New York's Times Square is now a magnet for families. -- Photos by Kate Pocock.

"Get tickets or Be Turned into a Newt," blazes the marquee of the Sam S. Shubert Theater in New York City. A dire prediction indeed as we are in the middle of what some might call the centre of the universe -- Times Square.

Bigger, better and brighter than ever, it has recently become family central with toy stores that boast ferris wheels, kid-friendly attractions like the new Madame Tussaud's, billboards and lights running non-stop three storeys high, restaurants where waiters play trivia games with your kids -- and where the new stage production of Monty Python's hilarious Spamalot! threatens the newt curse. Indeed, it would be pretty difficult to survive anywhere within this 10-square-block radius as a newt!

Certainly, years ago when we took our kids to the Bright Lights, Big City that never sleeps, it used to be that Times Square was an area well left alone. Sure, it can still be slightly grotty with T-shirt and jewelry vendors, hawkers on the sidewalks, guys walking around with furry frog hats (it brings a smile to people's faces the wearer told me) and teenagers dressed as if they were going to a heavy metal ball. But with a police station right in the heart of the lights and the streets jammed with tourists, including kids, it's now a magnet for families, too.

Your kids will look up at the big blinking screens advertising the latest movie or pop sensation in jewel-like colour, listen to the dozens of yellow taxis honking in symphony, catch the aromas of the salted pretzels cooking in the sidewalk carts, pat the police horses posing for photos and know they're in the midst of a one-of-a kind experience.

If you're contemplating a visit with your kids, here's how to plan:

- Don't miss Madame Tussaud's New York on 42nd St. just off Times Square.

Madame Tussaud was a real person, who began making wax molds during the French Revolution so they could keep track of who was killed by guillotine. That's just one of the fascinating facts that you'll learn at this interactive museum.

Kids -- and adults -- can sing for Simon of American Idol, dress up in galoshes to give the weather with Al Roker or play ball at Yankee Stadium as they weave their way past 200 lifelike celebrities. Call 800-246-8872 or visit madame-tussauds.com.

- Buy a New York CityPass.

You'll get tickets to six famous attractions such as the American Museum of Natural History (where the dinosaurs have all been re-jigged to represent authentic dinosaur poses) or the Empire State Building Observatory (where you'll get a cool view of the city) for one discounted price representing a 50% savings off box office prices.

Better still, you bypass most ticket lines. Buy the New York CityPass, good for nine days after first use, at any of the attractions or order online at citypass.com ($53 adults, $41 for kids 6 to 17). Even the new MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) is included.

- Visit Europa Cafe for salad and sandwich fixings, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. of movie fame for friendly waiters, Mars 2112 for an interplanetary experience that starts with a space ride or Ben & Jerry's for ice cream desserts, all located within steps of Times Square.

- Take in the lights of Broadway.

Dozens of theatres make celebrity-watching and theatrical shows the norm. Some current possibilities for kids are Little Women, Fiddler On The Roof and the Lion King. But Monty Python fans will devour the latest Broadway sensation of Spamalot! with Tim Curry as King Arthur and the voice of John Cleese as God.

Don't miss Salvador Dali, one of the many celebrities at Madame Tussaud's.

Tickets are hard to get, but we procured a couple at the theatre the day of performance. They were partially obstructed views in the first row of the balcony but they were just fine. And thankfully, we were not turned into newts after all!

- Times Square doesn't sleep but your kids must.

The ultra-swank Westin New York at Times Square hotel (West 43rd St.) features corner rooms overlooking the square; we saw many families in tow. Call 800-WESTIN-1 or 212-201-2700; westinny.com.

Other area possibilities for families include the Days Hotel Midtown at 790 Eighth Ave., the Best Western Ambassador Hotel at 132 W. 45th St. and the Quality Hotel Times Square at 157 W. 47th St.

For more about Times Square and New York, call 800-NYC-VISIT, visit nycvisit.com or stop by the Official Visitor Information Center at 810 Seventh Ave. (at 53rd St.).