you don't have a bike, Gene's or West Side will rent them to you. Gene's is less expensive, but they don't include a helmet in their price, as West Side does.
Price: Gene's: $10.50 for all day or $3 per hour. West Side: $25 for the day, $6 per hour. Both places require you to leave a credit card.
Location: Gene's: 242 E. 79th Street; West Side: 231 W. 96th Street
Phone: Gene's: 212-249-9218; West Side: 212-663-7531
Times: Gene's: Monday-Friday 9:30-8, Saturday and Sunday 9-7; West Side: Daily 9:30-6:30.
How to get there: Gene's: 6 train to 86th Street or 77th Street. West Side: 2, 3, 1, or 9 train to 96th Street.
Website: None.

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Description: Display of modern art in a very cool spiral building. We suggest starting at the top and working your way down, as the reverse will make your legs quite tired from the uphill journey. Also, note the Frank Lloyd Wright collection that is often on display.
Price: $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, children under 12 are free.
Location: 1071 5th Avenue at 89th Street. Note: There is also a Soho branch at 575 Broadway on the corner of Prince Street, but it doesn't have the same architecture as the Uptown museum.
Phone: 212-423-3500
Times: Sunday-Wednesday 9-6, Friday-Saturday 9-8
How to get there: 4, 5, or 6 train to 86th Street
Website: Guggenheim Museum

Hispanic Society of America

Description: A range of art from Hispanic cultures all over the world. Also nearby are the American Numismatic Society Museum (212-234-3130)m which houses a large collection of coins, stamps and medals, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters (212-368-5900) which houses a collection of historic documents.
Price: free
Location: Audubon Terrace at Broadway and 155th Street
Phone: 212-926-2234
Times: Tuesday-Saturday 10-4:30, 1-4 on Sunday
How to get there: 1 train to Broadway and 157th Street
Website: Hispanic Society of America

Jewish Museum

Description: A permanent collection of Jewish artifacts and changing exhibits of modern displays. There are many programs for children, especially around the Jewish holidays.
Price: $8 for adults, $5.50 for students and seniors, free for children under 12. Tuesdays at 5-8 admission is free.
Location: 1109 5th Avenue at 92nd Street
Phone: 212-423-3200
Times: Sunday 10-5:45, Monday-Wednesday 11am-5:45pm, Thursday 11am-8pm and Friday 11am-3pm.
How to get there: 4, 5, or 6 train to 96th Street
Website: Jewish Museum

Lincoln Center

Description: The Metropolitan Opera House., The New York State Theater and Avery Fisher Hall make up Lincoln Center. If you can see a performance, great! Otherwise, you can walk around. Tours are offered with excellent backstage views.
Price: free to look around. Tours are $9.50 for adults, $6.75 for students and $4.50 for children under 13. Tickets for performances will be expensive, call for more information.
Location: 70 Lincoln Plaza, between West 63rd Street and West 65th Street
Phone: 212-875-5000 for information, 212-875-5351 for tour details.
Times: Call for tour times. You generally need to reserve spots a month in advance, but often times there are cancellations, and you might be able to get a spot.
How to get there: 1 or 9 train to Lincoln Center
Website: Lincoln Center

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Description: Lots of cool stuff to see. Make sure to check out the Egyptian wing, the Arms and Armor collection, the musical instruments on the second floor and the Costumes on the lower level.
Price: suggested admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students and children under 12 are free with an adult. Note: Includes admission to The Cloisters.
Location: 1000 Fifth Avenue
Phone: 212-535-7710
Times: Sunday 9:30-5:30, Tuesday-Thursday 9:30-5:30, Friday and Saturday 9:30-9.
How to get there: 4, 5, or 6 to 86th Street
Website: Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Museum of the City of New York

Description: Permanent exhibits include period rooms, toys, and dolls. There's also a model fort of New Amsterdam big enough to climb on.
Price: $7 for adults, $4 for children and seniors, $12 for a family.
Location: 5th Avenue and 103rd Street
Phone: 212-534-1672
Times: Wednesday-Saturday 10-5, Sunday 12-5
How to get there: 6 train to 103rd Street
Website: Museum of the City of New York

Natural History Museum

Description: Something interesting here for everyone. From dinosaurs to human evolution. Also check out the Naturemax, a movie theater that shows nature adventure movies.
Price:: $10 for adults, $7.50 for students and seniors, $6 for children.
Location: Central Park West, between 81st and 83rd Streets.
Phone: 212-769-5000
Times: Sunday-Thursday 10-5:45, Friday-Saturday10-8:45
How to get there: 1 train to 79th Street.
Website: The American Museum of Natural History

Riverbank State Park

Description: A great place to swim. They have two pools, one indoor and one outdoor, both have lifeguards and sizable shallow ends. Ice skate in the winter, or roller blade year round. They get crowded so come early.
Price: $1.25 for Adults, 75 cents for children.
Location: 679 Riverbank Drive
Phone: 212-694-3654 or 694-3600.
Times: Daily, 6:15-8:30. Call to make sure, because they have lap swims during the day.
How to get there: 1 or 9 train to 145th Street and walk one block downhill
Website: None.

