Spend the day, a few days, or the week exploring NYC and you won't run out of fun things to do.  Even the transportation you use when crossing can be a thrilling experience with one of the many tour services.  With so many family attractions, indoor and outdoor adventure and food from all over the world, why not take the trip into the city?   Here is what's going on now and how to save money as you do it!

Transportation/Tours

NY Waterways
Your “Key To The City” savings are offered exclusively through NY Waterway.  They have  negotiated great deals with the Empire State Building, Madame Tussauds, Ripley’s, MSG All Access tour, Radio City Stage Door Tour plus many more attractions and made it even better by discounting 28% off round trip transportation from Port Imperial to Midtown.  They have easy, secure parking at the terminal; you can hop on the frequent ferries and use their free shuttles to get to your location. It couldn't be easier, safer or a more fun way to visit the city with family, friends or out-of-town guests.  Tickets can be purchased by calling 1.800.533.3779 or email MyKey@NYWaterway.com.   http://www.nywaterway.com

 
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

Enjoy a relaxed and refreshing Best of NYC Cruise as you discover the secrets of the city. You'll circumnavigate Manhattan Island and see it all: 3 rivers 7 major bridges 5 boroughs 25+ world renowned landmarks close-ups of the Statue of Liberty. Discover Manhattan like the great explorers and see the city and the outer boroughs via the water.   Pier 83 West 42nd Street,, NYC.  877-578-6021.  www.circleline42.com


Statue of Liberty
Cruise to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Great History Lesson! All Ages. Purchase advance tickets to visit the crown, the pedestal, the museum, and the Fort Wood level.  Take STATUE CRUISES 201.604.2800 Departs NJ and NY •  www.statuecruises.com

NY City Pass
The New York CityPASS packages tickets to six of New York’s most famous attractions including Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Empire State Building Observatory, American Museum of Natural History, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Top of the Rock OR Guggenheim Museum, 9/11 Memorial and Museum OR Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum – and all for nearly half off the regular admission price. New York CityPASS is 6 must-see attraction admissions combined in one deeply discounted ticket booklet. Save 40% and skip most lines.

Attractions

Visit the Wild Side of NY
The Wildlife Conservation Society has 5 different attractions with loads of unique animals to see up close and personal.  The Bronx Zoo is the world’s largest urban zoo and see over 600 species from around the world.   The Central Park Zoo is in the heart of NYC, mere steps away from Fifth Avenue and the picturesque Manhattan skyline.  The Prospect Park Zoo lets you experience the wild side of Brooklyn and wander among the wallabies, kangaroos, and dingoes.  The Queens Zoo gets you an outdoor adventure celebrating the amazing animals of the Americas.   The New York Aquarium is just off Brooklyn’s Coney Island Boardwalk.  Dive into the incredible diversity of the world’s oceans. Purchase tickets online to save 10% or a family membership will give to access to all 5 locations for the whole year including free parking. http://bronxzoo.com


Madame Tussauds
There’s so much to see and do at Madame Tussauds! Get up close and personal with over 220 life-like wax figures of the biggest stars and icons in entertainment, sports and history. Celebrating the return of Ghostbusters, Madame Tussauds has brought the cinematic experience to life like never before in a one-of-a-kind experience inspired by the 2016 film. From the eerie underground tracks of the NYC subway to the basement of a haunted mansion to Ghostbusters Headquarters to the streets of Times Square, brace yourself for several spooks and even catch a ride on Ecto-2.  Marvel Super Heroes 4D is an experience not to be missed when visiting Madame Tussauds New York. Some of Marvel’s most loved super heroes, including the Hulk, have been brought to life in multi-sensory fun featuring interactive themed areas, wax figures and a Marvel Super Heroes 4D film adventure. 234 West 42nd Street, Time Square, NYC. 866-841-3660. Buy tickets in advance to save: https://www.madametussauds.com/new-york/en/tickets/

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Times Square
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square, in the heart of Manhattan, showcases incredible exhibits, interactive experiences and artifacts from around the world, many of which were collected by Robert Ripley himself!  Featuring countless original artifacts and galleries, including the “Little Apple - A New York Experience” room and Manhattan’s only Impossible LaseRace™, as well as “Believe It or Not” special events year-round, Ripley’s Times Square offers guests unforgettable experiences that can only be found in New York.  234 West 42nd Street, NYC, 10036.  (212) 398-3133. Save 20% when you book online in advance at  www.ripleysnewyork.com


The Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex

The Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex is a 28-acre waterfront sports village located between 17th and 23rd Streets along Manhattan's Hudson River.  Situated on Piers 59, 60 and 61 and in the head house that connects them, the Complex features the following sports and entertainment venues: golf club / driving range, indoor ice skating rink, bowling, and drop in activities such as basketball, batting cage, rock climbing and more. They are offering exciting new drop-in classes such as teen or adult expert instruction in the movements of Parkour, including running, jumping, climbing and other acrobatic movements. Utilizing our spring floors and foam safety pits, instructors create unique challenges throughout the gymnastics facility. Take a harbor dining cruise at the Chelsea Piers Maritime Center.   23rd Street & Hudson River Park, New York, NY 10011.  212.336.6666.  www.chelseapiers.com

Kids Museums in NYC
NYC is full of art and history museums.  Kids will be fascinated by the giant dinosaurs at American Museum of Natural History.   Travel around the world at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Visit The Temple of Dendur in the Nile River,  go on a Treasure Hunt for Creatures from Ancient Greece, explore the sculptural art produced in the earliest kingdoms of Southeast Asia and many more.   Enjoy modern art at The Guggenheim Museums or Museum of Modern Art. Explore aircraft carrier, space shuttle Enterprise, and submarine at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.  Younger kids will love to explore the Children's Museum of Manhattan with it's theme-based exhibits, hands-on activities, interactive programs and larger-than-life environments.

Kids Novelty Stores in NYC


M&M World
Cater to your family's sweet tooth at M&M World.  Two-story color wall packed with THOUSANDS of your favorite Milk, Peanut and Specialty M&M’s® Candies.  1600 Broadway #1, New York, 10019.  www.mmsworld.com


American Girl Store
Visit and shop at the American Girl store.  Featuring floors of dolls, and doll outfits, accessories, and furniture that help make every doll's world complete. 609 Fifth Avenue at 49th Street, New York, NY 10017.  www.americangirl.com