NYC with 8 yr old
Jul 3rd, 2015, 04:57 PM
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NYC with 8 yr old
Hello,
We will be visiting NYC with our 8 yr old son in 2 weeks. I have put together a rough draft of our itinerary and I would like to get some suggestions.
Day 1-Arrive at 10 AM(Thursday)
**Should we schedule a car service? Any recommendations? Thinking of booking CarmelLimo? Or is it better to get an Uber?
We will be staying near the Hells Kitchen area. We are planning to have brunch somewhere around there. Any recommendations?
-After brunch we will head to
o Rockefeller Center
o Nintendo World, Toys R' Us, M&M Store, lego Store etc....
o Top of the Rock
o Dinner: Somewhere in timesquare???Suggestions? We like high end restaurants but considering we will be with our son we can do something a little bit more low key...but still good.
Day 2-Early breakfast in hotel(Friday)
-Museum of Natural History
-Central Park-need recommendations of activities, restaurants near the area??
-Any other activities recommended in this area?
Day 3-visiting some friends outside the city---
Day 4-(Sunday)
-World Trade Center Memorial
-World Trade Center Museum
-Staten Island Ferry
o Chinatown??
o Little Italy??
Day 5-(Monday)
o Metropolitan Museum of Art ---thinking of doing the scavenger hunt
o Nutella store at Eataly
o Central park walk/explore - bagels for breakfast on the walk over
Day 6- We have a few hours in the city because our flight leaves around 5 PM....Any recommendations on any activities we can do near the hotel?
Any must see or do items that I am missing please advise. Also fun and unique eats ...we are planning to do the usual pizza, hot dogs in the street. Chinatown, little Italy....are there any fun restaurants that you can recommend that would also be good with a child? Any great brunch places that we must try? Also, if anyone has suggestions for things to do on a rainy day...I have heard there has been a lot of rain in the city so I want to have an idea of things I could do in case it is raining.
Also, should I purchase one of those NYC passes, metro passes? Is the Empire State Building necessary if I am doing Top of the Rock?
I know this is information overload but I am running out of time and getting a little worried. Thanks in advance for your help!!!
We will be visiting NYC with our 8 yr old son in 2 weeks. I have put together a rough draft of our itinerary and I would like to get some suggestions.
Day 1-Arrive at 10 AM(Thursday)
**Should we schedule a car service? Any recommendations? Thinking of booking CarmelLimo? Or is it better to get an Uber?
We will be staying near the Hells Kitchen area. We are planning to have brunch somewhere around there. Any recommendations?
-After brunch we will head to
o Rockefeller Center
o Nintendo World, Toys R' Us, M&M Store, lego Store etc....
o Top of the Rock
o Dinner: Somewhere in timesquare???Suggestions? We like high end restaurants but considering we will be with our son we can do something a little bit more low key...but still good.
Day 2-Early breakfast in hotel(Friday)
-Museum of Natural History
-Central Park-need recommendations of activities, restaurants near the area??
-Any other activities recommended in this area?
Day 3-visiting some friends outside the city---
Day 4-(Sunday)
-World Trade Center Memorial
-World Trade Center Museum
-Staten Island Ferry
o Chinatown??
o Little Italy??
Day 5-(Monday)
o Metropolitan Museum of Art ---thinking of doing the scavenger hunt
o Nutella store at Eataly
o Central park walk/explore - bagels for breakfast on the walk over
Day 6- We have a few hours in the city because our flight leaves around 5 PM....Any recommendations on any activities we can do near the hotel?
Any must see or do items that I am missing please advise. Also fun and unique eats ...we are planning to do the usual pizza, hot dogs in the street. Chinatown, little Italy....are there any fun restaurants that you can recommend that would also be good with a child? Any great brunch places that we must try? Also, if anyone has suggestions for things to do on a rainy day...I have heard there has been a lot of rain in the city so I want to have an idea of things I could do in case it is raining.
Also, should I purchase one of those NYC passes, metro passes? Is the Empire State Building necessary if I am doing Top of the Rock?
I know this is information overload but I am running out of time and getting a little worried. Thanks in advance for your help!!!
