Leonor
Los Angeles
Hi! I'll be in NY with my husband and 7 year old son for the first time...so excited! What should we be prepared for visiting in April? Any native tips you can give us and what would you recommend when traveling with a child? Any kid friendly things that you can recommend would be great? I also hear we should move super fast when in the subway :-)
Check out NYCgo.com. They have a section dedicated to family events, and you can probably even find alot of free stuff to do.
Gotta see the Ferris wheel inside the TOYS"R"US store in Times Square.
I'd also recommend a visit to Dylan's Candy Bar. They have a great cafe upstairs where you and your child can create any kind of treat flavored by any kind of sweet goodness (Not to mention a small cocktail bar that makes candy themed creations for the parents).
The FAO Schwarz store on 5th Ave is totally worth it. Not only because they have the giant keyboard piano from the movie BIG, but also because, well, it's just epic!
If you do hangout in Times Square, just be careful. It can be a crazy hectic place. When you're ready for dinner, I suggest walking west and north. 8th ave, between 45th and 60th is lined with restaurants and cafes with all types of food offerings.
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If you're going to take photos in Times Square please step to the side of the sidewalk. That tip actually goes for anywhere in NYC. Locals may get annoyed if you stop in the middle to take photos!
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Hi Leonor-
A first time trip to NYC, how exciting! A few tips:
Have a great time!
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Central Park - Plenty of place to run. There is also a Central Park Zoo.
American Museum of Natural History - Get tickets in advance
Dylan's Candy Bar - Best candy store in NYC
Staten Island Ferry - To see the Statue of Liberty and the amazing skyline of NYC downtown. The ferry ride is free
Top of the Rock or the Empire State Building - Get tickets in advance (if possible the express ones) to avoid long lines
Times Square - Maybe a little crowed for a 7-year old, but the gigantic banners, the Toys"R"Us/Babies"R"Us store and the M&M's World store will make it worth it
USS Intrepid - If your kid is into ships
April will be a little cool, so you may want to carry a light jacket.
Subways are crowded during rush hours but nothing to fret about. You can go at your own pace. Take a look at New York Pass to see if it fits your needs. If not, MetroCard is an option. I would also consider Uber during non-rush hour. If you plan your trip well, Uber could be cost effective. My kids start complain if we do too many hops on the train.
Here's a trip idea that may be of help.
http://www.ruebarue.com/new-york/ideas/enjoying-new-york-city-with-kids/5698390272770048
Have a great trip.
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Maybe your kid will also like the M&M's World (in Times Square, a must see!)
If you are willing to travel a little bit further you could take the train up to Coney Island (New York). It is like a little amusement park near the water.
The American Museum of Natural History (yes, the one from the movie Night at the museum) might also be fun, especially on a rainy day...
I can see that a lot of tips are already given, but maybe I did help you out a little bit. Good luck!
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