West 78 St, Upper West Side

Sandwiched between the Museum of Natural History (and its attendant Rose Planetarium) and Riverside Drive Park, West 78th Street can seem like a paradise for kids. Steps from Collegiate School, one of the best K-12 private boys' schools in Manhattan, as well as from the Tecumseh Playground and, of course Central Park, this street is an ideal family neighborhood. Yet it's far from quiet. The bustling tourist trade around the Museum of Natural History keeps things lively, as does the burgeoning restaurant scene, which while not "trendy," nevertheless is more active than in other similar "family-oriented" neighborhoods. Try the colorful Nice-Martin, a French restaurant that eschews dark wood and Parisian zinc in favor of a brighter decor reminiscent of the South of France, or have a family brunch at the Amsterdam Avenue outlet of Upper East Side brunch standby Sarabeth's. Isabella's Restaurant, on Columbus Avenue, also offers a highly tasty brunch. Public transport is highly convenient, with a number of north-south subway stops on 79th Street, and the crosstown bus on 78th/9th.

Located off of Riverside Drive, W 78th is a wonderful neighborhood on NY's Upper West Side. On 77th, within walking distance, there is the Tecumseh Playground that has awsome slides and a basketball court. The Planeterium is also at the end of this street. There are at least 2 hotels in this neighborhood alone - great for visiting relatives. The Imperial Court - supporters of Gay/Lesbian activities is also in this neighborhood if this is important for you to know. The Dovetail Restaurant is also close by for those interested in fine dining.

La Vela, an Italian Restaurant located at the corner of Amsterdam Ave doesn’t look too out-of-the-ordinary, but it gets great reviews constantly. It’s one of those mom-and-pops looking places with checkered table cloths (you can see such places crammed into Little Italy), and the prices are a great find for the neighborhood.