Jul 3rd, 2015, 06:59 PM
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No need to go to Empire State Building if you're going to Top of the Rock.
Don't know what your son enjoys, but consider going to the Intripid:
http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/
If you've watched Stuart Little or read the book, you might enjoy a quick stop at the Boat Lake in Central Park.
One thing about NY - it's good to have a plan but it's better to be flexible and change plans based on how you're feeling, weather and whatever you see that catches your attention.
Don't know what your son enjoys, but consider going to the Intripid:
http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/
If you've watched Stuart Little or read the book, you might enjoy a quick stop at the Boat Lake in Central Park.
One thing about NY - it's good to have a plan but it's better to be flexible and change plans based on how you're feeling, weather and whatever you see that catches your attention.
Jul 4th, 2015, 03:07 AM
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Thanks so much for the reommendation about the Intrepid Museum. How big is it?? How many hours do you think it will take?
Is it worth to buy the New York City pass to visit all these attractions?
Any recommendations for a car service from LGA to the city? Or is Uber a good option?
Is it worth to buy the New York City pass to visit all these attractions?
Any recommendations for a car service from LGA to the city? Or is Uber a good option?
Jul 4th, 2015, 04:36 AM
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A couple of notes:
Uber cars are not allowed to pick up at airport so make arrangements with either Carmel or Dial 7. Do not ask for meet and greet (much more expensive) but reserve a car and then call them when you get off your plane. They will be there by the time you pick up your luggage. You pay for bridge or tunnel tolls and 20% tip on top of the quoted fare.
Do not get any sort of city pass - it is practically impossible to make them pay and the claim to avoid waiting lines is illusory - most places don;t have them and the few that do don;t work with the pass. Do get a Metro pass since you will be using the subway and perhaps local bus a lot. (Be aware subway cars have AC but stations don't and can be incredibly hot.)
Brunch is usually only Sat and sun - so you will need to look for a place that serves breakfast all day.
For info on Central Park go to the web site of the Central Park Conservancy. It has a map of all the walking paths (most of the park is foot only), all of the various attractions (don;t miss either Strawberry Fields or the small but interesting zoo) and also lists ranger walks.
The Met is right across the park from Nat'l History and many kids love certain parts of it (esp the Egyptian dep't/Temple of Dendur and arms & armor) - but you already have a lot scheduled for this day. For Nat'l Histo go to the web site in advance to determine which parts you want to see (the whole thing could take a couple of days). Dinos are always a big hit, there are some interactive activities for kids but you need to schedule in advance and their evolution presentation is great.
For this day you might want to go to Zabar's - Bway and 80th - and pick up food for a picnic in the park if the weather is good. They have great salads and sandwiches as well as fantastic lox/bagels and a huge gourmet department (more than 200 cheeses) and fresh bakery.
IMHO Little Italy is gone - just a few restaurants left and most not very good. Chinatown is OK for a child I guess - mostly for tscotcke shopping and budget dining - but food is more authentic than in most local places.
Agree your son would like the Intrepid - doable on departure day if you get there early and don't dawdle.
For kids I reco Ellen's Stardust Diner - basic diner fare but the wait staff as resting b'way chorus boys and girls and their performances are fun.
Uber cars are not allowed to pick up at airport so make arrangements with either Carmel or Dial 7. Do not ask for meet and greet (much more expensive) but reserve a car and then call them when you get off your plane. They will be there by the time you pick up your luggage. You pay for bridge or tunnel tolls and 20% tip on top of the quoted fare.
Do not get any sort of city pass - it is practically impossible to make them pay and the claim to avoid waiting lines is illusory - most places don;t have them and the few that do don;t work with the pass. Do get a Metro pass since you will be using the subway and perhaps local bus a lot. (Be aware subway cars have AC but stations don't and can be incredibly hot.)
Brunch is usually only Sat and sun - so you will need to look for a place that serves breakfast all day.
For info on Central Park go to the web site of the Central Park Conservancy. It has a map of all the walking paths (most of the park is foot only), all of the various attractions (don;t miss either Strawberry Fields or the small but interesting zoo) and also lists ranger walks.
