Family vacations in New York City aren't just for kids. Grandparents, parents toddlers and teens will find an infinite variety of new sights, sounds and experiences to share and savor all around this magical town. Culture, cuisine, sports, entertainment - New York has something to interest and attract every member of the family.

Soar over the skyline, get out on the water or down with the dinosaurs, trace the history of TV, take in an Egyptian temple, sample some scrumptious street fare and then enjoy great sport at a unique waterside complex. New York is the ultimate adventure theme park, offering families the real thing in terms of experience, learning and just plain fun. The city's new vitality, safety, cleanliness and great public transportation system make it a natural choice for a family vacation or weekend get-away. New York City has far more than 20 terrific things for families to do and see - but here's a sampling of some family favorites.

1. Fly High in the Sky with the New York Skyride in the Empire State Building. The Skyride is a thrill-ride journey through New York's most famous landmarks, from the Statue of Liberty to Times Square, all witnessed at warp speed. And, don't forget to stop at the Empire State Building's world-famous Observation Deck for fabulous views. The Skyride is $11.50 for adults, $9.50 for kids and seniors. The Empire State Building is located at 350 Fifth Ave. at 34th Street. (212-279-9777).

2. Get a lift on the Roosevelt Island aerial tram. It's a fast, fun ride over the East River to Roosevelt Island, which once housed the city's hospitals for the criminally insane. Now a community of apartment complexes, shops and parks, the island is ideal for a jog, bike ride or picnic. Tram rides cost $1.50 and depart every 15 minutes from Second Ave. and 60th St. (212-832-4543).

3. Yes, the Tube has a history and at the Museum of Television & Radio, kids can enjoy the classics and baby boomer parents can recall Lucy, Fonzie, Bonanza and other childhood favorites. Call up practically any TV show that was ever made and watch it on one of the museum's consoles. 25 W. 52nd St., between Fifth Ave. and Ave. of the Americas (212-621-6600).

4. Climb a rock, bat a ball, make a splash and go around the running track at Chelsea Piers, the vast riverside sports complex. A day pass costs $31 weekdays - $50 weekends and visitors have access to a swimming pool, baseball batting cages, basketball courts, an outdoor roller-skating rink, a golf driving range, rock climbing, dining and more. There's even the Origins Spa for parent pampering. 23rd St. at the West Side Highway (212-336-6000).

5. Take a high-kicking tour of Radio City Music Hall. One of the world's great theaters, it isn't just for holiday entertainment. There's a 45-minute tour and child-friendly concerts and events are offered year-round. $13.75 for adults, $9 for kids. 1260 Ave. of the Americas, at 50th St. (212-632-4041).

6. Marvel at the Forbes Magazine Galleries. One of Manhattan's little-known treasures, this collection - amassed by mogul Malcolm Forbes - is anchored (pun intended) by more than 500 antique toy ships. Also on display are Forbes's 12,000 toy soldiers and Lincoln memorabilia. 62 Fifth Ave., at 13th St. (212-206-5548).

7. Stroll the South Street Seaport. It's great fun to navigate through its cobblestone thoroughfares to see the restored Federal buildings, ooh and aah at the historic ships, and get involved at the wonderful interactive kids' museum. The Seaport's visitors' center is located at 12 Fulton St. (212-732-7678).

8. Get a behind-the-scenes look at Grand Central Terminal - better known as Grand Central Station. New York's landmark rail hub is a wondrous place with stalking architecture and the fabled constellation ceiling. The station underwent a top-to-bottom refurbishing and the lower levels, where the noted and noisy Oyster Bar is located, have been transformed. If you want to get the whole story behind this fascinating place, stop by on Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. for a free tour sponsored by the Municipal Arts Society. Park Ave. and E. 42nd St. (212-340-2345).

9. Say hello to Winnie-the-Pooh. The original stuffed animal that inspired A.A. Milne's books (along with the real-life prototypes of Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet, and other characters from the Hundred-Acre Wood) can be found at the DonneIl Library, located at 20 W. 53rd St., between Fifth Ave. and Ave. of the Amedces (212-621-0636).

