What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

Would anyone be willing to offer some advice on the sights to see in NYC?
I have a 30 year old friend who will be traveling with his wife and 4 year old son. They will be coming from Austin and staying in a friend's apartment overlooking Central Park in August.
He is asking for food suggestions and for things they can do as a family. They are planning a Broadway show, I do know that.
Thank you in advance,
Jane

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

May I suggest the always amazing Blue Man Group? Great show, it's fun, and not as expensive as other broadway shows.

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

There's all the touristy stuff like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Intrepid, Empire State Bldg, Rockefeller Center, United Nations, the Circle Line tour boat around Manhattan, more museums than you can shake a stick at.

Central Park Zoo - Southeast corner of the park
There are several nice playgrounds in the Park, one just north of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Lots of puppet shows or the Paper Bag Players
Children's Museum on 83rd between Broadway and Amsterdam
Take a boat out in Central Park
I like the Alice in Wonderland statue in the park

I liked Beauty and the Beast for younger children.
If they go to Blue Man Group off Broadway the front 3 rows come with a poncho :ahh:

Too many places to eat and depends on their preferences. There's the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Times Square, Jekyll and Hyde's if you like themes.

P.S.
Pick up a map of Central Park at the Dairy just off the Park cut through at 65th St. behind the Central Park Zoo.

A note on the Statue of Liberty. It's an all day trip starting with a line for boat tickets down in Battery Park. Only the first boatload of people get to go in the statue itself, but the lines can be long for a 4-year old.

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

I just returned from a 3 day trip to NYC with my daughters GS troop. We packed at least 6 days worth of stuff into the three days. Here are some ideas...

Yankee's or Mets Game - the cheap seats are $25, and very kid friendly!
Broadway: Stomp, Beauty and the Beast, Lion King, Tarzan, many others have 2 pm matinees.
Battery Park, Staten Island Ferry, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island.
Central Park - statue of Balto the dog on 67th and East Dr.
American Museum of Natural History
Brooklyn Children's Museum
Bronx Zoo or Central Park Zoo
Times Square with Toys R Us with a Ferris Wheel inside
FAO Schwarz (757 5th Ave at 58th St)
Little Italy
China Town
Sony Wonder Lab (550 Madison Ave)
Dylan’s Candy Bar (3rd Ave at 60th)
Trump Towers (737 Fifth Ave)
Radio City Music Hall
Build-a Bear Workshop (%th Ave at 46th)
Museum of Modern Art (W. 53 St.)

Ride the Subway and Shop, Shop, Shop!

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

Wonder if I could go as 'the nanny' - I want to do ALL of these things. :)
Thanks guys!

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

Well...there's tons of stuff to do in New York.

Over spring break, I went to NYC for a day. We went to "Top of the Rock", which is where you get to go to the newly opened observation deck at Rockefeller Center. Also, we went to Canal Street in Chinatown to buy some knock-offs, if you like that. I got a "Rolex" for $36 there. We also considered going to the Empire State Building, where they, too, have an observation deck. The UN also has tours, but I have heard many good things about that. But it really depends on what you're interested in.

Also, there are some good restaurants. A place that I like is called Jekyll and Hyde. There's one at 6th and 57th and in the Village on 7th ave. I've been to both and I prefer the one in the Village much better.

Of course, there are some neat stores in Times Square and Rockefeller Center. If you like sports, I know thatYankee Stadium offers tours. If you plan far enough ahead (depends on when you're going), you might be able to get tickets to a Yankees or Mets game, or maybe something at Madison Square Garden. Also, if you like art, there's always the Metropolitan Museum of Art, if you like art. And you could maybe get tickets to a show at the IMAX Theater at Lincoln Center. They have some cool films there sometimes.

For your friend's son, you might want to check out ESPN Zone. It's true that they do have these everywhere, but it's really cool to be able to eat your dinner while looking out over Times Square. Mars 2112 is a fun restaurant for kids. It is Mars-themed, and you take a "shuttle ride" to Mars where you eat your dinner. The food isn't the best, but it's a fun place for kids.

