Day 1:
So I had planned photos, but apparently I left my usb cable at home. I'll try to get one tomorrow and fill in the blanks with pictures.
Our trip began with a 6am rising. Things went super smooth and we were out the door, kids and all by 6:15. The drive to Detroit was uneventful and our plane left on time and arrived on time.
We had a limo setup for the drive to the hotel. It wasn't much more than a taxi and a fun way to start the trip.
In case I didn't already post it, the trip consist Myself, Wife, Kids (10, 8 and 4) and my Mother in Law
The limo was waiting and it was a quick 30 min ride to the hotel. The kids were great in the limo and the driver even complimented me when we arrived.
We are staying at the Doubletree on Times Square, right in the middle of the action! The hotel is great, we have two rooms, both 1 bedroom suites. One of our rooms was not ready, but we were able to get into our first room at 12:30 and settle in for few.
We asked the bellhop for a lunch recommendation and he sent us to 8th ave and 48th to Johns Pizzeria.
The food was excellent. Some of the best pizza ever, fresh, hot and perfect. We had lots of sides to go with it. I usually prefer Chicago style, but this pizza jumped right up my list to break the top 3 of the best I've eaten.
After lunch we went back to gather up for a big night. We booked a "Night at the Museum" for my boys (10 and 8) and myself. The Museum of Natural History has a program for guest to spend the night at the Museum.
Around 4pm we gathered our pillows and blankets and walked down the street to the nearest subway station.
I really enjoy walking the streets and riding subways (where available) when I'm in a new city. We had no problems navigating the subway and arrived at the Museum around 4:30. We wanted to check out the Museum a bit before checking in for the over night. Since they closed at 5:45, we got in free and left our bags while we walked around. First, this museum doesn't "flow" very well. Many dead ends, double backing and confusing paths. However, this did not alter how great we thought it was. The hour we spent walking round got us familiar with some of the museum and was very valuable that night. We managed to see "Dum-Dum" just before closing time.
We went back to check in for the night. The staff here were top notch. Everyone was happy to help and always pointed us in the right direction. We checked in easily, got buttons to identify us and waited for them to clear the museum. As soon as they gave the all clear we headed to our "spot" for the night.
They had setup a large number of cots, yes COTS!, in the Hall of Oceanic Life. We grabbed a cot in a far corner so we didn't have too much company. I estimated about 100 or so cots setup in this area. There is a large Blue Whale hanging in the hall surrounded by dozens of exhibits.
Within 30-45 mins the activities started. First we had a semi-guided tour of the mammals with free time to explore. We did A LOT of walking! Between going back to the cots and walking to the activities we got in a lot of exercise. We decided to grab a bit to eat, the food court was open with limited offerings. We had 3 sandwiches, 3 drinks, some fruit and pretzels...FIFTY BUCKS!! EEKK...Disney food sounded good about now!
After dinner we hit the frog exhibit.
I love frogs! They did a great job with this exhibit. The kids had a scavenger hunt to find out lots of frog info.
At the end they each received a cool key chain. The employee also gave the boys a frog wooden 3-d puzzle to share. We did some frog origami next and went out exploring again.
Our next activity was a big hit. Dinosaurs in the dark.
We grabbed our flashlights and an activity book full of questions to guide us through dark. My 8 yo was dying to see "Rexie" so we finally found him.
I don't think he was awake tonight though, he wasn't very active! We spent at least and hour or more with our flashlights wandering around the halls full of dinosaurs and mammals. It was a huge hit.
They had snacks setup, so we grabbed some snacks and bought some "special" t-shirts or the event.
A fun show called "Raptors: LIVE" which was a bird handler with 3 birds of prey. The kids sat in front and actually asked a few good questions. That is saying something for my kids. They usually ask, "whats his name? or can I take him home?"
I'll vent a bit here, this show was a "quiet" show. Lots of signs up and constant "hushing" form the handler. My kids were great, mostly because I would have carried them out by their toes otherwise, but people and their kids are a*holes. Of course 90 percent were great, but those 10 percent really make it difficult for everyone else. I find that to be so selfish and self centered. Kids were running around the museum and yelling, carrying on etc. I don't blame them, but their parents are just either stupid or could care less. The event was 120 per person, I would think the parents would want the kids to get something out of it and not just use it as a day care.
I digress.
IMax was next on the list, so we headed to the theater for a very good IMAX show about beavers. (insert bad pun here) The show was very good, my 8 yo really enjoyed it. It was getting late and I was whipped, but I managed to stay awake for the entire show. After the show we had about 45 mins till lights out. I brought some cards, so we decided to sit and play war instead of wandering around. We were all exhausted from walking so much that night.
Lights out at 11:45 and for the most part it was quiet. I brought ear plugs, and tylenol PM so I was out quickly. Sleeping on a cot isn't very fun. I was awake a lot and 7am arrived rapidly. We grabbed a quick bit to eat, free muffins and juice, and headed to the subway back to the room.
I know I hopped into day 2, but day 2 didn't really start until I showered and hit the town. We all met up for a breakfast at Brooklyn Diner around the corner. Expensive breakfast, but fresh and unique offerings. After breakfast we all came back to clean up....
up next, day 2.
NY tshirt for everyone. How can you pass up 4 tshirts for 10 bucks.
