Web Sites
A listing of websites that feature general information, travel tips, and recommendations for NYC visitors:
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212-484-1200; 1-800-692-8474 (for literature only)
This site, New York City's official tourism website, is essential for planning your trip. Here you will find hotel and restaurant suggestions and discounts, a local calendar of events, and suggested itineraries and ways to plan and save money. Recommended ideas for what to do with kids and teens are available. Ask for the NYC Visitor's Guide. It is also available online, at the tourist kiosks listed in the website, and at airports.
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1-800-CALL-NYS (U.S. and Canada); 518-474-4116 (everywhere else)
This is the official tourist website of New York State. Especially good is the accommodations feature, where you can find a hotel that matches your needs by checking a list of amenities; for example, a pet-friendly place. Click on “Travel Ideas” at the top of the page under "Plan Your Trip" for NYC Weekend suggestions. You can also request the excellent travel guide.
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Like the “old Gray Lady” itself, this is a great site if you have the time to take full advantage of it. Lots of editorial and pictorial material, plus lots of nitty-gritty information. You can indulge in one of several slide shows on various New York topics, or get the show times and ticket prices for every play in town. A special kids' section will be a revelation to parents. On the home page, look to the left-hand column, and under “Travel” click on “NYC Guide.”
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New York magazine's website is another tool for finding just about anything you might want in the city. The restaurant review database, with comments by readers, is extensive.
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This is the website of the venerable weekly alternative newspaper the Village Voice (now free at hundreds of locations throughout town). The events list is one of the best in the city.
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This is the city's comprehensive website, which will give you everything from access to the Department of Parks and Recreation to parking regulations. It's huge but very complete, with an excellent section for visitors. While in the city, you can access this information by phone by calling 311.
New York City Travel at About.com
This site is full of expert advice and recommendations for making the most of your trip to New York City, including information for families, budget picks, and best-of lists.
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This is an easy-to-use site for general information on New York, with an emphasis on frugality.
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Another of the many unofficial websites about the city, this one has fairly comprehensive information about the city and numerous links to purchase attraction and events tickets and accommodations.
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A search engine aimed at Long Island locals, this site is also crammed with resources for the visitor. There are sites for tourism, entertainment, shopping, local services, railroad schedules, and maps and directions, among many others.
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This website for Long Island's daily newspaper is crammed with information useful to visitors. Check out their many “Best of” lists.
Some additional websites of interest for families:
Children's Galleries for Jewish Culture
An interactive museum for kids ages 5-12. It features hands-on activities across two exhibitions, as well as cultural programs geared towards families and schools.
10 Toddler-Friendly Attractions in NYC
Traveling with a small child adds new challenges to any trip, so this list offers up ways to keep them (and you) entertained.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants in the Big Apple
One of the most overwhelming parts of your trip will be deciding where to eat -- there are way too many choices! These options will sit well with the kids. There are also great restaurants to take kids in the outer boroughs, including Queens and Brooklyn.
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These shops will bring out the kid in anyone.
What to Do with a Teenager in New York City
Teens will probably have their own long list of things they want to do and see in New York, but in case you're looking for ideas, we've got a few that they'll love as well.
Brooklyn Activities Kids Will Love
From fishes to Ferris wheels, some family-friendly spots not to miss in New York City's largest borough.
