Just across the bridges and tunnels connecting from New Jersey is the culture capital of the world!  Spend the day, a few days, the week and you won't be bored. With so much culture, diversity, family attractions, indoor and outdoor adventure and food from all over the world, why not explore a section of the city?   Here is what's going on now!

Madame Tussauds

234 West 42nd Street, Time Square, NYC. 866-841-3660.  www.madametussauds.com/newyork
There’s so much to see and do at Madame Tussauds! Get up close and personal with over 220 life-like wax figures of the biggest stars and icons in entertainment, sports and history. From Marilyn to Madonna to Gaga, there is a star for every generation. Experience the magic of our Cinema 4D theatre, delivering 3D technology with the latest in 4D special effects! Scare yourself silly with the dark side of Madame Tussauds in SCREAM, our live-actor filled experience, and celebrate New York’s greatest icons in The Spirit of New York! Located in the heart of Times Square, no visit to NYC is complete until you’ve experienced the world famous Madame Tussauds.

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Times Square

234 West 42nd Street, NYC, 10036.  (212) 398-3133.  www.ripleysnewyork.com
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square, in the heart of Manhattan, showcases incredible exhibits, interactive experiences and artifacts from around the world, many of which were collected by Robert Ripley himself! Explore the unbelievable in over twenty galleries spanning two floors, including the world's largest gallery of authentic shrunken heads (and corresponding Amazonian Makeover interactive exhibit), the Impossible LaseRace, the Fastest Tour of New York, a rare albino giraffe (don't worry, it's taxidermied!), and much, much more.

The Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex

23rd Street & Hudson River Park, New York, NY 10011.  212.336.6666.  www.chelseapiers.com
The Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex is a 28-acre waterfront sports village located between 17th and 23rd Streets along Manhattan's Hudson River.  Situated on Piers 59, 60 and 61 and in the headhouse that connects them, the Complex features the following sports and entertainment venues: golf club / driving range, indoor ice skating rink, bowling, and drop in activities such as basketball, batting cage, rock climbing and more .  Take a harbor dining cruise at the Chelsea Piers Maritime Center

Statue of Liberty

Cruise to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Great History Lesson! All Ages. Purchase advance tickets to visit the crown, the pedestal, the museum, and the Fort Wood level.  Take STATUE CRUISES 201.604.2800  Departs NJ and NY • www.statuecruises.com

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

Enjoy a relaxed and refreshing Best of NYC Cruise as you discover the secrets of the city. You'll circumnavigate Manhattan Island and see it all: 3 rivers 7 major bridges 5 boroughs 25+ world renowned landmarks Magnificent close-ups of the Statue of Liberty Discover Manhattan like the great explorers and see the city and the outer boroughs via the water.   Pier 83 West 42nd Street,, NYC.  877-578-6021.   www.circleline42.com

Central Park

Enjoy miles of hiking, biking, and rollerbades trails.  Kids will have fun playing in the various playgrounds throughout Central Park.  Catch-and-release fishing is allowed year-round in the Harlem Meer.  Enjoy the beautiful sculptures especially The Alice in Wonderland sculpture which is a favorite among children, who love to climb atop it and explore its varied textures and hiding spaces.  Central Park Zoo showcases animals from tropical, temperate, and polar zones around the world. 

The High Line

Enjoy a New York City public park built on a 1.45 mile-long, elevated freight rail structure on Manhattan’s West Side.   It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues.  Wide array of artwork.  The overlook offers a view eastward to the Meatpacking District and westward to the newly-opened Whitney Museum of American Art to the views of the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty to the south.  live performances, themed tours, wellness programs, kids activities, and more.  www.thehighline.org

Kids Museums in NYC

NYC is full of art and history museums.  Kids will be fascinated by the giant dinosaurs at American Museum of Natural History.   Travel around the world at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Visit The Temple of Dendur in the Nile River,  go on a Treasure Hunt for Creatures from Ancient Greece, explore the sculptural art produced in the earliest kingdoms of Southeast Asia and many more.   Enjoy modern art at The Guggenheim Museums or Museum of Modern Art. Explore aircraft carrier, space shuttle Enterprise, and submarine at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.  Younger kids will love to explore the Children's Museum of Manhattan with it's theme-based exhibits, hands-on activities, interactive programs and larger-than-life environments.

Kids Novelty Stores in NYC

M&M World

1600 Broadway #1, New York, 10019.  www.mmsworld.com
Cater to your family's sweet tooth at M&M World.  Two-story color wall packed with THOUSANDS of your favorite Milk, Peanut and Specialty M&M’s® Candies.

American Girl Store

609 Fifth Avenue at 49th Street, New York, NY 10017.  www.americangirl.com
Vist and shop at the American Girl store.  Featuring floors of dolls, and doll outfits, accessories, and furniture that help make every doll's world complete.