Our feature this week is from Lara Paul, creator of iKidNY – an incredible app for finding kid-friendly spots in New York City. Lara is a Harlem resident and native New Yorker who is making a difference for New York City moms on the go. Check out her insights on top apps for NYC – you’ll be amazed at what you find!
New York has a lot of cool things going for it, one of which is now a great selection of iPhone apps. These apps will change your life by saving you valuable time and money, and even provide you with a little fun along the way. In the past, I have written about my staple iPhone apps but today I’m excited to focus on The Big Apple.
Here are my top 10 favorite NYC iPhone apps (in no particular order):
Exit Strategy
This NYC-based app tells you where to stand on the subway platform to shave minutes off your subway trip. It also tells you which subway exits are the closest so you can get out of the subway the fastest. New Yorkers have no time to waste!
SOHO In My Pocket
SOHO In My Pocket tells you what’s around you in Soho and how to get there. Soho is one of NYC’s best neighborhoods and it is jam packed with stores, restaurants, hotels, art galleries, attractions, and more. This great locals and visitors guide also offers deals and discounts at some great NYC locations.
Dinosaurs: The American Museum of Natural History Collections – This is a phenomenal app if you are traveling to NYC with kids or if you are just really into dinosaurs. If it’s the former, you can visit The American Museum of Natural History and use this iPhone app as your guide through the dinosaurs. Your kids can even use it when they get home to explore the dino’s even more, or to re-live their great NYC experience.
Hop Stop
Gives you directions or a subway route from point A to point B. With Hop Stop you can chose your method of transportation – subway, bus, taxi, walking, or just the fastest route, and Hop Stop will tell you exactly how long it will take and how to get there. A true staple for New Yorkers and tourists.
Menu Pages
It’s no secret that New Yorkers love to eat. Can you blame them? We have some of the best restaurants in the world here on our little island. Menu Pages is a comprehensive collection of NYC restaurant menus. Definitely a go-to when finding a place to eat.
Cab Sense
Believe it or not, hailing a cab in New York ain’t always easy. Cab Sense helps out by using historical data and prediction math to figure out the best corner to hail from, and when to do so. Seriously, how did we ever live without things like this?
Up Next NYC
An interactive 3D map of Manhattan where users can view restaurants, nightlife, and shops. Users can tap a building to see all the businesses inside, or on a subway station to see all the trains passing through. It’s a great travel tool for locals or anyone visiting for the weekend.
Time Out New York
This iPhone app is great for residents or tourists. It provides ideas of thing to do, places to see and eat by neighborhood in NYC. It highlights all the standards and features some great spots that are off the beaten path.
Fresh Direct
This app allows you to order groceries to be delivered straight to your home from your mobile phone. It saves your previous grocery lists and even syncs with your online orders. No more wasting time in the supermarket! This is a lifesaver app for busy New Yorkers.
iKidNY
Last but not least, I have to include iKidNY. If you live in, or are traveling to NYC with kids, it’s a must have. It tells you how to find the closest parks, playgrounds, museums, indoor playspaces, kid friendly restaurants, changing tables, subway stations with elevators, and much more.
Fantastic resource for our upcoming trip in August!
I’ve told my friends in NYC with young kids about iKidNY. Even though they are NYC natives and quite familiar with the city, they are always looking for kid-friendly tips and directions.