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Times Square & Beyond With Kids

by TerriAnn

Times Square is always bustling with tourists as they check out the bright lights, Broadway musicals, and endless shopping. If you’re traveling to the city with kids, here are a few things they’ll enjoy.

M&M’s World
Here you’ll find three levels of color and candy. There’s a ton of merchandise featuring your favorite M&M mascots. You will also find a massive collection of the candy itself in all its many varieties and colors, and then some. Just make sure not to use the bathroom here. The women’s bathroom only had two stalls and we spent longer in line for the toilet than browsing the store itself. Prices are reasonable and some items are discounted. We even got a water bottle holder for 75% off!

Times Square in Manhattan New York with kids

Toys ‘R’ Us
This store is massive! As you walk in, you immediately come face-to-face with a 3-4 story ferris wheel with well-known characters from all your family’s favorite movies and series. Too bad it was broken when we dropped by. We were fine as there was no shortage of things to look at. The giant animatronic dinosaur seemed to be a popular photo op but my daughter was more interested in the two-level Barbie house. We ended up making a special trip back to Manhattan on our last day to get my daughter a ‘Big Apple’ plush as a souvenir. Oh, and the bathrooms here are big and clean.

Times Square in Manhattan New York with kids

The Disney Store
As Genie from Aladdin would say, “You ain’t never seen a store like this.” If you have any Disney love in you at all, prepared to leave with many a shopping bag. Not only are there unique items lining every section on the ground and upper levels, but the areas are set up in such a fun way. In the gazebo, kids can watch their favorite movie clips as the employee on duty makes them feel like part of the action. An entire area is designated to princesses, surrounded by towering castle walls. The New York based skyline near the ceiling changes colors as iconic characters make appearances on the walls every so often. I wish the flying swing ride in the middle of the room was more than just a moving decoration though.

Hershey’s Chocolate World
They had me at the free sample of mini Rolos that were being given out. Kids will love the DIY candy machine that puts all the yummies they like in one container. We found some great souvenir and gift items that were affordable and MUCH nicer than the ‘I love New York’ shot glasses to bring home for friends/family.

Times Square in Manhattan New York with kids

People Watch
In between all of that, just stroll along the streets. There are things to see everywhere and yummy food vendors can be found on most corners. With people coming from across the globe, this is the BEST place for people watching. Costumed characters are plentiful but be prepared to pay $1 or so if you want to take a picture with them.

Times Square in Manhattan New York with kids

Though not in Times Square, there are a couple of other places you might want to make your way over to.

Build-A-Bear Workshop
Your child can make a new friend or pick out an outfit for a existing one. This particular store carries a whole section of international outfits and other items not found at other retail locations. Make sure to visit the lower level so you don’t miss anything. My daughter almost got an Iron Man outfit but, according to her, the mask looked funny with the nose poking out.

Near Central Park in Manhattan New York with kids

FAO Schwarz
It’s difficult to describe just what make this well-known hotspot special. When asking my husband what he thought of FAO Schwarz he said, “It was nice walking around the store.”  Okay, when was the last time you, as a parent, ENJOYED walking around a toy store with children in tow? Instead of just carrying a lot of merchandise, this store offers a family experience like an old-fashioned toy store from the past, one where people of all ages can feel like a kid again. You also get the feeling that this place stocks every imaginable toy or gift. The candy area has a huge selection of sweets but it runs on the expensive side. Yes, it really was that pink. The keyboard featured in ‘Big’ is still there but someone else usually hogging it.

Near Central Park in Manhattan New York with kids

There’s so much more for kids to enjoy around town than what I highlighted here. They may also like visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), Empire State Building, National September 11 Memorial and Freedom Tower (this is very busy and tourist-y though), Central Park, or taking a ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. Either way, you’re family will have a great visit to the Big Apple!

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14 comments

The Mom Jen May 10, 2012 - 8:48 am

Can’t wait to go, my teen will be with us, I’m thinking shopping is in our future!

Cookies & Clogs May 10, 2012 - 8:04 pm

You’ll have to go to this jewelry place my sister told me about. It’s on Broadway between 31st and 32nd – tons of fashion jewelry 🙂

Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell May 10, 2012 - 11:14 am

I went to a lot of those places in Vegas too! I heart Times Square!

Cookies & Clogs May 10, 2012 - 8:06 pm

Really? I so need to visit Vegas with a more open mind. I only see the glaring strip and break down from being overwhelmed 😛

Henrietta May 10, 2012 - 6:54 pm

I hope that my family and I will have the chance to visit New York city someday! I don’t think I can even imagine how busy and exciting it must be!

Cookies & Clogs May 10, 2012 - 8:08 pm

Well, it’s a big state with many different parts. Times Square is just the epitome of the city where tourists flock to. It was pretty cool that nothing seemed to ever close and it was as busy at midnight as in the middle of the day!

Tiff @ Babes and Kids May 11, 2012 - 9:28 am

How fun, I had no idea there was so much for kids at Times Square!

Cookies & Clogs May 16, 2012 - 11:47 pm

I didn’t either. After some research I stumbled on the Toys ‘R’ Us while my husband knew about the M&M’s World. The other two were found when walking through the area.

Alison May 13, 2012 - 5:23 am

I love Times Square and people watching. I need to get to m&m world soon!

Cookies & Clogs May 16, 2012 - 11:49 pm

Oh, M&M’s World was so fun. I was so tempted to buy stuff but I knew there was nothing I really ‘needed’.

Stefani May 25, 2012 - 6:00 am

I went to NYC and stayed in Times Square in 2010. It was the funnest weekend I have ever had!

Kelly @ Texas Type A Mom June 29, 2012 - 7:59 pm

That looks like a lot of fun! Plenty to keep little ones busy and entertained while exploring the area!

Jen-Eighty MPH Mom January 23, 2013 - 11:34 am

What a blast! I am slightly jealous, but really happy for you 🙂 There is just so much to do there!

Toni March 10, 2014 - 2:30 am

It really has so much there for kids, even though you wouldn’t think that would be the case.

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