Kids in the City: Traveling in NYC, Part 2
So, you've decided to take the little ones to the city? Awesome! I fully support this decision!
The first thing you need to ask yourself is: how will we get there? The three possible answers to this are Car, Plane or Train. Having done all three, I highly recommend Train.
The Amtrak is the easiest, most convenient way to get to NYC with kids, hands down. There is no security check to get through, you only have to arrive 15 mins before you leave, and the trip is only 6 hours. There is Wifi, a food car and electrical outlets to plug devices into. You can go to the bathroom without having to stop at a sketchy gas station! There is BEER! The train drops you off at Penn Station, right in the city, where you can walk outside and catch a cab to wherever you want. It really couldn't be any easier. And, as opposed to driving, you don't have to pay to park your car in the city.
Once you arrive in the city, there are many ways to get around town.
Subway:
Really easy and cheap, if you can read a basic map. (I suck at this, but the husband is really good at it.) You can buy one way trip tickets or an all day pass. Be prepared to move quickly, getting off and on the car. You do run the risk of not having a place to sit, which can be tough when you have littles.
Taxi:
Lots of pros here. You don't have to share with strangers, you go directly to your destination, and everyone gets to sit down. It is more expensive and can be difficult to find in the rain. You can, however, download the Curb app on your phone, which really helps find a cab AND pay.
Car Service/Uber/Lyft:
Buyer beware. Prices can get seriously jacked up without warning. Last resort for us!
Walk:
Dude. Walk everywhere you can. City blocks are long, but there is no better way to see the city. You find so many cool little spots this way that you will miss in any other form of transportation. There have been many times we have been walking somewhere specific and found a better spot along the way.
*Keep in mind that budget is a huge consideration when traveling around the city. Plan accordingly for what your priorities are and where you prefer to spend your money.*
FOOOODDDD
We always plan our trips around food. It is #1 priority for us. We don't make reservations for every meal, but always do for dinners and then we can plan around that. There are endless possibilities. We generally let the kids determine one of our nights and then plan the rest around our choices as grown-ups :) Here are some basic considerations:
1. What kind of cuisine do you all love? *We use Google, Food and Wine Magazine and Food Network as our research tools, along with word of mouth from friends.
2. Are there any chefs you are fans of with restaurants there?
3. What is close to the neighborhood where you are staying?
4. What is your budget?
Here are some of our favorites, but keep in mind, there are entirely too many to make a comprehensive list.
1. Pomme Frites
Located in the West Village, this Belgian Fry joint is tiny and amazing. They only serve fries and their homemade dipping sauces. They make about 30 or so from scratch. Hands down, my favorite fries ever.
https://www.pommesfritesnyc.com/
2. Gray's Papaya Hot Dogs
Classic, simple, delicious. Don't ask for ketchup.
http://grayspapayanyc.com/
3. Ninja New York: Kitchy, kid friendly Asian-Fusion joint where the servers dress like Ninjas and do magic tricks at your table. Silly and fun, with decent food. Mainly about the atmosphere, but definitely worth a visit.
http://www.ninjanewyork.com/
4. Roberta's
Fresh, wood fired brick oven pizza, with a really cool vibe. Awesome outdoor space with two bars and fantastic food. It is located in Brooklyn, so it may be off the beaten path, but wow.
http://www.robertaspizza.com/
5. Morimotos
Fancier, more high end, but freaking amazing. Best service, most authentic Japanese food from this Iron Chef. Hint: go for lunch! Less expensive but still top notch.
http://www.morimotonyc.com/
6. Eataly
Ohhh man. Italian market inside. Produce, meat, cheese, seafood, pasta. All kinds of little counters and stands. Nutella dessert stand. Trust me, just go. It is super crowded, but mouth watering.
7. Cheslea Market
Another indoor market that has every type of food stall you could possibly want. You can browse around before making a decision, and there is something for everyone. Pizza, tacos, gelato, soup, seafood- you name it. There are also cute little retail shops to enjoy while you munch.