Shakespeare in the Park

Description: Professional actors, Shakespeare, and Central Park, what could be better? Bring a picnic dinner and make an evening out of it.
Price: free
Location: Delacourt Theater, Central Park, at 81st Street
Phone: 212-360-8146
Times: Summer only, shows are at 8:00. Arrive as early as 2 to pick up tickets.
How to get there: 4, 5, or 6 train to 77th Street.
Website: Shakespeare in the Park click "public theater", then "Shakespeare in the park."

Sony IMAX Theater

Description: Check out the largest movie theater screen in the world (one of them) at the Sony IMAX theater with its 80-foot-high and 100-foot-wide screen.
Price: Adults, $9.50 Children, $6
Location: 1988 Broadway at West 68th Street
Phone: 212-336-5000
Times: Call for times
How to get there: 1, 2, 3 or 9 train to 66th Street Lincoln Center, or 1, 2, 3, 9 train to 72nd Street.
Website: Sony IMAX

Strawberry Fields

Description: A tribute to Beatle John Lennon. It's a peaceful garden, often filled with flower people have left.
Price: free
Location: Central Park, near 79th Street on the West Side.
Phone: n/a
Times: daylight hours
How to get there: A, B, C, or D train to 81st Street
Website: none

Studio Museum in Harlem

Description: Large collection of African-American and traditional African art. Exhibits change frequently and the permanent collection is rotated, so call ahead.
Price: $5 for adults, $3 for students, $1 for children under 12. Free the first Saturday of each month.
Location: 114 W 125th Street between 7th and Lenox Avenues.
Phone: 212-864-4500
Times: Wednesday-Thursday 12-6, Friday 12-8, Saturday and Sunday 10-6.
How to get there: 2 or 3 train to 125th Street.
Website: The Studio Museum in Harlem

Summer Stage

Description: Free concerts in the park. Worth investigating to find out who is playing. Arrive early for good seats.
Price: free
Location: Rumsey Field, Central Park at 72nd Street
Phone: 212-360-8146
How to get there: 4, 5, or 6 train to 68th Street
Website: Summer Stage or Central Park Home

The Whitney

Description: Interesting and fun for older kids. The debate will rage on whether it is "art" or not. Look for the sculpture of a leg sticking out of the wall.
Price: $10 for adults, $8 for students with a valid student ID and for seniors, children under 12 are free.
Location: 925 Madison Avenue
Phone: 212-570-3676
Times: Wednesday-Sunday 11-6 except Friday 1-9.
How to get there: 6 train to 77th Street
Website: The Whitney Museum

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Midtown

Argosy Books

Description: Argosy has many out-of-print books, many of which are very inexpensive. They have six floors, including bins of old prints, some of which are as cheap as 25 cents.
Price: depends
Location: 116 E 59th Street
Phone: 212-753-4455
Times: Monday Friday 10-6 all year round. During the winter (Sept-April) they are also open on Saturdays 10-5.
How to get there: 4, 5, or 6 train to 59th Street
Website: Argosy Books

Chelsea Piers

Description: Play golf at Pier 59, ice skate at Pier 61, roller skate at Pier 62, become a gymnast in the Field House, or head to Pier 60, The Sports Center, which includes everything from basketball to boxing to rock climbing.
Price: Varies depending what you do.
Location: 23rd Street at the Hudson River.
Phone: Call 212-336-6000 for the Sports Center, 336-6100 for the Sky Rink, 336-6200 for roller skating, 336-6500 for the Field House, 336-6400 for the Golf Pier.
Times: Call or check the website.
How to get there: 4, 5, or 6 train to 42nd Street and transfer to the C train to 23rd Street.
Website: Chelsea Piers

Circle Line Sightseeing Yachts

Description: Cruise the city by boat. Together you can take in Manhattan's breathtaking skyline.
Price: Full island: $24 for adults, $19 for seniors, $12 for children under 12. Semi circle: $20 for adults, $16 for seniors, $10 for children under 12.
Location: Pier 83, West 42nd Street at 12th Avenue. They also have a location at Pier 16. See website or Phone for details.
Phone: 212-563-3200. Pier 16: 212-630-8888.
Times: 3 hour tours depart every 45 minutes daily 9:15 to 4. Also, there is a two hour "Harbor Lights" cruise at 7 pm.
How to get there: A, C, or E train to Port Authority.
Website: Circle Line

