The playground at Madison Square Park is widely considered the best in the city. During the summer, it even features a 15-foot tall water sprinkler, the sort of thing usually only seen in private parks. The playground itself has large wooden climbing structures, although those can get a bit crowded during the summer. A swing set and tire swing seal the deal.
Contact no: (212) 538-6667
Location: Fifth Avenue & Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010
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A marvel of civil engineering, the Brooklyn Bridge is a powerful symbol of not only New York’s modern age, but of the optimism that pervaded the whole country at the time. Unlike other monuments of its age, (it shares a birth year with Edison’s “Electric Lighting System,” and national time zones) the Brooklyn Bridge is still in actual, practical use every day. Taking your children for a trip across the great structure will be part adventure in heights and part history lesson. If you’re in a hurry, drive across and admire the view from the window of your car. If you have a bit of time, take the kids on a stroll across the bridge and into Brooklyn. On the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of lower Manhattan and the East River. Grab a slice of pizza in Brooklyn, and then take the subway from High Street back into the city.
Location: Brooklyn Bridge, NY, NY 10038
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There probably isn’t a more educationally enjoyable way to spend the day in Manhattan than at the Museum of Natural History. Of course there are longtime favorites to see: dinosaur skeletons, a blue whale that’s a few times bigger than your first house, and the arctic wonder of the polar bear diorama; but the museum also hosts a variety of unique, temporary exhibits year round, so you’re sure to see something new. You might be drawn to Teddy Roosevelt’s monument, but when traveling with children, it’s best to stick with the cool insects and big bones.
Contact no: (212) 769-5200
Location: Central Park West and 79th Street, New York, NY 10024
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Take your children on a ferry ride from New York City’s Battery Park to Ellis Island to visit the Statue of Liberty. Built in 1886 as a joint effort by the United States and France to commemorate the American Declaration of Independence, Lady Liberty is a monument to freedom — and one of the first many immigrants saw when they arrived on the Nation’s shores. Tell your children about your ancestors’ arrival in the States. Then from the statue’s observation deck, view the spectacle that is New York City. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum is now open; visit after you tour the monument and continue America’s history lesson. Remember, the lines are quite long and the ascent on the inner staircase is quite steep, so wear your best walking shoes. Reserve tickets ahead of time for both the monument and the ferry – America’s favorite lady is very popular.
Contact no: (877) 523-9849
Location: Battery Park, New York, NY 10004
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This water park features three large water slides, including a tube slide. Additional features include a log water walk, many interactive spray features, lap swimming lanes, and zero depth entry at one end for accessibility.
Contact no:(612) 370 3989
Location:1520 Johnson Street Northeast, Minneapolis MN 55413
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Despite numerous efforts in 2010 to repair very old and deteriorating water lines leading to the Farview Park wading pool, it was not opened in 2010 or 2011. Plans are underway for a new wading pool in the park, with construction expected to begin in 2012 and opening for use in summer of 2012.
Contact no:(612) 370-4922
Location:621 29th Ave. N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
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Located on Hennepin Ave. and Second St. N, Gateway Park extends a welcome greeting to all who visit the City of Lakes. The Gateway Fountain cycles jets of water that are illuminated nightly with rotating, colored lights. This is just one of several fountains beautifying Minneapolis parks.
Contact no:(612) 230-6400
Location:N. 2nd St. and Hennepin Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55401
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What’s are ArtCars? Vehicles wildly decorated by playful artists or homemade by kooky inventors. From a mosaic-covered car to a remote control couch, there’s something Seussian and gleeful about this colorful parade and its creative participants. 2008 will see the 14th year for the Art Car Parade. After seeing these vehicles in motion, you can look up close while they’re parked at Intermedia Arts post-parade. Each winter there’s usually a smaller, fundraising version on ice including art shanties.
Contact no:(612) 871-4444
Location:Lake of the Isles, South Minneapolis, MN
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For nearly 70 years now, this annual festival hosts free parades, water sporting events, block parties, milk carton races, and fireworks. Events happen across Uptown and in downtown Minneapolis, so check the schedule, there’s always fun to be had during this summer festival celebrating our wealth of waterways.
Contact no: (612) 376-7669
Location:Minneapolis, MN
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The old, massive Sears Roebuck building at Lake and Chicago was reclaimed from vacancy and turned into a great, vibrant marketplace with condos above. Making its debut in 2006, the clean and organized market features rows of booths by more than 50 independent local businesses, including many with past or present storefronts around town, like Andy’s Garage and Holy Land Bakery. The crafts, groceries, and restaurant counters highlight the many ethnic cultures of the Twin Cities. Hmong embroidery, Scandinavian baked goods, South American, African, Middle Eastern, Indian-even Tibetan-art, clothing, and food await your sampling pleasure. Midtown Global Market is a feast for the eyes and palate, ready to stimulate the curiosity and tastebuds of kids of all ages with colorful sights and sounds from around the globe. You’ll also find free dance lessons (from salsa to Irish), as well as live music and other family entertainment. It’s worth noting that besides parking (free on the weekends), the Midtown Greenway bike path runs right behind it and the Lightrail stops nearby.
Contact no:(612) 872-4041
Location:920 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Learn more here.
