Bryant Park is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.

If you need a respite from the neon lights of adjacent Times Square, look no further than the two-block radius between 5th and 6th Avenues and 40th to 42nd St. that is Bryant Park. The park is laid out in a traditional design, with easy paths for strolling and a broad lawn in the middle.

Kids will no doubt want to head to the carousel straight away. More properly, Le Carrousel compliments the park's French design, featuring whimsical animals. At only $3 per ride, you can take a few spins without breaking the bank. Look for it along the 40th St. axis.

After they've ridden around enough to work up an appetite, stop by the Southwest Porch for food and drinks… Or make like the midtown Manhattan crowd and have your lunch right on the grass on a sunny day!

The lawn is home to a series of free outdoor movies in the summer – come early to get a great seat and bring a picnic dinner! (Note: Most movies are geared toward older kids and teens, not children's films).

Ice Skating in Bryant Park

In the winter, the space sparkles with ice, featuring one of the prettiest skating rinks in the city. The rink hosts a kids' week in February, so be sure to check the website for details. Admission to the rink is free; however, you will need to rent ice skates if you don't have your own. Pricing for ice skate rentals runs anywhere from $15-$45, depending on the day/time you visit. Bank of America sponsors the ice rink, and cardholders get a discount, so be sure to show them your card when renting your skates! They also have some super cozy igloos for rent, nestled up next to the ice rink.

Be sure to reserve your time slot for ice skating ahead of time, as it does fill up quickly.