I am in the airport lounge with my 6 year old daughter. She is enchanted by all the country flags and city pictures as I an nursing my second cup of coffee. We are escaping to New York City for a long weekend with my brother and his wife as what six year old won’t have a lifetime memory in NYC? Plus there is a good chance to experience a forty degree temperature swingwe have a good agenda planned but it is mostly an outdoor agenda. Any good ideas for indoor activities besides the awesome Egyptian room at the natural history museum?
Michael Bersin
Missouri Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder (r) thinks his $86,484.00 annual salary isn’t enough. Apparently, he believes he is well on the way to poverty.
Cheryl from Maryland
The awesome Egyptian temple at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Met in general — last time I was there, they added an activity guide to the Greek and Roman section for those who like Percy Jackson.
Probably not much to look at for a 6 year old at the Neue Gallerie (near the Met), but the cafe has lovely Viennese lunches and treats.
If you feel like venturing downtown, the Tenement Museum is great for all ages.
Cermet
The NY Museum of Science or Museum of Natural History (believe it has, besides full sized dino’s, the giant planet exhibit …)
TR
The Museum of Natural History is your winner. Get tickets to the Butterfly exhibit.
For a meal, try the Meatball Shop. My kids love it, and it’s got some great grown-up options (pork meatballs over kale salad is delicious). Also: homemade ice cream sandwiches.
WereBear
The Empire State Building is a treat for kids of all ages. Go with the classics!
Tsukune
Last time I was in NYC, my wife and I did a walking tour of the city.
This is a pay-what-you-want group, also used them for D.C.
ThresherK
For a six-year-old, I don’t know. But for adults, “Society of Illustrators” and “Dahesh Museum of Art”.
Wait: If you can get the tyke past the M&M store without her noticing, it might be worthwhile to add “Maison du Chocolat” to your list. (Never too young to cultivate good taste.)
There are a few Maisons du Chocolat; I’ve only been to the one near Rockefeller Center, and they were fighting to get in.
FlipYrWhig
She may be a little young to make sense of the Guggenheim, but it’s a fun building…
Gin & Tonic
You can spend the entire weekend in the Museum of Natural History and not feel like you’ve wasted time. Second the rec for the butterfly exhibit (extra-cost ticket) which will be great for a 6-year-old.
RSR
Hayden Planetarium at American Museum of Natural History.
The Staten Island Ferry is a free ride; round trip is about an hour. Ride indoors on an upper deck and enjoy the view.
NY Transit Museum or the annex at Grand Central.
raven
M & M’s World!!!!!!!
raven
MattF
@Cheryl from Maryland: I agree completely with going to the Metropolitan. It’s the world’s greatest art museum, period. She may be too young for going to say ‘Hi’ to Madame X in the American Wing, but that’s a judgement call. FYI:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portrait_of_Madame_X
EconWatcher
@Michael Bersin:
It never looks good when a politician says he’s underpaid, but I gotta say, $86k sounds pretty modest for making it all the way to the top of the state food chain.
YMMV, but I’ve never begrudged elected leaders a decent salary. I think they should have pretty high salaries AND extremely rigorous ethical rules, with heavy restrictions on any outside earnings while in office and rigorous post-office restrictions to at least delay their stroll through the revolving door. That’s my two cents, anyway.
And kudos have to go to my former governor Bob McDonnell of Virginia. Despite facing some of the most lax ethical restrictions in the nation, with exceptions you could drive a truck through, he still managed to cross the line and get himself convicted and sent to prison. You have to admite the talent.
ETA: I missed that you said LT Governor, rather than Governor. Since most LT Governors seem to have no discernible job description, your point may be well-taken.
debbie
When you’re done with the intellectual and wonderment stuff, stop by here for a frozen hot chocolate:
http://www.serendipity3.com/
Peale
Sunday it is supposed to be warmer. The lunar new year parade is in China Town at 1:00pm.
It will be crowded. Probably not the best day to try to introduce her to dim sum.
http://gonyc.about.com/cs/holidays/a/chinesenewyear.htm
J
The transit museum in Brooklyn is really fun. It has old subway cars from every era that you can get on and check out. There is also the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria (queens). They have a lot of hands on displays and activities.
