I Want to Go to NYC, But...

We were lucky - we stayed at the Waldorf-Astoria. We didn't have the kids with us so I don't know what to do with kids.

Times Square and the Toys R Us in Times Square is fun - they do have a ferris wheel in the middle of the store!!! We went in and had fun!!!

If I were to go again?

Rockerfeller Center (we were there the day they put up the Christmas tree)
Ground Zero (didn't make it there)
Statue of Liberty (didn't do it this time last either)

A show on Broadway - we went to this hole in the wall restaurant on Broadway - where all the waiters and waitresses sing - it's FUN!!

Museum of Natural History - Think Night at the Museum....:)

I know there is more. Let me think of it some more!!

The Museum of Natural History, Central Park, the United Nations Building, the Guggenheim Museum of Art (building built upside down), and Lincoln Centery for the Performing Arts are some other places to go. Just make sure you put your id inside your coat in a pocket that zips up for security.

Make a plan and see where the items are as to where you are staying so that you don't go wandering the city and use up valuable time.

The spring is a good time to go when it is starting to warm up and not too hot same as the fall.

The other S.

PS Don't forget your cameras for the memories.

Hands down stay at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, it is within walking distance to practically everything! We had 3 broadway shows that were within 1 block of the hotel, the Toys R Us in Times Square is fun, they have a large ferris wheel in there and the animatronics in the store are fun to see too. The Disney store is also a hit in Times Square. We walked up to a diner called http://www.ellensstardustdiner.com/ it's total entertainment for all ages. Be prepared to dance and sing along though:) Of course don't miss the Statue of Liberty but if you were wanting to visit the crown it's a long winding staircase w/no wheelchair access and because they only allow so many people up at a time, you have to get your tickets a year in advance. If you plan on just going to the top of the base she stands on, still get them in advance. We also did the tour at Rockefeller Plaza, that was very interesting and the view at the top is voted as "best view in town" by locals (at least when we were there a year ago). Obviously don't miss the Chrysler bldg and Empire States for sure and a good way to get around town is buying a hop on/off pass on the double decker busses when you get there (you can't miss them) and you can hop off in SOHO and do a day of shopping and then hop back on and get off in the financial district to see wall street. I love that city, but it's crazy and expensive but I'd totally go back in a heart beat:)

When you go just make sure you do it right and you have no regrets.

My daughter and I went for a weekend when she was in 5th grade. We hit the ground running so we would miss nothing. We were tired when we got home but it was worth every penny and every mile we walked.

We stayed at the Waldorf Astoria... OMG beautiful place and SO nice. If you don't stay there, at least walk through it.. We saw a few mini celebs there.

We used the double decker buses as our transportation. We got some sort of unlimited ticket from the concierge and it was great. We went to Ground Zero, China Town, Battery Park, everywhere. We went to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.. both great

Of course a carriage ride through Central Park, shopping in TImes square, and a Broadway Show. We saw the Lion King (great show)

We had 1 touristy brunch at the Tavern on the Green (now closed) but chose mom and pop locations for other meals... Great food.

When we were on the bus one of the times, my daughter recognized the steps where Hitch was filmed. She recognized other things as well from TV scenes.

Ground Zero was unbelievable and worth visiting.

I hope you have a great time!!

We went to DC twice and loved it. The last time we were in walking distance of the zoo and we had a blast. I say walking distance but we are walkers and will easily walk 5- 10 miles before we realize it.

Take them to Radio City Music Hall for the Christmas Spectacular if you go in November or December. Children and adults seem to like it. Then there are the obvious attractions: Central Park, Times Square, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Statue of Liberty, The NY Botanical Garden, Brooklyn Museum, Bronx Zoo, etc.

Have fun!

take a look at mommypoppins for NYC activities for kids. also look at "citypass" it is a bundled ticket for admission to a number of attractions. It will pretty much cover all the usual touristy things, and give you ideas if you don't have any.

Good luck to you and yours,
F. B.

btw, these are great ages for travel.

We used to go at Thanksgiving-the two older children were in the Macy's parade 2 yrs in a row-We took them to Broadway shows, the "Nutcracker" at Lincoln Center, Rockefeller Center to see the Rockettes Christmas show-Seredipity for lunch and frozen hot chocolate, Macy's for puppet theatre, FOA Schwarz, the windows are amazing in all the department stores,and we usually stayed at the Marriott Marquis because it's close to many of the shows. It's the best trip and the greatest place-have a wonderful time!