Growing up in New York as I did, we got to go to some cool places and see some interesting things. We would go to Coney Island often, going to the beach or riding the rides.
Lake George was also a family vacation spot, "Storytime" amusement park was a wonderful little place and we had lots of fun there.
Some people say the city is no place to raise children, all I know is, we did very well growing up in Brooklyn. Halloween was especially fun!