Elizabelle
@Cheryl from Maryland: Yep. The Temple of Dendur, with magical Manhattan (Central Park!) spreading out behind the museum windows.
She will never forget her first view of it.
There’s a link to kids activities at the Met at bottom of page.
And skating — or watching skating — at Rockefeller Center, and hot chocolate after. Maybe a tour of 30 Rock, to see other dinosaurs.
Enjoy!!
Geeno
Damn, I was going to suggest the Egyptian Room at the Museum of Natural History.
Elizabelle
@EconWatcher: Maureen McDonnell gets sentenced today.
And it still miffs me that Governor Bob (a) got a 2-year sentence — slap on the wrist and (b) was allowed to stay out of prison during appeal.
Justice for me, but not for thee. Now to see what the spousal unit gets.
JGabriel
@raven: I like the High Line walk – it’s pretty – but I wouldn’t recommend it for 6 year olds. Unless it’s the first stop of the trip, the kid will be begging to be carried before you finish. And even if it is the first stop, that just means the kid will be begging to be carried at your next destination.
The Empire State Building is definitely a good idea. Also the Statue of Liberty, but if the lines are too long for the Statue, or if it’s outside your budget, Richard, you can try a trip on the Staten Island Ferry, which usually provides a good view of it (except during foggy weather).
A short walk in Central Park would be a good idea too.
Also, if you’re taking in the Met, the Guggenheim is nearby and makes a good supplemental stop.
You could also try visiting the UN.
JPL
Have a wonderful time!
JerryN
It may be a little too chilly for the Circle Line boat tour, but that’s a good all ages trip. Natural History for the dinosaurs, the Met for the Egyptian halls and the temple. Head down to Washington Square, there aren’t many ceremonial arches in the U.S. So that may make an impression.
Elizabelle
@MattF: Mme X was traveling once when I visited the Met, and it was not the same without her.
@ Richard: Grand Central Station, with the trains, and gorgeous public architecture, and food stalls and stores downstairs, and the whispering corner (near the Oyster Bar?) Lots for a kid to enjoy.
raven
@Peale: Essential items for the start of Chinese New Year celebrations on Thursday were in short supply across the United States, an example of the widening and sometimes unexpected fallout from the gridlock at seaports on the West Coast.
raven
@JGabriel: gotcha. Buncha this stuff would make me nuts of I were 6 but that’s just me!
EconWatcher
@Elizabelle:
My guess is she gets a pretty light sentence. Just about the only area in which women actually benefit from sexism is in criminal sentencing. Old male judges don’t seem to think women are just as responsible for their actions as men, or feel some kind of misplaced sense of chivalry.
Peale
@debbie: let’s see
Kid friendly eats and snacks
-Dylan’s Candy Bar
-Levain Bakery cookies
-Schmackary’s (more cookies)
-donut plant
-Sugar plums
-Beard Pappa’s Cream Puffs
For real food
-Big Daddy’s
-Polpette (deep fried meat balls! What could go wrong?)
Tenar Darell
The skylight/atrium if the Guggenheim, and the ramp down from the top. It’s like a tactile imprint. I remembered that because I was inside it! (Like the Gardner Courtyard Or the Mapparium in Boston, interiors can leave an impression).
FridayNext
@Cheryl from Maryland:
The Met is good for adults, sure, but not much for kids that young. Plus, they probably won’t believe she is 6. The cashiers in the lobby will accuse you of smuggling in a short adult, possibly even call you a liar to your face. Then they’ll ring up the maximum possible charge on their register and say, “That is the suggested charge, you of course can pay what you want.” And then you ask, “Wait. You just busted my chops and called me a liar to charge me an admission fee that I don’t even have to pay?” She won’t answer that, but the answer is yes. Yes they did. Then you’ll pay the fee they suggest for your group and fuck whether they believe you that your daughter is 6.
Great collection, shitty employees and policies.
Go to Natural History across the park. They have a movie called Tiny Giants that looks awesome if you are into nature films. Also, as a health insurance professional (Richard Mayhew) you may enjoy the exhibition on Third World Disease sponsored by the Jimmy Carter Foundation.
TR
@Peale:
My kids discovered the Doughnut Plant a few weeks ago. WOW.
JCT
Tons to do!