10. Take a trip back in time to the Middle Ages. A visit to the Cloisters, the medieval museum (complete with 800-year-old walls), located at the northern tip of Manhattan, high above the Hudson, introduces budding historians to the Metropolitan Museum's collection of 3,500 Romanesque and Gothic treasures kept here. The museum is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Be sure to see the fabulous Unicorn Tapestries, then stroll in the lovely gardens, ideal for a picnic. Fort Tryon Park (212-923-3700).

11. Make a date with Miss Liberty. One of America's most powerful symbols, the Statue of Liberty has welcomed immigrants for more than a century. Take the ferry to Liberty Island from Battery Park (there are also ferries from Liberty State Park in New Jersey) and enjoy the stunning views from the boat. Once there you may want to try to dissuade your kids from climbing the 354 steps to the statue's crown. Then take the ferry to Ellis Island, and its impressive Immigration Museum. Ferries leave every half-hour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended summer hours. Ferry fares, which include both Liberty and Ellis Islands are $7 for adults, $3 for kids 3-17, kids under 3 ride free. (212-269-5755).

12. Sample some great street eats. Foodcarts on almost every comer make New York a moveable feast. Hot dogs, tacos, falafel, egg rolls, soup and souvlaki (a kind of shish kebab) provide a fun, frugal and tasty family meal.

13. Get aboard the INTREPID Sea-Air-Space Museum. Docked on the Hudson at 12^th Ave. and W. 46^th St., this now-retired aircraft carrier's distinguished career in battle has made way for its new life as a first-rata museum of naval history. (212-245-0072).

14. Don't miss the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It's one of the world's great museums with three must-sees for kids: the awesome Egyptian Temple of Dendur, the medieval armor collection, and two of America's most famous paintings: Gilbert Stuart's portrait of George Washington, and Leutze's Washington Crossing the Delaware. 1000 Fifth Ave., at 80^th St. (212-535-7710).

15. Go bowling or play away. One of Manhattan's great little secrets is the Leisure Time Bowling and Recreation Center, a newly refurbished 30-lane facility located in the Port Authority Bus Terminal (212-268-6909). Also on the site is the Family Golf Center (212-427-5689). 625 Eighth Ave., at 40^th St. Another Family Golf Center is located on Randall's Island.

16. Bone up on dinosaurs at the American Museum of Natural History. There's a lot more than T. Rex skeletons on display - a moon rock and the enormous blue whale that's suspended from the ceiling. A newly opened permanent exhibition, The Hall of Biodiversity is devoted to the variety and interdependence of Earth's living things and their critical roll in human survival. Central Park and W. 79^th St. (212-769-5100).

17. Set sail. Manhattan is an island, and families can see New York from the deck of one of the many sightseeing ships that ply the Hudson and East Rivers. Circle Line at (212-563-3200) Sightseeing Yachts, Inc. departs from Pier 83, W. 42^nd St. at the Hudson River and Spirit Cruises depart from W. 23^rd St. and 12^th Avenue, at (212-727-7735).

18. Experience America's most famous Asian Enclave - Chinatown. Hong Kong without the jet lag, Chinatown is jam-packed with the exciting and exotic. Stop at a bakery for almond cookies, shop for rice bowls in one of the big Canal St. indoor markets, check out the fresh fish and vegetables from the outdoor vendors and be sure to visit a Chinese herbalist for an ancient remedy. Enjoy a dim sum lunch of bite-size dumplings, shrimps and spareribs.

19. Catch the Chagalls and the Calders at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Marc Chagall's fanciful flying horses and acrobats and Alexander Calder's Circus of playful mobiles provide works of art any kid can love. 1071 Fifth Ave., at 88^th St. (212-423-3500).

20. Let them show you the money at the New York Stock Exchange, where there's a 30-minute daily tour Mondays through Fridays. Future financiers will want to arrive early to make sure they get tickets to the visitors' gallery. 20 Broad St., between Exchange Place and Wall St. (212-656-5168). Or, visit the New York Mercantile Exchange at 1 North End Ave. - World Financial Center (212-299-2499).

Provided by www.nycvisit.com, the official web site of the New York Convention & Visitors Bureau