Facts About New York for Kids
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New York City is one of the world’s most famous cities and offers a lot of excitement, history, and a diverse culture. The city is full of fun things to learn and exciting facts to explore for children of all ages. Here are some fun facts about New York City that can definitely surprise and captivate your youngest:
1) New York City got its nickname ‘Big Apple’ from the horse-racing industry in the early 1920s. Jockeys used to talk about ‘big apples’, meaning the huge prizes (or apples) they win at races in the city.
2) Times Square is well known for its flashy billboards, and it also has a big part to play in New Year’s Eve celebrations. Every year on December 31st, the city hosts a huge New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square known as the ‘ball-dropping ceremony.’ Thousands gather to watch an enormous crystal ball slowly drop down a pole, signaling the start of the New Year.
3) The New York City Subway is one of the most extensive public transportation networks in the world, covering an immense distance of over 800 miles. The subway system has 472 stations and runs continuously with 24/7 service.
4) New York City’s Central Park is the most popular urban park in the United States, and it has a stunning 21 playgrounds designed especially for children of all ages! The park takes up an area of 843 acres and houses the Central Park Zoo, a carousel, and a lake for sailing small boats. It’s a great place for kids to have fun and enjoy nature.
5) The Statue of Liberty has been America’s iconic symbol of freedom since its unveiling in 1886. It is one of the most famous sculptures in the world and is located on Liberty Island. Children can visit the statue and climb 354 steps to reach the top of its crown, which offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city.
6) New York City is the world’s pizza capital. Around 800,000 slices of pizza are sold in the city daily, which is the most commonly eaten fast food item. So, if you’re a kid who loves pizza, you better believe that New York City is the place to be!
7) New York City has had some famous animal residents, including the Central Park Zoo’s polar bear, named Gus. He became famous for his love of playing with a ball, and his life story inspired an award-winning children’s book about him.