My kids grew up in NYC and always loved the Hayden planetarium and check out the ice skating in lower Central Park, it’s a nice big rink in a great location. Just beware, a few blocks East is FAO Schwarz, every kid should go there once…
For the adults? A real slice of pizza and maybe a good bagel with a schmear?
bmoak
The Egyptian temple is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The Museum of Natural History is a more kid-friendly museum, though.
The Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Gardens (adjacent) are not obvious winter choices, but both have a good amount of indoor exhibits. Same for the much smaller Central Park Zoo. You could take the subway out to Coney Island to the New York Aquarium.
Tenement Museum is great, but might not be a good winter choice. I don’t think think the restored tenement buildings the take you through are heated, and there are a lot of stairs, some on the outside of the building. In addition to the walking tours, there is a more sedentary “meet the residents” experience, which involves costumed re-enactors and is more family-oriented.
F.A.O Schwartz, Dylan’s Candy Bar, and American Girl Place are kid-oriented retail establishments.
Books of Wonder is a large bookstore that only carries children’s books. Check their schedule for activities.
Never been to the Children’s Museum of Manhattan or the Children’s Museum of the Arts, but would be obvious choices to check out
Richard, you might want to check up Upper 90. It’s a soccer-only sporting goods store on the Upper West Side , not too far from the Museum of Natural History.
esc
The Museum of Natural History was always my favorite. I wouldn’t go to the Statue of Liberty with a 6 year old in any weather. The museum isn’t that great, climbing it is surprisingly boring, and there are other ferry rides. The Liberty Science Center in New Jersey is pretty good for that age as I recall.
And as far as our temples of capitalism go, there is FAO Schwartz (I think there is a tour) and the American Girl store.
Peale
The children’s room at the New York public library main building has the original Winnie the Pooh stuffed animals on display. Yes, Christopher Robins toys.
Woodrowfan
The Central Park Zoo is small enough, but fun for a little kid I think. Penguins!
For a child that loves to read, the children’s section at the Strand in Greenwich Village perhaps? Thousands of kid’s books…
RSA
You might try googling for educators’ resource guides to the museum of NYC; I happened upon them by accident, looking at the American Folk Art Museum (which might be okay for a young kid, depending). A guide would at least let you know about what’s appealing or educational for a six-year-old.
My siblings tell me that when they visit the city, their kids have great fun walking through Chinatown, sometimes looking through the stores, but sometimes just walking.
Hillary Rettig
Someone else mentioned the High Line. It will probably be cold as hell but it is amazing. Great urban planning + great people watching + great outdoor exercise for the kiddo.
And the Natural History Museum! I practically grew up there!
Peale
If you’re going up the Empire State building, you are near Korea Town. Besides the barbecues, there is a food hall that’s very informal. Also KyoChon and BonChon fried Chicken.
If you’re in Times Square, Schnippers is probably the best bet for kids food. It is just not worth standing in line for chain restaurants and shake shack.
Tenar Darell
@Peale:
I second the NYPL suggestion. For souvenirs of your trip, they have a great gift shop where you could pick up books (support the library) especially the ones with links to the NYPL.
TaMara (BHF)
Last time I was in NYC we hit all the clubs and then took in a Celtics game (at the time it was impossible to get home game tickets, but easy to get away game tickets). So I’m no help.
But you go to Boston, I have an entire list. :-)
WaterGirl
wow, richard, you’ve got a goldmine of ideas here. sometimes i wonder if there’s any better resource anywhere than balloon juice.
FridayNext
I don’t mean to be rude. Many of you are very nice and offering many helpful suggestions. But you people suggesting outdoor activities are crazy, or maybe you are not aware it is supposed to be a high of around 14 degrees in NYC today with a windchill below -10. And you are suggesting taking a 6 year old out into that for prolonged activity?
Seriously?
NotMax
Others have mentioned some places I might have suggested already. But if the temperatures aren’t too brutal, an afternoon at the Bronx Zoo.
Or having a hot chocolate while watching the skaters at Rockefeller Center.
Ohio Mom
@Cheryl from Maryland: Yes, I was just about to suggest the Tenement Museum as something you can only find in NYC. As the name suggests, it is an old tenement building on the Lower East Side that is a time capsule of turn-of-the-century immigrant life. But it is not a walk-around by yourself museum, you must buy a ticket for a tour (different tours have different themes) so you can’t just drop in. Good gift shop across the street as well.