Empire State Building

Description: Okay, it's a tourist trap, but every New Yorker should visit the top of the Empire State Building. Observation decks are on the 86th and 102nd floors. Also check out the New York Sky Ride, a big screen virtual roller coaster through town.
Price: $9.00 for adults, $7.00 for seniors and $4.00 for children to go to the observation decks, $9 per person for the sky ride.
Location: 5th Avenue at 34th Street
Phone: 212-736-3100
Times: Observatory is open 9:30-midnight, and the Sky Ride is open daily from 10-10.
How to get there: 6 train to 33rd Street, or B, D, or F train to 34th Street.
Website: none

FAO Schwartz

Description: A toy museum. Many toys are placed around the store that are meant to be played with. Make sure to find the Lego section-some of these things are amazing. Maybe it will give you some ideas for Lego construction of your own.
Price: Depends. Going Is free, but toy prices range from not much to out of this world.
Location: 767 5th Avenue between 58th and 59th Streets
Phone: 212-644-9400 Tines: Monday-Saturday 10-6 (Thursday until 8), Sunday 12-5
How to get there: 4, 5, or 6 to 59th Street
Website: FAO Schwartz

High 5 Tickets to the Arts

Description: High 5 sells all kinds of tickets for two for an amazing $5. However, the buyer must be in middle or high school, which is perfect. Choose and buy early. They go fast.
Price: $5 for two tickets
Location: Sold through Ticket masters everywhere
Times: call 1-(212)-750-0555 x200 to receive mailings that list the participating performances and their schedules.
Phone: 1-(212)-Hi5-TKTS
How to get there: locations vary
Website: High 5 Tickets

The Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum

Description: A mostly outdoor activity, the museum is onboard the USS Intrepid. See a real live A-12 Blackbird-the world's fastest plane.
Price: Adults $13, Veterans/Reservists $9, seniors and students $9, kids 6-11 $6, adn kids 2-5 $2.
Location: W 46th Street and 12th Avenue
Phone: 212-245-0072
Times: Winter: Monday-Sunday 10-5, Summer: MOnday- Friday 10-5. Saturday and Sunday 10-7. The last admission time is one hour before closing.
How to get there: E train to 42nd Street or the M50 bus to the museum.
Website: The Intrepid Museum

Madison Square Garden

Description: Beyond the obvious events that are held at the garden such as Knick games, Ranger games, and boxing, you can tour the garden. See the locker rooms, theaters, and box seats.
Price: $15 for Adults and $12 for children.
Locations: The box office is on 7th Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets.
Phone: 212-465-6741
Times: Monday-Saturday hourly from 10-3, Sunday hourly from 11-3.
How to get there: 2 or 3 train to 34th Street.
Website: Madison Square Garden You can also get tickets for the tour or any event at Ticketmaster

Museum of Television and Radio

Description: View the history and TV and radio. Make sure to check out the library and consoles where you can view any of the museum's 50,00 archived recordings. They have everything from news broadcasts to "I Love Lucy" and modern sitcoms.
Price: $6 for Adults, $4 for students and seniors, and $3 for kids under 13.
Location: 25 West 52nd Street.
Phone: 212-621-6600
Times: Tuesday-Sunday 12-6. Open until 8 on Thursday, and 9 on Friday.
How to get there: E or F train to 5th Avenue and 53rd Street, N or R train to 49th and Broadway.
Website: Museum of Television and Radio

NBC Studios

Description: A tour of NBC studios is a must. View sets, costumes and props, or get to be a weatherman for a few minutes. You might get to see some stars walk by, or see a show recording. Get there early because they get sold out.
Price: $17.50 for adults, $15 for children (6-16) and seniors first come, first served.
Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, between 5th and 6th Avenues at 50th Street.
Phone: 212-664-3056
Times: Monday-Saturday 9:30-5 with tours leaving every 15 minutes. In the summer, tours are everyday 9:30-5.
How to get there: B, D, or F train to Rockefeller Center/50th Street.
Website: none that I found for NBC studios, but you can try NBC

Radio City Music Hall

Description: If you can't take your Little to the Christmas Spectacular, or Easter Show, you can tour the building itself. See the Wurlitzer Organ, the largest theater organ in the world, and the hydraulic lifts that move the stage.
Price: $16 regular, $10 for children under 12
Location: 1260 6th Avenue at 50th Street. Meet at box office 1 in the lobby for tours. Phones: 212-632-4041 (tour information)
Times: Monday-Saturday 10-5, Sunday 11-5. Tours depart hourly, tickets are first come, first serve.
Website: Radio City Music Hall

