FREE Family Activities in New York City

Our top five sources for information on free (or almost free) activities during a family vacation in New York City:

• Free (and Almost Free) in New York with Kids (Fodor's) "Instead, when your child invokes the inevitable "Now what are we doing?" question, try one of these last-minute ideas that, not incidentally, won't break the bank."
• Free Boat Rides and Free Museums in New York City (About.com)
• Free New York City! (National Geographic Traveler) "Finding free activities to fill your day...is easier than you might think. With countless cultural attractions and a large city parks system, there is plenty to do that won't cost you a cent."
• NYC for Free (NYC & Company, the official marketing and tourism organization for New York City)
• Big Apple Greeter "See New York through the eyes of a New Yorker." Greeters help travelers feel welcome and get more from their stay in the Big Apple." The best thing about this service is that it's free (and tipping isn't permitted).

Bonus Resource: Download NYC.com's Summer in the City Saving's Pass and Guide. Get discounts to places like American Girl Place, The Skyscraper Museum, Top of the Rock's Observation Deck, hotels, restaurants and more.

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Norma's: Breakfast with the Family in Manhattan

The Big Picture
Norma's is a beloved New York restaurant that serves breakfast all day and lunch in the afternoons. With a sleek décor, the restaurant matches the hotel it's housed in - the Le Parker Meridien. Our family felt welcome there with babies and kids lounging in the waiting area, although the closely packed tables were mostly full of adult tourists and those having business meetings.

The Food (Breakfast – but of course!)
The food was the star here and the portions are large (matching the prices). My husband, son and I shared the Blueberry Pancakes with thick buttery Devonshire cream (TIP: request the blueberry compote and cream on the side to avoid soggy pancakes), Eggs Benedict with ham charmingly positioned on top of two tiny pancakes, and a rather large side of Bacon lightly dusted with fresh black pepper (we counted nine pieces). The beverages are also outstanding - free shots of fruit smoothies, the freshly squeezed Orange Juice in "nice tall glasses" with free refills! The coffee was equally good, dispensed by a French press. The service was frustrating, with long waits to order our food, receive the food, and get the check. (The bill for the two entrees, bacon, juices, and coffee was about $85. Our beverages were comped because of the long wait.)2 Quick Tips:
1. Make reservations weeks in advance for weekends, it's very crowded. (Le Parker Meridien guests receive reservations' preference.) The best time to go seems to be during the week, we got a table for three on a Thursday morning without reservations.
2. Plan to share entrees - don't order one entree for each adult, the portions are too large for almost any adult to eat by themselves.

More Reviews
New York Magazine
City Search
Yelp
Zagat

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Family-Friendly Events in New York City

Use these online calendars to find current events and activities for your family vacation in New York City:

• Spare Times: Children's Events (New York Times)
• Around New York City (goCityKids.com)
• Events for Kids (New York Magazine)
• Things to Do (Time Out New York Kids)
• Family Programs at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Brasserie Les Halles: Brunch with the Family in Manhattan

The Big Picture
It's Sunday. Mom, Dad and four-year old are staying at the Millennium Hilton in the Financial District ($100/night on Priceline!). Up since 7:00 am, we're starving after a few hours of exploring Battery Park City playgrounds, walking trails and parks. At 11:00 am, we trek over to Les Halles for some "brunch-lunch." Also located in the Financial District, it draws a Wall Street crowd weekdays and is the kind of restaurant your hotel concierge steers you to on the weekend (our's did). Supposedly Les Halles is connected to Anthony Bourdain - the celebrity chef, restaurateur and author. We chose it because reservations were not required and it has free wi-fi.

The Food (Sunday Brunch)
The food turned out to be delicious, even if Bourdain has nothing to do with what happens in the kitchen. I ordered the Omelet Montrachet (goat cheese, spinach and tomatoes) and my husband got the Egg's Benedict with ham (he's on a mission to try Egg's Benedict from 50 restaurants - don't ask me why). Each entree came with a small salad, a yummy croissant, and freshly squeezed orange juice. The entrees also came with a heaping portion of perfectly executed french fries, crispy but not too hard. My son had the Croque-Monsieur (you may want to ask them to omit the fried egg on top). And, we were again pleased about how well French food (especially the fries:) works for kids. (The brunch is prix fix at $17.89 for adults and $10.95 for children 12 and under.)

More Reviews
New York Magazine's
Yelp
Zagat's

The Address
Brasserie Les Halles
15 John Street (bet. B'way & Nassau St.)
New York, NY 10038
212.285.8585
www.leshalles.net

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