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With all of the stigmas that traveling to New York City brings to mind, one may hesitate to choose it for a family vacation destination, opting for a more seemingly manageable theme park or campground retreat. As a native New Yorker, and a mother myself, I can appreciate the apprehension. But whether you think of New York as an overwhelming conurbation or an exhilarating alternative to the typical holiday locale for your brood, the Big Apple can provide an opportunity for unlimited diverse activities, and, believe it or not, fiscally conscious family entertainment.

When traveling to the City with children, there are a few things to keep in mind, as you would with any vacation: Time of year, your children's age(s) and individual interests, and your budget. The weather in New York City is quite variable, from intense humidity in the summer, to frigid whipping winds in the winter, but since it follows the typical Northeastern 4 season schedule, you will be able to predict with relative accuracy the type of armor you will need for your family. Surely you, like most parents, will be prepared for everything from a breeze to a natural disaster, but as a reminder, be sure to carry along small, inexpensive umbrellas.

When planning your itinerary, remember to be flexible, and plot your course with options available in case someone gets tired, hungry, or uncooperative mid-day. When choosing activities, remember that one of the most fascinating activities in all of New York City is riding the subway. A true snapshot of the City's endless cultural representations, a better mixture in one place cannot be found. The subway is safe, cheap, and the best way to get to most places you're going to. Subway maps can be slightly intimidating to the untrained eye or under pressure, so familiarize yourself with the trains and plot your course ahead of time, (visit www.mta.nyc.ny.us for up to the minute information), and when in doubt, ask.
One of the most magnificent stops on the subway line is the American Museum of Natural History and Hayden Planetarium (www.amnh.org). With some of the world's finest exhibits, interactive modules for all ages, and a splash park in the warmer months, there's something for everyone at this New York City landmark. And when tickets are purchased at the Museum, they are done so at a suggested donation rate, which means that it's entirely up to you how much you pay. If you purchase tickets online, or are planning to tour a lot of the

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