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Exploring New York City With the Kids
1
Bansky Hammer Boy
233 W 79th St, New York, NY 10024, USA
Suitable for
Teens
The Hammer Boy, located on 79th Street and Broadway in Manhattan on the wall of the DSW store. The artwork features a young boy holding a hammer and is painted on a roll-down gate of a building. The piece is known for its social commentary on labor and child exploitation.
2
American Museum of Natural History
Night at the Museum (2006)
200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024, USA
Suitable for
Young Kids, Teens
"Night at the Museum" is a comedy adventure film directed by Shawn Levy and released in 2006. The movie stars Ben Stiller as Larry Daley, a down-on-his-luck divorced father who takes a job as a night security guard at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
When the exhibits come to life at night, Larry finds himself dealing with a host of historical and cultural figures, including a mischievous monkey, a wax statue of President Theodore Roosevelt, and a group of ancient Egyptian mummies. Along the way, he teams up with a friendly museum guide played by Carla Gugino and battles against a rival museum security guard played by Dick Van Dyke.
3
Battery Park
Tom Otterness Real World Sculptures
River Terrace & Chambers St, New York, NY 10282, USA
Suitable for
Teens
Tom Otterness is an American sculptor known for his playful and whimsical sculptures, often featuring anthropomorphic animals and human figures. His public artwork can be found in various locations throughout the United States and internationally, including his "Real World" series of sculptures.
The "Real World" sculptures are a collection of bronze figurines that depict scenes from everyday life. They can be found throughout New York City, including in Battery Park, Rockefeller Center, and the 14th Street/Eighth Avenue subway station. The sculptures are small in scale, with each figure standing between two and three feet tall, and are often arranged in groups to create larger scenes.
4
Battery Park
SeaGlass Carousel
SeaGlass Carousel, State Street, New York, NY, USA
Suitable for
Young Kids
The SeaGlass Carousel is a unique and enchanting attraction located in Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. The carousel features 30 ride-able fish, each made of colorful, iridescent glass panels that shimmer and glow as they spin. The fish are mounted on giant steel poles that pivot and tilt, creating a fluid, undulating motion that simulates a graceful swim through the water.
The carousel is housed in a pavilion that is also made of glass, which is illuminated with a constantly changing display of colors and patterns. The overall effect is like being transported to an undersea world filled with magical creatures and sparkling treasures.
The SeaGlass Carousel is a popular attraction for both children and adults, and is sure to delight anyone who visits. It offers a unique and immersive experience that combines art, technology, and whimsy to create a truly memorable ride.
5
Abyssinian Baptist Church
132 W 138th St, New York, NY 10030, USA
Suitable for
Teens
The Abyssinian Baptist Church is a historic African American church located in the heart of Harlem, New York City. It was founded in 1808 and has been an important spiritual and cultural center for the African American community ever since.
The church is known for its impressive Gothic Revival architecture, with a soaring spire and intricate stonework. The interior is equally stunning, with vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and ornate woodwork. The church also boasts a large pipe organ and a renowned gospel choir that has performed around the world.
The Abyssinian Baptist Church has played a significant role in the Civil Rights movement and other social justice causes over the years. It has been led by many prominent African American pastors, including Adam Clayton Powell Sr. and Jr., who used their positions to fight for equality and civil rights.
Today, the Abyssinian Baptist Church continues to be a vibrant and active community of faith. It offers a range of programs and ministries designed to serve the spiritual and practical needs of its members and the wider community. These include educational programs, health and wellness initiatives, and outreach ministries to those in need. The Abyssinian Baptist Church is a beloved and iconic landmark in Harlem, and a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of the African American community.
6
Battery Park
The Battery Oval
Battery Park, New York, NY 10004, USA
Suitable for
Young Kids, Teens
The Battery Oval is a large oval-shaped green space located within Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. The park covers an area of about 2.2 acres and is surrounded by trees and benches, providing a peaceful and relaxing environment for visitors. The park is also home to several historic monuments, including the Battery Cannon and the Battery Oval Monument.
The Battery Oval is a popular spot for families with children, as it offers a playground with climbing structures, swings, slides, and other equipment that children can enjoy. The park also hosts various events throughout the year, such as outdoor movies, concerts, and festivals, making it a vibrant and lively place for visitors of all ages.
