Traveling with children can be taxing whether it be for a few hours on the road or for thousands of miles in the air. What can be even more of a challenge is finding ways to occupy your days once you reach your destination. While most metropolitan areas have a plethora of things to do for singles and childless couples, the options for family-friendly experiences often times fall short. Here are some of the best activities to keep you and your children entertained in New York City:
Children's Museum of the Arts: An interactive kids museum for ages 1 to 15 with hands-on art-making workshops and contemporary exhibitions. Practicing teaching artists guide and mentor young artists through fun and advanced art projects in a variety of techniques and mediums. Now through January 2017, check out Mission to Space, which explores the mysteries of outer space and how it continues to challenge our imaginations.
Seaglass Carousel at the Battery Conservancy: Children enjoy art, architecture and music as they take a ride on a giant glass fish carousel in Battery Park. From Angelfish to Bettas, the glass creatures are illuminated with color-changing LED light fixtures while "water effect" light projectors create an underwater atmosphere. Truly an unforgettable, aquatic-like experience.
Eloise Rawther Fancy Teas: One of The Plaza's most famous residents is Eloise, introduced to the public by Kay Thompson. Every Friday, tea, pink lemonade, tea sandwiches and pastries are served while children write a letter to Eloise and enjoy one of her adventurous stories. Reservations are required.
Bronx Zoo: The largest metropolitan zoo in the United States and among the largest in the world. Families forget they're in a concrete jungle once surrounded by wildlife ranging from the African Plains to the Congo Gorilla Forest. Other attractions include camel rides, penguin feedings and the wild Asia monorail.
And if you're traveling beyond NYC...
Europe4KidsTours: High-quality, fun-filled family tours in all of the major cities in Europe. From the Private Pizza Master Class to the Rome Shore Share & Save, these edutaining experiences provide family bonding while learning from experts in each destination. Dynamic, child-friendly guides use scavenger hunts and other tools to replace fears and tears with enthusiasm and excitement.