The Met is right across the park from Nat'l History and many kids love certain parts of it (esp the Egyptian dep't/Temple of Dendur and arms & armor) - but you already have a lot scheduled for this day. For Nat'l Histo go to the web site in advance to determine which parts you want to see (the whole thing could take a couple of days). Dinos are always a big hit, there are some interactive activities for kids but you need to schedule in advance and their evolution presentation is great.
For this day you might want to go to Zabar's - Bway and 80th - and pick up food for a picnic in the park if the weather is good. They have great salads and sandwiches as well as fantastic lox/bagels and a huge gourmet department (more than 200 cheeses) and fresh bakery.
IMHO Little Italy is gone - just a few restaurants left and most not very good. Chinatown is OK for a child I guess - mostly for tscotcke shopping and budget dining - but food is more authentic than in most local places.
Agree your son would like the Intrepid - doable on departure day if you get there early and don't dawdle.
For kids I reco Ellen's Stardust Diner - basic diner fare but the wait staff as resting b'way chorus boys and girls and their performances are fun.
Jul 4th, 2015, 08:14 AM
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If by "Metro Pass" you are referring to the 7 Day Unlimited Ride for the Subway & bus, I would recommend caution.
Note: The Daily (or Fun Pass) unlimited ride MetroCard was discontinued in 2010.
A 7 day unlimited MetroCard costs $31.00 (plus a $1.00 fee for a new MetroCard). It can only be used by 1 person. It cannot used to pay the fare for others. After each use the card locks out for 18 minutes.
Also in order for the 7 day to be worth the $31 price, it has be be used for at least 12 times within the 7 days (12 x $2.75 base fare = $33.00).
If your son is over 44 inches in height you are required to pay the fare ($2.75) for him. Unlike other places where a child's age may be the guiding factor, for NYC Subway & buses it is based on the height of the child. Children under 44 inches in height may ride for free when accompanied by a fare paying adult.
Based on what you mention as your possible itinerary, I would recommend against the 7 day unlimited (especially if you may have to buy 3 of them). Many of the places you mention for a single day may be within a reasonable walking distance of each other.
I suggest you go for a regular (also called a Pay-per-ride) MetroCard. While the $1.00 fee for a new card still applies, you can add at any time the amounts of money you need for the subway/bus fare. And you only need to buy 1 card to use for the 3 of you.
For any amount of $5.50 or more placed on a regular MetroCard a bonus of 11% is added.
Metro Cards may be purchased at a booth in the subway (Cash only) or from MetroCard Vending Machine (MVM) which will accept cash/credit & debit cards. Note that there is a limit of 2 transactions per day per credit or debit card in the MVM. The MVM works in amounts based on multiples of 5 cents.
The chart below are examples of what you'd get based on what is placed on the regular MetroCard:
Any line that starts with a * indicates that there would be no amount left over after all fares are paid. ** means that there is a selection on the MVM screen for the amount. Other amounts (in multiples of 5 cents) can be added using the "Other amounts" selection.
2 fares $5.50 + bonus value of 61 cents - total value $6.11 (2 full fares [$5.50] with 61 cents left over)
3 fares $7.45 + bonus value 82 cents - total value $8.27 (3 full fares [$8.25] with 2 cents left over)
** 4 fares $10.00 + bonus value of $1.10 - total value of $11.10 (4 full fares [$11.00] with 10 cents left over)
5 fares $12.40 + bonus value of $1.36 - total value of $13.76 (5 full fares [$13.75] with 1 cent left over)
6 fares $14.90 + bonus value of $1.64 - total value of $16.54 (6 full fares [$16.50] with 4 cents left over)
7 fares $17.35 + bonus value of $1.91 - total value of $19.26 (7 full fares [$19.25] with 1 cent left over)
** 8 fares $20.00 + bonus value of $2.20 - total value of $22.20 (8 full fares [22.00] with 20 cents left over)
* 9 fares $22.30 + bonus value of $1.45 - total value of $24.75 (9 full fares - nothing left over)
10 fares $24.80 + bonus value of $2.73 - total value of $27.53 (10 full fares [$27.50] with 3 cents left over)
*/** 11 fares $27.25 + bonus value of $3.00 - total value of $30.25 (11 full fares with nothing left over)
12 fares $29.75 + bonus value of $3.27 - total value of $33.02 (12 full fares [$33.00] with 2 cents left over)
13 fares $32.25 + bonus value of $3.55 - total value of $35.80 (13 full fares [$35.75] with 5 cents left over
14 fares $34.70 + bonus value of $3.82 - total value o f $38.52 (14 full fares [$38.50] with 2 cents left over
15 fares $37.20 + bonus value of $4.09 - total value of $41.29 (15 full fares [$41.20] with 4 cents left over)
16 fares $39.65 + bonus value of $4.36 - total value of $44.01 (16 full fares [44.00] with 1 cent left over)
In any event - enjoy your stay in NYC.