The Nintendo Store also just opened recently, and that's a cool place. It's right in Rockefeller Center, so you can also go to those shops while you're there.

You may also want to cross the border and go into Jersey for a day to visit the Statue of Liberty (yes, it's in New Jersey, not New York). There are some tours there that do leave from the city, though. Circle Line cruises around Manhattan are supposed to be fun, too.

I hope that was helpful. :) Have lots of fun on your vacation. NYC is a really fun place.

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

Update:
I composed a listing of all of your suggestions and gave it to my friend.
A very tall - but not as tall as Big Mike or Brandon - Texan was giggling like a kid when I gave him the list. And he has been extra extra nice today.

The nanny idea didn't go over too well, he thinks I would have too much fun. Thanks again -
Jane

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

Two words: Nintendo Store

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

I definitely second the following:

Circle line around NYC (but not if it's really hot out)
Dylan's candy bar (Buy & eat a Violet Crumble - very sweet, and unique)
Chinatown (not in the rain). Hong Fat's is great.
the Intrepid
American Museum of Natural History & Hayden planetarium (if it's hot or raining)

Then there's....
Ray's Famous Pizza - REAL Pizza.
Have a bagel, anywhere. With a schmear (cream cheese).
South street seaport, and walk over to Wall Street, just to see it.
And come on over to Jersey - you can walk across the George Washington Bridge (about a mile) - very cool, and the other side is Fort Lee historical park, at the top of the famous Palisades.

Oh, and definitely take the subway (daytime only!), it's cheap enough, and the A/C often works. Well, sometimes.

Don

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

I have to say that this thread is pretty helpful as I am going to stay in NYC for a few days next week before I go on to Philly and I need stuff to do.

From my past experience:

Stomp is a very cool show, but it depends on the type of person. I am a drummer so I like that kind of stuff, but some people look at it as a bunch of noise. Whatever show you go to, stop by TKTS in times square the day of the show, where you can buy tickets for cheap. I just want to warn you that there might be a very long line.

The museum of natural history - I was there a few years ago and I remember it was really cool and interesting. Don't know if it will interest a 4 year old, but even for adults it's a lot of fun. Can take at least half a day, if not more.

Madame Tussauds wax museum - They have museums in many places, but if you have never been to one you should definitely go to see it. It is truly amazing.

The USS Intrepid - very cool tour of the retired aircraft carrier. You get to see lots of different planes and helicopters.

If you are technology lovers, you must stop by B&H. It is a Photography/audio/video heaven. The store ceiling roller system is awesome and they have great prices.

ESPN zone - very fun place to spend a few hours in. Just watch out not to keep on putting more and more money on your card.

NBC studio tour - the NBC studios are located at Rockefeller center. The tour was really cool and interesting. Takes about an hour and a half.

Also being an audience on a TV show is fun. I think you can do this online on the show's site.

If you get a chance, stop by the Marriott Marquis hotel in times square. Take the elevator up to the 49th floor and you will be amazed...believe me, it's very cool. :D

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

Just a cautionary note - there are so many fun, fun things to do there, but depending on the family's background, and especially the child's, NYC can be a very big, big place. I lived there when I was younger, but I've been back for school trips and I've found that even the most responsible of teenagers get lost and distracted easily. :)

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

Ah, I forgot about the wax museum! I haven't been there in a few years, but it's really interesting.

Also, the NBC Studio Tour has not gotten very good reviews. I know that before 9/11, you used to be able to see shows taped and you might have been able to be an audience, but in recent years, they've tightened up on security and it's no longer as expansive as it once was. I would look into some more information about this before deciding on it.

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

The museum of Natural History is nice & probably the most kid-friendly museum in manhattan. There's also the met (classic art), and the moma (modern art), both on Central Park East, I believe. If you want to get out of just manhattan, in Brooklyn you can go to the aquarium (which really isn't that impressive.. it's smaller than I had expected). If you get tired of walking the circle line bus tours are nice. If you like just wandering around looking at people/places, check out City Hall, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, check out China town (Canal St.).

