Bryant Park is a wonderful slice of nature in the middle of one of the world’s most industrial cities. Conveniently located minutes from Grand Central Station, the park is well-managed and is surrounded by shops and places to eat. In the summer months, it’s an excellent place to relax with the family, grab a snack and take a break from the constant hustle and bustle of the New York City streets. The kids will love a ride on Le Carrousel, a modern carrousel modeled after classic French design, operating year-round. When the temperatures cool down and the snow begins to fall, Bryant Park is turned into a magnificent winter wonderland. The park receives a lot of traffic in the winter months, due largely in part to the free ice skating rink offered at the park’s Citi Pong. To avoid waiting in line, make reservations online ahead of time at the Citi Pond at Bryant Park Web site. Advance reservations are $20 per ticket.