Transportation

Just like a ride on the Staten Island Ferry, kids think taking the Roosevelt Island Tram is an adventure in and of itself. (That's why the tram is on our list of 100 Things to Do With Your Kids in NY Before They Grow Up, again just like the ferry.)

Although it was closed for nine months in 2010 while it underwent extensive renovations, the tram's back up and as exciting as ever. It departs every 15 minutes from Second Avenue and 59th Street. In chillier weather, heat lamps keep you toasty as you wait for it to arrive. Once on board, the tram takes passengers high above the East River, peaking at 250 feet, all for the cost of one MetroCard swipe. (You can even use your unlimited card.) The views of Manhattan’s East Side, the East River and the Queensboro Bridge are spectacular. But as fun as it is, at approximately three-minutes in length, it doesn't equal a day trip.

However, once you arrive, you can certainly make a day of it. My family and I recently spent some time on Roosevelt Island and we found plenty of cool things to do.

Round this time of year I usually get at least one email from someone asking about traveling to New York City or traveling away from NYC with little kids and how to deal with taxis and car services and car seats. Although the law does not require you to use a car seat in a taxi or livery service, it is wise to do so anyway. You probably wouldn't even dream of letting your kids go car seat free in your own car and a taxi is no safer. If you have a baby then a snap and go is a great option for traveling and switching between car and walking, but for kids that need a regular car seat it gets a little more complicated. Luckily, if you don't want to travel with a car seat, there are some car services in New York that will provide one.