The park is easily accessible by public transportation, with several subway lines and bus routes passing through the area. It is also located near other popular attractions, such as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, making it a great place to visit while exploring Lower Manhattan.
7
Battery Park
Castle Clinton
Battery Park, New York, NY 10004, USA
Suitable for
Young Kids, Teens
Castle Clinton is a historic fort and national monument located in Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan Island in New York City. It was originally built as a defense for New York Harbor in anticipation of the War of 1812, and was later repurposed as an entertainment venue, an immigration processing center, and a military headquarters.
Today, Castle Clinton is a popular tourist attraction and a venue for cultural events. The fort has been restored to its original appearance and visitors can tour its interior to learn about its history and role in the defense of New York City.
Castle Clinton also serves as the departure point for visitors taking ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Visitors can purchase tickets at the fort and enjoy the park's stunning waterfront views while waiting for their ferry.
The fort is open to the public year-round and offers free admission. It is a fascinating piece of American history and an important landmark in the city of New York.The carousel is housed in a pavilion that is also made of glass, which is illuminated with a constantly changing display of colors and patterns. The overall effect is like being transported to an undersea world filled with magical creatures and sparkling treasures.
The SeaGlass Carousel is a popular attraction for both children and adults, and is sure to delight anyone who visits. It offers a unique and immersive experience that combines art, technology, and whimsy to create a truly memorable ride.
8
Artechouse
Artechouse Magentaverse
439 W 15th St, New York, NY 10011, USA
Suitable for
Teens
Step into a gorgeous cinematic journey through a euphoric color universe; an opportunity to explore installations that are inspired by the earth under your feet all the way to the depths of space, submerge yourself in creative energies, galvanize your spirit, and enhance your well-being.
9
Battery Park
Battery Park City Esplanade
Battery Park City Esplanade, New York, NY 10280, USA
Suitable for
Young Kids, Teens
The Battery Park City Esplanade is a pedestrian promenade and park area located along the Hudson River in Battery Park City, a neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, New York City. The Esplanade stretches for about 1.2 miles and offers stunning views of the river and the Manhattan skyline.
The Esplanade is divided into several sections, each with its own unique features and attractions. The North Cove Marina section features a marina with docking for private boats and yachts, as well as a public dock for water taxis and ferries. The Teardrop Park section is a small, intimate park that features a playground and a man-made stream that winds through the park. The South Cove section features a large lawn area, a boardwalk, and a beautiful waterfront plaza.
Throughout the Esplanade, visitors can enjoy beautiful gardens, public art installations, and seating areas where they can relax and take in the views. The Esplanade is also home to several events throughout the year, including concerts, art shows, and festivals. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a peaceful oasis in the heart of the bustling city.
10
American Merchant Mariners Memorial
American Merchant Mariners' Memorial, Battery Pl, New York, NY 10004, USA
Suitable for
Teens
The American Merchant Mariners Memorial is a bronze sculpture located in Battery Park. It was commissioned by the American Merchant Mariners' Memorial, Inc. to honor the United States Merchant Marine, who risked their lives during World War II to deliver supplies and personnel to the front lines.
The sculpture depicts three merchant seamen standing on a large platform, holding a lifeboat aloft as a memorial to the thousands of mariners who lost their lives at sea during the war. The platform is surrounded by a reflecting pool, which is inscribed with the names of 6,000 American Merchant Mariners who died in service during World War II.
The memorial was designed by artist Marisol Escobar and was dedicated on June 10, 1991. It has become a symbol of the courage and sacrifice of the American Merchant Mariners who played a vital role in the country's war effort.
11
New York Botanical Garden
Everett Children's Adventure Garden
2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458, USA
Suitable for
Young Kids, Teens
The Everett Children's Adventure Garden is a section of the New York Botanical Garden designed specifically for children to explore and learn about plants, ecosystems, and the natural world. It features interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and a variety of themed gardens, including the Home Gardening Center, the Plant-Detective Lab, and the Adventure Zone. The garden also offers classes and programs for children and families throughout the year.
12
Central Park
Shakespeare Garden
79th St Transverse, New York, NY 10024, USA
Suitable for
Young Kids, Teens
