Top 5 things to do with children in NYC

Italian version

I’ve lived in Milan for the past 15 years but I’m still a New Yorker through and through. As they say, “you can take the girl out of NY but you can’t take NY out of the girl”.

One of my favorite seasons in new York is summer. When else can you can free your toes in sandals, eat frozen yogurt or sip iced coffees on the streets and just overall enjoy being outdoors? Sure you get sweaty but finding ways to stay cool is part of the fun. If you’re planning a trip to New York City in the summer, here is my list of the five best things to do with kids:
1. Central Park Zoo
If you have kids, you’ve surely seen one of the Madagascar movies. Well that zoo is the Central Park Zoo located in the south east corner of Central Park. Opened the 1860s as a menagerie, the zoo today is part of a network of four zoos and an acquarium run by the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Link: www.centralparkzoo.com
2. Fourth of July fireworks
The Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks to celebrate Independence Day will burst over 40,000 fireworks from four barges in the Hudson River synchronized to a soundtrack of patriotic music.
You can go on a boat cruise on the Hudson to see the display, watch it from the deck of the Intrepid or head to 12th Avenue and the Westside Highway or Hoboken or Weehawken, New Jersey to see the show.
3. Ferry ride
Who doesn’t love island hopping? For a better view of Manhattan, see the Brooklyn Bridge or to get up close to the Statue of Liberty, hop on a NYC ferry or water taxi.  You can also take day trips to City Island or Governor’s Island.
4. Beaches
Sick of the concrete jungle? Need to relax in the sun? Then head to one of NY’s several beaches! Coney Island, Rockaway Beach, Orchard Beach or Long Beach are just some of the many options. Here’s a list of 10 beaches just a skip, hop and a jump from Manhattan: www.pentaevents.com/2010/04/top-10-beaches-near-manhattan.
5. Outdoor concerts
The best things in life are free – especially free summer concerts in NYC. From jazz festivals to opera to world music, from May to August there’s something for everyone. Click here for a list of live music: www.nycgovparks.org/events/free_summer_concerts