Honestly, when I have friends come to the city, the highlight of the weekend is generally the food/nightlife. There are some amazing restaurants that you just WON'T find anywhere else. Whatever you do, don't go to a chain. Some of the neatest restaurants are the little holes in the wall. However, there are some really nice fancier places that are very family friendly (lax dress code, noisy, but amazing food and a hefty price). If they have internet access, www.menupages.com is indispensable. The zagat's restaurant guide is also so helpful (You can just look at one in Barnes & Nobles without actually buying it.. I did that for a while when I wanted a nice restaurant :D)

I'd probably avoid the subway in the summer, especially with a kid. The 4/5/6 line is super crowded, especially.. if you're on the east side. But regardless of the line, it gets really hot in the stations (it's not so bad when the humidity is low.. but if its 80% or so, it's killer).

If it's this weekend, I might avoid some of the more touristy stuff, like going up in the Empire State Building and stuff like that. People will be flocking in. Also, more people will probably be out this weekend than usual, so be warned for food.

Another thing to check out could be the TIX booth in Times Square (there's a similar thing down at the South St. Seaport) where you can get day-of discount tickets for Broadway shows (although on a weekend, they'll only have the less-popular ones or off/off-off broadway shows).

Also, for one of the best views of the city, take the Staten Island Ferry (down near battery park) over to Brooklyn. It's free and pretty relaxing. Seriously, it's great.

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

Thanks Genia. My friend, the dad, has never been out of Texas. I think his wife has travelled. The dad is a cautionary man and will be very careful about his son's schedule. That is why he approached me with what I knew about sights for children and families. My NYC days date back to the 70's so that information was dated and useless. The information that all of you are providing is giving him a wonderful list to select from, discuss with his New York hosts, and get it settled in his mind before his feet even leave Texas soil.

Also, our robotics teacher is from New York and his advice was: 'walk like you know where you are going and don't stare at a 5 story building like you've never seen one before.' I'm going to make him practice that walk before he leaves.

*sigh* this is a great thread!

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

I second the Circle Tour idea. A great way to see the entire island of Manhattan.

You can reserve a free tour with the Big Apple Greeters. A great way to get a personalized, less touristy tour by locals. (We did this in Chicago and had an amazing time there but that's another story...)

For Chinatown, go to a dim sum restaurant. There are lots. Carts of these mostly dumpling-like foods group (I must admit I have never tried the chicken feet food group) pass by your table every couple of minutes. You pay by the number of plates left on the table.

When I was a child, I have happy memories of going to NYC, having dim sum and then going to a play. The biggest treat? None of my 3 sisters went along. It was my special day. I've loved dim sum since I was 7! It was during one of these trips that I got to meet Davey Jones and I have his autograph. It was before he became a Monkee (those in my age group will understand how exciting this was). He was the artful dodger on Broadway in "Oliver." He came to Baltimore last year, was on a local radio station, I called him and we had a long chat on the air. He loved talking about being on Broadway.
As usual, I digress....

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

We heard that several times from non-New Yorkers. "Try not to look like a tourist." We actually had our best moments when we were very tourist-looking. Like riding the subway...The locals were very friendly and helpful in providing directions and advice on the best ways to get somewhere and their favorite places to eat. NYC recently received the title of the "Friendliest City." To me, that reputation was honestly given. So tell the Tall Texan to stop and look up while walking along Fifth Avenue, 'cause it's a sight like no other! And a local may just stop and identify all the buildings for you!

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

There's a Frommer's tour book called "New York City with Kids" your friend might want to look into picking up from Amazon or the local bookstore. It covers sights, shows, food, shopping, side trips for families with young children.

I just remembered the Intrepid will be out of commission (de-decommissioned I suppose) during August. They'll be refurbishing it, so strike that one from the list.

The half-price ticket booth in Duffy Square (north part of Times Square) is also out of commission for construction, but that may be done with by August. They can still get the tickets though.
Do walk through Times Square at night.

