New York is the greatest place for kids. When my daughters were a little younger I would buckle them into the double stroller, pack up a couple of sippy cups, hard boiled eggs and rice crackers for lunch and go see the sights. We would do the playground hop, stopping at every playground on our way across town. My destination was either City Bakery (for a chocolate cookie) or the Cupcake Cafe across the street in Books of Wonder (for a cupcake). It was a dilemma, cookie or cupcake - which one to consume? I never had to worry about it being fattening because pushing the double stroller was such a work out. I always tried to time my expedition to coincide with the farmers market in Union Square so that I could purchase my groceries and tie them onto the stroller. The only thing I had to be careful of were the moments when my daughters would charge towards the swings, leaving my ... [more]
New York with Kids, Victoria Kann
Taxi?
Nothing cries 'tourist' more than waving one's hands vigorously and fruitlessly as off-duty and fare-carrying taxis speed by. Here's the simple rule: if the taxi's numbers on his rooftop are lit, he's free. If they aren't lit, he's not. And if they are flanked by "off duty" lights, he's not. Here's the exception: sometimes an off-duty driver can be convinced to take you to your destination: if it's on his way home. If he stops for you, inquire.
Here's another vehicular tip: those town cars honking at you as you stand on the corner are livery cabs. They are not licensed to carry passengers but have a brisk business. If you are desperate for transportation and air-conditioning, it's an option.