You step back in time and I think it’s just perfect for a six year old girl, because there is that element of imagining playing house. Someone up-thread said it would probably be quite chilly inside and they may be right but I would think that would just add to the verisimilitude.
If you do go to the Tenement Museum, I also suggest stopping in at the nearby Economy Candy. It’s an old-fashioned jumble of a candy store and an example of what the stores on the Lower East Side all used to be like. Not something slick you would find in a mall (looking at you, Dylan’s), something quirky and very memorable. Every cranny has another surprise.
The Children’s Museum on the Upper West Side is a very good children’s museum if your kid wants to run around a bit but if I could only take my kid to one museum, it’d be the Museum of Natural History. I believe that it is still pay-what-you-want, even though they have a suggested price, don’t fall for that or you won’t have any money left for snacks.
It occurs to me that I don’t know where you are from, but if it is inland, a look at either the Upper New York Bay (that’s the area between Manhattan and Staten Island, where the Statue of Liberty is), or a trip to a beach, might be worth it, just to see that large an expanse of water. But it also might be too cold for that, I’m not following what the weather is in my hometown. And also too time-consuming if you are on a tight schedule. That’s definitely true of the Staten Island Ferry, which was a favorite family activity when I was growing up (affordable and the kids can’t get too lost).
Finally, as I’ve alluded to, NYC is expensive. You think you already know that but your appreciation of “expensive” is about to get much deeper. People who live there have all sorts of tricks (e.g., where to park cheaply) but it takes a lifetime to hone those skills. Just give in, your memories are worth the extra $$.
Bobby Thomson
@raven: I was going to recommend this. It’s nicer when warmer. Come it think of it I don’t recommend doing anything outside today.
chopper
@Peale:
oh jesus, i miss levain so much.
chopper
@NotMax:
or bryant park. good skating there and good hot chocolate. less busy than rockefeller.
Bill D.
Good for you! My mother took us to NYC when I was perhaps 8 or 9. We saw Grand Central Station, Rockefeller Center, an automat, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty. Memories I’ll never forget. I didn’t make it back to NYC for another 40 years
chopper
@Ohio Mom:
brooklyn’s is better in terms of space but it’s harder to get out to. the bus (B65?) goes right past it and stops at atlantic station tho which is a good starting point if one wants to check out BRK.
Luthe
Rockefeller Center in general is pretty good; lots of shops to pop in and out of, an underground concourse to hide from the cold in, and, most importantly, the Lego Store. Make sure you check out all the little NYC dioramas they have. The tribute to Tom Lehrer had me laughing for a good five minutes.
sam
It’s going to be absolutely freezing here this weekend, so I would definitely recommend some indoor activities if at all possible (unless we get a bunch of snow – then bundle up, buy some cheap sleds and hit central park).
– the New York Historical Society on the Upper West Side often has events that are specifically geared towards kids. Their website should list out when they are.
– As a bonus, the historical society is only about a block away from the American Museum of Natural History (and Planetarium home of Neil deGrasse Tyson) which is a great museum for kids (Dinosaurs, giant blue whale, and yes, the ultra-cheesy new york pavilion with it’s life-sized dioramas), so you could hit both of them pretty easily in one afternoon.
– you could try to get last minute tickets to a kid-friendly broadway matinee (lion king is always a kid-favorite). While us locals try to avoid times square like the plague, I hear kids really like the ferris wheel inside of the Toys r us (but only if you’re already in the neighborhood.
– My friends kids ADORE the transit museum in Brooklyn. they have a ton of kid-friendly programming, and it’s generally an awesome museum.
– Also, pick up a copy of Time Out New York Kids – they’ll have a lot of special events only going on this weekend.
