In my first installment, we visited New York City with kids ages 6 and 9. Three years later, we were back again for an even better trip. It’s overwhelming to research all the possible activities, sights, and dining – how do you choose? Use my itinerary to get some ideas for your visit:
The Today Show
Definitely for older kids, because you have to get up early and stand around for a while. We were up at 5:30 a.m., in line from 6:15-6:45, and then waiting on the plaza for the show to start. The anchors came outside at 8 a.m., and Al Roker shook our hands and had a brief conversation with my daughter, who had made a sign. We were on television for about 3 seconds (which made their day!). That morning the Broadway cast of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” performed, so the kids thought it was cool to see Daniel Radcliffe (aka Harry Potter) in person. I was ready for a nap and a hot tub by 10 a.m., but we were all glad we braved the cold and early morning to be famous for an instant. Click here for helpful tips regarding being in the Today Show audience.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
I purchased tickets online for these two landmarks months in advance at this website. I also purchased crown access, and we were able to climb up into Lady Liberty’s crown. It’s a once in a lifetime experience, and if it’s available again in the future, I highly recommend doing it.
Climbing up Lady Liberty
A photo opp as we climbed
Photo taken by sticking an arm out of the crown – it’s the closest shot you can get!
The Ellis Island visit included a 45 minute audio tour, with both a child and adult tour available. While I’m sure the visit was more meaningful for me than for my kids, even they stood in awe in the Great Hall, imagining it filled with immigrants waiting to be examined and processed before being allowed to enter the city.
Unfortunately, both places are closed until further notice due to damage from Hurricane Sandy. However, you can still take a Statue of Liberty Harbor Cruise and get as close as possible to Lady Liberty. Find more information here.
Allow the better part of a day for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
As a family we are not particularly into art, but I feel obligated to expose my children to culture. The MET held everyone’s attention for about an hour – the kids liked seeing pieces by famous artists, and they also thought the Egyptian exhibit was cool.
FAO Schwartz
A trip to New York City with kids is not complete without a stop here. I acquiesced and allowed the kids a quick visit to one of the last places I wanted to be – a toy store. They checked out the Lego Chewbacca and the humongous stuffed dogs, and we were outta there. If you have younger kids (under 10), you probably won’t get off so easily. Just take a deep breath and brace yourself for thirty minutes of hell.
I had read that the view for the Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center) was better than the Empire State Building, so that’s where we went. An awesome view of the city and great photo opportunities.
The Brooklyn Bridge
We took the subway to Brooklyn and then walked back to Manhattan via the bridge. Very cool and a great way to walk off all the food we ate!
This is a public park built on an historic freight rail line. It’s elevated above the streets with great views of the Hudson River. It’s about a mile long and runs from approximately 14th Street to 34th Street on the West Side, between 10th and 1th streets. We took a nice stroll before heading to dinner at some random place I cannot remember. But I do know the mussels were to die for.
We visited on a different trip, but it’s worth a mention here. This museum is not cheap, but it’s worth every penny – it is living history. 97 Orchard Street has been restored to look like it did in the late 19th and early 20th century, and visitors can choose from a variety of tours depending on their ages and interests. If you have children ages 8 and older, I highly recommend checking out the museum’s website and planning a visit. And if you have no kids with you, it’s still a great choice – my kids were actually the only ones on the tour when we were there.
We are in the Big Apple right now for a two night stay – so check back for New York City with Kids Part 3!
Update: Here is the link to our third trip: Visiting New York City with Kids: Part Three
It’s a lot of tight hand holding and fast walking!
NYC overwhelms me! I can’t imagine navigating with kids. You’re good!
Sounds like such a fun trip! I’ve never been to NYC but hope to one day soon! I’m only about 4 hours from there so I’m not sure what I’m even waiting for lol!
I wanted to say thanks for linking up with my NO RULES weekend Blog Party last weekend (yes I’m behind 🙁 and for the follows back 🙂
This weekend’s party is already open if you’d like to come by again 🙂
Paula
lifeasweknowitbypaula.blogspot.com
Thanks, Paula – I will. And only four hours away – you should definitely add NYC to your to-visit list!
How cool that you all appeared on the Today show! We’ve been to NYC a couple of times, but we have so much left to see!
It was pretty cool, Roshni. The kids enjoyed their 7 seconds of fame!
NYC is one of my favorite places ever, and my husband and I go a few times each year. I’ve never done the Tenement Museum but may have to check it out.
The High Line is one of our favorite places to go and just chill out and read a book. We also love the little bars in the area near the entry and exit spots of the High Line.
I didn’t realize part of Ellis Island is closed currently. I love going there, as it’s a reminder of all of our humble beginnings. We are headed there in a few weeks and that was on our list since we haven’t been there in a few years.
If you haven’t hit up The Intrepid, you should do it. The kids will love it and it’s super humbling to think about all our soldiers do for us. The space shuttle is there too. It’s all super cool.
Thanks for the suggestion, Lisa. I’ll put it on our list for next time!
LOVE IT! When I was in junior high my family took a trip to NYC and went to a lot of the same places. We didn’t get go into the Statue but we went over to the island.
At the time, the movie “BIG” had come out and FAO Schwartz was the place to go. I can’t remember if they had the piano on the floor or not!
Great pictures! Thanks for sharing!
This post makes me miss NYC. I was able to make it to the top of the Statue of Liberty in 2010. Thanks for sharing…I need to get a post up about my visit.
My pleasure – we are back right now and having a blast!
Believe it or not, I have done all but climb the Statue of Liberty. It was only reopened a few years ago and still not sure (being a fellow NY’er) why I haven’t gotten there yet. Need to do this at some point and thanks for sharing. Loved all the pictures and looked like a fun time was had by all!! 🙂
Thanks,Janine!