Going to NYC over the 4th of July

[orlandomomof4]

We are planning a trip to NYC, arriving July 3rd and leaving July 7th. We are a family of 6 (DS 15, 12, 8 and DD 6). Since we live in Orlando, we usually do stay-cations, cruises, or ski trips--to see the snow. I feel very overwhelmed going to NYC. I would really appreciate any advice and suggestions on:

1. Where we should stay that has suite accommodations for 6 or connecting rooms? We were told to stay close to Times Square because it'll be fun at night for the kids.
   
2. Should we stay somewhere that has views of the fireworks, even if it costs more $$? I was thinking this would be preferable to dealing with the crowds (and subways) during the 4th. And if so....where?
   
3. Any activities that we should do on the 4th? If we aren't in a hotel that has views of the fireworks, what's the best way to see them? Someone recommended a cruise, but I don't think the kids will enjoy being on a boat from 6p-10p!
   
4. Are there any "must visit" restaurants or can we just eat at street vendors, delis, etc that we encounter as we are sightseeing?
   
5. Should I make reservations to see the 9/11 Memorial or will it be too much for my 6 yr old? Is she too young to see a Broadway show?
   
6. Anything else that might help us?

Thanks in advance!

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

We are also going in July, we made reservations for the 9-11 memorial, Matilda, Statue of Liberty and a tour of the Girl Scouts National Headquarters. My DD is 7 and we haven't talked about 9/11 yet, but I am going to do some research soon on how to talk to her about what happened that day. Statue of Liberty is re-opening on the 4th, you may want to consider getting tickets for it.

You mentioned a Broadway Show, another show to consider is Stomp... we just took DD after her 7th birthday and she LOVED IT! It is not just a lot of banging of things, but kids really get to enjoy the different performers personalities. It isn't near Times Square, but if you don't mind a little walking you can take the subway to that area.

I have stayed in Times Square twice, Marriott Marquis and Renaissance. Marriott rooms were big for NYC, Renaissance was teeny like many other hotels in the city. I have the feeling you will probably have to do 2 rooms and a family suite might be hard to find.

Food: we typically wing-it with food from food trucks in Times Square, pizza (where I live the pizza stinks, so I need my pizza fix), Shake Shack near Times Square is also good for kids. My next trip I am on a mission to go to this food truck, they just won a bunch of awards in the NYC/Boston Food Truck Throwdown: http://www.wafelsanddinges.com/

 

[Aliceacc]

Take a look at www.sixsuitcasetravel.com

 

[ssawka]

I don't believe your DD is too young for a Broadway show, provided it is age appropriate. We are going up in July as well to take DD to see Annie. You can get discount codes at http://www.theatermania.com/broadway/discount-tickets/. I'm sure there are other sites as well, this is just one I stumbled upon. We chose a matinee because I think DD will be better in the afternoon.

 

[aprilgail2]

We are also going in July, we made reservations for the 9-11 memorial, Matilda, Statue of Liberty and a tour of the Girl Scouts National Headquarters. My DD is 7 and we haven't talked about 9/11 yet, but I am going to do some research soon on how to talk to her about what happened that day. Statue of Liberty is re-opening on the 4th, you may want to consider getting tickets for it.

You mentioned a Broadway Show, another show to consider is Stomp... we just took DD after her 7th birthday and she LOVED IT! It is not just a lot of banging of things, but kids really get to enjoy the different performers personalities. It isn't near Times Square, but if you don't mind a little walking you can take the subway to that area.

I have stayed in Times Square twice, Marriott Marquis and Renaissance. Marriott rooms were big for NYC, Renaissance was teeny like many other hotels in the city. I have the feeling you will probably have to do 2 rooms and a family suite might be hard to find.