I have lots of other suggestions if you’re willing to ditch the 6-year old, and I think a lot of the suggestions above are more geared toward either adults or warmer weather – I wouldn’t go to the high line this weekend if someone was holding a gun to my head, and I love the tenement museum, but I could see a 6 year old being bored out of the minds (that being said, you know your kid the best!).
gene108
Depending on where you are staying and your ability to get around, if you want to let a six year old run around indoors the Liberty Science Center a bit off the Holland tunnel, in NJ, is a good place and New York Hall of Science in Queens is also good.
chopper
@FridayNext:
tomorrow in NYC it’s supposed to be a high of 34 and 45 on sunday. so kindly stfu.
philpm
I took my daughter when she was about 10, and her and the spouse went to the Museum of Television and Radio and loved it. I was working while there, so didn’t get to do much in the way of fun other than the Empire State Building.
Wag
In October my wife and I took our 9 year old twins to see the play Matilda, based on the Roald Dahl book. It was a fantastic and kid friendly musical. http://www.broadway.com/shows/matilda/
We also went to MOMA, which was great. My son especailly liked the interacitve display of the history of video games, which allowed us to play games starting with Pong, through Asteroids and Space Invaders, and moving on the current games. It was great to see the evolution of gaming. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_games_in_the_Museum_of_Modern_Art
Jack the Second
You’ve got to get a fresh bagel while you’re in New York. A toasted cold bagel can’t compare to a fresh from the oven New York bagel. I believe Ess-a-bagel near Grand Central is still open, although their location in the 20s was having trouble with its landlord.
FridayNext
@chopper:
Actually, no. Warmer yes. But still cold and windy, snowy and, later, “wintry mix” at least according to the National Weather Service. And besides, Mr. Mayhew specifically asked for indoor recommendations so it isn’t as if giving him outdoor suggestions was addressing his problem.
I am sorry I offended you so much you felt you needed to resort to acronymed profanity, but I thought it was a serious point to make.
So no, I won’t stfu. But feel free to ignore me.
Blanche
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
http://cmom.org/explore/exhibits
chopper
@FridayNext:
well, you seemed to be suffering under the idea that today was the only day they were going to be there, and very kindly called those suggesting some cool outdoor stuff “crazy” because it’s going to be 14.
so yeah, 46 on Sunday doesn’t sound so bad, does it? and it’s gonna be 34 and snowing tomorrow, well shit, no kid wants to be out in the snow, amirite?
“i didn’t mean to be rude” tho.
The Ancient Randonneur
Herald Square! Then when you watch the Thanksgiving Day parade she will always remember she has been THERE. On Sullivan Street is Peanut Butter & Co where you must have the Elvis. I go almost every time I’m in NYC, but I’m basically an overgrown 6 year old.
Gin & Tonic
@Jack the Second: One could argue that the best fresh bagel Richard could get on his trip would be if he hopped in a car and drove 6 hours north to St. Viateur Bagels.
mjj
Sony Wonder Center on 56th/Madison in midtown.
http://www.sonywondertechlab.com/
Its indoors and free
FridayNext
@chopper:
Fine, I retract the “crazy” comment with apologies.
The only thing I suffer from is the ability to read; the ability to read the original post which specifically said he had outdoor plans and needed indoor suggestions and the ability to read weather forecasts which is still calling for, yes warmer but only up to high 30’s and snow, wind, freezing rain, and “wintry mix.” Still, if the weather turns nicer than they are calling for, by all means, head outside, an eventuality Mr. Mayhew, according to his original post, already has plans for.
But you are right. I should not have used the word “crazy.” I apologize.
Culture of Truth
Seems like most of the good ideas have been suggested, but yes:
Am Museum of Nat History: Especially the Dinosaurs, the Butterflies, the Plaetarium, and the Blue Whale. Kids seems to really love the whale and it’s surroundings the most. As an added bonus, it has it’s own subway stop so you don’t have to go above ground, unless due to construction.
Met: Egypt, Greek and Roman, Assyrian, Modern art. Also, don’t miss the Arms and Armor section. A long walk from the nearest subway on a cold day. (For a whole medieval experience, the Cloisters are fun, but it’s a bit out of the way. )
Bryant Park: the ice skaing here is easier and more fun. A great experience.
Times Square: Toys R Us, (with ferris wheel) Hershey, M&M store, Disney
FAO Schwartz: you can hit the Apple store at the same time and the Plaza across the street. Walk right in. American Girl is not too far from here. Central Park Zoo is also not too far
Rockefeller Center: St. Patrick’s is across the street
MoMA: some good stuff, but expensive for what a six year old would get out of it, honestly. Likewise, Guggenheim, and the New Museum, although I recommennd all three if you like that sort of thing.
