New York City/Central Jersey

[PrincessKsMom]

Looking for ideas for things to do during my vacation with my DD14. Would love to go as inexpensively as possible, but willing to spend a few dollars.

Right now we're going to the King Tut exhibit in Times Square (for school research project).

Will probably spend a day at South Street Seaport.

Thinking about Liberty State Park, possible a Broadway show (can get discounted tickets through work or willing to check at TKTS).

Might go to the beach a day or two (mom lives down the shore).

Any other ideas out there? Been to Great Adventure, not willing to go back. Disney has spoiled me in that sense.

 

[krnlmustrd]

I'm not sure South Street Seaport is a whole day sort of affair... If you're going to go to the Liberty State Park, you should hit the Liberty Science Center. That's always a good way to spend a few hours.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

I'm not sure South Street Seaport is a whole day sort of affair... If you're going to go to the Liberty State Park, you should hit the Liberty Science Center. That's always a good way to spend a few hours.

Guess I should have mentioned in my original post -- I work in NYC near Wall Street, so we'll probably do a little window shopping downtown, come to my office for lunch... Maybe to a Circle Line tour while at So. St. Seaport too. Sad that I've lived here my whole life and can't come up with anything to do.

Would also love people's thoughts about things they've done (worth it, worth the money, some off-the-beaten-path thing you might have found, etc.)

 

[kacaju]

http://www.nps.gov/gate/index.htm

Look here for things to do. I went to Sandy Hook today while my dd was at a softball clinic and was surprised at all the things they have to do.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Ooohhh, I want to do the King Tut exhibit too. Sounds good! Madame Tussaud's is also by Times Square as is Virgil's BBQ. I would also spend another day at the American Museum of Natural History's Planetarium, I just love it and recommend it all the time but get the Supersaver multi ticket on-line it's much cheaper. Then you could hang out and watch the street performers in Washington Square park in The Village by NYU... it's just gorgeous over that way and the restaurants are amazing. Then there is the Statue of Liberty, they just opened up the top i think, it was closed for ages. The Empire State Building is always nice. Want a place to cool off, Sax 5th Avenue has a free coat check to hold your bags while you are in the store and these stores are the only place you will find a bathroom other than a restaurant. FYI Washington Square Park does have public restrooms but they are no exactly clean and you'll need your own tissue, and disinfectant for your hands... oh and i wouldn't send a kid in there alone but that's just me.

I just love NYC, used to work on Water St and miss it terribly sometimes. Have a wonderful time!

 

[PrincessKsMom]

http://www.nps.gov/gate/index.htm

Look here for things to do. I went to Sandy Hook today while my dd was at a softball clinic and was surprised at all the things they have to do.

Will definitely look into this! Thanks.

Ooohhh, I want to do the King Tut exhibit too. Sounds good! Madame Tussaud's is also by Times Square as is Virgil's BBQ. I would also spend another day at the American Museum of Natural History's Planetarium, I just love it and recommend it all the time but get the Supersaver multi ticket on-line it's much cheaper. Then you could hang out and watch the street performers in Washington Square park in The Village by NYU... it's just gorgeous over that way and the restaurants are amazing. Then there is the Statue of Liberty, they just opened up the top i think, it was closed for ages. The Empire State Building is always nice. Want a place to cool off, Sax 5th Avenue has a free coat check to hold your bags while you are in the store and these stores are the only place you will find a bathroom other than a restaurant. FYI Washington Square Park does have public restrooms but they are no exactly clean and you'll need your own tissue, and disinfectant for your hands... oh and i wouldn't send a kid in there alone but that's just me.

I just love NYC, used to work on Water St and miss it terribly sometimes. Have a wonderful time!

This is the kind of insight I was looking for (bathrooms, restaurants, etc.). We've done a few City things before (American Girl, Toys R Us at Times Square), American Museum of Natural History/Planetarium (she was actually bored ). And the New York Public Library. On a class trip she went to NBC/Top of the Rock (but I haven't been). Keep those ideas coming.

And just to share, if anyone else pops into this thread, they also have Broadway in Bryant Park on Thursdays from 12:30-1:30 and Good Morning America and Today Show have free concerts on Friday mornings. GMA in Central Park and Today Show at Rockefeller Center. Thought this would be a great idea, but they recommend you be there before 6 a.m. Not likely on my vacation. Of course it's a morning show, so what was I thinking.