Note: The Daily (or Fun Pass) unlimited ride MetroCard was discontinued in 2010.
A 7 day unlimited MetroCard costs $31.00 (plus a $1.00 fee for a new MetroCard). It can only be used by 1 person. It cannot used to pay the fare for others. After each use the card locks out for 18 minutes.
Also in order for the 7 day to be worth the $31 price, it has be be used for at least 12 times within the 7 days (12 x $2.75 base fare = $33.00).
If your son is over 44 inches in height you are required to pay the fare ($2.75) for him. Unlike other places where a child's age may be the guiding factor, for NYC Subway & buses it is based on the height of the child. Children under 44 inches in height may ride for free when accompanied by a fare paying adult.
Based on what you mention as your possible itinerary, I would recommend against the 7 day unlimited (especially if you may have to buy 3 of them). Many of the places you mention for a single day may be within a reasonable walking distance of each other.
I suggest you go for a regular (also called a Pay-per-ride) MetroCard. While the $1.00 fee for a new card still applies, you can add at any time the amounts of money you need for the subway/bus fare. And you only need to buy 1 card to use for the 3 of you.
For any amount of $5.50 or more placed on a regular MetroCard a bonus of 11% is added.
Metro Cards may be purchased at a booth in the subway (Cash only) or from MetroCard Vending Machine (MVM) which will accept cash/credit & debit cards. Note that there is a limit of 2 transactions per day per credit or debit card in the MVM. The MVM works in amounts based on multiples of 5 cents.
The chart below are examples of what you'd get based on what is placed on the regular MetroCard:
Any line that starts with a * indicates that there would be no amount left over after all fares are paid. ** means that there is a selection on the MVM screen for the amount. Other amounts (in multiples of 5 cents) can be added using the "Other amounts" selection.
2 fares $5.50 + bonus value of 61 cents - total value $6.11 (2 full fares [$5.50] with 61 cents left over)
3 fares $7.45 + bonus value 82 cents - total value $8.27 (3 full fares [$8.25] with 2 cents left over)
** 4 fares $10.00 + bonus value of $1.10 - total value of $11.10 (4 full fares [$11.00] with 10 cents left over)
5 fares $12.40 + bonus value of $1.36 - total value of $13.76 (5 full fares [$13.75] with 1 cent left over)
6 fares $14.90 + bonus value of $1.64 - total value of $16.54 (6 full fares [$16.50] with 4 cents left over)
7 fares $17.35 + bonus value of $1.91 - total value of $19.26 (7 full fares [$19.25] with 1 cent left over)
** 8 fares $20.00 + bonus value of $2.20 - total value of $22.20 (8 full fares [22.00] with 20 cents left over)
* 9 fares $22.30 + bonus value of $1.45 - total value of $24.75 (9 full fares - nothing left over)
10 fares $24.80 + bonus value of $2.73 - total value of $27.53 (10 full fares [$27.50] with 3 cents left over)
*/** 11 fares $27.25 + bonus value of $3.00 - total value of $30.25 (11 full fares with nothing left over)
12 fares $29.75 + bonus value of $3.27 - total value of $33.02 (12 full fares [$33.00] with 2 cents left over)
13 fares $32.25 + bonus value of $3.55 - total value of $35.80 (13 full fares [$35.75] with 5 cents left over
14 fares $34.70 + bonus value of $3.82 - total value o f $38.52 (14 full fares [$38.50] with 2 cents left over
15 fares $37.20 + bonus value of $4.09 - total value of $41.29 (15 full fares [$41.20] with 4 cents left over)
16 fares $39.65 + bonus value of $4.36 - total value of $44.01 (16 full fares [44.00] with 1 cent left over)
In any event - enjoy your stay in NYC.