* Hidden Gem for Adults and Kids *: Take the subway to Dumbo, Borough Hall. Make your way to the river and ride the antique carosel and enjoy jaw-dropping views of Manhattan and the bridges
chopper
@FridayNext:
hey, don’t get me started on the guy who suggested the liberty science center. that’s in new jersey! richard specifically asked for stuff in NYC! what an asshole.
chopper
@Culture of Truth:
i love jane’s carousel. my daughter (who is six now but was 4 when we left Brooklyn) used to absolutely love it. last I checked there’s a small carousel at bryant park also. and I agree, the skating there is much easier and less crowded. one of the ill shops there has some crazeballs awesome hot chocolate.
Birthmarker
A relative was recently in NYC and he said only a few blocks of the High Line was open. I don’t think I’d bother with a child during winter weather. Save that for a trip during milder weather.
gene108
@chopper:
The weather is going to suck balls this weekend.
Liberty Science Center, depending on where Richard is staying, can be closer than going to Brooklyn, Queens or the Bronx, and more than likely Staten Island and it’ll let a six year old let off some energy.
Also, too it is fun for kids.
And speaking of things in lower Manhattan One World Trade Center, the tallest building in North America, has an observation deck open on the 102nd floor now.
gene108
@Birthmarker:
The High Line is not indoors though. Think of it like a long covered walk-way. Definitely something to see in warmer weather.
chopper
@FridayNext:
i assume that, since you’re such a great reader, you also read the bit where he said they were there for a long weekend as opposed to merely Friday.
chopper
@gene108:
weather’s not going to be that bad. tomorrow will be pretty good until the late afternoon. sunday will be pretty nice after the morning when the rain ends.
i took my kids out in the city all the time in winter weather a lot worse than that.
The Other Bob
Times Square and the huge Toys R Us, plus your wallet.
Culture of Truth
If you go to Bryant Park, walk to the NY Public Library to see the fmaous lions. Step inside, it’s quite impressive. Nice bathrooms too. There are restrooms at Grand Central also, which I think even a six year old would like. Cheap variety eats on the lower level. Make sure to do the whispering thing in front of the Oyster Bar.
If you happen to be downtown, the 9/11 memorial is well done and moving, and of course, free. Also free is Central Park, Balto, the carousel, Alice in Wonderland, the obselisk, Wollman ice rink, and the Bethesda terace
chopper
@Culture of Truth:
last time i was at the 9/11 memorial it involved going through an hour of airport-type security first, the irony of which was not lost. this was right after it opened tho, i would hope it’s better now.
JCT
@Culture of Truth: While I have visited the memorial several times I just went to the 9/11 museum for the first time a few months ago. I would really not take a young child there. They do a good job of putting the more searing images to the side (think “falling man”) but I found it to be a very emotionally difficult place to visit.
Culture of Truth
If you have time, take the free zodiac to Staten Island and visit the concentration camp for Obamacare refusniks. Admittance is free, but you have to buy your own rotten vegetables to pelt the residents. Worth it, though.
Don’t miss the gift shop. Seriously, it’s mandatory.
Lizzee
I suggest Jing Fong for Dim Sum at 20 Elizabeth Street (10013) half a block off of canal.
Apparently you can make a reservation, though I’ve never tried.
I do know that if you get there within 15-20 minutes of opening time you will not have to wait in line.
It’s an amazing place, seats about 1200, and the dumplings and other foods are fabulous.
gene108
@chopper:
The weather’s not going to be sunshine and lollipops either.
I’ve been out and about in NYC in similar weather, though the rain was more of a mist than a steady down pour, but you should plan for indoor activities.
Culture of Truth
I have no intention of visiting the 9/11 museum in this lifetime. I was referring to the outdoor memorial.
chopper
@Lizzee:
oh yeah, jing fong is good.
beth
Since we have relatives in the area, we visited NYC a lot when my daughter was growing up. She’s been to pretty much every museum, zoo, children’s attraction, a few Broadway plays, the Xmas tree and store windows, etc. I asked her what she remembered the most about her trips there as a youngster and she said “I remember that I thought all the people sleeping in the doorways were dead”. She also has vivid memories of a few aggressive panhandlers, one of who stuck the stump of her arm in my kid’s face. I had forgotten these things happened – my daughter does have an unusual way of viewing the world but you never know what’s going to stick in a child’s brain.
