Play date in N.Y.

GETTING THERE:

From LAX to JFK, American, Delta and United have nonstop service. Delta, Northwest, America West, Continental and Northwest have connecting service (change of plane). Restricted round-trip fares begin at $278.

To LaGuardia airport, American, AirTran, Midwest Express, Continental, United, Delta and Northwest have connecting service. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $278.

To Newark, N.J., American, Continental, United, America West, Delta, Northwest, Midwest Express and AirTran have nonstop flights. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $318.

WHERE TO STAY:

Affinia Manhattan, 371 7th Ave.; (212) 320-8026, . Affinia Hospitality has converted several apartment buildings into hotels, and most rooms have kitchens and multiple bedrooms. Because every room is different, it’s worth asking to see another if you’re not happy with the first choice. Studios from $219.

WHERE TO EAT:

John’s Pizza, 260 W 44th St.; (212) 391-7560. This is thin-crust, New York-style pizza. Pizzas start at $12.50.

Empire Diner, 210 10th Ave.; (212) 924-0011. This chrome, railroad-car diner stays open 24 hours. The food is only a little better than your average diner fare, but for most kids, it’s worth it just to be eating in this iconic restaurant. Entrees average $12.

ATTRACTIONS:

Bike the Big Apple, (877) 865-0078, . Tours run four to six hours (including a stop for lunch) and cost $55 to $69. Custom tours can also be arranged.

Coney Island Circus Sideshow, West 12th Street at Surf Avenue, Coney Island; (718) 372-5159, . Shows are performed continuously 2-8 p.m. Fridays and 1-11 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Memorial Day to Labor Day. Admission for adults, $5; children under 12, $3.

Brooklyn Cyclones, Keyspan Park is between Surf Avenue and the Boardwalk

-- Janis Cooke Newman