For about $60, the three of you can take a taxi to any destination in Manhattan. If you are looking to save money and go by public transportation, here's what I recommend:
1. AirTrain from your JFK terminal to "Howard Beach" station ($5.00 per person, payable with a Metrocard at Howard Beach). If you know that you will also return to JFK via AirTrain, you can purchase an AirTrain 10-trip Metrocard for $25.00, which will save you a few dollars.
2. At Howard Beach, board a Manhattan-bound "A" train ($2.25 per person, payable with Metrocard. If you will be in NYC for several days and plan to ride the subway and buses a lot, you could each purchase a 7-day unlimited Metrocard for $29 per person.) Take the "A" train to Columbus Circle/59th Street station in Manhattan.
3. At Columbus Circle station, you can either transfer to an uptown #1 train to Broadway/79th Street, or exit the subway at Columbus Circle, and board an uptown M-5 bus on Broadway. The M-5 will take you all the way to Riverside Drive and 79th Street.
When you do leave the subway in Manhattan, be sure to ask the subway booth attendant for a *free* subway map and a *free* Manhattan bus map. Both will come in handy during your visit.
For about $60, the three of