If you are looking for some fun things to do with kids in New York City and the surrounding suburbs this holiday season, look no further! As a mom of three children, here are my picks! If driving to the city with a car load of little ones isn't your thing, take the train into Grand Central and take a few moments to browse the Grand Central Holiday Fair. It's in Vanderbilt Hall at the iconic train station and there you will find unique, handmade treasures. It's the only holiday market in the city that is held indoors, so why not take a peek as you are heading on to the rest of your city adventure? It runs Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is closed Thanksgiving, but will be open Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Why not head over to ice skating at either Wollman Rink in Central Park or at the Rink at Rockefeller Center? It's a quintessential NYC experience against the backdrop and excitement of 5th Avenue and the city's most celebrated Christmas tree. You can either go on a first come, first serve basis - or book a reservation or skating lesson.
If you don't mind an early breakfast in the city, head in for Breakfast with Santa at Rockefeller Center!
If you've got little girls, bring them to American Girl at 609 Fifth Avenue at 49th Street for lunch with their dolls. While you are there, girls can bring their girls to the doll hair salon where they offer doll hair packages and doll ear piercing!
If you can't get a spot at Serendipity, try one of the Alice's Tea Cup locations where you'll have a fabulous and fun "Mad Hatter" tea with freshly baked scones, tea sandwiches and of course, desserts!
You can also head over to the Carlyle Hotel for tea with Madeline at the famed Bemelman's Bar where you can read the classic Madeline books and enjoy a meal and songs at the piano from the Madeline Song Book. I took my daughters there when they were very small and we had a great time! Girls will also enjoy heading over for "Eloise at the Plaza" where you can have a Rawther Fancy Tea! (You can also book the Eloise room at the Plaza - what fun!)
You can always head over to the American Museum of Natural History, visit The Grinch's Holiday Workshop at the Children's Museum of Manhattan
Go see a puppet show at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park, where you can go see The Three Bears Holiday Bash!
If you don't mind an early breakfast in the city, head in for Breakfast with Santa at Rockefeller Center!
If you've got little girls, bring them to American Girl at 609 Fifth Avenue at 49th Street for lunch with their dolls. While you are there, girls can bring their girls to the doll hair salon where they offer doll hair packages and doll ear piercing!
Visit the Central Park Zoo and then zip over for lunch at Serendipity 3 (and of course their famous Frrrrozen Hot Chocolate!)
If you can't get a spot at Serendipity, try one of the Alice's Tea Cup locations where you'll have a fabulous and fun "Mad Hatter" tea with freshly baked scones, tea sandwiches and of course, desserts!
You can also head over to the Carlyle Hotel for tea with Madeline at the famed Bemelman's Bar where you can read the classic Madeline books and enjoy a meal and songs at the piano from the Madeline Song Book. I took my daughters there when they were very small and we had a great time! Girls will also enjoy heading over for "Eloise at the Plaza" where you can have a Rawther Fancy Tea! (You can also book the Eloise room at the Plaza - what fun!)
You can always head over to the American Museum of Natural History, visit The Grinch's Holiday Workshop at the Children's Museum of Manhattan
Go see a puppet show at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park, where you can go see The Three Bears Holiday Bash!
Don't forget to visit the New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show - I have been with my children twice and we always love it! In addition to the train show, they have puppet shows, Bar Car Nights and Thomas and Friends make special appearances! If you don't mind waiting in lines, go see Macy's at Herald Square to visit Santaland. It's worth going once with the little ones but get there early and be prepared for a long wait! The Bronx Zoo is chilly but fun this time of year - go see the Polar Bears for an added dose of winter fun!
The holiday windows along 5th Avenue are always fun, too! If you can't make the trip in, you can view the holiday windows here! Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Barney's...
Enjoy some fun in the city with your children this holiday! ~Melissa Hawks