Gin & Tonic
@Culture of Truth: but you have to buy your own rotten vegetables
Do they have a shuttle service to Fresh Kills?
jafd
If you’re interested in the Tenement Museum, you may want to check out the blogs of Sarah Lohman, “historic gastronomist”. Meant to hear her presentation in Brooklyn earlier this month, didn’t feel like braving weather that day.
http://www.fourpoundsflour.com/
https://blog.etsy.com/en/authors/fourpoundsflour/
grrljock
We were just in NYC this December with an 8-yr-old and a 4-yr-old. The Empire State building is beautiful, but the tour doesn’t provide timed tickets. I.e., you MUST get there early so you can just enter the building and start your tour, or you’ll have to stand in the line (which may snake outside). Top of the Rock does sell tickets according to time slots, so may be easier to do. Depending on what your daughter is like, she may be fine with just one trip to a tower.
Also, not sure of how the crowds will be this weekend, but when we went to the American Museum of Natural History, it was just chockful of families, to the point where it was just not fun to be there. My other family members visited the Guggenheim at the same time and said the crowd was not bad. Once again, depends on what your goal is in terms of enjoyment of exhibits, NYC experience, and crowd tolerance (non-mutually exclusive groups).
Madeleine
If you need lunch or a snack near the Natural Hstory Museum, you might try Alice’s Tea Cup at 73rd and Columbus. Though I haven’t been there in a long time, the food, which includes sandwiches and salads as well as scones and tea, was good and there were always lots of adults with little girls there. There’s a website with menu.
Shana
The New Amsterdam theater has, or at least used to have, a tour, which is great. I think it’s only offered in the afternoon and you have to have tickets but they’re relatively inexpensive. Whatever you may think of the Disney company (and I have lots of problems with them) they’ve done a terrific job rehabbing the theater which was the home of the Zigfield Follies. Lots of fun stories of the history of the theater and great backstage stuff.
Anne Laurie
Depending on how lousy the weather is, the walk across Central Park from the Museum of Natural History to the Metropolitan is great entertainment — a cross-section of “NYC” for the memory records.
And, along with the Hall of Arms & Armor (full-sized German horse parade armour!), the Met’s Hall of Musical Instruments can be surprisingly fun for kids. Stuff like man-sized Japanese oni (demons) supporting a giant decorated gong, and African “lyres” made from antelope horns cunningly grafted to human skulls! Also, depending on the current staging, the Costume wing might be intriguing for a little girl…
Depending on where you’re staying, the Museum of the City of New York used to have an insanely wonderful toy collection — Victorian trunk dolls with expansive wardrobes & dollhouses ranging from early Bavarian models to famous early-20th-century plutocrats’ art pieces which were the foundation of some of my earliest childhood object-lusts. Can’t tell from a quick browse how much of that might be on display, but it does look like they’re emphasizing family-friendly activities.
Diana
if you’re running up and down the West Side, you can stop off in Chelsea and visit the best children’s bookstore in NYC, Books of Wonder:
http://www.booksofwonder.com/store-hours-directions.php
also if she’s into girlish things it might be fun to run around the garment district and drop in and out of all the stores selling laces, fabric, rhinestones and feathers. They’re all pretty close to each other on either side of 7th avenue above 34th and below Times Square.
scottinnj
I really recommend going to the Top of the Rock rather than the top of the Empire State building. You get great views of central part and the Empire state building as well as the rest of midtown. Amazing in the nightime too. Parts of it are inside if it is cold
Ohio Mom
@Diana: Oh! Your suggestion made me remember when I discovered the trim stores, wandering around Manhattan as a high school student. I was gobsmacked by the sheer excess of it all, so much of it every where I looked. Especially the sequins. It *is* a fun place to see. (And a reminder of the old New York, not whatever it is currently turning into.)
Peter
My kid is 10 now, but we did these things a few years ago with great success:
1. The Museum of Mathematics in Union Square is age-appropriate and pretty cool.
2. The Met: mummies, costumes, just wandering.
3. Dim Sum.