Think New York City and think grime, crime, and out of money in no time?  Well, think again.  New York’s now a primo destination for travel with kids, as I learned on a recent trip to the Big Apple with my crew.

Start by checking out – well, checking into – the Homewood Suites in Edgewater, New Jersey.  It’s a ten-minute ferry ride from Manhattan, right in the middle of a super-cute outdoor mall and boasting a killer view of the NYC skyline.  Throw in roomy suites, free shuttle service, and a full, hot breakfast, and you’ll agree that Edgewater’s the place to kick back and relax.

During the day, head into Manhattan and try out CityPass, a coupon booklet with huge discounts on some of NYC’s best family attractions.  My kids loved seeing Van Gogh’s Starry Night in person at the Museum of Modern Art (they’d studied ear amputation in school), and my husband was psyched to check out the Guggenheim.  We circled the island on a boat cruise and soared to the top of the Empire State Building – all with CityPass in hand.

If you’re into exploring, consider playing New York:  The Game, a scavenger hunt that sends clues to your cell phone.  Just choose a New York neighborhood (Chinatown was a great bet for us) and find all of the insider spots.  My kids fought over who got to access and follow each clue.

For relaxation and a treat for yourself, check out SpaDealsNYC.com, an online spa discount site.  I convinced my husband to take the kids for cupcakes down the street while I got an organic facial at Body Beautiful Spa & Laser Center  for a great price.

Photo by offonmars via Flickr Creative Commons

Of course, it wouldn’t be New York without the Great White Way, and there are lots of Broadway shows perfect for a family outing.  In Times Square, you can stand in line for discount tickets – you should have no trouble getting Mamma Mia or Mary Poppins, but you might need a ticket broker for Wicked or Shrek.

For casual family meals, the options are many.  My kids loved Prune in the East Village – it features locally sourced ingredients in its brunches, and the Dutch pancakes and Monte Cristo are to die for.  At Penelope in Murray Hill, be sure to order the macaroni and cheese – better than Mom can make.  And whatever you do, don’t miss brunch at Hotel Griffou (a restaurant, not a hotel) in the West Village.  Decorated in British Colonial style, and complete with garden, library, bar, and sunroom, this place is the bomb.  I devoured the lobster fondue, while my kids co-opted the hot cinnamon buns served in a skillet.  Yum!

After a weekend in the Big Apple, your kids will be begging to go back.  Check back here for suggestions from my family’s next trip!