I had intended to write more about taking small children around in New York City but we were so busy. . .taking small children around. . .that I hadn’t quite gotten to it until now! In any case, my timing is good, because the holidays are upon us and that is an absolutely fantastic time to see New York City! If you have little travelers and you are visiting New York City soon. . .read on! I am giving you the insider’s scoop of not only the places to go. . .but where the nearest bathrooms are, the scoop on strollers, and the closest McDonald’s (or similar eats!)
You are probably wondering why on earth I have paired together the Central Park Zoo and the famously lavish toy store. I will warn you that it may be a bit much in one day depending on how little your little ones are. However, when we go to the Central Park Zoo we always inevitably take a side trip to FAO Schwartz because it’s right there! My kids actually pair the two together in a sentence as in, “Can we go to the zoo and the toy store with the giant piano mom?” But I’m getting ahead of myself.
The Central Park Zoo has massive kid appeal and in my opinion it is almost better to go there than the Bronx Zoo. The Central Park Zoo is small and everything is close together. You can easily do it in about three hours–and even less time if your kids are like mine and kind of zoom around from animal to animal. It’s the size of this zoo that makes it so appealing to little kids.
One small warning: the Central Park Zoo is absolutely NOT stroller friendly. It’s not impossible to get around with a stroller there. In fact you can see the sea lions, polar bears and other exhibits easily with stroller in tow. However, you should expect to do some stairs if you want to see everything. If you can, this is definitely one place where a backpack is the better option. If you don’t have a backpack–bring the umbrella stroller. Your back will thank you.
How to Get There: The best way to get there is to either brave the subway train or take a cab. If you’re driving in you’ll have to pay for a parking spot unless you hit the proverbial lottery and find one on the street. However, it is highly unlikely that you will since most spots around there are metered, and the ones that aren’t are simply taken. In any case, you will want to enter the zoo at 64th and 5th Avenue. If you can take the subway, take the N or the R to 5th Avenue (if you’re coming from the South of 64th street) or take the 6 train to 68th and walk.
Getting In: A few notes about getting in. You can get into the zoo by walking through Central Park. This likely means that you will have come from the west side. However, if you do this you will end up farther from FAO Schwartz when you’re finished rather than closer and as I’ve already explained. . .the two ‘must’ go hand in hand. If you enter at 64th street though, you will be walking towards FAO Schwartz–the promised land of toys.
The zoo is open from 8:00am to 4:30pm. Admission is $8 for adults but only $3 for children ages 3-12; making this one of the better deals in Manhattan. The zoo is centered around the sea lion pool and it is definitely worth the effort to watch the sea lions feeding.
However, during this time of the year the real treat is at the polar bear exhibit. If you go during the first three weekends in November you get to watch the polar bears (affectionately known as Gus and Ida) unwrap their Christmas presents. It is definitely a treat!
Bathrooms: Before you leave the Central Park Zoo, use the bathroom at the Leaping Frog Café. There are also nice bathrooms at FAO Schwartz. However, if your littlest ones are anything like my 3 year old, the lure of toys may make them forget. . . Also the bathrooms at FAO Schwartz are family style. . .meaning that you all go into one stall. Consequently, it can get a little crowded.
Where to Eat: The Central Park Zoo does not allow visitors to eat food that’s brought in. I believe it is for safety reasons for the animals. However, I do allow my toddlers who are in a stroller the occasional snack of cheerios and no one has scolded me for it yet. I am just super careful to pick up whatever gets dropped.
There is a café in the Central Park Zoo which is reasonably priced considering you are in the middle of Manhattan. At the end, as you come out of the zoo and into Central Park there are also numerous hot dog vendors. This is what we usually do so that we can save our money for FAO Schweetz the exorbitantly overpriced (but very cool) café in FAO Schwartz. You could expect to spend about $4 or a little less for a hot dog, soda and a bag of chips. If you have hundreds of dollars to spend on lunch, you can eat at FAO Schweetz. (And no, I’m not exaggerating!)
Now onto FAO Shwartz. . .
This toy store is located just two blocks away. If you walk south on 5th avenue after exiting Central park. . .you simply can’t miss it. We usually take a stop at the café first. . .for either hot cocoa or ice cream depending on the season.
Now you’re likely wondering why on earth you’d want to take your kids to FAO Schwartz especially if you intend to buy them nothing?!
FAO Schwartz has a new image and a new philosophy. While they definitely carry the pricier items still (like the piano you can dance on for $250,000) you will also find toys there in your price range.
Cool Things Not to be Missed:
Take the kids to the giant piano. There are shows regularly scheduled throughout the day and they are quite impressive. When there aren’t shows, your kids can take off their shoes and get on the piano themselves. The line is closely monitored by employees and so there’s no fighting, pushing etc.
The dolls. If you have little ones that are into dolls, take them to look at the Barbie costumes as well as the Madame Alexander dolls. If you have a larger budget, you can even have a doll created to look just like your child.
The Thomas Spot. Here they tell daily stories but also there is a huge train table as well as a few ride on toys and comfy places to just relax for a bit. If you are nursing, this is the spot to take your break.
The Ride On Vehicles. Although this is a little hidden in the store, I’m sure your little explorers will have no trouble finding it. By-the-way, this is not your “Fisher Price” ride-ons. Boys in the family will all have their jaws on the floor at the Vespa Scooter (a mere $450) or the Jaguar XK convertible. My husband personally likes the Ferrari. But go ahead moms, let them dream. At least for us, this is the closest we’ll ever get to owning a “real Ferrari”.
Life Sized displays. One of the things that makes FAO Schwartz famous is that they demonstrate their toys and kids are welcome to play with them. While the pricier things are kept safely away from little hands, there is oodles to do here–it’s like an indoor play ground.
By the time you’re finished with all of this, your little ones should be pooped. I’m tired just thinking about it. In any case, I hope I’ve convinced you that these two things go together. If you get a chance to go–let us know!
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Family Weekend in New York City