For the last few years, as a result of the startling decrease in crime and the sudden increase in family-oriented entertainment (exemplified by the "new" Times Square), the city's sidewalks have been full of pint-sized visitors who love its eye-popping delights.

There are hundreds of ways to keep the kids entertained, from kid-oriented museums and theater to theme park-style shopping and restaurants.

 Those of you who want a guide devoted exclusively to travel with children might buy a copy of Frommer's New York City with Kids.

Good bets for the most timely information include the "Weekend" section of Friday's New York Times, which has a whole section dedicated to the week's best kid-friendly activities; the weekly New York magazine, which has a full calendar of children's events in its "Cue" section; and Time Out New York, which also has a great weekly kids section with a bit of an alternative bent.
Good Web sources for up-to-date information, advice, and yellow-pages links to family-related services include New York Family (www.family.go.com/Local/nyfm).
Both New York Family and the Big Apple Parents' Paper are usually available for free at children's stores and other locations in Manhattan.
Finding a Baby-sitter - The first place to look for baby-sitting is in your hotel (better yet, ask about baby-sitting when you reserve).
Many hotels have baby-sitting services or will provide you with lists of reliable sitters.
If this doesn't pan out, call the Baby Sitters' Guild (tel. 212/682-0227; www.babysittersguild.com).
The sitters are licensed, insured, and bonded, and can even take your child on outings.