While New York City is a fun and exciting place to visit anytime of the year, it’s more enjoyable to experience outdoor activities, like sightseeing, when the weather is warm. If you’re planning a summer vacation to The Big Apple, you’ll quickly discover it’s a great place for a single parent to spend quality time bonding with their kids.  

TOP FIVE FAMILY-FRIENDLY SUMMER ACTIVITIES              

If you’re looking for fun things to do, the following is just a sampling of five popular activities and attractions worth experiencing:  

1.  CENTRAL PARK ZOO  
Address:  Central Park South (59th Street) to 110th Street at the northern end, and from 5th Avenue on  East Side to Central Park West (8th Avenue) on West Side
Phone Number: (212) 439-6500
Zoo Admission:  Adults: $8, Kids (under 12): $3
Zoo Hours:  Mondays through Fridays, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.; and Weekends, between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (Between  April and October). Between November and March, daily hours are from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Web site:  www.centralpark.com

Central Park is located in the heart of Manhattan and covers more than 843 acres (which is equal to six percent of the city).The park itself is open between 6 a.m. and 1 a.m. daily, and admission is free. Within the park, however, are a handful of attractions and activities which are fee-based, including the famous carousel, the zoo and ice skating (available between November 1st and March 31st).            

The Central Park Zoo features more than 130 different species of animals, from polar bears and harbor seals, to exotic birds, monkeys and lizards. The Tisch Children’s Zoo is a petting zoo and allows young people to interact with some of the animals. The zoo has been open since 1934, and currently welcomes more than one million visitors every year. No matter what time of the year you visit, it’s easy to spend several hours exploring the park. One memorable way to tour the park is by riding a horse drawn carriage, which is another fee-based activity that’s offered.            


2.  CIRCLE LINE TOUR  
Address:  Pier 83, West 42nd Street
Phone Number:  (212) 563-3200 Two-Hour Cruise Cost: $14 to $25
Three-Hour Cruise Cost:  $16.50 to $29.50
The Beast Speed Boat Cost:  $12 to $18
Hours:  Cruises are offered throughout the day, everyday. Exact hours vary based on the season.
Web site:  www.circleline42.com 

Circle Line is famous for its boat tours around Manhattan island, and for transporting visitors between Manhattan and The Statue of Liberty (as well as Ellis Island). Currently, Circle Line offers a two-hour and three-hour tour, which allows you to see New York’s magnificent skyline from a variety of perspectives, plus get awesome views of popular landmarks. Kids and teens especially will love the Circle Line’s “Beast” speed boat tour, which is an exhilarating 30-minute ride aboard a speed boat that travels upwards of 45 mph. Yes, you will get wet, so plan accordingly.

This Beast tour, which offers a spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline, as well as the Statue of Liberty, is closed during the winter months and reopens in May and throughout the summer. Advanced tickets can be purchased by telephone or online. Same-day tickets (pending availability) can be purchased at the Circle Line’s ticket booth, located at Pier 83.  


3.  BRONX ZOO / NEW YORK AQUARIUM 
Address:  The Bronx Zoo, Fordham Road and the Bronx River Parkway, Bronx, New York
Phone Number:  (212) 439-6500
Cost:  $14 (Adults), $10 (Kids, ages 3 to 12); Admission on Wednesday is by donation, with a suggested minimum of $5 per person. Hours:  10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily
Web site:   www.bronxzoo.com

This award-winning zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals and some of the most exciting attractions you’ll find at any zoo in the country. The zoo is famous for its Congo gorilla exhibit, as well as its Himalayan Highlands habitat and indoor Asian rainforest. Plan on spending at least three to five hours here. The zoo is easily accessible using NYC’s public transportation.  

Address:  New York Aquarium, Surf Avenue & West 8th Street in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Phone Number:  (718) 265-FISH
Cost:  $12 (Adults), $8 (Kids, ages 3 to 12)
Hours:  Open 365 days a year. Hours vary by season. Winter hours are 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily.
Web site:   www.nyaquarium.com

New York City’s only aquarium offers more than 8,000 animals, from exotic tropical fish to California sea lions. Plan on spending at least three hours here. The Deep Sea 3D movie ride ($6 per person extra), which is suitable for kids over the age of 8, takes you on an expedition to the ocean’s deepest and darkest depths.  


4.  STATUE OF LIBERTY  
Address:  Liberty Island (New York Harbor)
Phone Number:  (866) STATUE4 / (877) LADY-TIX
Cost:  $12 (Adults), $5 (Kids), not including boat transportation to Liberty Island
Hours:  Vary. The last entry into the monument is between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., depending on the day.
Web site:   www.statueofliberty.org or www.statuecruises.com