See the big names - Cezanne, van Gogh, and Seurat. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is all new, awesome, elegant and innovative; yet family friendly and engaging. The museum showcases great masterpieces combining state-of the-art technology, dramatic textures and natural light. The new exhibition space spans 125,000 square feet, and must be seen to be believed. Permanent gallery collections include significant works by Paul Cezanne, Vincent van Gogh, Georges-Pierre Seurat, and Evard Munch. The new MoMA features a gallery devoted to contemporary art and another for new media. The museum’s massive inventory includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, architectural models and drawings, and design objects in addition to some 22,000 films, videos, and media works. Bonus points: Created in collaboration with high school students, Red Studio is a website with menu of modern art topics and activities relevant to teens. Film tickets may be obtained for same-day screenings at no charge by visiting the Film Desk. Unique audio tapes scripted for young ears make gallery visits fun for kids. Not to be missed: “Destination: Modern Art, An Intergalactic Journey” invites visitors to explore MoMA with an alien creature, “listen” to a painting or create an online collage. Both children and adults are invited to explore painting, sculptures, and installations together through hands-on projects and online activities. (The Museum of Modern Art 11 West 52 Street, 10019. 1(212) 708-9400 or www.moma.org)

A spiral, skylights and art by kids. Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Guggenheim Museum it is like no other and destined to be timeless. The picture perfect location overlooking Central Park invites, no demands, a second look. The interior is as impressive as its exterior. The cathedral–like main gallery ramps along the perimeter wall spiraling from the ground to the sky. Adjacent galleries interlock creating a rich matrix of viewing spaces. The museum is easy to manage with kids because of the central core which allows young kids to visualize the viewing plan. The mood of the museum is ever-changing relying on filtered light to augment the unique exhibition schedule which showcases only the very best. Bonus points: Every year the Guggenheim hosts an exhibition dedicated to work created by students participating in Learning Through Art, an artist-in-residence program which sends teaching artists into public elementary schools in all five boroughs of New York City. Not to be missed: If time only allows a short visit ascend to the top and meander down the spiral; at the conclusion of the short visual adventure turn around with your kids and look up. It is cool! Only for families: From time to time the museum presents family workshops geared to children ages 7–13 with an adult companion. (1071 Fifth Avenue at 89th Street. 1(212) 423-3500 or www.guggenheim.org)

Shop, shop, shop. Bloomingdale’s Department Store has a reputation for combining shopping and theatre the 59th and Lexington location always has something happening. It's the third most popular stop for visitors, after the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. Browse the floors discovering the latest and most trendy looks in fashion; personalize sweet souvenirs at Martine’s Chocolate Shop; enjoy a mini white tea facial at Origins or savor luscious raspberry cheesecake at 40 Carrots on the Metro level. This is the place where shopping is full of fun. A rich depository for the latest trends, the store provides multi-lingual store directories, translator services, personal shopping assistance, and package check. Walk along the sidewalk and check out the window displays, visual invitations to the fashion and glamour that is Bloomingdale’s. Bonus points: They offer hotel package delivery with minimum purchase of $250, making the shopping experience effortless. (59th Street and Lexington Avenue. 1(212) 705-2098 or 1(212) 705-2099 or www.bloomingdales.com)

Rise above it all. The Empire State Building provides a view from the top not only includes the vastness of Manhattan and surrounding burrows but on a clear day the neighboring states of New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Dubbed the "Eighth Wonder of the World" the Art Deco edifice is regal and stately, a symbol of the city’s world-class stature. Connecting visitors with the city in a virtual way, New York Skyride, an exciting interactive tour of New York City makes the urban scene inviting by adding a surreal dimension. The 86th floor observatory, reached by high speed, automatic elevators, has both a glass-enclosed area, which is heated in winter and cooled in summer, and spacious outdoor promenade. Bonus points: Now in addition to informative signage, there is an audio tour scripted in six languages offering answers to what’s that over there? To entice young visitors, trivia questions, quiz games and pages created for coloring may also be found at the website. Not to be missed: Do not leave the city without seeing the dramatic lighting that adorns the ESB at night. Empire State Building Coloring Pages (350 Fifth Avenue at 34th Street. 1(877) 692-8439 or www.esbnyc.com)