Travellinmom

My 8-year old son and I want to do some quality Mommy-son bonding this weekend in New York. Unfortunately the weather report indicates that it will be cold, so we don't want to engage in outdoor freezing activities. Simon is an energetic, bright child, who loves to play video games, but I would prefer real interaction this weekend. Does anyone have suggestions for a 2-day activity that we can do in the city? I'm not concerned with a budget -- I just want to have two days of fun with my son. I travel a lot on business, and I'm looking for this time to reconnect with him.
Thanks!

bugswife1

Museum of Natural History, Planitarium, Central Park Zoo (plenty of indoor exhibits), he would probably be fascinated with the subway, Top of the Rock, Max Brenner Chocolate by the Bald Man for some hot chocolate to warm him up (union square), and maybe tickets to Blue Man Group.

escargot

all great suggestions bugswife !
I would also add, check out the web site of the MET, my son at that age loved the Egyptian art and Temple of Dendur - since Simon is interested in video games, he might be interested in the interactive explore and learn part of the MET web page - you might want to check it out, if he is great at games, they may be too tame for him, but he might still love the museum ! and you could bundle up and walk thru Central Park from there - see the ice skating, go to the zoo, etc

www.centralparknyc.org

www.centralpark.com

also, go to the toys r us web site

www1.toysrus.com/timessquare/

and click on attractions. at that age, they usually still are a tad in awe of the ferris wheel, etc.

and maybe, if he likes candy - Dylans

www.dylanscandybar.com

PalmPilot

NYC Fire Museum in Soho would be my pick for some mom-son bonding time. Also near the Seaport, is the NYC Police Museum. Another suggestion, and I'm not sure about this for an 8 year old, might be the "Bodies" exhibition also down near the Seaport. I only question it because there are some pretty serious images later on in the exhibit that I'm not sure I would want my 8 year old to see (they do provide a warning prior to viewing so easy to bail out). But the other stuff is kind of fascinating. All depends on your stomach I suppose. I would've loved it as a kid.

I imagine you'll need to eat too right? Lombardi's pizza on Spring St. would be fun. And you can get a glass of wine or beer too.

Enjoy your bonding time.

txtree

These are great suggestions. My sons also love the Children's Museum of the Arts in Soho. They have a bunch of art activities that you and your son can do together (painting, clay, collage, etc.).

jnathan

SONY WONDER LAB. My child loves this place!

http://www.sonywondertechlab.com/gen...tuarants.shtml

nytraveler

At the Met - also have a look at the arms & armor collection - little boys always love that as well as the egyptian department. (Mine little brother was always trying to get into the sarcophagi to find a real mummy.)

He might be more interested if you look at the museum websites in advance - to pick out the departments - and IMAX movies - he would like best.

nytraveler

Oh - and if the weather's not too bad- I bet he would love a ride on the (free) Staten Island ferry.

Travellinmom

These are all fabulous suggestions! Tomorrow my son and I are going to do our "New York planning session," and I'm going to share all of the great ideas and helpful links you provided. I'll let you know details of our weekend activities when we return. Thanks again for your help, links and guidance!

kswl

Be sure and check the Sony wonderlab times before you go. The times changed a bit over Christmas.

skatedancer

I've heard that the Sony Wonder Lab is under renovation and is only partly open, and not really worth visiting under those circumstances. Please check this out before you go.