New York City has a lot of activities for kids available year round and a host of attractions designed just for them. Legendary toy store FAO Schwarz or the incredibly large Toys R Us on Broadway are just a few. Kids love to skate at Rockefeller Center's rink or enjoy the multitude of activities in Central Park including the Children's Zoo and carousel. When the day is done, they are hungry. Fortunately, New York City is home to many kid-friendly restaurants that will keep you sane while they stay occupied.
Jekyll & Hyde Club
The Jekyll & Hyde Club is part horror show, part wax museum. It attempts to chronicle Dr. Jekyll's quest to rid himself of his Mr. Hyde persona. The walls are filled with interactive characters, like Tobias Bloodworth the werewolf, and live characters wander the restaurant like Dr. Madd, a purported descendant of Dr. Frankenstein. The restaurant houses four floors of spooky characters and special effects, enough to keep the children occupied as they wait for their food.
The menu is extensive and covers typical American fare. It offers a host of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pizza, pastas and desserts. The burgers are a big hit with the younger set sporting names like the Mummy Burger and the Monster Burger. Adult fare, such as rosemary-garlic chicken and char-crusted ribeye steak, are also available. Dad will be happy to know that Jekyll & Hyde offers a large beer menu as well. They are open for lunch and dinner seven days per week and offer a free-drink brunch on the weekends.
Jekyll & Hyde Club
1409 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10019
(212) 541-9505
jekyllandhydeclub.com
Mars 2112
If your children like Marvin the Martian, they will love Mars 2112. This space-themed restaurant is located in the heart of all that Times Square has to offer. The space is an amazing 35,000 square feet spread over two levels. Live characters Empress Glorianna, Captain Orion and QTP roam the space interacting with kids and adults alike. While the children explore, you can relax in the Mars Bar sipping one of their Mars signature drinks, watch the latest Mars news on MARS TV or read about goings on in "Mars Today." Everyone is issued Martian Federation visas before entering the motion ride that simulates a trip through space.
The main dining room, Crystal Crater, sports a three-story crystal tree covered by glass that offers views of the Martian landscape. The 400-seat restaurant is set on two levels and includes a computer arcade for the kids called Cyber Street. The menu is both kid- and adult-friendly offering everything from hamburgers to grilled salmon and Moet & Chandon champagne. Mars 2112 welcomes new recruits for lunch and dinner seven days per week.
Mars 2112
1633 Broadway
New York, New York
(212) 582-2112
mars2112.com
Mickey Mantle's
Baseball loving families will love Mickey Mantle's. The restaurant is just noisy enough to drown out any noise your kids could make, and big-screen televisions are scattered throughout the multi-level dining room. Décor is vintage baseball, with an assortment of autographed baseballs, T-shirts and hats on display.
The menu is varied, offering a variety of appetizers, sides, burgers, sandwiches, salads, steaks, pastas and desserts. Specialty dishes include chicken parmigiana, herb-roasted breast of chicken and chicken-fried steak. They offer a Little League menu for children under 12, and a Spring Training menu for adults hoping to eat on the lighter side. Mickey Mantle's is open for lunch and dinner seven days per week.
Micky Mantle's
42 Central Park South
New York, New York
(212) 688-7777
mickeymantles.com
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