New York City has a unique charm in the wintertime. During the Christmas season, the city is alive with holiday cheer. Winter can also bring a beautiful dusting (or blanket) of snow, giving New York a fresh, clean look. Bundle up the kids and visit the Big Apple for some fun winter excitement.
Things You'll Need
- Walking shoes Camera
Tips For You
- Arrange transportation from the airport. There are three major airports in and around New York City. If you will be taking an international flight, you will probably fly into John F. Kennedy International Airport, which is located in Queens; or you might fly into Newark International Airport, which is in Newark, New Jersey. Newark also handles domestic flights and is less crowded than JFK Airport, but you'll need to travel a bit further to get to New York City. LaGuardia Airport, also located in Queens, is another option.
- Take advantage of the public transportation once you get into the city. The subway system will get you just about anywhere you need to go. You can also take the bus or a cab to get to your destination.
- Book lodging. New York City has several hotels that cater to families traveling to the Big Apple. The Doubletree Times Square is great for its convenient location and kid-friendly amenities. Cribs and strollers are readily available, and guests can even request a child-proofed room. Rooms are equipped with Sony Playstations, and kid-friendly food items are available for room service. The Hilton Times Square is also in the heart of the New York City bustle. The rooms are high up (the lobby is on the 21st floor) and offer great views of the city. The hotel is a part of a mega-entertainment complex. Visitors might want to catch a flick at the 25-screen movie theater or visit the wax museum. Shopping and restaurants are also available.
- Visit the museums. When the cold winter winds blow, families with children may want to experience New York--inside. A favorite attraction for young and old is the Museum of Natural History. Kids will enjoy walking among the prehistoric giants found in the dinosaur halls. If the kids get hungry, take them to the museum food court. Another museum to visit is the Children's Museum of Manhattan, which has five floors of hands-on activities, based around book or TV themes.
- Go ice skating. Ice skating in New York City is a favorite activity for visitors, as well as the locals, during the winter months. If you happen to be visiting during the Christmas season, and don't mind the crowds, try the Rockefeller Center's ice skating rink. Decked out in holiday decorations, and shadowed by the famous Christmas tree, it's a festive place to skate. If you want the fun of ice skating without the crowds, you can go to Bryant Pond. The admission is free, but there is a charge for skate rental.
- Go shopping. Shopping in New York City is an experience that's hard to find anywhere else. For instance, the Toys R Us in Times Square has an indoor ferris wheel, a 34-foot animatronic Jurassic Park T-Rex and a life-size Candyland board game--complete with candy. Girls will want to visit the American Girls Place, which not only has the famous American Girl dolls displayed, but also a cafe and a live musical theater.
- Experience the holiday season. New York City really does the Christmas season in a big way. If you will be traveling during Christmas time, make sure you see the window displays at Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor and other window fronts. Take the family to see the famous Rockettes, and the giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.
