Bronx Zoo Fordham Road The Bronx (718) 367-1010   Daily 10-5:  April-Oct. Rest of the year: 10-4:30 The biggest zoo in the US has 4,000 animals, a children's zoo , and a monorail.  Newest addition:  a $43 million Congo Gorilla Forest.

Brooklyn Children's Museum 145 Brooklyn Avenue Crown Heights, Brooklyn (718) 735-4400  Wed.-Fri. 2-5; Sat., Sun. 10-5 The world's first museum for children was founded in 1899.  There is much to do and enjoy in this museum, including New York City highlights in miniature and the Totally Tots toddler playroom.

Children's Museum of the Arts 182 Lafayette Street NY, NY (212)272-0986  Thurs.-Sun. noon-5; Wed. noon-7 Highlights include the Monet Ballpond, Architects Alley, and the Wonder Theater.

Children's Museum of Manhattan 21 W. 83rd Street NY, NY (212) 721-1223  June-Aug.: Wed.-Sun. 10-5; Rest of the year:  Wed.,Thurs. 1:30-5:30 and Fri.-Sun. 10-5. Highlights include a chance for children to write and produce their own TV show.

Metropolitan Museum of Art 1000 Fifth Ave (At 82d St.) New York NY (212) 535-7710 Tues.-Thur. and Sun, 9:30am-5:15pm; Fri-Sat, 9:30am-9pm Admission charged. "The Met" has been described as a vast city of art.  The limestone beaux-arts facade with its impressive steps opens onto whole buildings within.  Among these are the Teple of Dendur, the Astor Court, a replica Ming dynasty scholar's courtyard, an American wing containing over 20 period style rooms and courtyards, as well as the entire facade of the United States Bank from Wall Street.  In addition, there are about 15 discrete collections from ancient art upward through the ages.  An Orientation Theater points the way.  On Friday and Saturday evenings, a string quartet entertains American Museum of Natural History 79th St. and Central Park West New York NY (212) 769-5100 Admission charged. The Museum's exhibition halls house a stunning array of artifacts and specimens from all corners of the world and all historical periods. These illuminate the natural history of our planet and its myriad species, and bring the world's cultures to life.  A major ($45 million) renovation has restored and enhanced each building and exhibit.  Highlights are the Hayden Planetarium (Rose Center) which now features a thrill ride through the universe; partially interactive gigantic dinosaurs; a 94 foot blue whale in the two story Hall of Ocean Life; the Hall of Meteorites, Minerals, and Gems; and Nature Max theater featuring a four story high screen and Friday night jazz and tapas.  There is far too much of significance than can be seen in one day! Brooklyn Bridge Directions: To get to the bridge, take the 4,5 or 6 subway to the Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall Station, the N or R subway to City Hall or the 2 or 3 subway to Park Place. Admission Free A monument to man's ingenuity and creativity, the world's first steel suspension bridge was designed by architect John Roebling between 1867 and 1883, with oversight of the massive project started by his son after Roebling's sudden death, and completed by the son's wife following his untimely death. On the Manhattan side, you can get some great views of this majestic bridge from the top of Pier 17 at the South Street Seaport. From Brooklyn, Pier 1 at the Fulton Ferry landing provides a beautiful sunset view of the bridge and downtown Manhattan. Broadway Phone: (212) 239-6200 or (800) 432-7250 / group # (212) 239-6262 TicketMaster: (212) 307-4100 / group # (212) 889-4300 Going to the theater is one of the most popular events for visitors to New York City. Tickets should be purchased in advance of any show. While many Broadway shows are presented with adult audiences in mind, there are dozens of shows that teens and even younger children can enjoy and appreciate.