KidTripster Teen: We’re pretty sure you haven’t checked out these 5 new attractions in NYC
Even though I’m a huge fan of revisiting my favorite landmarks (views atop the Empire State Building never get old), I’m always on a quest to find my next adventure in New York City. Luckily for me, this city is constantly reinventing itself. There’s always a new destination to discover right outside my door. Here are some of the latest attractions to debut in NYC, ideal for families of all ages.
1. SPYSCAPE
928 8th Ave.
Grab your best black garb along with some combat boots and head over to SPYSCAPE. Developed with the aid of actual ex-British intelligence officers and former secret agents, this super-interactive museum will assess your investigative skills and challenge your intellect in order to determine where you belong on a team of spies. Wristbands – distributed at the start of your journey – track your personal progress as you work through the challenges in each of the museum’s seven exhibits. Along the way, you’ll get an education on the sinister world of espionage and its history, as well as learn about some of the most chilling events of hacking and cyber-terrorism ever. At the end of your visit, you’ll be informed as to which spy role you’re best suited for. I’d tell you what I am, but that’s classified.
It’s honestly one of the coolest ways to spend an afternoon in the city, and James Bond fan or not, this experience will leave you yearning for your next secret mission! Cost: Youth (3-12) $32; Adult: $39.
2. VR World NYC
4 E. 34th St.
Prepare to experience the 21st century version of arcade gaming. VR World NYC transports guests to an alternate reality. If that doesn’t seem impressive, keep reading! I entered a bit wary myself, but from the moment I put on my first headset, I was hooked. With dozens of different experiences to check out – from flying to destroying flying robots – everyone can find an encounter to enjoy. Initially, moving around with the headset on is a little awkward and disorienting. But after getting the hang of it, the feel is exhilarating. It’s easy to get caught up in a virtual world, but if it ever gets “too real,” a staff member is always nearby to stop the experience. There are varying levels of difficulty, so try everything to get the full experience. I really enjoyed all the games, but Fruit Ninja and Tilt Brush were my top picks. For newbies, start with Richie’s Plank; it’s a wild introduction to the VR universe. Cost: 2-hours $39; All day $59.
KidTripster Tip: This attraction has an age restriction. Children under 7 aren’t allowed in, and certain games have ages requirements, as well. I think that it’s probably best suited to teens. Also, be aware that VR World does serve alcohol during the evening hours, so the crowd will tend to skew older at night.
KidTripster Tip: Be sure to wear comfy clothing that you can easily move in because you won’t want to be restricted while you’re chopping fruit or slaying zombies. There are also no storage lockers here, so don’t bring extra bags that you’ll have to lug around with you.
3. National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey
226 W. 44th St.
Did you know that only 5% of the Earth’s oceans have been explored? It’s no wonder that most of us know very little about marine life. Ocean Odyssey is devoted to demystifying the deep and helping people see the world of water from a totally new perspective. This venue is a digital ocean from floor to ceiling where visitors are escorted on an immersive journey across the seven seas. Some of the stops include California’s kelp forests, the shallows of the Solomon Islands, and the far depths of the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, there are lots of innovative and interactive displays that make it exciting to learn about different sea creatures and plants in each area. Ocean pollution is a focus here, as well, with the goal of educating the public on how to save our greatest natural resource. In fact, a portion of ticket proceeds goes to National Geographic’s ocean conservation effort. For folks who want the fun of ocean exploration without getting wet, this place is “shore” to please. Cost: Youth (12 & under) $32.50; Adult $39.50.
KidTripster Tip: Admission tickets are timed and non-refundable. If you know that you’re going to miss your time slot, you must present your ticket for exchange before the time and date on the ticket. If you miss your time slot, there’s no guarantee of entry, and additional fees may apply.
4. Gulliver’s Gate
216 W. 44th St.
Borrowing a literary reference from Jonathan Swift’s classic novel, the creators of Gulliver’s Gate have managed to achieve a most extraordinary engineering feat – shrinking the world to fit in their awesome 50,000-square foot location in the Theater District. The result is nothing short of spectacular! Visitors get a key that doubles as a cool souvenir and unlocks magic in this mini wonderland. On display are diminutive replicas of distinguished locales around the globe; the most elaborate of them is dedicated to the Big Apple itself. Each vignette is a veritable, visual feast; it’s sometimes difficult to know where to look first. My advice is to stroll at a leisurely pace or you may miss something! Friendly museum ambassadors are at every turn to answer any questions and help identify notable gems in the exhibits. I loved spying Spiderman in NYC and Peter Pan in London. After spending a few hours here, you’ll discover that it really is a small world after all! Cost: Youth (under 5) Free; Youth (6-12) $27; Adults $36; save 30% with a family ticket.
KidTripster Tip: Purchase tickets online and save $5/person. Also look for discount codes online.
5. Museum of the Moving Image
36-01 35th Ave., Queens
This place isn’t exactly new; in fact, far from it. Before opening its doors as a museum in 1988, the building was home to the historic Astoria Studios. The space is dedicated to relating the history of the moving image in all its forms and is the only place of its kind in the United States. Exhibits focus on the various steps for making movies and animation. That makes this museum pretty cool all on its own. What is new here (and makes this spot even cooler) is the permanent Jim Henson exhibit that recently opened. Even if you’re not a Sesame Street devotee, it’s still amazing. The exhibit celebrates the life and works of this incredible puppeteer and film director. On display, you’ll find scripts and design sketches, as well as some of his most famous puppets, including Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. Henson fans will find it a most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, muppetational time! Cost: Youth (Under 3) Free; Youth (3-17) $9; Adult $15.
KidTripster Tip: While already the most affordable spot on our list, know that admission to the museum is free every Friday from 4 – 8 p.m.
Laine Messier is a homeschooled high school student, who currently splits her time between Los Angeles and New York City. She’s lucky enough to be able to explore the globe with her parents and is always on the lookout for unique and exciting experiences.
This writer received complimentary admission to some attractions for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.
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