Category: Things to do with kids: Fun & Games

Watson Adventures Scavenger Hunt

These enormously popular scavenger hunts are held in different locations like Central Park, Wall Street, and Midtown and happen to be one of the coolest ways to explore some of Manhattans historic locales. Themes range from finding spots immortalized in movies and television by quintessential New York films, to finding the former sites of major mafia violence in Little Italy. The family-friendliest is the “Secrets of Central Park Family Hunt,” where you find Stuart Little, decipher secret codes, unscramble messages, and search for a witch whose been turned to stone. Recommended for ages 7 and up.

Contact no: (877) 946-4868

Location: New York, NY

Learn more here.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center

Putting on a pair of skates and attempting a triple lutz could be fun, but putting some skates on your kid and enjoying a rink-side hot cocoa might be more your style. Public rinks can be a bit crowded, but the pace on the ice is slow enough to suit a beginner. For kids coming from out-of-town especially, nighttime skating at Rockefeller Center, under the blinking cityscape and gi-normous Christmas Tree, is one of those idyllic New York experiences that won’t ever be forgotten. If you’d like to incorporate time on the ice with other outdoor fun, there are two rinks in Central Park, Wollman and Lasker that offer the same gleeful gliding, out in the open air. If you miss the winter-only window for these seasonal rinks, indoor mainstay “Sky Rink” at Chelsea Piers offers at least a few public skating hours every day of the week. Matching rhinestone studded costumes are not required.

Contact no: (212) 332-7654

Location: 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10020

Learn more here.

Miniature Golf on Randall’s Island

Miniature Golf on Randall’s Island is a sizeable, recreational land mass that sits in the East/Harlem Rivers between The Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan, Randall’s Island is the perfect destination for families craving sunshine, open air, and a variety of outdoor activities. Whether your children like soccer, tennis, or bicycling, Randall’s island is a guaranteed score. In addition to their state-of-the-art driving range, the large island boasts not one, but two miniature golf courses as well as a driving range, which is probably the safest bet for good fun with your children. Teach them putting basics and the intricacies of the final windmill, or just practice swinging and breathing the island air.

Contact no: (212) 427-5689

Location: 1 Randall’s Island, New York, NY 10035

Learn more here.

City Climbers Club

Although New Yorkers frequently boast that their city “has everything,” they must concede the lack of mountains. Enter the City Climbers Club: a small gym that fills the void with its giant, climbable rock walls, which perfectly simulate a mountainside. Founded and maintained as a nonprofit city program, the center offers instruction for all ages older than 7, and for every skill level. You and your youngest can try your hands (and feet) at this extreme sport in a safe environment and have fun in the process. If you’re a seasoned pro, it’s a great way to teach your children how to belay and rappel with little chance of accident. If you’re more of a spectator you can watch kids tire themselves out by literally climbing the walls while you kick back with a soft drink from the ubiquitous vending machines.

Contact no: (212) 974-2250

Location: 533 West 59th Street, New York, NY 10019

Learn more here.

Bowlmor Lanes

This landmark bowling alley has played host to such bowling luminaries as Cameron Diaz and Richard Nixon, and the colorful, mid-century American decor is a lesson in kitsch. It feels a bit luxurious for a bowling alley, but this is Manhattan, where even the most mundane activities can be ridiculously stylish, so just roll with it. Bowlmor doesn’t allow kids after 5 p.m.; we recommend you have a lunch and then a game. Servers will bring burgers, buffalo wings, and quesadillas to your lane while you play.

Contact no : (212) 255-8188

Location : 110 University Place, New York, NY 10003

Learn more here.

Baby Loves Disco — New York

Attention Baby Boomers: Shake your groove thang at Baby Loves Disco, a monthly afternoon dance party that is the antidote to your local cloying playgroup. Real DJs spin tunes ranging from classic disco to new wave while you and your children dance around. You don’t need to be Jennifer Beals — just wave one of the provided scarves or an egg-shaker to add a little ‘tude to your twist. If you or your children need to rest between sets, head to the chill-out room and read a book or put together a puzzle. Baby-changing stations are available, so any untoward event won’t delay you from getting back on the dance floor. The disco lasts three hours, and tickets go fast, but with locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, they’ll be plenty of events you can catch with your little one. Check the website for an updated schedule

Location : 158 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012

Learn more here.