Roosevelt Island Tramway

Description: Take the tram from busy Manhattan to quiet Roosevelt Island. It's about a 10 minute ride each way, and you get a great view of the East River. Lots of windows and you go pretty high up.
Price: It's New York Public Transit, use your metro card.
Location: 2nd Avenue at 61st Street
Phone: n/a
Times: regularly (every 15 minutes).
How to get there: 4, 5, or 6 train to 59th Street.
Website: none

Sony Wonder Technology Lab

Description: Everyone will love this. Get your own ID card, program it to show your picture and personal stats, then hit the lab. See great computer programs. Clean up an oil spill, create a music video, and manipulate robots. When you leave, you'll get a certificate for the things you've learned.
Price: free. Reservations strongly reccomended though.
Location: Madison Avenue between 55th and 56th Streets
Phone: 212-833-8000
Times: Tues-Sat 10-6, Thurs 10-8, Sun 12-6.
How to get there: E or F train to 5th Avenue
Website: Sony Wonder Technology Lab

TKTS

Description: Offices that sell tickets at half price. The catch is that they only sell tickets for performances happening that day, and often get sold out.
Price: there's a $2.50 service charge, plus half the ticket price which will bring the price to $40-$60. It's expensive, but a bargain for Broadway tickets.
Location: two branches: Broadway and 47th Street or Bowling Green Park Plaza Phones: 212-768-1818 and 212-354-5800 respectively.
Times: Broadway branch: Mon-Sat 3-8, Wed and Sat 10-2 for matinees, and Sunday 12-whenever they sold out. Bowling Green Park Plaza Branch: Mon-Fri 11-5:30, Sat 11-3:30.
How to get there: Broadway: C or E train to 50th Street. Bowling Green Plaza: 4,5 train to Bowling Green, across the street from Battery Park.
Website: TKTS

United Nations

Description: Once you enter the front courtyard, you are no longer in New York, in fact you're no longer in the US. The UN is international territory. You can buy UN stamps, take the tour, visit a UNICEF exhibit, which is usually geared to kids. Check the New York times for the daily agenda. General Assembly meetings are open to the public.
Price: free
Location: First Avenue between 42nd and 48th Streets.
Phone: 212-963-7713
Times: 9-5
How to get there: 4, 5, 6, 7 or S train to Grand Central Station.
Website: United Nations Home

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Downtown

Brooklyn Bridge

Description: Kids get a kick out of walking from borough to borough. You can walk across from either side, or both, but that's a long walk. The view is fantastic.
Price: free
Location: the Brooklyn Bridge. The pedestrian path entry is at Park Row or Chambers Street.
Phone: n/a
Times: Daylight.
How to get there: 4, 5, or 6 train to Brooklyn Bridge (Manhattan side).
Website: none

Chinatown

Description: Fun for a whole day. You must include a meal at a Chinese restaurant, a trip to the Museum of Chinese in America and the China Town Fair, an arcade which features a real live chicken who can beat anyone in a game of tic-tac-toe.
Price: China Town Fair: 25 cents to play tic-tac-toe with the chicken, restaurants are reasonably priced. Museum of Chinese in America is $3 for adults, $1 for students and seniors, children under 12 are free.
Location: Museum of Chinese in America: 70 Mulberry Street. China Town Fair: 8 Mott Street
Times: Walk around Chinatown anytime, and the Fair is open most of the time. The museum's hours are Tuesday-Saturday 12-5
How to get there: F train to West Broadway, or the N, R, J, M, Z, or 6 train to Canal Street or the B, D, or Q train to Grand Street.
Website (for the museum): Museum of Chinese in America

The Forbes Galleries

Description: Filled with the things the late Malcolm Forbes collected, it is filled with toy soldiers and ships lined up for battle. Kids will get a kick out of the models.
Price: Free
Location: 62 5th Avenue at 12th Street
Phone: 212-206-5549
Times: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10-4
How to get there: 4, 5, or 6 train to 14th Street
Website: none

Forbidden Planet

Description: Great old comic books, superhero memorabilia, and lots of science fiction.
Price: Depends. Browsing is free, some of the real old comic books are expensive.
Location: 821 Broadway
Phone: 212-473-1576
Times: Daily 10-8:30
How to get there: 4, 5, 6, N or R train to Union Square and 14th Street
Website: none

