Traveling to New York with kids? Here's an insider guide for what to do and where to go, tested by us and proven to be kid-friendly and cool.
The Highline
You can’t help but LOVE New York City if you take an early evening stroll on The Highline. Not only is the people-watching fantastic but the whole experience will just make you feel cool. The Highline was the old elevated subway system in NYC and after years of sitting dilapidated and unused it has been transformed into an uber-chic above-ground promenade. The park itself snakes up 10th Avenue and not only offers amazing city views but also tons of places to sit and relax. Although there is not a playground up there they do offer programs for children and have just launched “Wild Wednesdays” which offer free programs for kids ages 5 and up (be sure to check out the stuff for Adults as well). And as if it couldn’t get any better, New York’s coolest bars and restaurants line the streets underneath. I would highly recommend Sunday brunch or drinks at the Standard Grill which sits just at the starting point of the park. It would also be a great date spot fyi!
(image from Flickr)
ALSO IN THE AREA:
 |  |  |
| Chelsea Market | Pop Burger | Chelsea Piers |
The Limelight Marketplace
In the 1980s, early ’90s, The Limelight was perhaps the most popular nightclub in New York City. Known for its wild parties, weekly drug busts, and all around freakiness, the club closed its doors long ago but the space itself has recently been transformed and re-opened as a…gasp…mini-mall.
The old cathedral space is now The Limelight Marketplace and it is filled with a variety of cute, higher-end food and fashion stalls. New York has never done the “indoor mall” thing well — and most have failed miserably — but this one is actually kind of nice. I especially liked the mini food court which felt a bit like a shrunken down poor man’s Harrods – there are a few delicious bake shops, a fromagerie and a beautiful outdoor farmers market. There were also a few child-oriented stalls: Hunter Boots for toddlers, Silly Souls which makes ironic onesies for newborns like this, and a cute little children’s gift basket service called BookSmart. Overall it is unique, if cramped, but definitely worth a visit. I actually hope this one lasts.
ALSO IN THE AREA:
|  |  |
| Chelsea Market | Billy’s Bakery. Diagnosis…Delicious | The Highline |
High Tea at the Crosby Hotel
Recently, I paid a visit to the new and super swank Crosby Hotel for High Tea with a friend. The Crosby is part of the Firmdale group of hotels in London so you now their tea service is the real deal. The large and inviting dining space has lots of little areas to sit and although it was raining the day we went, I did notice there was a beautiful outdoor space with tables so I plan on going back. We had our kids with us and they were incredibly welcoming and accommodating. For around $30 they offer a large selection of freshly brewed teas along with a tower of finger foods ranging from delicious tea sandwiches — to warm scones with jam — to mini-cupcakes. In a city where everyone is always rushing around it’s nice to stop and take an afternoon break. I know I am always starving around 3pm so this lifestyle suits me just fine. (more…)
ALSO IN THE AREA:
 |  |  |
| Art classes for wee ones | Favorite children’s bookstore — Scholastic Store | The best of Soho’s children’s boutiques |
Pearl River Mart
One of my very favorite things to do in NYC is to take a stroll around Chinatown. The experience is transporting on many levels and it offers the closest thing that NYC has to an “open air” market. From the fish markets to the exotic fruit and vegetable stands you will see stuff that will both entice and, quite frankly, might even scare you a little. I have been known to stand and gawk outside of the fish markets because I am just so amazed at the sight of live fish, crabs and even turtles flailing around. You don’t see that stuff in your ordinary state-side supermarket.
And then there is the shopping… although not technically in Chinatown-proper anymore, one of my very favorite places is Pearl River Mart which is essentially a gigantic Chinese department store. There are tons of amazing things inside – housewares, silk fabrics, rows and rows of ornate dishes, brocade jewelry boxes, exotic foods and incredible paper goods. I love picking up gifts here for my kids and for friends alike. They have these amazing streamers (pictured) and lanterns that I nab for birthday parties or even just adding a little flair to a room.
(Image from Flickr) (more…)
ALSO IN THE AREA:
|  | |
| The best of Soho’s children’s boutiques | Purl Soho | Art classes for wee ones |
The Eloise Store at the Plaza
The Eloise Store, located in the iconic Plaza Hotel, is devoted entirely to the storybook character Eloise – a precocious little six-year-old who grew up in the hotel. The store is tucked in the back of what is essentially a ghost-town of uber-luxury boutiques. The pristine pink and black space is inviting and there are several areas for young children to role-play, including a little stage with dress-up clothing, a huge tea party room (which will eventually serve food) and a comfy media space with bean-bag chairs to watch Eloise on a big screen. The store is just starting to host birthday parties in the spring which I am sure will be a huge hit and possibly the main draw of the space. If you are an Eloise fan, you will adore the nostalgia of it and as expected, there are a ton of themed items to purchase (note: there was screaming and tears when we left). I think it’s a perfect place to take a young lady for a special day out (think 4yr-7rs). Little girls will love it.
Eloise Store At the Plaza
Lower Lobby of the Plaza Hotel, 59th and 5th Ave
ALSO IN THE AREA:
 |  |  |
| Central Park Zoo | Horse & Buggy ride | Obaibi |
Clementine Consignment Shop — For Kids
I was thrilled when I found the Flying Squirrel consignment shop in Williamsburg a few months back as I thought it was such a great idea. How many of us have clothes that our children have outgrown or never even graced their bodies that are still in perfect condition? I think I can just safely assume, all of us. Just recently I discovered Clementine Consignment, a store tucked somewhat obscurely underground just west of Washington Square Park. ‘This sweet little clothing shop caters to newborn – 4yrs (as well as a room full of gently used maternity wear) with the birth-2yr section being especially nice and stocked with adorable outfits from the likes of Tea, Bonpoint, and Cacharel . All of the clothes were in mint condition and a available at a fraction of their original cost. (more…)
ALSO IN THE AREA:
 |  |  |
| The Shoe Garden | Belly Dance Maternity | Doodle Doo’s |
