Thinking about New York City for a holiday,, ideas on what to do?

I will be stateside for a month or so in a few weeks, and when school is out, I want to take the girls somewhere different. We have done Florida to death, so I was thinking about New York. Besides taking in some shows, the Metropolitan Museum, shopping,,, what else  should we do?  I spent a month there years ago when training with Lancome, but I only had weekends off to explore, and I know the girls would love the museums, and such,, but I never made it to the Statue of Liberty, or rode the Staten Island Ferry. So would love to go back and do that. 

Also, where to stay? Stayed at the Parker Meridien, and it was very nice, but not sure if I can afford it.  So sell me on New York

Also, any other destination ideas are welcome. 

Sorry, tebs. I can't sell you on NYC. I guess I'm the only person in the world who doesn't heart it. But if you travel a few hours north and head for Rhode Island, I'll be more than happy to advise you!

I just got back from NY this morning.  I would definitely recommend NYC, it is after all, one of the greatest cities in the world.  I would recommend the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and a visit to Ground Zero. 

Walk through all the different neighborhoods in Lower Manhattan to get a feel for it (Chinatown, Little Italy, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, etc.)

bvamin

Statue of Liberty is a must-see.
Staten Island Ferry - if you want to stay on the ferry and turn right back around back to Manhattan, but at least there are beautiful views from the ferry. 
Circle Line Cruise
Chelsea Piers
Top of the Empire State Building on a clear day (buy tickets in advance at www.esbnyc.com).
Central Park for people-watching and Central Park Zoo
Yankee Game (?) if they like sports or sports history
NBC Studio Tour (or at least hit the Studio Store)
Tickets to a live audience taping, if the girls are old enough (Letterman, Conan O'Brien, talk shows, or stand outside the Today Show window)
Times Square
South Street Seaport (?) haven't been there in a few years though - may have changed
Museum of Natural History
Guggenheim Musem
MoMA
Eat at:  Sardi's early or after 8:00PM when the theater crowd leaves, hop over to Peter Luger's in Williamsburgh Brooklyn for the best steak in NYC, Mulberry Street in Little Italy for good Italian food, ColdStone Creamery for to-die-for ice-cream creations
Shopping:  in Times Square, midtown on 5th Ave, SoHo on Broadway
  Ah, NYC, so much to do and see....  Have fun.

I think you should come to Chicago, but then, I'm biased!

If your children require Disney-like entertainment, this suggestion is not for you, but if they are interested in social history, this place is a must-see:

http://www.tenement.org/

Jim

If you're looking for a show you can sometimes get half price tickets. Here's the info:

http://www.nytix.com/Broadway/HalfPriceTicketStand/halfpriceticketstand.html

Have fun!

thanks for all the great info everyone   I think the girls are old enough to really enjoy a trip there  

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Spend the ENTIRE day there!  It's soooo worth it!

I did spend an entire day there,, in just the Egyptian section alone! I loved it there That would be a definate place to go to,,lol

When are you thinking of going!  Can I come too

Sure! I forgot that you know your way around there!  LOL, going in June,, probably within the first two weeks of June. Nothing in stone yet,, havn't even mentioned the idea to the girls yet, am still working on my 'presentation',,;)

Well, I'll be there at the end of June!  NY is so fun!  So much to do, see EAT!!!!  Oh I can't wait to go back!!!!

I am to fly back here on July 1,, so I don't know if the end of June will be a good idea, but it would be a hoot to hang out with you for a bit .

I am to fly back here on July 1,, so I don't know if the end of June will be a good idea, but it would be a hoot to hang out with you for a bit .

Ohh, we fly back on the 2nd!  We are actually going to Boston for a wedding first.  Then going to NYC and maybe East Hampton after that!

Stuzgirl gave a lot of great ideas, I will try and think of more.  I have some great Sushi places for you to go and other cuisines as well!