Central Park is an urban park with a rectangular form in the heart of Manhattan, It has 4,000 by 800 meters of dimension approximately, it's bigger than the two smallest nations of the world; it's almost two times bigger than Monaco and almost eight times bigger than Vatican City. It is the most visited park in the United States, with 25 million visitors every year. It also has become one of the most famous urban parks in the world and it has been seen in numerous films and television programs. Central Park contains several artificial lakes, two ice skating rinks and many areas used for sports activities. The park is a popular oasis for migratory birds, which makes it a heaven for bird watching, and for New Yorkers who want to escape from the big buildings and immerse themselves in nature. Each summer, the public theater presents free open-air theater plays, concerts, opera, and many other outdoor activities, so the weekend is the best time to visit the park. The Central Park Conservatory offers free tours Tuesday to Sunday. For more information, visit: http://www.centralparknyc.org/visit/tours/ or call 212-360-2726. It is easy to get to this park since most subways have a stop on or around Central Park.
DUMBO is a neighborhood in Brooklyn; its name comes from the union of the words Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. The area has two sections; one located between Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges, which connects Brooklyn to Manhattan across the East River, and one that continues east from the Manhattan Bridge to the Vinegar Hill area, this can be reached after crossing the Brooklyn bridge, an area that originally was home of artists and designers, that took advantage of the wide open spaces in the buildings to suit with large lofts, this is a sector with a great view of the East River, with quiet streets that attracts tourists, the park with tables next to the river, where you can enjoy different perspectives of New York buildings; During the summer the park offers a large selection of movies that can be enjoyed under the stars, with spectacular views of Lower Manhattan, naturally this park, located between the two bridges, has been used as a location in numerous films, it is ideal for taking pictures of Manhattan from below the imposing structure of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Our advice:
If you come to New York in late September, you can’t miss the Art Under the Bridge Festival, organized by the Dumbo Arts Center, where emerging artists interact with the audience in public spaces. If your visit doesn't coincide with this festival, do not worry, there is a guided tour of Dumbo art specialists, where you will learn about the galleries and art movements of the area.
DUMBO offers an eclectic and enticing dining scene, such as Pete's Downtown Restaurant and Grimaldi's Pizzeria, as well as specialty shops such as Jacques Torres Chocolate. In addition to food there are many more "American" options, as the exquisite Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory (corner of Old Fulton Water Street), or Bubby's pancakes and pies, worshiped by the neighbors (corner of Main with Plymouth Street). In any case you must visit it in any season, especially in the evening with the Manhattan lights heating up.
And if you need an internet connection, remember that there is free Wi-Fi at New York parks, just make a small entry in their databases.
Madison Square Park is located in the Flatiron District in New York City has over 150 years of history and an attractive architecture of the nineteenth century, the park will find eight costly monuments, of which highlights a contemporary fountain and reflecting pool, there you can also come and share with your pets, the park has an area for canine exercise. Madison Square Park is a park for both, adults and children you can enjoy the free concerts during the summer or autumn and children enjoy the colorful playground and activities for them to be carried out during the summer.
Our advice:
If you are coming to New York during this time, visit the park and your children can enjoy a spectacular summer day at Madison Square Park. While the children are enjoying the activities, you can delight in the famous and economic restaurant milkshakes and fast foods, Shakes Shack, yes note that the waiting line is a bit long, this park also offers access to the Internet.
The oasis of downtown Midtown Manhattan is Bryant Park, located between 40th and 42nd Streets with 5th and 6th Streets, located next to the New York Public Library. It is an unparalleled public place, where you will find an escape from the loud city and for those who are looking for something different there are cultural events, games, pastimes and free shows that change from month to month. Bryant Park is surrounded by flowers that are changing according to the seasons and has 100 species of shrubs and perennial plants; more than a park it could be described as a beautiful Parisian style garden and a haven of peace.
Our Advice:
You can find the following restaurants and cafes:
The Southwest Porch is a lounge with a luxurious and friendly atmosphere designed only for relaxation.
Wich Craft, a kiosk that sells sandwiches, salads and ice cream.
The Bryant Park Grill, famous restaurant with a nice terrace offering a beautiful view of the park.
Bryant Park Café an American-style outdoor coffee-bar both located at the terrace on 42nd Street.
The Park offers free WIFI, when you visit it you can go to www.bryantpark.org and download the audio-tour that guides you when you are in the park.
Place: Governors Island (Isla de los Gobernadores)
Admision: Fare Ferry for childrean under 13 is free, Passengers ride free on Saturdays and Sundays until 11:30am / entrance to the island is free
The island is a national monument and is open to all tourists between May and October, Passengers ride free on Saturdays and Sundays until 11:30am, taking the ferry at the Maritime Building in Manhattan, or at the Fulton Ferry landing in Brooklyn, is a very short journey offerring fantastic views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, New Jersey ... When you arrive you will see a children's playground, sports fields and open spaces to relax, free of cars, you can explore the island by bicycle, by tram, free kayaking, or walking 2 miles around the island, there are also picnic areas. On the Island you may appreciate a picturesque town with colonial homes and giant trees.
You can take a tour to the Castle Williams, keep in mind that each tour is limited to 15 people, every half hour. first come, first serve; this visit is workig and you can get fantastic views from the top. The island is also used as headquarters for summer festivals.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Washington Square Park is located south of Manhattan, close to Greenwich Village; the park is a popular meeting place for locals and students from the University of New York that often, go to the park to discuss their latest projects. The two most prominent symbols are the Washington Square Arch and a great fountain, which is used as a pool for children. It includes children's play areas, trees and gardens. You can bring your friends and have a picnic, also has bicycle paths, hiking activities among others. Some artists are frequently seen in the park, like street musicians and mimes. Street vendors are seen there too, selling everything from hot dogs, water, drinks, canned drinks, bags of nuts to ice cream and popsicles; dog owners and their pets, relax in the park and the elderly may invite you to play chess. Sometimes New York University rents the park area for graduation, where students would march under the Arch to pick their diplomas.
Our advice:
In the following park areas, dogs without a leash are allowed, 5th Avenue, Waverly Place, West 4th Street, between McDougal and Thompson streets, south of the park (behind the building).
In the following park areas, you will find bathrooms: Midwest 5 blocks of the Avenue, Waverly Place, West 4th and MacDougal.
The playground and swings are in Washington Sq N and fifth av. east, remember to follow the rules and play safe.