Safari in the City
New York City is an urban jungle for kids who love animals. They can explore the wilds of Madagascar at the Bronx Zoo, gaze at colossal stuffed kangaroos in the outback of FAO Schwarz and discover an African Savannah on Broadway in “The Lion King.”
They’ll stare at “The World’s Largest Dinosaurs” exhibit through January 2 at the American Museum of Natural History, which includes a skeleton of the Mamenchisaurus, one of the tallest dinosaurs to walk the earth. Nearly 140 million years ago, these “sauropods” had very long necks and short oblong heads.
Afterwards, at the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Harlem, families can lunch on “Dino Sliders” — mini pulled saucy pork sandwiches. Next, head to the Toys “R” Us in Times Square, where you’ll hear the roar of the mammoth five-ton, 20-foot-high animatronic T-Rex.
Lions and tigers and bears are always on the prowl in habitats around New York City. “Scar,” the villainous feline, is one of a menagerie of actors you’ll see in “The Lion King,” on stage at the Minskoff Theatre.
After you’ve seen 14-foot giraffe puppets on stage, rest overnight at Hotel Giraffe, home to a life-size bronze of the spotted species on its Park Avenue terrace. For big cats, stay at the African-inspired Casablanca Hotel in Times Square, home to a statue of one near its lounge. Take this New York City safari on your birthday, and HK Hotels will deliver cupcakes to your room at both Hotel Giraffe and the Casablanca Hotel.
At the Bronx Zoo, Siberian cubs and Maylayan amurs play around Tiger Mountain. Polar bears swim in icy waters at Central Park Zoo, where snow leopards also winter. Everyone’s favorite inquisitive monkey, “Curious George,” is on display this fall at Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Before leaving home, don’t forget to pack your khakis and binoculars.
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