NYC DISers...a little help please

[Aristocath]

Although I am quite familiar with and comfortable in NYC, I am a little apprehensive about my trip next month. I am going with my kids! I travel to New York once or twice a year so I know pretty much what I want to do. It will be me, DH, and my oldest sons, ages 5 and 6. It will be the first time in the city for my family.

Here's a rough list of things I plan on doing. Please tell me if I'm missing something or making a mistake by taking my family there.

American Museum of Natural History
Circle Line
Intrepid
Central Park Zoo and Carousel
Empire State Bldg.
FAO- if it has reopened by late October
World of Disney
Sony Wonder Technolgy Lab
Serendipity- for frozen hot chocolate
Grand Central Terminal
Rock Center
Toys R Us
South Street Seaport
Little Italy- for cannollis
Tickets for Lion King Saturday night



We will be there for five days and my family is used to commando style vacations as long as they get to stop for snacks every so often. Suggestions? Comments?

Also, we are flying into Newark. I normally take the bus from the airport to Port Authority and then a cab to my hotel. Should I spring for a hired car? Would a cab be my best bet?


Thanks for your help. Cathy

 

[TiggerPiglet]

I wouldn't have a problem taking my kids to any of the places you've mention. I've pretty much taken them to all the places listed. I was born and raised in the Bronx, so I'm very comfortable in Manhattan. Maybe a little too comfortable, I take my kids ages 5 & 8 on the subway any time we're down there and people think we're nuts.
Basically I think if you're comfortable doing something, do it; if you're not, don't.
As far as from the airport to the hotel, I probably would just spring for a car. It's just so much more convenient, especially with the kids.
Have a great time. You'll love the Lion King, it was a great show

 

[jennyanydots]

ditto. my girls have been travelling on the subway since they were toddlers. you've made quite an impressive list.

you might want to try the Toys R Us on 42nd street -- there's an in-store ferris wheel. did you think about Madame Tussaud's? and if you like theme restaurants -- Mars 2112 -- the food's a bit pricy but the atmosphere is incredible.

 

[WOW]

Looks to me like you have a great list going for you. I may suggest seeing "The Beauty and the Beast". I have not yet personally seen it, but everyone says it is great. We did see Lion King a few years ago and that was fantastic.

As far as being concerned about being in NYC.....what can I say....we live in NJ and go frequently and are not afraid, but somehow it lays there in the back of your mind. My son works in Manhattan (usually once a week) and he is as comfortable there and he is anywhere. He just loves it. He was there when the Republican convention was in town and he had no problem. The only thing was that there were police on each and every corner keeping traffic moving.....they wanted no stopped traffic.

Have a wonderful time!!!!!

 

[Aristocath]

Thanks. I was planning on buying the 7 day Unlimited ride metrocards for us- they are $21 apiece.

I loved Mars 2112 when I went there so that is a must for my boys. I usually don't like theme restaurants either! I was planning on John's Pizza one night, Gray's Papaya for lunch one day, and probably La Bonne Soupe one day. Any thoughts on Peanut Butter and Co? I think it's on Sullivan Street.

Thanks again for your help- Cathy

 

[jennyanydots]

how about Ellen's Stardust diner? home of the singing waitstaff. they have videos of old movies and tv shows playing, and they even have a model train running along the perimeter of the balcony.

 

[CinderellaIam]

NYC always gets such bad press when in reality it is a fantastic place. I commute to the city every day, and have been doing so since I was a teen. I take my dd and nieces into the city as often as possible and they love it!

Everything you listed sounds great. Have a great time, but as in all crowded places, hold your kids hands...it is so easy for them to get lost in the shuffle.

About a year ago I was making my way through the corner of 34th St and Broadway (one of the worlds busiest street corners, a recent survey puts 40,000 plus people there in just one hour at lunch time) when I nearly fell over a todler, maybe 2 1/2 to 3 yrs old. I looked around and didn't see anyone looking for him! I bent down and asked him where mommy was...he just looked at me and shook his head. I picked him up...so he would be at eye level if an adult was looking for him, and started to walk towards a police man. After about 3 mins his father ripped him from my arms screaming "what are you doing with my son?!"...only in NY. Had a been a nut I could have taken that kid, been on a PATH train and in NJ in minutes...

 

[charlie,nj]

check out:

www.nyctourist.com

 

[GoodFairies]

For a dessert/snack, try "Rice to Riches." It's on Spring St. between Mott and Mulberry.