Little Rickie

Description: Where else can you get a light-up bust of Elvis? They also have postcards, lava lamps, and tiny toys. You can also get your picture taken at an old fashioned photo booth.
Price: Depends if you buy anything.
Location: 49 ½ First Avenue (At 3rd Street)
Phone: 212-505-6467
Times: Monday-Saturday 11-8, Sunday 12-7
How to get there: F train to Delancey Street. B, D, or Q to Grand Street. J, M, or Z to Essex Street.
Website: none

Lower East Side Tenement Museum

Description: See how early New Yorkers lived. They have two Tenement houses: one with artifacts and a dollhouse showing all the original residents and the other has been restored to the way it was in the early 1900s. Then stop off at Guss Pickles for a pickle, pickled tomato and some sauerkraut.
Price: Adults $9, students and seniors $7. Price is for a 1 hour tour.
Location: Museum: 90 Orchard Street, Gus Pickles: 35 Essex Street
Phone: Museum: 212-431-0233
Times (Tours): Tuesday-Friday 1, 1:30, 2, 2:30, 3, 4, and on weekends every half hour from 11-4:30
How to get there: F train to Delancey or B, D, or Q to Grand Street, or J, M, or Z to Essex Street.
Website: Tenement Museum

Museum for African Art

Description: A large collection displayed a little at a time, in carefully organized exhibits with lots of explanation. A perfect introduction to African Art.
Price: $5 for adults, $2.50 for students and seniors.
Location: 583 Broadway between Houston and Prince Streets
Phone: 212-966-1313
Times: Tuesday-Friday 10:30-5:30, Saturday and Sunday 12-6. Every third Thursday of the month, the museum is also open from 5:30pm-8:30pm with free admission.
How to get there: 6 train to Spring Street or the B, D, F, or Q train to Broadway/Lafayette or the N or R train to Prince Street.
Website: Museum for African Art

National Museum of the American Indian

Description: The largest collection of artifacts depicting life and culture of Native Americans
Price: free
Location: One Bowling Green
Phone: 212-825-6700
Times: Everyday 10-5, except Thursday 10-8.
How to get there: 4 or 5 train to Bowling Green
Website: None.

New York Stock Exchange

Description: Watch the stock market in action. It's a lot to fun to watch the frenzied brokers.
Price: free, but don't forget to get a ticket
Location: 20 Broad Street (visitor's entrance)
Phone: 212-656-5168
Times: Monday-Friday 9:20-4. Tickets are available at 9m and are often distributed for the whole day by 11.
How to get there: N or R train to Rector Street, the J, M or Z to Broad Street.
Website: none for visitors' center, check your portfolio at NYSE

Pearl Paint

Description: Five Floors of art supply-everything from beeswax to colored sand.
Price: Depends. You can buy things if you so choose.
Location: 308 Canal Street
Phone: 212-431-7932
Times: Monday-Saturday 9-6 (9-7 on Thursdays) and Sunday 9-5:30
How to get there: N or R train to Prince Street. C, E or 6 train to Spring Street.
Website: Pearl Paint

Pull Cart Ceramics

Description: They have walls of plain mugs, bowls and vases. You pick one, and sit down and glaze it. Come back a week later when it's been fired, and see what you've made.
Price: Price of item plus $6 an hour to use the glazes.
Location: 31 W 21st Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues, on the 7th floor.
Phone: 212-727-7089
Times: Tuesday-Thursday 1-9, Friday-Sunday 11-6
How to get there: 9 train to 7th Avenue and 23rd Street or N or R train to 5th Avenue and 23rd Street.
Website: None

South Street Seaport

Description: See many old ship which you can get on and explore. You can head to Pier 17 afterward, which is full of stores and restaurants.
Price: depends, walking is free, but there are nautical museums which do cost money, prices vary seasonally.
Location: Visitor's center is at 12 Fulton Street
Phone: 212-SEA-PORT
Times: anytime, but call for museum or special attraction hours.
How to get there: 2, 3, 4, or 5 train to Fulton Street.
Website: none

Up Top

Bronx

Bronx Museum of the Arts

Description: Frequently changed exhibits usually about life in the city and immigration. The Museum also offers classes for children in subjects like film production, animation and drawing.
Price: $3 for adults, $2 for children, $1 for seniors. Free admission on Wednesday.
Location: 1040 Grand Concourse
Phone: 718-681-6000
Times: Wednesday 3-9, Thursday and Friday 10-5, Saturday and Sunday 1-6
How to get there: D train to 161st Street and River Avenue or 4 train to 161st Street (Yankee Stadium
Website: Bronx Museum

