Kids in the City: Traveling in NYC
I was a bit hesitant to write this post at first, because it is inherently coming from a place of privilege. Being able to take our kids on trips, to travel with them to other cities and other countries, is absolutely a privilege. I do fully appreciate the fact that we are fortunate to be able to do so, and I do not take that for granted. As Russell and I have grown from a family of two to a family of four, we have made it a point to remember that our kids won't be kids forever; we want to raise people who appreciate other cultures, who know that diversity is a cornerstone of society, who thirst to learn about new things. One of our favorite places to take the kids so far has been New York City. Just recently we took our third trip to NYC with the kids, and each time we have learned something new. I know it can be intimidating to travel with little ones, so this post is about my tips and tricks of the trade to make it a good experience.
BASIC THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:
1. Even though kids have boundless energy, they will tire out faster than you when exploring the city. NYC blocks are LONG. Walking around is awesome, but don't schedule too many things in one day or everyone will be cranky and tired. Plan one main event per day and find smaller, "filler" events for the rest of the day.
2. Schedule in food breaks, but don't fill up on street food unless that is your plan. There is delicious food EVERYWHERE.
3. Book your hotel/Air B&B in the general vicinity of the activities you want to do. It doesn't have to be the same neighborhood, but try to be close.
4. Don't expect it to be perfect, and don't expect your kids to love the same things you do.
5. BUT- a little boredom, being a little uncomfortable, won't kill your kids.
6. Keep an eye on your children at all times. The city moves fast and so do the cabs.
7. Do your research!!! What are your interests? What are your kid's interests?? Before you book anything, have a plan in mind.
THINGS TO DO (AND NOT DO)
1. Museums: The Natural History Museum and the MOMA are amazing. Natural History is a bit more "kid friendly", the MOMA can be tough because kids cannot touch ANYTHING. Our kids had a hard time with that, so I would recommend older kids or those who are good at keeping their hands to themselves.
2. The Central Park Zoo: Dude. This zoo is so much fun! Seriously, we love it. We have even gone in the snow and in the rain. It is completely manageable, even for small kids, because it isn't huge. But they still have birds, bears, seals and a 3-D Theater. Completely worth it.
3. Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island: You have to book in advance because it sells out quickly. But the ferry ride over is fun and I have to say, seeing Lady Liberty up close is breathtaking. The whole experience takes a couple of hours from start to finish and it was totally worth it.
4. Union Square Market: Most especially on the weekends! They always have something for sale, and on the weekends the Farmers Markets are amazing. During the holiday season it is phenomenal. Local artisans and produce abound, and you could easily do all of your shopping there.
5. Rockerfeller Center: I mean really, it is pretty iconic. Just seeing a part of NYC that most people have seen on TV is pretty cool. There is an awesome Lego Store there, and if it is during the holiday season, the tree is amazing. Just know that anytime past Thanksgiving there are about 1 million people there looking at the tree, ice skating and viewing the window displays at Macy's. Crazy but worth it, at least once. Just don't let go of your children.
6. Time Square: NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. I literally HATE this place. There are so many damn people there. It feels like a giant scam. The huge screens and lights are impressive, to be sure. But in my opinion, I'd avoid it like the plague unless you LOVE large crowds and corporate chain joints.
7. Chinatown: Dude, I love Chinatown. It is so unique, so dirty, so messy, so smelly and SOOO New York. It is like stepping into a new country. There isn't really anything to DO there except walk around and avoid people trying to sell you knockoff handbags and sunglasses. But there are amazing little restaurants. And food vendors. And different languages. And a chance for your kids to see a culture and lifestyle that is probably very different from anything they have seen before. So enter at your own risk, but if you want your kids to see a microcosm of a society, this is your place.
8. Williamsburg, Brooklyn: Ok, sure, it is full of hipsters. But not the WHOLE place. There are fantastic beer gardens, amazing restaurants, flea markets and great shopping. Just an awesome place to walk around.
*Stay tuned for the next post, all about food!!
BASIC THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:
1. Even though kids have boundless energy, they will tire out faster than you when exploring the city. NYC blocks are LONG. Walking around is awesome, but don't schedule too many things in one day or everyone will be cranky and tired. Plan one main event per day and find smaller, "filler" events for the rest of the day.
2. Schedule in food breaks, but don't fill up on street food unless that is your plan. There is delicious food EVERYWHERE.
3. Book your hotel/Air B&B in the general vicinity of the activities you want to do. It doesn't have to be the same neighborhood, but try to be close.
4. Don't expect it to be perfect, and don't expect your kids to love the same things you do.
5. BUT- a little boredom, being a little uncomfortable, won't kill your kids.
6. Keep an eye on your children at all times. The city moves fast and so do the cabs.
7. Do your research!!! What are your interests? What are your kid's interests?? Before you book anything, have a plan in mind.
THINGS TO DO (AND NOT DO)
1. Museums: The Natural History Museum and the MOMA are amazing. Natural History is a bit more "kid friendly", the MOMA can be tough because kids cannot touch ANYTHING. Our kids had a hard time with that, so I would recommend older kids or those who are good at keeping their hands to themselves.
2. The Central Park Zoo: Dude. This zoo is so much fun! Seriously, we love it. We have even gone in the snow and in the rain. It is completely manageable, even for small kids, because it isn't huge. But they still have birds, bears, seals and a 3-D Theater. Completely worth it.
3. Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island: You have to book in advance because it sells out quickly. But the ferry ride over is fun and I have to say, seeing Lady Liberty up close is breathtaking. The whole experience takes a couple of hours from start to finish and it was totally worth it.
4. Union Square Market: Most especially on the weekends! They always have something for sale, and on the weekends the Farmers Markets are amazing. During the holiday season it is phenomenal. Local artisans and produce abound, and you could easily do all of your shopping there.
5. Rockerfeller Center: I mean really, it is pretty iconic. Just seeing a part of NYC that most people have seen on TV is pretty cool. There is an awesome Lego Store there, and if it is during the holiday season, the tree is amazing. Just know that anytime past Thanksgiving there are about 1 million people there looking at the tree, ice skating and viewing the window displays at Macy's. Crazy but worth it, at least once. Just don't let go of your children.
6. Time Square: NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. I literally HATE this place. There are so many damn people there. It feels like a giant scam. The huge screens and lights are impressive, to be sure. But in my opinion, I'd avoid it like the plague unless you LOVE large crowds and corporate chain joints.
7. Chinatown: Dude, I love Chinatown. It is so unique, so dirty, so messy, so smelly and SOOO New York. It is like stepping into a new country. There isn't really anything to DO there except walk around and avoid people trying to sell you knockoff handbags and sunglasses. But there are amazing little restaurants. And food vendors. And different languages. And a chance for your kids to see a culture and lifestyle that is probably very different from anything they have seen before. So enter at your own risk, but if you want your kids to see a microcosm of a society, this is your place.
8. Williamsburg, Brooklyn: Ok, sure, it is full of hipsters. But not the WHOLE place. There are fantastic beer gardens, amazing restaurants, flea markets and great shopping. Just an awesome place to walk around.
*Stay tuned for the next post, all about food!!
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