Families are flocking to New York City. And the kids are helping in planning the vacation. Some 65 percent of the shoppers at the Times Square Toys "R" Us are out-of-towners, according to a company spokesman. Some visitors even make the giant toy store their first stop. Judging by the crowds of out-of-town visitors snapping photographs at the Ferris wheel and Lego Empire State Building located inside the store, it's clear that families love New York.


"We felt like it was our patriotic duty to come," said Bona Christison, who was chaperoning a group of teens from a University of Utah youth theater group.


"Compared to a day at Disneyland, you spend less and there's more to do," said Southern Californian Albert Katz.


Mary DeFeo, 16, persuaded her parents to bring her and her friend to New York to celebrate her 16th birthday--their first trip to the Big Apple. "Shopping is their main thing," said Mary's mom, Jennifer DeFeo, a Rhode Island schoolteacher.


Kids love what they have always loved about New York: "Looking at all the different people," says 14-year-old Cassie Crockett, part of the theater group from Utah.
"The subways," offered 7-year-old Erin Katz, of Southern California.
"Seeing so many big buildings," said Alex Bradley, who doesn't see many of them near his home in New Smyrna, Florida.


The Kid's Guide to New York City explores the Big Apple by neighborhood, supplying essential background information as well as kid-tested tips on where to go and what to see. Fun facts and tips from native New Yorkers on each neighborhood's best site, snack, and souvenir are also included.