Bronx Zoo

Description: A day long venture to see something kids love: animals. See everything from 20-foot-long-snakes to birds to Giraffes.
Price: Thursday-Tuesday, adults, $9.00; children, 2-12, $5.00; seniors, 65 and over, $5.00. During the winter admission is $6 for adults; $4 for children and seniors. Children under age 2 are always admitted free. Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult
Location: Fordham Road
Phone: 718-367-1010
Times: Mon-Fri 10-5, Weekends and holidays 10-5:30, November-March 10-4:30 everyday
How to get there: Liberty Lines Express Bus BxM11 or take the 5 train to East 180th Street and transfer to the 2 to Pelham Parkway.
Website: The Bronx Zoo

New York Botanical Gardens

Description: Outside are seasonal gardens. Inside are Victorian glass greenhouses, which have various herbs, cacti, and citrus fruits. Thanks to the glass, you don't need a nice day to visit. Check out the webpage or call for info on children's Adventure garden hours, prices, and info.
Price: Free all day Wed, and Sat 10-noon. Grounds fees are $3 for adults $2 for seniors and students, $1 for children ages 2 to 12. The greenhouses are $3.50 for adults $2.50 for seniors and students $2.00 for children ages 2 to 12 Free for children under 2
Location: Bedford Park Boulevard
Phone: 718-817-8700, 718-220-8700
Times: Grounds: April-October 10-6, November-March 10-4. The greenhouse hours are April-Oct 10-5, Nov-March 10-3.
How to get there: D or 4 train to Bedford Park Boulevard and then Bx 26 bus to the Gardens. A minibus also leaves from the American Museum of Natural History and the Met Museum of art directly to the gardens.
Website: New York Botanical Gardens

Yankee Stadium

Description: Go see the greatest team ever! If you pick a year in the 20th century at random, there is a 1 in 4 chance the Yankees won the World Series that year (Yes, I am a Yankees fan). Always an activity that will be remembered.
Price: Varies. Call or see website for available tickets and prices.
Locations: Yankee Stadium
Times: Vary. See Website for game schedule.
How to get there: 4 train to Yankee Stadium. The trains are going to be mobbed before and after the game, but MTA is kind enough to assign excess trains, so it's bearable.
Website: Yankees or visit Ticketmaster.

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Brooklyn

Brooklyn Academy of Music

Description: Everything from opera to puppet shows. They usually have shows designed for younger people. Call for a specific lineup
Price: Depends on event. Check website for events, prices, and ticket availability.
Phone: 718-636-4130
Times: Call for Schedule
How to get there: 2, 3, 4, 5, or D train to Atlantic Avenue.
Website: Brooklyn Academy of Music

Brooklyn Botanical Gardens

Description: See flowers and bright green lawns. Run on the lawns, smell the flowers, but don't pick them. See rare specimens in the Steinhardt Conservatory.
Price:: Adults (16 and over) $3.00, Children under 16-Free, Seniors and students with valid Ids-$1.50
Location: 1000 Washington Avenue (at Eastern Parkway)
Phone: 718-623-7206
Times: October-March: Tuesday-Friday: 8-4:30, Weekends and holidays: 10-4:30 April-September: Tuesday-Friday: 8-6, Weekends and holidays: 10-6
How to get there: 2, 3, or 4 to Eastern Parkway, D or Q to Prospect Park.
Website: Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Brooklyn Bridge

Description: Kids get a kick out of walking from borough to borough. You can walk across from either side, or both, but that's a long walk. The view is fantastic.
Price: free
Location: the Brooklyn Bridge. The pedestrian path entry is at Park Row or Chambers Street.
Phone: n/a
Times: Daylight.
How to get there: 4, 5, or 6 train to Brooklyn Bridge (Manhattan side).
Website: none

Brooklyn Children's Museum

Description: Permanent exhibits include synthesizers, a walk-on piano, and animals. They also have changing exhibits as well as performances of music from around the world. Best for kids under 12.
Price:: $4 per person
Location: 145 Brooklyn Avenue
Phone: 718-735-4400
Times: Hours change a lot each season. Call or check the website first.
How to get there: 2, 3, A or C train to the Brooklyn Children's Museum.
Website: Brooklyn Children's Museum

Brooklyn Museum

Description: Interesting African Art collection and also check out the period rooms, which recreate times from American History.
Price: $6 for adults. Students with a student ID and Seniors are $2. Children under 12 are free with an adult.
Location: 200 Eastern Parkway
Phone: 718-638-5000
Times: Wednesday-Friday 10-5, Sunday 11-6. They're open on Saturdays, but check the website for Saturday schedules.
How to get there: 2 or 3 train to Brooklyn Museum
Website: Brooklyn Museum

