isabellasmom

Hello

After posting last week and researching recommendations for an overnight stay in NYC it was very clear to me that hotels are very pricey in NYC (compared to Boston). So myself, another parent and our two 8 year old girls have decided to take a roadtrip to NYC for the day. Please recommend things to do in our short time there. We are definitely heading to the American Girl Store (minus lunch since I have heard the food is overpriced and not worth it). Also any recommendations on where to park would be very appreciated and what to expect for cost.

Thank you so much.

Anonymous

A meal at the AG Place is not about the food, it's about the experience (as with so many NYC eateries). We had Sunday brunch there and it was the highlight of the 3-day trip for my daughter. Bring your doll, there are clip-on seats; if you don't want to carry her around all day, there are loaners. At this time of year, you'll need to call ahead for reservations. Check ahead for any special events, which you can then choose to either avoid, or arrive early for.

mclaurie

When is the trip? After Thanksgiving to see the lights? That makes a big difference. I've just answered your parking question on another thread. Do the girls skate? Skating in Central Park. I agree the AG lunch or tea is about the experience, not the food. If the girls have never been to NYC, you might ask them what they'd like to see. Top of the Rock? A ride on the Staten Island ferry to see the Statue of Liberty?

Anonymous

Last year, there was also skating in Bryant Park, which my daughter found to be a more manageable scale of operations, and there was an "ice palace" temporary restaurant to get cocoa etc. and booths of merchants offering Christmas shopping. Rental skates and patient instructors were available. However, for a day trip from Boston (which also has public skating downtown) this might not be such a special choice.

gillybrit

Well, not exactly a cultural highlight, but my kids (7 and 12) just LOVED the Toys R Us in Time Square, with the Ferris Wheel inside the store. Plus Times Square with all the hustle and bustle, billboards etc is just what you think of when you think of New York. They also enjoyed seeing the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry. Rockerfeller center for the tree and to watch the skaters, depending on when you go. If it's the end of November, the windows of the major department stores are always awesome. Central Park is fun just to see, even if they don't skate. The carousel is neat,too, if it's open at that time of year.

dina4

that's all great advice. I'd also take them on a carraige ride in Cental Park, and have tea at the Plaza.

there's also a great candy store that kids love: dylan's candy bar

katya_NY

I don't think the Plaza is open for tea- they are under renovations. They seem to be making apartments- I'm sure someone knows better than I do.

Second the rec: Toys R Us. And if they are even remotely into basketball, the NBA store is fun.

GoTravel

The Plaza will not be open for a while yet.