You may know that New York City is made up of five boroughs: Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx. But you may not realize each area has enough attractions, hotels and restaurants – not to mention personality – to be a city and destination in its own right.
Curious George, the beloved monkey from the children’s book series of the same name, is New York’s official family ambassador and the confident critter is encouraging families to visit all five of the boroughs. To help get you started, we’ve compiled the best family attractions and places to stay in each spot.
The Bronx
Animals, Exhibits and More
The Bronx Zoo seamlessly copies the diverse natural habitats of its residents, from the gorillas of the Congo to the snow leopards of the Himalayas. The zoo features both indoor and outdoor exhibits to guide you through multiple ecosystems and their respective wildlife. You’ll see mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects.
You can purchase general admission tickets or opt for the Total Experience package, which includes unlimited access to zoo exhibits as well as special rides and attractions of the day. These vary from the Bug Carousel to the Butterfly Exhibit to a Dinosaur Safari.
Halloween Treat
As part of the Total Experience, the zoo offers season events. Boo at the Zoo features many Fall and Halloween-themed treats. You can visit spooky night creatures like bats and owls and then venture into a hay maze.
Price: General Admission adults, $14; children (3-12), $10. Total Experience adults, $27; children (3-12), $20.
Where to stay: Opera House Hotel, from $140 a night for a family of four, including breakfast.
Courtesy of Vanessa Hunt
Manhattan
View from the Top
No trip to New York City is complete without a visit to the Empire State Building, the most photographed building on the planet. From over a quarter-of-a-mile up it offers panoramic views of up to 80 miles in all directions.
The Empire State Building’s main attractions are the Main Deck and Top Deck: two observation decks where guests can walk around the perimeter of the building and look out over the island of Manhattan and the surround boroughs (as well as New Jersey). The Main Deck on the 86th floor is the highest open-air observatory in New York. It provides 360 degree views of the city from its wraparound decks. Sixteen floors above the Main Deck is the Top Deck, where you can see the city from the clouds and all of New York City’s major landmarks including Central Park. Ride the manually operated elevator, Otis, and see the sweeping views of the city.
Sky-High Exhibits
Two additional exhibits within the Empire State Building detail its history and future goals. The Dare to Dream Exhibit chronicles the planning and construction of the building itself. Located on the 80th floor, it’s a perfect pit-stop enroute to the Main Deck. On your way out, don’t miss the Sustainability Exhibit on the 2nd floor, which details how the building is planning to contribute to a cleaner environment by reducing energy usage and costs. Home to the best views and plenty of activities, the Empire State Building is a must-see on any trip to New York.
Price: Tickets cost $22 for adults and $18 for children (children under six are free).
Where to Stay: Pod 39 Hotel, from $290 a night for a family of four. Located in the heart of Manhattan, it’s in within walking distance of many of the borough’s famous attractions.