However they attempt to behave it'll probably still be obvious they are tourists.
They might want to stay away from the Texas Chili places though, they might be disappointed

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

Umm, I think that ferry goes to, er. Staten Island. Hence the name. But, it's almost free (I think it's 25 cents each way), and it is a great 20 minute or so boat ride through the middle of New York harbor. Go to the south end of Battery Park, the ferry terminal is obvious.

As for safety, use common sense, like anywhere. Ask your hosts, too. Although NYC has become a LOT safer in the last 20 years, Central Park at night is still a poor choice.

Some restaurants can cost $100 per person, most are just expensive. I agree completely with evulish, don't waste time eating at a chain, the tiny holes-in-the-wall can be spectacular. Schedule your meal times for slightly off house - 11:30 or 2:15 for lunch, and as late as 6:30 for dinner. You'll get a nice table and good service without a 75 minute wait. (But, sometimes talking to locals during that 75 minutes can be fascinating)

Don

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

Would anyone like to expand on 'casual dress' for dining? I guess the hosts will address that but I didn't think of it.Austin can be very laid back/casual. We can dress for dinner but it isn't anything my circle would think of. We head for good coffee, all night places, great food, and yummy queso. Two adults and one child can eat for $30, no problem.

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

$30 for two adults and one child? :ahh: I definitely don't think that's happening in NYC. Like Don said, there are some restaurants that could be upwards of $100/person. But with a child, they're probably not looking into places like that, and those are the places that usually require people to dress up.

Like probably many places in the US, most family-friendly restaurants are casual. I don't think they'll run into a problem with formal vs. casual, unless they would like to maybe just have a fancy dinner one night.

Since this is New York, there are many all night places, but just be careful of the location. You don't want to end up in one of the bad parts of town late at night, especially with children. Again, though, NY has gotten a lot safer in the past few years.

Also, as Don mentioned, the "hole-in-the-wall" places can be really good. And they definitely don't require formal wear, and sometimes they can be less expensive than the chains.

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

In the early 70's I stayed in the Bronx for a couple of weeks and ate in some of the hole in the wall places that you guys are mentioning. Some of the best times and best food I've ever had. When I was eating in one whose choice of seasoning for everything was curry, the server eventually came and set down 2 large pitchers of water next to my plate instead of having to stand there with me refilling my glass. :yikes:
It was great! Mark, thanks for the book suggestion, I'll look this weekend.

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

most places don't care unless you're going very upscale. I spent $250 on dinner for my folks and myself and we were wearing shorts. Your safest bet is to just call ahead and make sure shorts and stuff are fine.

And as for not looking like tourists, I wouldn't waste the energy. We can all tell :D The only tip I can think of for walking around is if aren't moving at the flow of pedestrian traffic, try and stay to the edge of the sidewalk (ESPECIALLY if you're stopped).

Haha. I'm a little slow sometimes.

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

I'm most definitely not a New York expert, but how come I haven't seen any discussion of the New York deli? My husband insists that a deli is something a visitor to New York must experience, and I'm sure the family will want to eat lunch. I've also read that sidewalk vendors are popular.

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

The delis are quite good. Thanks for bringing it up.

For Letterman fans, there's always the Hello Deli. ;) Plus many other good ones. I can't name any off the top off my head.

I've never had anything from a street vendor. The only thing I know is that when you're driving along the road, one of them may be walking in the middle of your lane, so watch out! (True story)

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

Well, for a classic deli feast, go to Katz's Deli on Houston St. Try their pastrami. There are deli's all over the place, but that's probably one of the more famous ones. As for street vendors, the ones in the touristy places are nothing to rave about (boiled hotdogs, expensive pretzels, etc), but during lunch hours, there are all kinds of street vendors for the working class which are usually pretty good.

Also, for some good food and just an interesting experience, there are a lot of street fairs in the summer around this time. I run into one just about every weekend. They take up a big part of an avenue where they sell food and cheap wares (jewelry, art, clothing, etc.). I usually run into them in midtown east on like 3rd avenue (I think) in the 50's or down near Union Square (I think there was one on 8th ave this past weekend around 18th st).

