Find out why New York City is one of BabyZone's Top 10 Family Travel Destinations:

If you have only one day to spend in NYC, a great way to get the most bang for your buck is to take a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise around the city. Marvel at Manhattan's magnificent skyline, get up close and personal with the majestic Statue of Liberty, and catch a glimpse of Ellis Island, the gateway to America for many of our ancestors. Refreshments and souvenirs are available on board. Three-hour cruises depart as early as 9:30AM, allowing plenty of time for more sightseeing after your tour. Taking a tour is a great way to minimize the amount of walking you'll need to do—any visit to NYC requires a ton of walking, which can be difficult with little ones in tow.

When it comes to navigating the streets of Manhattan, if your children are easily portable then I highly recommend bringing your Baby Bjorn or sling. Leave heavy, cumbersome strollers at home and purchase an inexpensive umbrella stroller for your trip—ideal for lifting onto the subway and getting in and out of shops, museums, and restaurants. But the most important item to pack is comfortable shoes for all—your feet will thank you at the end of the day.

When traveling to NYC, a visit to Central Park is not to be missed. This 843-acre park is the jewel of the city, with 21 wonderful playgrounds dotting the landscape, as well as the Friedsam Memorial Carousel, a year-round attraction. From there it is a close walk to the Wollman Rink. From November through March the rink is home to ice skating, but from May through September it houses the Victorian Gardens Amusement Park.

Of course no trip to NYC would be complete without a visit to the quintessential toy store FAO Schwarz, a crowd pleaser for children of all ages. It's a great place to start your tour of Central Park. Enter the park at the Grand Army Plaza (5th Ave. at 60th St.) and from there it's a short walk to the Central Park Zoo and Tisch Children's Zoo. You can zip through seeing the star attractions such as the polar bears and petting zoo. Stop by the Leaping Frog Café, a great spot that boasts a healthy, kid-friendly menu at reasonable prices.

If time permits, a visit to the American Museum of Natural History will delight the whole family. This museum boasts the Butterfly Conservatory exhibit (open October through June 2006), two famed dinosaur collections, and the Rose Center for Earth and Space (including Hayden Planetarium). Super Saver packages offer admission into as many IMAX films, Rose Center space shows, and current exhibitions.

No matter how you decide to spend your time here, just remember NYC is family friendly. It's a great way to expose your kids to culture, people of every nationality, and the widest variety of food imaginable. The sights and sounds of the city will leave an indelible impression on your whole family.

Going to New York City? Don't miss our comprehensive listings of popular sights, family-friendly hotels, and welcoming restaurants throughout the Big Apple.