Food: we typically wing-it with food from food trucks in Times Square, pizza (where I live the pizza stinks, so I need my pizza fix), Shake Shack near Times Square is also good for kids. My next trip I am on a mission to go to this food truck, they just won a bunch of awards in the NYC/Boston Food Truck Throwdown: http://www.wafelsanddinges.com/

Four of us went to see Stomp and every one of us HATED it- it had to be my very least favorite thing in the city ever!
Marriott Marquis is nice and right in the middle of Times Square- very convenient. We only live a short train ride away from NYC but went in this weekend and stayed there. We stayed at the Broadway Millennium which was nice, not RIGHT IN Times Square but half block off it. Rooms were not tiny but typical for NYC- one Queen bed in the room so no way could you do one room there LOL. The good thing about being right in Times Square is that it is a blast hanging out there at midnight- its like a walking freak show!
Carmines is nice and very cheap for a large family- we go with 4 people and the bill is all of 30.00! One dish feeds everyone! Along the same line is Tony DiNapolis which is right there too, same family style type meals. Stay away from Ellens Stardust - entertainment is good but food is barely edible, really bad! There are plenty of food trucks but personally I don't like getting anything from them, judge for yourself when you are there.
Matilda was a GREAT show! Annie is another she may like.

 

[minnierocks]

Planning my first trip to NYC was extremely overwhelming, but it was easy once I started researching. We chose to stay in NJ at the La Quinta in Secaucus. It was 1/3 of the price of Times Square hotels and we were able to stay in a suite that had a separate bedroom. Free parking and full hot breakfast was an added bonus. The NJ transit bus stop was right across the street and once on the bus, we were in NYC at Port Authority in 20 minutes.

Our first trip, we bought a double-decker bus pass because my mom has some walking issues. Our last trip, it was 2 adults and 2 teens so we walked everywhere and grabbed a taxi only once when we needed to get back to Times Square in the pouring rain.

Definitely see a Broadway show! We saw Wicked this past time and it was amazing! Annie, Newsies, The Lion King are other options. Go to broadwaybox to look for discounts or wait until the day of the show and utilize the half off ticket offers available for that day. There are so many shows...it is hard to choose which one to see.

Taking a trip to Liberty Island or taking the Staten Island Ferry (which is free) is fun. Central Park and FAO Schwartz is a must-do. Shop on 5th Ave, visit Grand Central Station (a sight to see), Bryant Park, Chinatown, Little Italy, the Upper East side and Columbus Circle...There is so much to see and do, there is no way that you can do it all. We loved exploring the different neighborhoods. It is interesting to see all the different people in one place. I will tell you that we walked everywhere and never once did we feel unsafe or uncomfortable...there are so many people everywhere! Have fun!

 

[Disney grandma]

You might consider staying in Jersey City. We stayed at a Hyatt that is on the water just across from the 911 memorial site. The subway was just outside the door and took you directly to Battery Park. We walked to the 911 area, and then took a subway to Times Square, very easy. From this hotel you can see the entire NYC skyline including the Empire State Building and you are between two bridges. We could see the Statute of Liberty from our room. There are a couple other hotels in this area and I think they might have suites available. Cruise ships passed by our hotel, and we would definitely stay there again. The prices are much lower than staying in the city, and the views are fabulous.

 

[jimandami]

We have stayed at the Embassy Suites in Battery Park, which we really enjoyed. It was pricey but everything is in New York. You have a 2 room suite, free breakfast, and free manager's reception in evenings. As a PP said, easy walk to the Subway, which will be enjoyable for the kids. We saw the LK and loved it!!

 

[ibob52]

We have stayed at the Embassy Suites in Battery Park, which we really enjoyed. It was pricey but everything is in New York. You have a 2 room suite, free breakfast, and free manager's reception in evenings. As a PP said, easy walk to the Subway, which will be enjoyable for the kids. We saw the LK and loved it!!

aww yes those were the days ...
That particular Embassy Suites was converted into a Conrad Hilton a few years ago.
It was my go-to hotel of choice (3 trips) but since the change
I have stayed @ Embassy Suites/Secaucus
There are several other Hotel chains in the area ... Easy Bus ride (via Lincoln Tunnel)
20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

 

[jimandami]

aww yes those were the days ...
That particular Embassy Suites was converted to a Conrad Hilton a few years ago.
It was my go-to hotel of choice (3 trips) but since the change I have stayed @ Embassy Suites/Secaucus
There are several other Hotel chains in the area ... Easy Bus ride (via Lincoln Tunnel) 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

The price savings can be a couple hundred a night.

