Central Park

• No visit to the Upper East Side is complete without stopping at Central Park, a green oasis in the middle of Manhattan's concrete jungle. These 843 acres, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in the late 1800s, provide a natural setting for recreation and relaxation. Stroll along the pathways and enjoy the lake views. Ride the carousel. Visit the animals at the Central Park Wildlife Center. If the weather is mild, have a family picnic. Many delis and cafes near the park offer packed picnic lunches.
  
  

Museums

• The Upper East Side is home to a plethora of museums where your children can learn about art and history. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the foremost galleries in the world and your children can visit exhibits featuring artifacts from Ancient Egypt and art from Medieval Europe. The Met, as New Yorkers refer to the museum, also has offerings tailored to children, such as tours, sketching programs and events during school holidays.
  
  For something more modern, take your kids to the Guggenheim Museum where the building itself is a marvel of architectural design. The building, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, has a spiral shape unlike any other buildings around it. On Sundays, the museum offers interactive tours and programs for kids led by museum educators. Your kids will visit hands-on galleries. On select Sundays, your children will then have the opportunity to draw and create in the museum's studio.
  
  

Indoor Sports

• If your children are into sports, programs such as Kids in Sports, located at Temple Israel on E. 75th St., offer instructional workshops where your kids can hone their skills in baseball, hockey and soccer. Activities are divided by age and activity, and are designed for kids from one year old through fourth grade.
  
  If you are looking for a place for your kids to play without enrolling in a program or camp, My Gym Children's Fitness Center all offer space for kids to play during the day. Located on East 60th St., the gym offers activities for children six weeks old to nine years old.
  
  

Animals

• Although urban life in New York City doesn't afford much contact with farm animals, the Art Farm, located on East 91st St. exposes children to friendly critters such as rabbits, birds, and chinchillas. At the center, children learn about animals, nature and ways to care about the environment. The Art Farm also hosts classes about animal care, environmental issues and even cooking.