Exploring New York with kids What adult isn't excited by an occasional business trip to New York? You've probably even taken a later flight home once in a while just so you can hit your favorite stores or dine at one of the great restaurants Manhattan has to offer. Consider taking your family along next time you go, and you'll be amazed at the things the city has to offer families. Plan your business trip at the end of the week and take advantage of the lower hotel rates offered for Friday and Saturday nights. Here are a few ideas for family discoveries in the Big Apple: • Where to Stay • Things to Do Where to stay Doubletree Suites 1568 Broadway 1-212-719-1600 Offers kitchenettes, baby equipment, childproof rooms plus a toddler playroom. Call Reservations Services at 1-800-356-1123 for other New York area hotels including all Manhattan East suite hotels. Things to Do with The Kids in NYC American Museum of Natural History Central Park West at 79th Street 1-212-769-5100 Open Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m. -5:45 p.m. Donations requested Features: This museum has something for everyone. Dinosaurs' skeletons, a whale room, reptiles, animal habitats and more. Website: http://www.amnh.org/ Bronx Zoo In the Bronx located at Bronx River Parkway and Fordam Road Admission: Adults $7.75, kids $4.00 Features: The Bronx Zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals. With 265 wooded acres devoted to spacious naturalistic habitats, it is the largest metropolitan wildlife conservation park in the United States. Website: http://www.bronxzoo.com/ Children's Museum 182 Lafayette Street 1-212-941-9198 Admission: $5 per person Features: Hands on stuff for kids. Can be crowded on rainy or cold days. Central Park Carousel Central Park East Cost: $1.00 per ride Highlight: Ride the antique 1908 carousel and enjoy the ample playgrounds. Seaport Cruise Departs from Pier 16 at South Street Seaport. 212-630-8888 Admission is $6.00 (12 and under) & $12.00 (adults) for the hour-long ride. Statue of Liberty Ferry departs Battery Park near Castle Linton Open daily 9:30 am-5 PM & 6 PM in the summer Ferry fee is $7 adults, $5 seniors and $3 children (3-17) France's gift to America is a must see! Get there early to avoid a long wait to get to the top by elevator. - Compiled by Lisa Bailey