Coney Island

Description: The big attraction is Astroland Amusement Park, Ride the Cyclone roller coaster, or Dante's Inferno, a haunted house ride. On warm days go by the Water Flume.
Price: tickets for individual rides range from $2-$5. You can pay one price for the big rides which is $14.99, and Kiddie park passes, good for 10 rides, are $15. The beach and boardwalk are free.
Location: Surf Avenue
Phone: 718-372-0275
Times: 12-midnight everyday during the summer, and weekends only in September.
How to get there: B, N, M, F, or D train to West 8th Street
Website: Astroland

Harbor Defense Museum

Description: Inside an actual military base, bustling with people in uniform and jeeps, is a bunker that serves as the museum. There are lots of military and naval items, including antique weapons and model ships.
Price: free
Location: Fort Hamilton, Fort Hamilton Parkway at 101st Street (at the foot of the Verazano-Narrows bridge)
Phone: 718-630-4349
Times: Monday-Friday 1-4
How to get there: R train to 95th Street. Note: There's still a bit of a walk after the train, but public transit will only get you this close.
Website: none

King's County Shakespeare Company

Description: Free Shakespeare performances for those who think the Central Park performances are too crowded.
Price: free
Location: Summer: Prospect Park Bandshell; Winter: Brooklyn Academy of Music.
Times: Call 718-596-9685 for times and details
How to get there: Locations vary, call for directions.
Website: Shakespeare

Nellie Bly Amusement Park

Description: A little amusement park geared for kids under 12. They also have batting cages and go-carts which are very popular on weekends. They also have mini-golf.
Price: admission is free, tickets for rides and activities are 50 cents.
Location: 1824 Shore Parkway
Phone: 718-373-0828
Times: Daily, noon-11.
How to get there: B6 bus to Nellie Park or the B train to 25th Avenue
Website: none

New York Aquarium

Description: The city's only aquarium features a shark tank, and tons of fish. Visit the Aquatheater and see walruses, sea lions and a beluga whale.
Price:: Adults $9.75, Children 2-12 and Seniors $6
Location: Surf Avenue at West 8th Street
Phone: 718-265-FISH
Times: Hours change often, check the website or call. Current hours are: Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat-Sun 10-7
How to get there: D or F to West 8th Street
Website: New York Aquarium

New York City Transit Museum

Description: The subway museum is in an old subway station filled with old turnstiles, vintage subway cars and a movie about subways is always playing in the video room. The gift shop has jewelry made out of old tokens, and a lot of postcards. Closed until 2003 for rennovations.
Price: $3 for adults, $1.50 for children under 18
Location: Schermerhorn Street and Boerum Place
Phone: 718-243-8601 or 243-3063.
Times: Closed until 2003.
How to get there: 2, 3, or 4 train to Borough Hall
Website: Transit Museum

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Queens

Lynne's Riding School

Description: Lessons for all levels are available. They also rent horses to experienced riders.
Price: $30 for a half hour private lesson, $17 per hour to rent a horse.
Location: 88-03 70th Road, Forest Hills
Phone: 718-261-7679
Times: Daily, 8-4.
How to get there: F train to the Q23 bus.
Website: None.

National Tennis Center

Descriptions: Use the same courts the US Open is played on! There are 23 outdoor courts and 9 indoor courts. The center doesn't rent any equipment, so you'll have to bring your own.
Price: Weekdays: 6am-4pm $32/hr. Evening and Weekends: $48/hr. Juniors and Seniors "walk-in" rate (before 4pm weekdays): $16/hr
Location: Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
Phone: 718-592-8000
Times: Daily 8 am - midnight.
How to get there:7 train to Shea Stadium..
Website: None.

New York Hall of Science

Description: See 8-foot-tall bug robots, and hands-on activities, like a machine that changes your voice, and a display that makes soap bubble so big you can stand inside of them.
Price: free Sept 1-Jun 30 on Thurs and Fri from 2-5. General Admission: Adults $7.50, Children and Seniors $5. Science playground fee is $2.
Location: Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Phone: 718-699-0005
Times: July 1-Aug 31: Mon 9:30-2, Tue-Sun 9:30-5; Sept 1-Jun 30: Mon-Wed 9:30-2, Thurs-Sun 9:30-5
How to get there: 7 train to 11th Street.
Website: New York Hall of Science

New York State Pavilion

Description: Near the Unisphere, the shell has been empty since the World's fair, but take a look at the floor. It's a mosaic of New York State. You can do a step-down model effect when combining this with the Unisphere, and the Queens Museum NYC model.
Price: free
Location: Flushing Meadows, Corona Park
Phone: n/a
Times: Daily, during daylight hours.
How to get there: 7 train from Times Square to Willets Points/Shea Stadium
Website: none

