MAIN Travel Top Travel Picks New York, NY

It's a magnet for tourists around the world who are attracted by the millions each year to the virtual crossroads of the world.

While here don't miss visits to the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, acres of public parks & gardens, city beaches, the Bronx Zoo, plus seasonal holiday excursions to NYC at Christmas (or Christmas at Rockefeller Center) and New Year's Eve in Times Square.

Also check out its wild and colorful history, dazzling Broadway shows, world-class art exhibits, shopping, and museums.

Kid-friendly New York City

New York City has endless possibilities for entertaining young children, beginning with NYC's backyard, Central Park.

While the Zoo in Central Park is a second runner-up to the Bronx Zoo, it is definitely one of the best in the country - and the Tisch Children's Zoo there has never disappointed any kids we've known! Face painting, balloon sculptors, clowns, puppet shows and other child friendly performances are provided by local street performers as you approach the entrance of the Children's Zoo.

A little further uptown, you'll find the Museum of Natural History. The dinosaurs, the mummies and the Indians make this the perfect kid's place to explore. The Planetarium also has a great show for older kids.

The Staten Island Ferry should definitely be on your list. The price is great - it's free!

Forget about waiting for hours and dealing with crowds to see the Statue of Liberty - this ride floats you close enough to say hello and get some great pictures. You'll need to get off in Staten Island and return for the ride back to the city featuring a great view of the world's most famous skyline

From the Manhattan-side ferry entrance, it is a short walk to South Street Seaport along the East River with tall ships available for touring. The Hudson River - on the West Side of the island - is the home of the Intrepid Air-Sea-Space Museum where families get to go aboard and climb around the inside of a huge aircraft carrier and a submarine.

The Empire State Building is probably already on your grown-up list of things to do. Great - the kids will love it too!

More New York City attractions & annual events:

More about NYC travel & tourism around the Web:

NYC GO - Put your bags down and feel right at home at this, the Big Apple's official site for tourism with a complete vacation and holiday guide including things to do and see, cultural attractions, itineraries, picture gallery, transportation, hotels, maps and neighborhoods.

NY.com - Your Personal Guide to New York City - Excellent insider info to surviving the rough and tumble of city life with safety tips and transit info, museums, restaurants, hotels and shopping, kid-friendly attractions, and what's on right now with listings to events, entertainment and theater.

PLAYBILL - This way to front-row news on what's hot (and what's not) on Broadway, with all the latest openings, celebrity buzz, feature stories, online ticket purchase.