Just returned from NYC with the kids!!
 

My family and I just returned from NYC- we had a GREAT trip!! This board was so helpful- I will write a more detailed trip report next week ( we are heading to the beach tomorrow and will be back monday)

In the meantime any specific questions- just ask and I will be happy to answer when we return. We went for 3 days- family of 4 with a 8 yrs old daughter and 11 yr old son.

Stayed at the Blakely Hotel which we all loved!

What the kids Loved most
* Beast
* Walking over Brooklyn Bridge
* NY Party Shuttle Tour
* American Girl store- show and lunch with my daugther- girls day.
* just walking around the neighbor hoods- the loved Time Square and all the hustle and bustle. Just being in the taxis and subway was cool for them
* I know most do not recommend Little Italy- but we are Italian and they really wanted to go- the loved it ( the food was actually pretty good)
* They really liked John's pizza and cheesecake at Juniors

These are the highlights- I will write more details later

Thanks again- we can't wait to go back!!

We also had a great trip to NYC in late June, early July this year. We're from the Pacific Northwest and took our 15-year-old. It was such a memorable trip. We saw Curtains and Spamalot. Went to the American Natural History Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Went to the top of the Empire State Building. Visited Greenwich Village. Our teenager loved Times Square. Yes, the subways are hot and dirty, so walk or take a taxi if you can, but it's still an amazing city. We loved the architecture...and indulged in a little shopping. I also appreciate the tips I received on Fodors. We stayed at the Residence Inn Times Square and were pleased. I'm glad to hear other families are enjoying the city like we did.

vogager61- I can't wait until the kids are a little order regarding the shows. They have seen Lion King which they loved, but I had a hard time deciding which show to see for this trip so we landed up not going to any this trip ( it was hard with my youngest only being 8 - actually only turns 8 next month) I felt she was to young for most shows- Glad you were able to enjoy a few. We are only 3 hours away from the city - we live in CT - so I plan to be back again soon. We did go to Museum of Natural History in April and they both enjoyed it. We really wanted to go to the Empire State Building, but we did not make it- we went to Top of the Rock which had awesome views. The kids liked it, but were ready to leave in 10 min!

We really like Boston, but I have always loved New York- so it was great hearing my kids say " NYC is our favorite city"

Glad that you both had such great trips! Michelle can you tell us a little bit about the Blakely?

Yes, someone else reported poor a/c in the 1 bedroom suite. Did you have a suite and was it cool enough?

Margo & Mclaurie- We really loved the Blakely! The location was key as was the room size. We choose a 1 bedroom suite which was great, it gave us plenty of room with the kids ( having a fridge was nice as well). The staff was very nice as well. It was nice after a long day to come back to the Blakely- quite lobby and hallways for a good nights sleep. Check out their web site
As for the a/c it worked great- no problems!