Jul 4th, 2015, 08:36 AM
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Ty NYTraveler great information too! I will definitively use Carmel or Dial 7. Will make adjustments to schedule to account for the ones you mention in Central Park.
Question about 911 Memorial and Museum. Is it best to do it on a week day or a weekend?
Question about 911 Memorial and Museum. Is it best to do it on a week day or a weekend?
Jul 4th, 2015, 10:16 AM
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"Question about 911 Memorial and Museum. Is it best to do it on a week day or a weekend?"
As this time of year (July & August) is the height of the visitor season it may not make much of a difference. Some weekdays may be busier than others. The same for the weekend.
As this time of year (July & August) is the height of the visitor season it may not make much of a difference. Some weekdays may be busier than others. The same for the weekend.
Jul 4th, 2015, 12:28 PM
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I have taken all 3 of my children to NYC, and 2 of them at this age. It is a great age for them to enjoy the city.
You have great recs above. Especially the advice to pre-plan your museum trips. We usually pick a floor or 1-2 exhibits before we go, and this streamlines the walking and wandering.
Definitely scrap either ESB or TOTR. TOTR is more kid friendly IMO.
We have used Dial7 many times. In the City we use Uber or public transportation, depending on our needs at the moment. We never have gotten a Metro Pass, not really sure why.
Times Square restaurants - Ellen's is a lot of fun for kids. Be prepared for a line at the door. My kids also like Ruby Foo's is just down the street.
Other places to consider - Dylans Candy, Max Brenner's (all chocolate restaurant). Landmarc in Columbus Circle is a great compromise for people who like fine dining but have kids. My kids love their kids menu and there are scenic views there too. Others may laugh at me, but the best street cart in NYC is the Halal Guys at the corner of 53rd and 6th. My mouth waters thinking about that white sauce on the combo.
Your first day has a LOT packed into it. You might consider saving a few of those things for another day.
My kids do not like Chinatown / Little Italy. Very overwhelming and pushy sales people.
Have a great trip!
You have great recs above. Especially the advice to pre-plan your museum trips. We usually pick a floor or 1-2 exhibits before we go, and this streamlines the walking and wandering.
Definitely scrap either ESB or TOTR. TOTR is more kid friendly IMO.
We have used Dial7 many times. In the City we use Uber or public transportation, depending on our needs at the moment. We never have gotten a Metro Pass, not really sure why.
Times Square restaurants - Ellen's is a lot of fun for kids. Be prepared for a line at the door. My kids also like Ruby Foo's is just down the street.
Other places to consider - Dylans Candy, Max Brenner's (all chocolate restaurant). Landmarc in Columbus Circle is a great compromise for people who like fine dining but have kids. My kids love their kids menu and there are scenic views there too. Others may laugh at me, but the best street cart in NYC is the Halal Guys at the corner of 53rd and 6th. My mouth waters thinking about that white sauce on the combo.
Your first day has a LOT packed into it. You might consider saving a few of those things for another day.
My kids do not like Chinatown / Little Italy. Very overwhelming and pushy sales people.
Have a great trip!
Jul 5th, 2015, 06:33 AM
#10
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Thank you so much for the great tips and information. Definitively scratching off the itinerary China Town and Little Italy...I also just found out my Saturday opened up.,, should we consider doing the Highline? and end with lunch in Chelsea?? Or should we try SOHO... which use to be one of my favorite stops when I use to travel alone to NYC back in the day 
....I use to love the shopping and little restaurants. Which one would you choose? Or do you think I should stick to the neighborhoods in my original schedule and not try to check out The Highline and/or SOHO?? Would it be too much?
....I use to love the shopping and little restaurants. Which one would you choose? Or do you think I should stick to the neighborhoods in my original schedule and not try to check out The Highline and/or SOHO?? Would it be too much?
