Top Five Kid Friendly Stores in NYC Times Square

    New York City is the number one destination for many travelers, and with all it has to offer it is easy to see why. Since the Big Apple is famous for its bargains and souvenirs, here are our top five shopping spots around Times Square for kids and parents.    

Macy's on 34th

The first place to take visiting kids is the most famous store in all of New York City, Macy’s. Built in 1902, Macy’s was originally a dry-goods store that continuously supplied the American population. It eventually became part of American culture. Featured in numerous movies, this flagship store was considered the largest store in the entire world until 2009 when South Korea opened up Shinsegae. Despite the loss of their title, Macy’s is still the largest store in the US and its popularity grows with each generation. Children can explore and ride the original wooden escalators while parents shop for fashionable clothes at unbeatable prices. Those who decide to visit New York around Christmas time will be amazed at Macy’s famous window displays. Each year the Macy's staff comes up with a different animated theme with elaborate scenery to get people even more in the holiday spirit.  

American Girl Store

Next stop is the American Girl store, located in the heart of Manhattan. American Girl features all of the characters including the classical favorites and the current Girl of the Year. While visiting the Truly Me section children can design their very own American Girl doll with different skin tone, hair color/style, eye color, and clothing options. Visitors can also stop by the doll hair salon to give their American Doll a fresh look. In the 'Dress like Your Doll ' section, kids and their dolls can share the same outfit and hairstyle.   The store features an exclusive Doll Hospital for dolls who get sick aka need repairs. Depending on the severity of the 'injury,' recovery can take anywhere from two to three weeks. However, they will ship the toys home.   Travelers feeling a little hungry should check out the café serving a themed brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. After dinner, visitors can swing by the bookstore. Here, all of their children’s favorite characters and their stories are on display.  

M&M Store

Families in the mood for something sweet should make a pit stop to the M&M store. Located in the heart of Time Square, the store offers three floors filled with delicious little m&ms. The store is New York's biggest candy store with a fifty foot, two-story high wall of chocolates containing seventy-two tubes from which guests can fill containers. Of course, guests can also purchase themed clothing, dishware, watches and piggy banks.

Hershey Chocolate Store

For more chocolatey goodness, families can make their way across the street to the Hershey Chocolate Store. This store specializes in the brand's favorites like Mr. Good Bars, York peppermints, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.Those who can't get enough of the stor'e merchandise should check out the entrance lamps shaped like authentic kisses. Like in the M&M store, there are plenty of logoed souvenirs here for fans to purchase. These include a giant-sized kiss ideal for birthdays and Valentine day gifts.

Disney Store

A trip to New York wouldn’t be complete without experiencing some Disney Store magic. From the up and coming movies to the classic Disney films, this store has something for everyone who has ever grown up watching Walt Disney animation. Visitors can find stuffed animals, games, costumes, travel cups and movies in this two-story marvel. Kids needing a rest after the extensive shopping spree can relax in the castle, read a Disney tale or watch a short animation clip. Also not to be missed is the NYC souvenir section with items that are sold in this store only.

Autism Travel Tips:

• Parents should advise kids to stay close to them while walking the streets of New York City, especially at night.
• For travelers wishing to fly with less luggage, most stores offer a ship to home option.
• Parents wanting to partake in any American Girl activities should book tickets ahead of time. They should also mention any necessary accommodations to staff.
• Parents of children with noise sensitivities might wish to avoid the area during peak hours.
• Hershey's has a strong smell of chocolate throughout the store that might present a challenge for smell sensitive patrons.