The apple seeds play room at One Columbus Place is a win for parents and kids.

The Best Things to Do in Lincoln Square

Family fun begins at the Shops at Columbus Circle located in the Time Warner Center. Here you will find plenty of treats at Bouchon Bakery & Cafe, child-friendly eats at the extravagant Landmarc restaurant, and tween & teen-friendly fun at Amazon Books. Also located in the Time Warner Center is Jazz at Lincoln Center, which hosts the Jazz for Young People program, which introduces families to Jazz greats through narrated concerts. The Shops at Columbus Circle are conveniently located across the street from Central Park, so consider making a day of the park’s nearby attractions. There’s Heckscher Playground, the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater and the Shakespeare Garden, to name but a few.

Roam the beautiful grounds around the Milstein Pool and Terrace and see the Reclining Figure sculpture. Photo by Chung-Hung Eric Cheng via Flickr

The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts Complex, arguably NYC's top cultural destination, offers a host of fun destinations and activities. Favorite family-friendly Lincoln Center activities and attractions, many of them free, include the David Rubenstein Atrium, the LC Kids entertainment series, and Damrosch Park, which hosts the long-running Midsummer Night's Swing, a kid-focused dance party. It is also the home of the Big Apple Circus October through January. The David H. Koch Theater and Metropolitan Opera House are where you can see the world-famous New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, both of which offer educational family workshops through NYCB Children’s Workshops and ABT Kids.

For moviegoers, the Film Society of Lincoln Center offers foreign, classic and indie movies best for tweens or teens. Or visit the iconic AMC Lincoln Square 13 for an IMAX or 3D film currently in theaters. Top your year off by attending the Columbus Circle Holiday Market or the city’s largest holiday festival, Annual Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square. It’s a tremendous neighborhood block party!

Get a delicious family-friendly meal at Rosa Mexicano. Photo courtesy of Rosa Mexicano

Best Family-Friendly Eats in Lincoln Square

One of the best things about dining in Lincoln Square is the sheer variety of options suitable for any budget. With so many excellent dining options, it is hard to choose. Whether upscale, prix-fixe or budget, there are many family-friendly restaurant choices available.

For high-end Chinese food, there’s Shun Lee West and Shun Lee Café. Pay homage to the borough of Brooklyn at the Brooklyn Diner conveniently located between Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Craving pasta and pizza? Try Café Fiorello or the neighborhood newcomer Made In New York Pizza. Rosa Mexicano serves “elevated” Mexican cuisine in a vibrant setting, with plenty of choices for all ages. Restaurants like P.J. Clarke’s and The Smith provide traditional American fare, a casual atmosphere, and great burgers. For quick bites head to Breads Bakery, La Traviata Pizza, Le Pain Quotidien, or Nanoosh for “a little taste of Mediterranean goodness.” To satisfy your sweet tooth visit Magnolia Bakery, Levain Bakery, and the Sugar Factory.

In addition to amazing area public parks, One Columbus Place has multiple private outdoor spaces. 

In the face of transition, Lincoln Square is a venerable role model. This neighborhood has managed to hold on to its vintage, world charm as new developments replace the old. You can still find a neighborhood cobbler like Dino’s Shoe Repair or visit a local bookstore such as Shakespeare & Co, nestled among retailers Century 21 and the Apple Store. Beautiful parks and greens spaces are dotted throughout the neighborhood. Richard Tucker Park (Columbus Ave & 66 Street) offers a farmers market and summer concert series. If you are looking for a shady enclave and an opportunity to catch your breath, visit Dante Park (Columbus Ave & 63 Street). If the smaller markets and specialty food stores aren't enough to fill your refrigerator, the neighborhood hosts both a Trader Joes and Whole Foods!

Corner windows and spacious layouts make apartments at One Columbus Place comfy and bright.

Lincoln Square Family-Friendly Apartments 

If living in the center of some of the best culture, dining, parks, and amenities in NYC sounds dreamy, you'll want to look into the luxury rental apartments at One Columbus Place. Redesigned by COOKFOX architects, the building offers studio to three-bedroom apartments with updated kitchens and baths, spacious layouts, and most units offer corner windows for panoramic views and loads of light. Families are sure to appreciate amenities like the apple seeds® play room and outdoor spaces like a BBQ area, roof deck, and a resident's lounge with sun deck, perfect for entertaining. The state-of-the-art fitness and wellness center, on-site parking, a bike room, concierge and valet services, help make family life seamless. Visit the website to learn more about One Columbus Place.

All photos courtesy of One Columbus Place unless otherwise noted.