New York · With kids

Dinosaur halls, the blue whale and the Gilder Center burrows. Ages four to twelve; buy a timed slot and skip the queue on Central Park West.

Small, sensible and doable in two hours, with sea lions fed on schedule and a separate petting zoo. Under-eights get the most from it.

Cyclone, Wonder Wheel, a boardwalk and an aquarium in one stretch of sand, an hour down the Q train. Rides suit ages five upwards.

Twenty-five free minutes past the Statue of Liberty, both ways, no ticket and no queue. Works for any age and burns a whole morning happily.

Many stations have stairs only — check for a lift symbol or carry the buggy. Under-44-inch children ride free with an adult.