South Street Seaport251

South Street Seaport covers eleven city blocks, including Piers 15 through 17, and you can wander around the 19th century buildings and get a real feel for this waterfront area, which was the center of New York commerce for over two centuries. There are always amazing street performances happening here, from mimes to musicians to jugglers. The entry fee gets you in for a visit to the Seaport Museum galleries and two historic ships.

Almost every Saturday, from noon to 3pm, the Seaport Museum offers Family Programs, fun projects, and arts and crafts - all with a nautical flair. Family Programs are free with Museum admission (unless otherwise noted) and are designed for children ages four and up, along with their families. Visit our calendar or call 212.748.8786 for program specifics and blackout dates.

During the warmer months, the real excitement at the Seaport is riding The Shark, a fast motorboat ride that stops and poses at the Statue of Liberty, then buzzes under The Brooklyn Bridge.

On the day we visited The Seaport proper, only two ships were open: The Peking and The Ambrose and neither of them were of much interest. Missing were The Wavertree and the working vessels, The Pioneer and The Lettie G. Howard, sailing ships which can be booked for private sails.

The newly restored historic tug, W.O. Decker, can cross the breadth of the harbor and enter lesser known waterways such as Gowanus Basin, Jamaica Bay, and the Meadowlands. The Decker offers lunch time and sunset cruises, education programs for teachers and small groups, public tours of special interest, and private excursions. The working hidden harbor, wetlands and birds, and water quality investigations are just a few of the unique topics available. Call 212.748.8786 for details and schedule.

New York Unearthed, at 17 State Street, is the Seaport's center for urban archaeology, and it's somewhat more interesting, especially for kids who like fossils and bones. Open by appointment, call 212.748.8738.

Seaport Ice, a seasonal ice skating rink, offers commanding views of the East River.

When all else fails, The Mall offers a good place to rest your feet, take in the view, and have a bite. We recommend Uno Chicago Grill, which serves pizza and has a nice outdoor seating area on the upper deck when the weather cooperates.

Birthday parties can be held on the tall ship Peking, or on the 1885 schooner Pioneer. Themes range from pirates to sailing; call 212.748.8786 for current fees and formats.

Membership at the Seaport has its benefits; especially if you plan to have any parties at the Children's Center, where membership shaves $50 off the price of the party. The most sensible choice for families is the Dual/Family membership at $75, which offers free admission for two adults and children younger than 17, membership cards for adults and children over 12; and discounts on one child's party. There is, however, no tax deduction.

Bathrooms: Stop for a bite at one of the restaurants and use their bathrooms, which will almost certainly be cleaner and nicer than the public ones.