5 Days of Family Fun across New York

Chances are, you’ve seen dozens of movies or television shows featuring or filmed in New York City. The 1984 ghost-comedy favorite “Ghostbusters” was filmed at various locations around Manhattan. Get photos at Columbus Circle, the famous traffic circle where the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man arrives. Whether you consider yourself a Carrie or a Charlotte, a Samantha or a Miranda, put on your Manolos and take the “Sex and the City” Hotspots Bus Tour to see more than 40 trendy Manhattan locales – including the famous Magnolia Bakery in the West Village – frequented by the female cast. Order a pastrami sandwich at Katz’s Deli, a locale made all the more legendary in “that scene” from “When Harry Met Sally” (1989). The Audrey Hepburn classic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961) features multiple New York landmarks, and so does the legendary “The Godfather” (1972), Academy Award-winning “Birdman” (2014), the Christmas cult comedy “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1992), Natalie Portman’s dark thriller “Black Swan” (2010), and many more.

Day 1 – Manhattan Start at the world-famous Rockefeller Center, where you can tour NBC Studios, meet a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall, and browse the shops (including a LEGO Store and a Nintendo Store). Pick up some souvenirs at M&M’s World, the Disney Store, or the American Girl Place in Times Square. Day 2 – Brooklyn People of all ages can enjoy a walk across the upper level of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Finish with a visit to Coney Island, the quintessential boardwalk experience, for amusement park rides, games, and food. Day 3 – Staten Island Kids and adults will love the Staten Island Ferry ride, which operates for free 24/7. Active families can spend time exploring the nature trails at Staten Island’s Greenbelt Conservancy or the beautiful gardens at Snug Harbor. Let your younger children’s imagination run wild at the Staten Island Children’s Museum. Day 4 – Queens A family day in Queens should include a visit to the New York Hall of Science, a hands-on, interactive museum. Spend time outside at the Queens County Farm Museum. Families who love sports can catch a Mets game at Citi Field or take a behind-the-scenes tour of the ballpark. Day 5 – Bronx The must-see attraction here is the Bronx Zoo, the largest urban zoo in the country. Stroll through the colorful flora at Wave Hill’s public gardens and enjoy views of the Hudson River. See the 27-time World Champion Yankees play at Yankee Stadium.

New York City is known for its exceptional theater, eclectic performing arts scene, and big Broadway productions. Seeing a famous Broadway show, such as “The Lion King,” “Wicked” and “Hamilton,” is one of the most iconic experiences in New York City. Beyond the theater district, the Harbor Lights Theater Company in Staten Island brings outstanding professional theater to the dynamic North Shore neighborhood. Past productions include “Rent,” “Driving Miss Daisy,” “Oliver!” and “The King and I.” New York theatre is much like the city itself: innovative, experimental, and culturally diverse.

Manhattan is a hub for LGBT history. There’s no admission fee to the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art in SoHo. Grab a drink at the Stonewall Inn’s bar, where the 1969 police raid took place, and sit on a bench at Christopher Park to reflect on George Segal’s Gay Liberation statues. While you are in Manhattan, you’ll want to check out the Lips Drag Queen Show Palace, Restaurant & Bar, considered one of the best drag performances in the city. Head across to Brooklyn for more LGBT sites. Stop by the Lesbian Herstory Archives, the world’s largest collection of materials by and about lesbians. Hit the happy hour at Ginger’s Bar, a popular lesbian pub in Brooklyn known for tasty drinks, pool, karaoke and drag queen bingo. In Queens, the Q Center provides essential services, community assistance, and advocacy programs for youth and adults. The Albatross Bar in Astoria features Sutton Lee Seymour, one of the most beloved drag queens around, along with karaoke and Brokeback Bingo, in a friendly, neighborhood bar ambiance.