New York airports are a central hub for many flights around the country and to different parts of the world. And if you find yourself on a layover during one of these flights, you may have some time on your hands. You could spend a long layover hanging around LaGuardia or John F. Kennedy airports, or you could have some real fun by hopping into the city for those few hours. But, what could you do in such a short visit to the Big Apple?

Here are 4 ideas for any length of layover.

Go to Broadway. Seeing a play or musical on Broadway is a dream come true for many theater lovers. If you want to see a popular play, of course, you'll need to buy Broadway tickets from a company like Academy Tickets long in advance. But, if your travel is at the last minute, you can often find half-price tickets for shows happening on the same day. What could be better than having dinner in the theater region and then enjoying a performance before heading back for an evening or overnight flight?

Take the Staten Island Ferry. One of the quickest and simplest ways to see the best of New York from a distance is to ride the Staten Island Ferry. This busy commuter transport ferries thousands of passengers to and from Manhattan each day, but it's special for visitors as well. Why? Not only can you get a good view of the city skyline, lower Manhattan bridges, and New York Harbor, you'll also get a great view of Ellis Island and Lady Liberty herself.

Take the Kids to Central Park. For a more relaxing introduction to the city, take the family outside to enjoy a nice day in world-famous Central Park. Visit the zoo, take a boat ride around the lake, or relax in the sun in Sheep Meadow. For families cooped up on long plane rides, this kid-friendly outdoor zone can be just what the doctor ordered.

Visit Museum Mile. Along Fifth Avenue, you can find a plethora of museums to keep any art lover happy all day. With museums dating back to the 19th century -- and some even being added today -- this section of the Upper East Side is easy to stroll and hard to leave. Check out the Metropolitan Museum of Art to view artwork from several continents and a multitude of cultures. The Museum of the City of New York gives you a brief history and flavor of the city you're visiting. Or, enjoy the exhibits in the Jewish Museum, El Museo del Barrio, or the Museum of African Art. 

No matter what your interests and budget are, you can find many ways to spend a few hours in the city that never sleeps. It'll be worth it to have the memory of the best layover you'll ever have.