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

Any ice cream places or stands to go with that Violet Crumble?
- He'll like the deli suggestions -

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

Serendipity on 60th between 2nd & 3rd Avenues serves a huge banana split.

Speaking of street fairs: http://www.nyctourist.com/st_fairs_calendar.htm
but I don't see anything in August.


There are free concerts in Central park all summer http://www.summerstage.org/, and you can usually find free outdoor dance and street performances all through the city.

I just looked up this site for city events: http://www.iloveny.com/search/events_index.asp

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

One thing to remember with the restaurants that might surprise them at first, is that space in NYC is at a premium, so the restaurants, stores, etc. in Manhattan are sometimes narrow and deep. My husband loves Carnegie Deli (I've never seen sandwiches that big anywhere else - expensive but so worth it!). If they can figure out transportation, a trip to Connecticut to the Mystic Aquarium might be nice. Also, I grew up on the beaches of LI so maybe someone can tell us how they could get to Jones Beach or a closer one - you have to experience the Atlantic Ocean if you're going to be that close! And don't forget library preschool programs. www.nypl.org

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

Good suggestion! Just as long as they don't end up in the Hudson by accident. :p

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

Some of the NY specialties to try while they are here are:

Bagel w/lox
Egg cream (no eggs are involved)
NY Pizza
NY delicatessen sandwiches
Italian ices, pastries, cannoli
all the ethnic foods you find in NYC and many more I'm overlooking.

Speaking of hole-in-the-wall places…

Il Laboratorio Del Gelato on Orchard St. between Broome and Delancey Sts. makes their ice cream by hand in the back and they have some specialty flavors.

For Jenny's Dim Sum try the Double Eight Palace for brunch at 88 East Broadway underneath the Manhattan Bridge.

I have to think about transportation to Jones Beach.
The easiest route is by car - LI is all about cars - (midtown tunnel-LIE east, to Cross Island Pkwy south, to Southern Sate Pkwy east, to Meadowbrook State Pkwy south).
{edit}
I looked up a couple of ways to take the train to the beaches.

• The LIRR from Penn Station has a Far Rockaway stop at the beach there. (I haven't been to the beach there)
• For Jones Beach take the LIRR to Wantagh then take the JB24 or JB50 buses to the beach.

Coney Island might be an easier choice. There are a couple of subway stops there and at the nearby aquarium. I haven't been to the beach there (other than driving by) in quite a while.

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

Now I'm starting to feel nostalgic. Lunch during high school was often a quick walk to the neighboring deli for a big pickle, bagel with cream cheese and a coke! YUM! :)

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

I thought you folks might like an update from my friend from Austin. He just got back from his trip to NYC with his wife and 6 year old son. They 'had a blast'. He said it was hot and the apartment near Central Park didn't have central ac - the NY family had an old 30 yr. old window unit in the closet and my friend hooked it up. 'It worked!' They only used it at night for sleeping.

Let's see:
They bought a city pass which paid for the museums, the Intrepid, and the Circle Line. The Intrepid was open for business and the young son loved everything that had to do with it.
They rode the bus system for the most part and thought it was wonderful.
Mike's favorite part was the Museum of Modern Art. He thought it was fabulous. 'Monet on one side and 'silly art' on the other.' His son loved the Museum of Natural History, the dinosaurs.

They ate in all the 'holes in the wall' and were impressed with the cost factor. :) Another favorite was the Bronx Zoo for the whole family.
During one of the taxi rides to the airport, the 6 year old said, 'wheeee!' most of the way.

Thanks to everyone for all of your suggestions, advice, and helpful hints. Mike used the maps and plotted out each day and each event. 'Great hotdogs in New York!'

Jane

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

Yes, thanks for updating us on this! I'm happy to know that they had a good time.

Re: What to do w/10 days vacation in New York City?
 

Oh, one thing Mike did that I thought very clever.
He took one of the old baby strollers of his son's and moved the seat up and the foot rest down, making it a 6 year old size stroller that could still fold up, therefore meeting the fold requirements for the bus. His son would stroll right along with one leg crossed over on the other taking in the sights. Ah, New York City through the eyes of a child.