When visiting New York City, it's just not enough to see what's right in front of you. Look up at the magnificent skyscrapers, serving as cavernous monoliths holding all that pulsating energy within. Wander over to Times Square and be mesmerized by the blinking, flashing, glittering billboards as they command your eyes upward to take notice. Look down from the heights of the Empire State Building to gain a true sense of how the Big Apple's slices meld together—gaze toward Lower Manhattan, home of colorful Little Italy, bustling Chinatown and funky SoHo; turn around and glance toward Upper Manhattan, where Harlem's 1920s musical renaissance electrified the country; and in the center of it all, glimpse the rectangular forest of Central Park, playground for all cultures.
Things to do in New York City Airport Area (Jamaica)
Battery Park
Battery Park, at the s. tip of Manhattan Island (S: South Ferry), was the site of a fort established by the first Dutch settlers in 1624. The park affords views of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. The East Coast War Memorial is inscribed with the names of American servicemen who died on the seas during World War II. “The Sphere” a sculpture representing world peace, was salvaged from the World Trade Center debris. Call (212) 561-4588 for more information.
26 Wall St., New York, NY 11434
Brooklyn Children's Museum
The Brooklyn Children's Museum contains more than 77,000 artifacts. Children learn through touching, entering or interacting with exhibits. Arrive early on weekends to avoid crowds. Call (718) 735-4400 for more information.
145 Brooklyn Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11434
Brooklyn Museum
The Brooklyn Museum houses collections of Egyptian, African, Asian, Oceanic, classical, New World and ancient Middle Eastern art as well as American paintings and an outdoor sculpture garden. The Egyptian galleries display mummies, statuary, reliefs and pottery from various dynasties. Artifacts from ancient civilizations such as Assyria and Sumeria are featured in the Ancient Middle Eastern Art Gallery. An extensive decorative arts collection highlights some 23 period rooms representing the 17th through 20th centuries. Visitors can view more than 1,500 objects including pewter, pressed glass, silver, ceramics and furniture in the Luce Center for American Art. Feminist art, including Judy Chicago's The Dinner Party, is shown in the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art. Call (718) 399-8440 for more information.
200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11434
Ellis Island
Ellis Island, in New York Harbor north of the Statue of Liberty, is accessible only by ferry service from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan and from Liberty State Park in Jersey City. This was the nation's main point of entry for millions of immigrants 1892-1954. Some 30 galleries and exhibits chronicle the history of immigration into the United States. Highlights include the baggage, registry and hearing rooms; the American Family Immigration History Center, a computerized genealogy center with the names of immigrants processed during the peak years, 1892-1924; and the American Immigrant Wall of Honor, containing the names of more than 400,000 immigrants. Call (201) 435-9499 for more information.
King Manor Museum
King Manor Museum is at 150-03 Jamaica Ave. (S: Jamaica Center). The 18th-century Dutch-style house was home to Rufus King, a signer of the U.S. Constitution, New York statesman and anti-slavery stalwart. Exhibits in period rooms chronicle King’s life and village history. Call (718) 206-0545 for more information.
150-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica, NY 11434