My family and I (children age 3&9) have a 3 hour layover at Penn Station NYC around Noon, what could we do?

Question

My family and I are travelling by train to Florida from Boston. We have a 3 hour layover at Penn Station NYC and we want to make the most of the time. The children are aged 9 and 3. We would be there between noon and 3pm. What could we do outside of the station that is close by so that we could get back in time to catch our train. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

You can go to Macy's a block away. You can go to the Manhattan Mall - 32nd Street and 6th Avenue; there is a food court downstairs. You'll see the outside of Madison Square Garden. If you want to walk three long blocks to Fifth Avenue, you can stand outside the Empire State Building (there are always long lines waiting to go up, so you won't have enough time to go to the observatory) The area around Penn Station is a good place to buy cameras and accessories. Get some sandwiches to eat on the train - Blarney Rock on 32nd Street between 6th and 7th Avenue or American Burger on the corner of Sixth Avenue and 32nd Street - all they have are burgers or grilled chicken sandwiches - with various toppings - they are excellent.

When you're in Boston, please have a slice of St Anthony's pizza at Regina's for me - it's really good - sausage, roasted peppers, onions, mushrooms, garlic -yummm. Have a great vacation.

Answer 2

New York Penn Station is conveniently located--most attractions in New York are connected to it by the subway. Times Square is just a station away. And if you are inclined, you can follow the Red line uptown to places such as Central Park, Lincoln Center, or Columbia University in a matter of minutes. There are some communities that can be of interest too--Soho, Chinatown, etc. I would advise against the Statue of Liberty--I don't know about the winter season, but in the summer the line-up itself is often 1+ hour, in addition to the ferry there and back. I also don't think you will have time for the Art Museums either.

Answer 3

Honestly, there really isn't much you can do in three hours. If you can get tickets, try to do the Madison Square Garden tour- kids will love it. Also, I'd suggest a quick visit to Macy's and then lunch at the Stage Door Deli, which is located on the corner of 33rd and 8th Ave. It's a nice little place, certainly better than MacDonald's, but still kid friendly. Try their turkey wrap and carrot cake.

Best of all, this is in walking distance. Because you're on such a tight schedule, I would not recommend doing anything that involves public transportation. I commute from NJ on a daily basis and can't tell you how many times I have missed my usual train because of something with the subway (running late, breakdown, etc). And from what I've seen of Amtrak, I'd suggest you get back to the waiting area with plenty of time to spare, too.

Answer 4

you can do alot IF you have your luggage checked. Dont try to do these carring suitcases.

Penn Station is between 31st and 33rd Street and between 7th and 8th Ave's.

Herald Square is 33rd and 6th and Broadway.
The Empire State Building is 33rd and 5th Ave.
Times Square is 42nd Street, 7th Ave and Broadway.

If you are feeling like you want to do something important....
From Penn Station, take the 8th Ave Subway, E Train downtown to the World Trade Center Site ( about a 15 Min Subway Ride) The WTC Station is the last stop on the E Line.

Answer 5

penn station has an exit on 34th street which is one of the most happening streets in manhattan. go out and look at stores. macys in right in front of you along with many other famous stires. but make sure you dont have too many things to carry =)

Answer 6

Go to Nathan's Hotdogs across from the station. Times Square is not far away too.

Answer 7

don't get too excited. Sounds like you are coming in via amtrak. You won't be there 3 hours. Either 1 minute or 2 days. Amtrak is NEVER on time

Answer 8

there is NOTHING to do in and around penn sta. you can go to times sq (walk, or take the uptown A/C/E.. it's the next subway stop).. kids will love it there. if you're walking (which is more advisable, btw), make a stop at gray's papaya (37th st and 8th ave) for some great-tasting (and cheap!) hot dogs.

Answer 9

Macy s is across the street or you could get a cad to the museum plenty to do

Answer 10

There are many restaurants around there...Why not eat out while you wait?..they will take almost an hour to bring your food out to your table anyway :) Thant's NewYork For ya, there are also many buldings and crazy people around there!!!! Act like tourist look up and say "ahhhhhhhh"..... and crack up at the guy singing in the corner with a sign that says "please give me money for beer". There's never a dull moment in New York...trust me :) I love my city!!!!!