Always remember: do your research!!! Ask friends! If you want anything more specific, please let me know!
The first thing you need to ask yourself is: how will we get there? The three possible answers to this are Car, Plane or Train. Having done all three, I highly recommend Train.
The Amtrak is the easiest, most convenient way to get to NYC with kids, hands down. There is no security check to get through, you only have to arrive 15 mins before you leave, and the trip is only 6 hours. There is Wifi, a food car and electrical outlets to plug devices into. You can go to the bathroom without having to stop at a sketchy gas station! There is BEER! The train drops you off at Penn Station, right in the city, where you can walk outside and catch a cab to wherever you want. It really couldn't be any easier. And, as opposed to driving, you don't have to pay to park your car in the city.
Once you arrive in the city, there are many ways to get around town.
Subway:
Really easy and cheap, if you can read a basic map. (I suck at this, but the husband is really good at it.) You can buy one way trip tickets or an all day pass. Be prepared to move quickly, getting off and on the car. You do run the risk of not having a place to sit, which can be tough when you have littles.
Taxi:
Lots of pros here. You don't have to share with strangers, you go directly to your destination, and everyone gets to sit down. It is more expensive and can be difficult to find in the rain. You can, however, download the Curb app on your phone, which really helps find a cab AND pay.
Car Service/Uber/Lyft:
Buyer beware. Prices can get seriously jacked up without warning. Last resort for us!
Walk:
Dude. Walk everywhere you can. City blocks are long, but there is no better way to see the city. You find so many cool little spots this way that you will miss in any other form of transportation. There have been many times we have been walking somewhere specific and found a better spot along the way.
*Keep in mind that budget is a huge consideration when traveling around the city. Plan accordingly for what your priorities are and where you prefer to spend your money.*
FOOOODDDD
We always plan our trips around food. It is #1 priority for us. We don't make reservations for every meal, but always do for dinners and then we can plan around that. There are endless possibilities. We generally let the kids determine one of our nights and then plan the rest around our choices as grown-ups :) Here are some basic considerations:
1. What kind of cuisine do you all love? *We use Google, Food and Wine Magazine and Food Network as our research tools, along with word of mouth from friends.
2. Are there any chefs you are fans of with restaurants there?
3. What is close to the neighborhood where you are staying?
4. What is your budget?
Here are some of our favorites, but keep in mind, there are entirely too many to make a comprehensive list.
1. Pomme Frites
Located in the West Village, this Belgian Fry joint is tiny and amazing. They only serve fries and their homemade dipping sauces. They make about 30 or so from scratch. Hands down, my favorite fries ever.
https://www.pommesfritesnyc.com/
2. Gray's Papaya Hot Dogs
Classic, simple, delicious. Don't ask for ketchup.
http://grayspapayanyc.com/
3. Ninja New York: Kitchy, kid friendly Asian-Fusion joint where the servers dress like Ninjas and do magic tricks at your table. Silly and fun, with decent food. Mainly about the atmosphere, but definitely worth a visit.
http://www.ninjanewyork.com/
4. Roberta's
Fresh, wood fired brick oven pizza, with a really cool vibe. Awesome outdoor space with two bars and fantastic food. It is located in Brooklyn, so it may be off the beaten path, but wow.
http://www.robertaspizza.com/
5. Morimotos
Fancier, more high end, but freaking amazing. Best service, most authentic Japanese food from this Iron Chef. Hint: go for lunch! Less expensive but still top notch.
http://www.morimotonyc.com/
6. Eataly
Ohhh man. Italian market inside. Produce, meat, cheese, seafood, pasta. All kinds of little counters and stands. Nutella dessert stand. Trust me, just go. It is super crowded, but mouth watering.
7. Cheslea Market
Another indoor market that has every type of food stall you could possibly want. You can browse around before making a decision, and there is something for everyone. Pizza, tacos, gelato, soup, seafood- you name it. There are also cute little retail shops to enjoy while you munch.
Always remember: do your research!!! Ask friends! If you want anything more specific, please let me know!
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