Native New Yorker's Kids Day Off From School

Actually opens at 10 am...but you can leave for the museum at 9-ish and start your day. Among the many wonderful things to see, we visited the new Mythic Creatures exhibit. The kids loved it. Also, don't miss the "Hey dumb-dumb, give me gum-gum" guy (Moai) from Night at The Museum (from Easter Island, really). My kids could not have been more thrilled. They tried to get him to talk (which he doesn't, really.)

After a few rainy hours inside the museum, the skies had cleared and it was time for some fresh air. After a lunch of street vendor hot dogs (that gave the kids the runs), we went to Central Park across the street. Walked downtown (South) through the park, climbing some rocks along the way, and to the playground(s) right across from Tavern On The Green. One is especially for toddlers, and Adventure Playground is for bigger kids. Ran around for awhile until everyone had to use the rest room because of the aforementioned hot dog lunch. Ran to Tavern for that. Walk in the doors and make an immediate left. Look like you know where you're going, and they won't stop you. Cleanest bathrooms in Central Park.

After the rest rooms at Tavern...walked to The Time Warner Center. Looked at shops and art (HUGE Williams Sonoma complete with cooking demos in an enormous kitchen at back), bought a DVD at Border's Books, and the six year old boys had a great laugh at the expense of the big naked statues. Nice place to stop and warm up. Then grabbed a kid's hot chocolate from the starbucks across the street before heading across the other street to watch the very good teenaged skateboarders in Columbus Circle and to throw pennies in the fountain and make wishes.

Kids were getitng chilly and I thought we might go check out FAO Schwartz at the east side of Central Park. Hailed a pedi cab just on Central Park West. Cost about $15. but he took the long way through the park and really thrilled the kids with his driving ability (or lack of). We giggled and squealed the whole way...and we were given a big thick blanket to drape over our legs to keep us warm.

Went to play at FAO Schwarz. What more can I say??? If going with kids...plan to spend HOURS! And bring pen and paper to add all the "I wants" to their Holiday lists. Played with the amazing toys, video games, and watched the toy demos. Special Plus: some football playing twins were there to sign autographs. Tiki someone and his brother...

Right next door to FAO Schwarz. It's a grownup toy store!!! And the kids will be entertained, as well, playing on the computers, etc. Very cool place.