Oh wow...I had no idea!! Thanks for the info!

 

[kajs22]

We are planning a trip to NYC, arriving July 3rd and leaving July 7th. We are a family of 6 (DS 15, 12, 8 and DD 6). Since we live in Orlando, we usually do stay-cations, cruises, or ski trips--to see the snow. I feel very overwhelmed going to NYC. I would really appreciate any advice and suggestions on:

1. Where we should stay that has suite accommodations for 6 or connecting rooms? We were told to stay close to Times Square because it'll be fun at night for the kids. From a New Yorkers point of view - really depends on how old the kids are and what type of visit you are looking for Yes, there is action in Times Square, but, it is packed with people and maybe too much time there could be too much overstimulation and hassle getting in and out of your hotel. A visit to Times Square yes, but, I personally wouldn't stay there. Maybe downtown area - The Cosmopolitan is a pretty reasonable place to stay. Pretty convenient to everything - near little Italy, Chinatown area - lots to do
   
2. Should we stay somewhere that has views of the fireworks, even if it costs more $$? I was thinking this would be preferable to dealing with the crowds (and subways) during the 4th. And if so....where?
   
   Hmmm - you have many choices (Ink 48, 60 Thompson, Hotel Gansevort, but, not sure if you could find something available at this time, may be very expensive. Our favorite place to watch is from the Brooklyn promenade.
   
   
3. Any activities that we should do on the 4th? If we aren't in a hotel that has views of the fireworks, what's the best way to see them? Someone recommended a cruise, but I don't think the kids will enjoy being on a boat from 6p-10p!
   
   See above - lots to do. Time Out NY is a good source for a summary of what activities are available.
   
4. Are there any "must visit" restaurants or can we just eat at street vendors, delis, etc that we encounter as we are sightseeing?
   
   Many great restaurants - depends on food preferences - Serendipity, Alice's Tea Cup, Big Daddys, American Girl Café.
   
5. Should I make reservations to see the 9/11 Memorial or will it be too much for my 6 yr old? Is she too young to see a Broadway show?
   
   My kids love the shows and have been going since birth.
   
6. Anything else that might help us?

Thanks in advance!

Have fun and enjoy - New York city is my favorite place in the world!

 

[UncannySquirrel]

Best way to know if a child is old enough for a Broadway show is to base it on how they are at a movie theater. If they are capable of sitting for 1 1/2 to 2 hours they are good. especially if they are good at listening. I've seen 10 year olds more rambunctious than 6 year olds, so being ready for a show is more about maturity & interest than actual age.
Not sure on hotels since I've never needed one in NYC.

If you're into waking up early, many of the morning shows are taped outside around the city during the summer. I think Good Morning America is taped in Times Square.

Ripley's Believe it or not is well worth the price & there's usually someone handing out coupons near it.

The Museum of Natural History has alot of great stuff for all ages.

Restaurants I highly recommend:
Juniors(high recommendation if you love cheese cake)
Ninja
Eataly

Also any pizza place in NYC. You haven't tired real pizza until you had NYC pizza. Even the worst slice is better than most places.

and be weary of the costume characters in times square. they aren't as friendly as the ones in Disney and just trying to make a quick buck.

 

[ErinInCT]

I recommend checking airbnb.com. These are places people rent out so they'll have kitchens etc. Prices are much cheaper than a hotel.

For sure see a show. Since you mostly have boys I'd recommend Newsies or Lion King. The whole family will love them, including dd6.

I'd skip 9/11 and hit Statue of Liberty and Museum of Natural History. Central Park is great too! They'd probably like Chelsea Piers (lots of sports stuff). The Nintendo store is fun as is the Lego store! These are good for all ages.

You GOTTA go to Carmines! They have a couple locations. Great family style Italian food. Serendipity is great for desserts - frozen hot chocolate - yum and Dylan's Candy bar is next door. Food trucks have SO many choices to please everyone!

Good luck and have fun.

I'd watch the fireworks on TV lol!