Now that school is at last back in session, it’s time to think about some extra special places to go with your little ones to help ease the pain of the end of the summer. Luckily, New York loves kids!

American Museum of Natural History
There is no question the AMNH has risen to super-nova star status. Movies like a Night in the Museum and dozens of books have all added to the allure of this mother of all kid-friendly museums. From gigantenormous dinosaur bones, to humungagiant blue whales hanging from ceilings, your kids will beg to stay way past closing hours. Entrance is free, but it is suggested that adults donate $19 per person.

The Zoo
The weather is still great, so why not go see the elephants? Which zoo, you may ask? Well, there are so many to choose from in the five boroughs and beyond, that whatever you choose is sure to please. For a zoo more in tune with conservation and animal welfare, your best bet is probably the Bronx Zoo, but don’t dismiss the joys of a visit to the Central Park Zoo, the Prospect Park Zoo (Brooklyn) or the Staten Island Zoo. We are pretty sure they all have elephants.

Coney Island
This amusement park destination might be unique in that it is part of a real live neighborhood and is along a real live beach. Situated along the great boardwalk that connects Coney Island to Brighton Beach, if you get tired of roller coasters and Ferris wheels, just walk along the boardwalk and feel the cool ocean breezes and snack on some hot dogs and cotton candy washed down with some cold beer. Oh, and get your kids something, too.

There is no better time to make some great memories with your kids than now. And with so many fun activities to choose from, those memories are sure to be thrilling. Get out there and par-ty!

Take a tour of one of the world’s greatest landmarks. You get a boat ride, too!

You probably already knew this, but it is nice to have one’s suspicions confirmed- according to NYCTourist, the five “must-do” activities for families in New York are:

•    The American Museum of Natural History: Dinosaurs; giant whales on the ceiling; an awesome sky show at the planetarium. You name it, its inside this amazing building filled with mysteries revealed, little-known creatures and anything else your imagination can, or sometimes cannot come up with.

•    Broadway: Singing, dancing, drama- the Great White Way will light up you and your family’s life like no other experience. Yes, its expensive, but there are ways of saving lots on your tickets, either on the internet or getting tickets at the last moment in Times Square. Don’t miss giving your family memories that will last a lifetime.

•    NY Skyride: Take the elevator up, up, up to the top of the Empire State building and enjoy a 30 minute virtual tour in a simulator which is a one-of-a-kind. Passengers move in synch with the 18-foot high-definition screen while flying above the streets and landmarks of NYC.

•    Statue of Liberty and Skyline Cruise: going to the SOL is like getting two great activities rolled into one. A fun boat ride with the best view of the NYC skyline imaginable; and an exciting and educational tour of one of the greatest landmarks found anywhere in the world. Take the kids, you won’t regret it.

•    NYC Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tours: really get down to the nitty-gritty of what NYC is all about. It’s about the culture, and where better to explore the culture than in the neighborhoods and the unique foods offered. It’s something different and sure to please.

Visitors to New York should know about a great way to save money and time when they visit some of New York’s most beloved attractions, CityPASS.

For only $79 for an adult and $59 for a child, New York CityPASS allows holders to strut right past the lines for tickets to the following six destinations, at about half the price it would cost if the entrance fees were paid for at each site.

•    The Empire State Building
•    The Metropolitan Museum of Art
•    The American Museum of Natural History
•    The Museum of Modern Art
•    Either the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour or a Circle Line Cruise
•    Either Top of the Rock or the Guggenheim Museum

The CityPASS is valid for nine days from the time the first attraction is visited. You receive with your tickets in-depth information about each site, including hours of operation, location, a map and tips.

Next time you are in New York, consider getting a CityPASS to ease your stay and make it the best visit to the Big Apple that you ever had.

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the  jewels in the crown of New York’s special significance as a world center of culture. No matter what you love, or what your interests might be, there is something that will fascinate you at this repository of some of the world’s most unique, educational and enlightening artifacts.

If you have never been to the AMNH, or if it’s been a while since your last visit, then you should take my advice and get over there soon. Here is a list of some of the special exhibitions which will without a doubt intrigue and inspire you.

• Brain: The Inside Story–

This exhibit, which is open until August 14, 2011, will bring you inside what is the most amazing product of evolution, developed over millions of years. “The human brain is the most complex and fascinating biological structure known, and we are delighted to explore its many facets in Brain: The Inside Story,” says Ellen V. Futter, President of the American Museum of Natural History. “This exhibition illustrates how our remarkable brains work and what makes them so special, while featuring what is currently one of the hottest and most promising fields in science today—neuroscience. Visitors will not only learn what’s in store for our brains in the 21st century, but will come away with an enriched perspective on the extraordinary brain, the vehicle for all of the things that makes us human.”

• Body and Spirit: Tibetan Medical Paintings—

This exhibit features 64 Tagkas, or Tibetan medical paintings, which are part of the AMNH’s collection. These are hand-painted reproductions of traditional scroll paintings, and are on view for the first time in a museum exhibition. The paintings allow us to get a glimpse into the history of early medical knowledge in Tibet, and it is also thought that this group of paintings is among only a tiny number of such sets which exist in the world. “The Museum’s Tibetan collection, from which these paintings are taken, comprises nearly 2,800 objects, and is among the finest in the United States,” said Ellen V. Futter, President of the American Museum of Natural History. “This new exhibition represents the continuation of a great artistic tradition and will offer visitors a unique and fascinating perspective on early Tibetan culture.” Until July 17th.

• Hayden Planetarium Space Shows—

Using the most up-to-the-minute technology the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center of Earth and Space is able to bring the world of science into sharp focus. Showing now are two fascinating presentations: “Journey to the Stars,” narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, will take you back 13 billion years to the very beginning of the universe. The second show is  a double feature, with “Passport to the Universe,” narrated by Tom Hanks, and “The Search for Life: Are We Alone?” narrated by Harrison Ford.

For More Information Contact the Museum: (212) 769-5100