While Sarah Palin huddled behind closed doors with global leaders yesterday, hubby Todd and baby Trig took off for some real fun – on the famous carousel in Central Park.
Todd – known as Alaska’s “First Dude” – was spotted on the famous ride as he joyfully cradled Trig in his arms. The 5-month-old Trig has Down syndrome.
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Daughters Piper, 7, and Willow 13, were on hand, too, but pregnant Bristol Palin, 17, didn’t make the trip and neither did Track, 18, who was recently assigned to military duty in Iraq.
As the media followed his wife’s every move, Todd also took his brood downtown in the morning to the Statue of Liberty and Ground Zero.
On the last stop of the big-city adventure, the proud father from Alaska schlepped the kids to FAO Schwarz, where Piper enjoyed trying on some Princess dresses, the campaign said.
At Central Park, onlookers were pleasantly surprised at seeing the family of the potential next vice president.
Carousel operator Charlie Mendoza said the happy Palin clan took two rides on the horsies.
Todd then bought hot dogs, soft pretzels and ice cream for lunch and they grabbed a seat on a park bench.
“They looked happy. They all rode the carousel. They were enjoying themselves,” Mendoza said.
Mendoza – who has given rides to Angelina Jolie and Robert De Niro – said he did not bar the public from going on the rides while the Palins were there.
“We don’t shut down for anybody,” Mendoza said.
Upper West Side resident James Soriero captured the “New York moment” with his camera while walking through Central Park.
“I heard the music from the carousel. As I approached, I saw guys that looked like Secret Service,” said Soriero, an actor.
“I saw Mr. Palin holding his baby on the ride. I recognized him. I saw him [on TV] at the Republican convention,” he said. “It was a fun find.”
“It was charming seeing them on the carousel. You could see the joy and love. It was a unique little New York moment. I feel like I caught an unguarded moment. No one else was around.”
The Palins kept a low profile at the Millennium Broadway hotel, where they were staying. The family ate breakfast in their rooms.
But there was a mob scene when Sarah Palin returned to the hotel yesterday afternoon. Tourists pulled out video cameras to film the governor.
“We love you, Sarah!” supporters yelled from behind a barricade.
The Palins will be in town through tomorrow.