So it’s Spring Break. Kids are out of school, the weather is finally warming up and you need to take these kids somewhere because otherwise they will drive you insane! Here are some spots you should definitely check out.
Cradle of Aviation
This museum is located in Garden City, Long Island. It is a great place where the kids can learn about the history of aviation. The reason I really like this museum for kids all ages is that is fully interactive. The museum also has a cafe, a store and a special area for toddlers the area is closed off so no running off! Admissions run $14 for adults and $12 for children. The museum also has a carousel. There is plenty of parking (which is always a plus for me!). For more information visit their site here.
New York Hall of Science
The Hall of Science is one of those classic NYC places. Located in Queens it provides fun interactive learning. Kids learn about math and science in an interesting way. The museum has 3 levels. On the bottom level there are different workshops where kids can build different things and conduct experiments. On the street level there are science and math exhibitions and there is also the Preschool Place. The Preschool Place is closed off area for kids 5 and under. On the top floor they have science in sports. There is a cafe, a store and lots of parking. The admission is $15 for adults and $12 for children. Oh and they also have an outdoor playground and mini golf (separate fee). For more information visit their website here.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester
About 30 minutes from NYC in Westchester, this hidden gem will definitely be a hit with all your kids. We don’t hide the fact that we love visiting and with all the fun attractions is easy to keep kids entertained for hours. They have various things to do including a race car building station, a giant jungle gym and a designated area for tots. They also have a new area where kids can build and add into the city with special design challenges. If you are hungry there is food and at the end there is a LEGO store. Don’t forget to bring socks since they need them for the jungle gym, and also pick up a lanyard to get the stamps at every attraction. Tickets are $22 for adults and $19 for children if you buy them there, but if you get them online you can score some savings! Parking is also available. For more information visit their site here.
Sahara Sam’s Oasis
What kid doesn’t like a water park? Well Sahara Sam’s Oasis is an indoor water park about an 1.5 hours from NYC. Located in New Jersey, this is a super fun park, where kids can enjoy a lazy river, tons of slides and even a surfing station. And don’t worry because the little ones also have their own section where the shallow water lets them get in the fun. If your kids get tired of the water (which I highly doubt) they can enjoy a newly renovated arcade. There are plenty of lockers and sitting-dry areas. Food is pretty tasty and if you have little ones and plan to be there for a long time consider renting a cabana for a private special area. All day tickets are $34.95 but if you get them online you can get them for $29.95. For more information visit their website here. And lucky for you I have a discount code MOMMYELF, this is the cheapest you will ever get these tickets! And the discount works for Diggerland, USA which is right next door!
Gantry Plaza State Park
This is one of our favorite spots. It provides incredible city views from Queens side. It’s located in Long Island City so easy access from LIE. This park offers and array of options and entertainment. 2 playgrounds, soccer field, sand field, water taxi service, sitting benches a dog park, and a coffee shop with lots more than coffee. There is plenty of places for incredible picnics and photo ops. Of course is free and there is only street parking. It’s definitely a MUST. Don’t forget the bubbles and soccer ball!
Central Park, Bronx, Queens, Prospect Park Zoo
Whichever one you pick, it is guaranteed to be a fun time. They all offer different experiences since their sizes are different. The Bronx Zoo is very big. There is a carousel, sea lion, penguins, elephants, giraffes, a reptile and monkey area and plenty of fish. It can be very fun but it can also be very overwhelming. There are multiple cafes and entrances and it’s accessible through public transportation and there is also a parking lot. Central Park Zoo is medium size and still has plenty to see. Between the penguins and the sea lions the kids will be amazed at the natural beauty right smack in the middle of the city. The Queens and Prospect Park Zoo, are smaller and the center attraction in both is the sea lions and the feedings. The Queens Zoo has an amazing aviary while Prospect Park has moneys. Queens Zoo offers visitors parking while Prospect Park only has street parking. Admission is different for all of them. For more information visit the Wildlife Conservation Society here.
Long Island Aquarium
Yes, is ways away in Riverhead, but this Aquarium is more than worth it. Not only does it have a very large amount of sea creatures including turtles, fishes, seahorses, it also has some sharks and even a stingray touch tank! That’s right, the kids can touch stingrays. Besides the sea creatures, they also have monkeys and many other things to do. Think about alligators and nice view of the bay. The aquarium also has a cafeteria and valet parking. The design is the best, in my opinion, because you feel like you are in the lost city of Atlantis. And if all that is not enough, you can catch the sea-lion show at their very own stadium. All in all so much fun. It is on the pricey side compared to all the others, but it is sure to please everyone. Adults are $26.50 and children are $20.50. They have some coupons and promotions on their website so make sure to check it out here.
Queens County Farm Museum
Located in Queens the Queens County Farm Museum offers a variety of fun things to do. Think classic hay rides, feeding farm animals and learning about the active farm located in Queens. They also have a little store and this weekend they have the Children’s Carnival. This carnival is so much fun, they have tons of rides and lots of yummy treats like apple cider and popcorn. The admission includes unlimited rides which makes it awesome because admission for the carnival is only $12. If you go during the week-sans carnival, it’s free to go and enjoy the grounds. Visit their website here for more information.
The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Many New Yorkers skip this attraction and lend it to tourists. How about actually checking it out? Not only do you enjoy a ferry ride with amazing views of the city- it is also an experience. The Statue of Liberty is a world-wide symbol of freedom, so not only are the kids having fun they will be stepping into history. Also make sure to stop by Ellis Island, which is the ferry stop before. If you think your kids will find it boring, give them a mission, like finding their family last name in the books or in a picture! The best part is that the only price is the ferry. Make sure to check out ferry hours and prices on their website here.
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Complex
This awesome place is located on the West Side of Manhattan and it provides kids a fun experience. The aircraft carrier USS Intrepid is home to many past aircrafts that have served in the military. It is also an educational experience. It is hands on, as the children can really see first hand the ships’ galley and even some of the living quarters of Sailors that served onboard the Intrepid. While at the museum, you can also experience a submarine and the space shuttle Enterprise. Inside the carrier you will find cafeterias, a shop and even a movie theater. It is handicap accessible and strollers are welcomed. Admission is $31 including the Space Shuttle Pavilion or $24 without for adults and $12 to $24 for kids depending on age and experience. Be advice if you are a veteran you get a discount and if you are active duty military admission is free. For specific information visit their website here.
Hope you get to enjoy some of these attractions if you do let us know what you think. Do you have a special place worth a visit? Let me know if I should add it to the list.
