Hey everyone,
My son has been asking about New York for almost a year now(he really wants to see the statue of liberty, and have a good slice of pizza). My husband and I also would like to visit New York(we've never been). We always say this week, that week, but we never get around to it. My question is has anyone visited New York with children? If so, what activities do you do, where did you eat, where did you stay, etc? We're thinking about visiting next month around Valentine's day. Thank you in advance.
Statue of Liberty Crown tickets sell three months in advance. You would probably also want to avoid the climb and the crown in very hot or very cold weather, so Spring or Fall is the best.
Honesty, I would wait until the weather warms up. You don't want to go when it's freezing or get stuck in a blizzard. There's a lot of hotels to choose from depending on your budget. Central Park is a great place to go to, The Museum of Natural History, The Intrepid Museum, SoHo, China town, Little Italy, The Empire State Building-get yourselves a subway map, also, to get the train experience. Enjoy the food!
We typically drive to Jersey City (parking is $10/day versus $50) then take the Path (train) into NYC. We often stay at one of the hotels in Jersey City. It is much cheaper than staying in Times Square and it is convenient enough especially when the weather is nice. Not sure you can count on that in February though.
We always go to FAO Swartz and American Girl Store since I have girls. We also always see a Broadway show. We try different restaurant every time we go but always research them on-line first.
Have fun!
Boys will love ninja NY on Hudson street. Warning - it's pricy but fun for the kids. Ninja's come out with swords and stuff. Look it up.
I agree about coming in the Spring. April is great. February is cold and dreary.
Stay in Times Square where this is lots of action. It doesn't matter where - just get a good deal.
Check out Time Out New York Kids when you plan the exact date for shows, etc.
Definitely wait till it warms up so you can really enjoy it.
Hubby and I used to go to NYC all the time, but haven't been with the kiddos. My dad just went and said that the Toys R Us is INSANE there. He said there is a ferris wheel inside!
I think you should certainly go... however, I'd wait until Spring, Summer or Fall.
We did a mom/daughter weekend in the Spring when my daughter was 11. We had a blast with so many things to do and we loved our trip.
Enjoy!
I would wait as well. NY in the winter is not fun IMO(unless Xmas time). We took the double decker bus tour with the kids and loved it! You could get on/off wherever and there was always another one around to get you. And they narrated what you were seeing so it was a great way to learn about all of the different parts of the city. We did all the touristy things like Empire State bldg., Statue of Liberty. My boys were only 7 and 5 at the time so no museums or shows yet. They loved Times Sq and the big Toys R Us, Central Park, FAO Schwartz and Dylan's Candy Bar.
I would also advise to get to the big touristy things early to avoid lines.
I am not sure about accomodations. This past summer I took my 6yr old and 3 yr old. We went to Liberty Island, took the Cirle Line Boat, went to the Empire State Building and the Museum of Natural History(specifically to see the dinosaurs), but we saw more than that at the museum. There a lots a pizza places around and the hotel may be able to tell you where to go. Some places have glass windows where you can what them toss the dough, which is fun to see as well. Good Luck on your trip. Have Fun.
I'm a bit sheltered... so NY was a bit overwhelming for me... However, I really liked seeing Carnegie Hall and then touring Central Park. You could spend ALL day there........... Take one of the horse-drawn carriages......(you'll get tours, movie tidbits and trivia)........have ice cream.......visit John Lennon's memorial.........there may be an event at the park...
Also- There's a nice big Hershey store where you can pick up some neat things...
Wear GOOD shoes if you do Central Park however. My feet were KILLING me! You may want to wait for better weather as well...
I stayed in the Park Central Hotel (across from Carnegie Hall) and that was very nice. We ate street pizza from any random vendor (delicious) and then I am partial to national chains... Ha ha. (Olive Garden)
My big tourist moment was buying a knock-off purse from a street vendor. It was a nice day trip...
Good luck! You can do it!
Some advice on the Statue of Liberty, get your tickets in advance. They do not cost any more online than if you bought them in NYC however, you avoid a HUGE line. When you purchase them in advance, you skip an amazingly long line and your wait is only 20-30 minutes.
We live outside Phila and we take the train to NYC - about an hour and 15 minute ride. We check out Toys R Us, Apple store, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and grab something to eat. Then head home. It is a great day trip.
How old is your son? I can send you some suggestions based on his age.
