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By Betsy McCormack On a recent New York City trip with my daughter, I discovered that staying in the Central Park West area affords all sorts of "magic moments" for a two- to three-year-old.Maggie loved the clippity-clop of the horse and buggies and the exposure to elevators, doormen, dog-walkers and joggers. Located mid-park at 64th and 5th, you can find the $1 carousel ride and the zoo and wildlife center. Although we missed it, I'm sure Maggie would have enjoyed feeding sea lions at 11:30 a.m., 2 or 4 p.m. The rule of thumb for traveling with my youngster in nice weather is to focus on outside activities, like watching skaters at Rockefeller Plaza, or strolling down Fifth Avenue, perhaps to F.A.O. Schwartz. For a cold or rainy day, head for the Play Space at 92nd and Broadway, a two-level activity center with slides, motor-skill development toys, puppets and a snack station with appropriate kid's food. Maggie's favorite spot is the huge sand box. Expect a "scene" from your child when it is time to leave. The Children's Museum of Manhattan, located between Amsterdam and Broadway with garages on W. 83rd street, includes five fascinating floors of interactive exhibits. As we entered the Body Odyssey, a journey through the human body, Maggie rushed through the blood tunnel, climbed through the digestive path and went down the "wrong pipe" to visit the lungs. The American Museum of Natural History at 79th and Central Park West features a butterfly conservatory where Maggie got a close look at the flutterers as they ate and rested in the trees. She stood very still until a butterfly landed on her hand. She liked that - and so did I! In the same area, a brief visit to the Planetarium could be considered. Although Maggie didn't understand the earth and space concept, she did like sitting in the dark and watching the star show.
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Betsy's Buddies
Do New York City 
