New York, United States: 2 Kid-Friendly Daytime Itineraries (Tourist and Non)

New York can be a bit overwhelming if it's your first time. Here are a couple of kid-friendly itineraries to help you navigate the maze that is the Big Apple:

Itinerary 1 : The Tourist Route:

• Start the day with a gander down to Bryant Park. Grab a mid-morning snack and coffee at the grill upstairs
• Fuel up and get ready to hit up Toys-R-Us in Times Square
• Walk up Broadway and marvel at the lights while baby takes a nap in the stroller
• End up at Central Park and veg out for a bit. Hit up the Victorian Gardens amusement park for some  fun rides
• Have a coffee at the Time Warner Center
• Walk over to FAO Schwarz and check out the cool toys
• Head home for detox from toy overload before getting a babysitter for the night

 Itinerary 2 : The Non-Tourist Route

• Check out the kiddy boutiques on Thompson street in Soho. Bundles and Les Petits Chapelais are worth a visit.
• Have brunch at the famous Balthazar if you are looking for a scene, or at Jane's at W. Houston if you are feeling more casual
• Walk up to 18th Street (about 30 mins) while baby snoozes to Books of Wonder. Have a coffee and cupcake while checking out the literary treasures there
• Head out to Madison Square Park for some water play and tire swinging
• Head home and unwind for the night

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New York, United States: Must-Visit Toy Stores

FAO Schwarz: If you are under a sub-teen, no trip to NYC is complete without a trip to the world-famous FAO Schwarz toy company's store.

First, a word of caution - it is manic!

Three levels of toys, books, activities for critters of all ages can be a bit overwhelming especially when you throw in the legendary status and prime touristy location just off Central Park. Still it is worth it, at least for the experience of the "big" piano, if nothing else. For preschoolers and infants, the basement contains all your favorite brands such as Melissa and Doug, as well as general usefuls like prams and diaper bags.
In addition, you can find NY locals such as The Brownstone Buddies and of course the Fao Schwarz toys which include the mini piano for your take-home musical pleasure.





Kiddin' Around: Tucked just off W. 15th street, this cute store has both  mainstream and unusual toys for kids of all ages. Bath drums, Parisienne carousels and a small selection from the ELC which is not yet available in the U.S. are some of the things that make this place unique. The aisles are narrow and the toys are closely packed, but that's half the fun! Plus free gift wrapping if you need to pick up a little something for a play buddy.





Times Square Toys-R-Us: There is nothing subdued about Times Square and there is nothing subtle about this legendary store either. Prepare for complete sensory overload. As you stare mesmerized at the giant ferris wheel at the entrance, don't miss a chance to pose for a picture with Jeffrey or Iron Man casually strolling through the store (caution: all at a cost). On the ground floor is a delightful selection of NY-themed toys and souvenirs which are a little cheesy but admittedly irresistible. "NYPD" onesie or SPongeBob Times Square Pants tee, anyone?

Take the elevator to the next level up and pose with the Jurassic Park dino or check out the selection of infant toys and nursery items. In the basement, test drive some of the huge selection of cars, bikes and trikes, just for fun!

When you are done, walk over to Bryant Park and counter all that conspicuous consumption with a little snooze on the grass.

Other posts in the New York City series:

New York General Travel Tips

New York, United States: The Best Kids' Bookstore Ever!

New York, United States: Our Favorite City Playgrounds and So Much More..

New York, United States: Fabulously Friendly Brunches

New York, United States: 10 Reasons We Love Bryant Park