The Big Apple inspires endless ideas for gift giving.
New York is a city that is deeply rich in history and culture. When your child's birthday comes around, instead of getting him another toy or video game that will eventually be relegated to the back of his closet, consider an experience gift that reflects the myriad treasures the city has to offer.
Baseball Tickets
If you live in the metropolitan New York area, chances are your kids are fans of either the Mets or the Yankees. Both teams have new stadiums --- the Mets' Citi Field and the Yankees' new Yankee Stadium. A visit to these stadiums can include much more than just the ballgame and a hot dog. Citi Field boasts the Mets Hall of Fame and Museum, and Mr. Met's Kiddie Field, where the 2K Sports FanFest is found, which features a batting cage, base running, video game kiosks and a live DJ. The new Yankee stadium offers stadium tours that include the iconic Memorial Park, as well as birthday parties at the Hard Rock Cafe Yankee Stadium that feature food, beverages, ice cream cake and Yankees souvenirs. As of 2011, game tickets at Citi Field can be bought for as low as $10.80 and bleacher seats are available for $20 at Yankee Stadium.
Tall Ship Sailing Experience
With this gift, kids can have the experience of a lifetime when they climb aboard the Big Apple's only "tall ship," the historic Clipper City. It's a detailed replica of the clipper ships that sailed through New York harbors in the late 19th century. The sailing tour includes views of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. As of 2011, the ship set sails from the South Street Seaport's Pier 17 between April and October. Tickets are $60 apiece, but discounts are given for multiple ticket purchases. For example, four tickets will cost $180.
Night at the Museum
The American Museum of Natural History offers a nocturnal adventure where your child and her guests can spend the night at the museum. While there, they can experience IMAX films and explore the live-animal exhibits, or sign on for a Museum Quest. They'll sleep along side the 94-foot-long blue whale, next to African elephants, or at the base of a volcanic formation. As of 2011, tickets for A Night at the Museum are $129 per person ($119 for members) and include an evening snack and light breakfast, cots, fossil fact-finding mission by flashlight, IMAX film or space show, take-home activities and live-animal presentation.
Theater Tickets
New York is renowned for its theater. Of course, when one thinks of New York theater, Broadway comes to mind. However, the city is teeming with theaters and venues that offer an eclectic array of productions targeted especially toward children. Examples include "Angelina Ballerina the Musical," "Freckleface Strawberry," "Gazillion Bubble Show: The Next Generation," and "Gustafer Yellowgold's Infinity Sock." New shows are always opening and some shows have limited runs, so check local listings to search for a production your child will enjoy.
Tags: Citi Field, your child, Night Museum, video game, Yankee Stadium