Queens Museum of Art

Description: Featuring lots of art made in Queens in the 19th and 20th centuries, the museum also has an incredible collection of Tiffany glass. Kids will probably enjoy looking for their house on the perfect scale model of New York City.
Price: $5 for adults, $2.50 for children and seniors, children under 5 are free.
Location: The New York City Building, Flushing-Meadows-Corona
Phone: 718-592-2405 Tines: Wednesday-Friday 10-5, Saturday and Sunday 12-5
How to get there: 7 train to Willets Point/Shea Stadium and follow the yellow signs.
Website: Queens Museum

Shea Stadium

Description: Ballgames are always great fun. Try to arrive early enough to watch Batting Practice where you can try to catch a home run or have a player sign a ball.
Price: Varies.
Location: Shea Stadium
Phone: 718-507-8499
Times: Game times vary, check the Mets schedule by calling or the website.
How to get there: 7 train to Shea Stadium.
Website: Mets Homepage You can get tickets at Ticketmaster

Unisphere

Description: A remnant of the 1964 World's Fair, it's the largest globe in the World (140 feet high). Make it a trip by adding visits to the NY State Pavillion and the Queens Museum of Art.
Price: free
Location: Flushing Meadows, Corona Park
Phone: n/a
Times: Daylight
How to get there: 7 train to Willets Point/Shea Stadium
Website: none

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Staten Island

Richmond Town Historical Village

Description: A "living history" museum demonstrating colonial lifestyle. Stroll down the streets lined with old buildings, or chat with the trades people. Call for info about "Old Home Day" which is a recreation of colonial New York, and the Native American Pow-Wows.
Price: $4 for adults, $2.50 for children under 18. Children under 6 are free.
Location: 441 Clarke Avenue
Phone: 718-351-1611
Times: September-June: Wednesday-Sunday 1-5;
How to get there: take the ferry, and from there the S74 bus to the Historic Village.
Website: none

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Outside NYC

Action Park

Description: A busy and wild water park, Action Park is great in the summer. They can get crowded, and isn't cheap, so make it a special treat.
Price: 8hr Midweek: $37 for adults, $32 for young adults(13-21), $29 juniors and seniors(9-12,65+). More for weekend.
Location: Vernon, New Jersey
Phone: 973-827-9000
Times: Vary, call or check online.
How to get there: Requires a car. Call or check the website for details.
Website: Action Park at Mountain Creek

Great Adventure

Description: A huge amusement park. They have big roller coasters and kiddie rides. Note there is a Big Brothers/Big Sisters annual excursion, call 212-686-2042 for details on that.
Price: Varies. Call or check the website.
Location: Jackson, New Jersey
Phone: 201-982-2000
Times: Adult $45.99, Junior/Senior citizen: $28.99.
How to get there: By car, call or get directions online, or go with the annual excursion.
Website: Six Flags Great Adventure

Jones Beach

Description: Go to a nice clean, large beach. They have a park, mini golf, and a pool. There are also concerts there frequently, if you are the concert-going type.
Price: The beach is free, mini-golf and the pool prices will vary, and check for ticket prices for concerts.
Location: Wantagh, Long Island
Phone: 516-785-1600
Times: Vary seasonally.
How to get there: take the LIRR from Penn Station to the Jones Beach stop.
Website: None for Jones Beach State Park, but concert tickets are found at Ticketmaster

Liberty Science Center

Description: This place is too cool to call it a museum. Start with lasers downstairs, work your way up, seeing everything from the venomous Black Widow Spider, to thermal cameras. Make sure to go to the touch tunnel, a simulation of blindness, where you feel your way through a pitch black maze.
Price: $10 for the exhibits for adults, and $8 for anyone under 18 or over 62. They charge an additional fee for the IMAX, but you can buy an all in one ticket. Se website for details.
Location: Liberty State Park, Jersey City, New Jersey
Phone: 201-200-1000
Times: Seasonal, check website for details.
How to get there: Use PATH transportation or the ferry. On the weekend, the ferry runs from the World Financial Center to Liberty State Park and a shuttle is provided to the Science Center. On weekdays, the ferry goes to Colgate Center in Jersey City, and from there, take the 31 bus to the museum (for details call 1-800-530-FERRY).
Website: Liberty Science Center

Rye Playland

Description: A classic amusement park not too far away. The most popular attractions are the Dragon Coaster and the Race Horses, a merry-go-round that is 20 times faster than a normal carousel. They have a sizable kiddie land.
Price: Admission is free, rides require tickets though, $20 for 24 tickets, $16 for 16 tickets, $8.50 for 8 tickets and $1.25 for 1 ticket.
Location: Rye, New York
Phone: 914-921-0370
Times: Vary, call first
How to get there: Amtrak to Rye Station, Playland buses from there.
Website: None.

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