The Upper East Side’s alternate moniker, “The Gold Coast”, can easily be used to describe the plethora of golden activities available to kids of all ages that dot its landscape.

I, as a born and bred Upper East Sider (a product of both East 69th and 73rd Streets between Second and Third – well, up until fifth grade that is, but I still consider myself an Upper East Sider at heart!) can attest to the advantages of being a kid and living in such a culturally rich area for one. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street) is always a good place to start. It was and continues to be a bastion of some of the world’s most notable works of art, as well as a place where kids can enjoy a wealth of activities both enjoyable and educational in nature. I can remember weekends as an elementary school kid enjoying the multitude of exhibits as well as numerous class trips there as a student at Marymount School, which was and is right across the street. It’s hard to beat the variety of exhibits it has as far as museums go – everything from the magnificent Egyptian Wing upon entering the building, (including the Temple of Dendur, an authentic Egyptian temple complete with hidden rooms) an impressive collection of body armor to a replica of an American Federal-era home. Kids can also enjoy everything from art classes at the museum, puppet shows to storytelling.

Another kid-friendly cultural fun spot on the Upper East Side is Gracie Mansion (88th Street and East End Avenue), the official residence of New York City’s Mayor. The mansion offers tours reserved in advance, and many of its paintings portray New York City scenes.

Of course, part of the fun of being a kid is having cool places to eat and places to play. Alice’s Tea Cup, Chapter Two (156 East 64th Street, between Lexington and Third Avenues) and Serendipity III (225 East 60th Street, between Second and Third Avenues) take care of the former. Alice’s Tea Cup, Chapter Two boasts a children’s menu with delicacies ranging from Granny Smith apple slices, grilled cheese sandwiches to homemade graham crackers. Kids age five and up can also enjoy personally tailored birthday parties, such as an Alice in Wonderland-themed or dress-up bash. Serendipity III, long a favorite of many a city kid (myself included) boasts a whimsical décor, replete with Tiffany lamps and a menu packed with fun stuff including the restaurant’s signature Frozen Hot Chocolate dessert and Foot Long Hotdogs. (Yes, they are a foot long!) For kids whose families are keen to indulge their shopping whimsies, Serendipity III has a store of sorts in the front that sells everything from dolls to jewelry, all very unique yet fun.

As for a place to play, what better name for a place that’s a haven for kids than Kidville? (163 East 84th Street, between Third and Lexington Avenues) That’s the name, and fun’s the game. Kidville offers the gamut of activities for infants to five year olds. Kids can enjoy over 100 creative classes, ranging from music, art to cooking, an indoor playground, a salon, (which boasts DVDs and toys for kids to enjoy while getting their tresses trimmed, as well as manicure services for moms waiting for their tykes) a boutique and a café. Kidville offers various memberships (gold, platinum and diamond) that allow kids and their families to enjoy a variety of amenities.