You're kidding right? Tell that to the millions of families that live there.
But these people are tourists, and the restaurants are entertaining for kids. I lived in NJ my whole life and went into NYC all the time as a kid and we often did touristy things like that cause they're fun. We don't head to those restaurants just to eat, we have other preferences for that, my own being several places in Little Italy. But for doing the tourist thing when we have friends visiting or whatever, those are unique places you can't find all over.
I only say this because you said you've lived in NY for years before checking out WOD and I'm wondering if you mean the old one or the new only that opened in, I think, 2005? The old one was just an average Disney Store, but the new one has various character meet and greets and lots of free activities for kids all day long. My kids always ask to go there to make a craft and get face paint.
If the trip were just the OP and her husband I would completely agree with you, but with a toddler, if you don't add some fun, little kid things in throughout the day, they start to revolt.
It's amazing to have such a large, peaceful place, with lots to do, right in the middle of a bustling city!
and I think I can kind of see what luv2sew was trying to say. When compared to Sesame Place and some of the other destinations geared to very little people, New York's appeal can be a bit less overt for toddler entertainment. Also, it's not the easiest in terms of stroller sidewalk navigation (in parts of midtown, your kid in his stroller literally acts like a battering ram against crowds) and overall cleanliness (I wouldn't necessarily want the kid to touch things outside). That being said, there is a lot of stuff here that little kids would like.
I don't have kids, but I spend my life here
Little-known fact: if your kid likes trucks, most NYC fire departments are totally wonderful with you walking in (you'll pass a bunch with open garage doors) and letting the little guy or gal take a look. They will usually dote on him or her.
I highly recommend Shake Shack, which is next to Madison Square Park down at the intersection of Madison Ave and East 23rd. They have luscious burgers and hot dogs and snacks, and you can carry it out and have a lovely little picnic at the park. Other families will be down there doing it. Your toddler can run off a little energy while you enjoy the sun
P.S. I went to Mars 2112 and, while it certainly wasn't winning any Zagats awards, I found it entertaining as an experience. And isn't an experience what we're essentially after when we're tourists?
