NYC Summer Fun! My Top 10 list of Family Friendly New York City Things To Do! {Photos}

With a ton of bloggers about to descend upon Manhattan for the BlogHer Conference (where I will be Live Blogging), I know invariably some will be bringing family and many of you extending your stay for a few days to take in all the family friendly sites New York City has to offer!

My Top Ten Family Friendly Fun things to do in New York City include:

1) OK so I'm a bit biased here and will start with the fact that there are three major NYC family friendly landmarks in my 'backyard' - Take in a game at Yankee Stadium. Summer is synonymous with Yankee Games for most New Yorkers and the stadium is just a train ride away no matter where in the city you may find yourself.

2) A little more bias here, and even closer to my home is The Bronx Zoo, check out this link for a major discount on tickets! Yes I am a Wildlife Conservation Society Blogger Brand Ambassador, but I have been visiting the zoo since I was a kid, and the tradition continues today with my nieces and nephews. Our summer isn't complete until we have visited the zoo, there is always something new going on there!

The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York

3) Also near me is the New York Botanical Gardens. The Gardens are as fun and as family friendly as it gets, your prettiest photos are going to come from here!

Central Park, New York City

4) Central Park and the Central Park Zoo - It would be difficult to do the park in one day as there is so much to do and see, but the Central Park Zoo is a must visit with your family.

Coney Island, Brooklyn New York

5) Coney Island - The amusement park and beach are a NYC landmark. This is just plain fun.

Rye Playland, Rye New York

6) Rye Playland - Another New York Amusement Park, it's a bit further out but not difficult to reach.

The New York Aquarium, Brooklyn, New York

7) The New York Aquarium - Another one of my favorite annual summer things to do, it's family friendly and kids love watching the animal feedings!

View of Lady Liberty from Smooth Jazz Cruise, photo used WITH permission

Staten Island Ferry, New York City

8) Statue of Liberty - There are tons of way to see her, but us locals still recommend seeing her from the Staten Island Ferry! I got to see her last year from the Smooth Jazz Cruise and had a fantastic time!

Museum of Natural History, New York City

9) The Museum of Natural History - Not that any of the museums in 'museum mile' should be missed, but this one is hands down the most family fun of all them all.

Empire State Building, New York City

10) Empire State Building - The view of NYC from the Empire State Building is bar none, that's why it's been in numerous movies and tv shows throughout the years. Just please be prepared that there is a security line to contend with and a long ride to the top. Only you know how well your child handles long lines and LOTS of people. and depending on their age, they might not find all that work to get to the top is worth it.

Any bloggers coming in that need additional recos, please feel free to comment here!

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, I am a Britax Latina Advisory Board Member and Blogger. I am also a Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Society Blog Ambassador. All opinions are 100% my own.

Wordless Wednesday: Newest Atlantic City Gaming Resort! See the Revel in {Pictures} #HowIDoAC

During Fourth of July weekend, I enjoyed Fireworks and the new show Duality on the Boardwalk, and while I stayed at the Golden Nugget (You can check out my posts from the original trip HERE and HERE), I also took some time to check out Atlantic City's newest Gaming Resort during it's opening weekend to the public, the Revel.

Atlantic City's Revel is the first ALL SMOKE FREE casino in Atlantic City, and I can tell you that when you walk in, you can 'smell' the difference! The aisles are spacious and wide, they have tons of new machines, and great food options too, here are a few pictures from my recent trip:

**Chef Jose Garces’ Distrito Cantina, a Mexican “take-out” window inspired by the uber-popular Guapos Taco Truck in Philly, is a popular place to grab quick eats off the gaming floor at the Revel Atlantic City Casino in New Jersey**

**Chef Jose Garces’ Distrito Cantina, a Mexican “take-out” window inspired by the uber-popular Guapos Taco Truck in Philly, is a popular place to grab quick eats off the gaming floor at the Revel Atlantic City Casino in New Jersey**

**Chef Jose Garces’ Distrito Cantina, a Mexican “take-out” window inspired by the uber-popular Guapos Taco Truck in Philly, is a popular place to grab quick eats off the gaming floor at the Revel Atlantic City Casino in New Jersey**

**Chef Jose Garces’ Distrito Cantina, a Mexican “take-out” window inspired by the uber-popular Guapos Taco Truck in Philly, is a popular place to grab quick eats off the gaming floor at the Revel Atlantic City Casino in New Jersey, Left: Mama Butterfly, Right: Ascending Butterfly**

We tried a little bit of everything and while everything we tried gets a thumbs up, our personal favorite was the 'Vuelva La Vida' - it was absolutely, positively, hands-down the most yummo part of our meal! The service is attentive and the sodas come with free refills!

I haven't had the pleasure of staying overnight yet, so I can't provide a review of the rooms, but I can say I greatly enjoyed my visit and would definitely visit there again during my next trip to Atlantic City! The Revel however could take lessons from the Golden Nugget in how to make a perfect Bloody Mary Cocktail! (Golden Nugget is definitely the winner there!)

**These shots were taken with an iPod Touch**

Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received to share my impressions of the Revel Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey. Although if they ever want me to review the property and stay over, I'd certainly be open to it! :)

Wordless Wednesday: Morro Castle!

This is one of my favorite pictures that I took during a trip to Puerto Rico. This is 'Fort San Felipe del Morro' also known by tourists as 'Morro Castle' in San Juan. How I wish I was there right now!

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FTC Disclosure: I have NOT been compensated for this post. This is my own photo!