Where should I take the kiddos in NYC?
May 8, 2023 2:41 PM Subscribe
I’m taking my girls (10 & 14) to New York City for 3 days in late June. It’ll be their first visit and I’ve begun the utterly impossible task of planning the perfect itinerary. I grew up near NYC and went there all the time, so I know the basics, but haven’t been there as a tourist in decades. Help!
Relevant details:
1. I’m looking for suggestions for specific places to explore, eat, shop and see. Or maybe certain blocks to check out. The more insidery/offbeat/not on Atlas Obscura, the better. They’re more into shopping & food (vegetarian) than museums.
2. We’ll be staying in the West Village, so things at the southern end of Manhattan will save us travel time.
3. I’ve already got tickets to one big thing each day: Broadway show, 9/11 museum, and Statue of Liberty cruise, meaning we’ll basically have three half-days (Tues-Thurs) to explore. Efficiency will be key.
4. Chinatown & Times Square are already on the list.
5. Oh yeah, we don’t want to run ourselves ragged. Ha.
Relevant details:
1. I’m looking for suggestions for specific places to explore, eat, shop and see. Or maybe certain blocks to check out. The more insidery/offbeat/not on Atlas Obscura, the better. They’re more into shopping & food (vegetarian) than museums.
2. We’ll be staying in the West Village, so things at the southern end of Manhattan will save us travel time.
3. I’ve already got tickets to one big thing each day: Broadway show, 9/11 museum, and Statue of Liberty cruise, meaning we’ll basically have three half-days (Tues-Thurs) to explore. Efficiency will be key.
4. Chinatown & Times Square are already on the list.
5. Oh yeah, we don’t want to run ourselves ragged. Ha.
Vegetarian Food:
Superiority Burger just opened, and it's spectacular. Pairs beautifully with Thompkins Square Park people+Dog watching walking around the east village.
Spicy Moon Vegitarian/Vegan sischaun has a location in the west village and would pair nicely with people watching in Washington Square Park (which is right in the middle of NYU Area). Less Visible dog park, but more fountain and scene
a Brooklyn day could be super fun
There is a Ninja Gym in Greenpoint that they might like which is quite close to the Skyline Drive in outdoor movie theater. It's called a drive in, but they also have walk-up seats where you can borrrow one of their very luxurious lawn chairs if the weather is nice, and greenpoint is a cool area of brooklyn to walk around in and pop into shops. They have a concession stand, but you can also bring your own food. If you arrive at Paulie G's Pizza close to when the open, you shouldn't have any trouble getting a seat, and their Slice Shop is also a great option if you need something quicker. All of this stuff is in a 3 block radius, and there's lots of cute shops as you walk along manhattan avenue, franklin avenue, etc. Take cabs if you are in a rush- the views on the williamsburg bridge are divine.
The 9/11 museum might be a lot for a 10 year old. The memorial pools are really profound though. Staten Island Ferry is a great Free alternative with statue of liberty views
Queens day:
I know you said they are less interested in museums, but Museum of the moving image is pretty awesome, has a great jim henson exhibit.
if you are there on a Saturday, Queens museum is within the wonderful Flushing Meadows Corona state park, as is the Queens night market. Queens Night market is incredible (get there right at the opening time to avoid the lines), after you stop into the (free!) queens museum to see the miniature scale model of NYC
posted by wowenthusiast at 3:23 PM on May 8, 2023 [3 favorites]
Superiority Burger just opened, and it's spectacular. Pairs beautifully with Thompkins Square Park people+Dog watching walking around the east village.
Spicy Moon Vegitarian/Vegan sischaun has a location in the west village and would pair nicely with people watching in Washington Square Park (which is right in the middle of NYU Area). Less Visible dog park, but more fountain and scene
a Brooklyn day could be super fun
There is a Ninja Gym in Greenpoint that they might like which is quite close to the Skyline Drive in outdoor movie theater. It's called a drive in, but they also have walk-up seats where you can borrrow one of their very luxurious lawn chairs if the weather is nice, and greenpoint is a cool area of brooklyn to walk around in and pop into shops. They have a concession stand, but you can also bring your own food. If you arrive at Paulie G's Pizza close to when the open, you shouldn't have any trouble getting a seat, and their Slice Shop is also a great option if you need something quicker. All of this stuff is in a 3 block radius, and there's lots of cute shops as you walk along manhattan avenue, franklin avenue, etc. Take cabs if you are in a rush- the views on the williamsburg bridge are divine.
The 9/11 museum might be a lot for a 10 year old. The memorial pools are really profound though. Staten Island Ferry is a great Free alternative with statue of liberty views
Queens day:
I know you said they are less interested in museums, but Museum of the moving image is pretty awesome, has a great jim henson exhibit.
if you are there on a Saturday, Queens museum is within the wonderful Flushing Meadows Corona state park, as is the Queens night market. Queens Night market is incredible (get there right at the opening time to avoid the lines), after you stop into the (free!) queens museum to see the miniature scale model of NYC
posted by wowenthusiast at 3:23 PM on May 8, 2023 [3 favorites]
None of these are mind-blowingly obscure (like... at all), but perhaps mildly non-obvious.
If you find yourself on the UES, cake in the restaurant at the Neue Galerie (you don't need to pay for museum admission to go to the restaurant, and there's generally a separate line for the restaurant vs the museum). While I am a fan, it's probably not the museum for a 10 year old.
The Tenement Museum is really good. Because it's based around tours with fixed schedules, you might find one that fits on the Broadway day.
I haven't actually gone to the Statue of Liberty, but the ticket gets you to Ellis Island as well, which is a good day out.
You probably need reservations for Spicy Moon, by the way, assuming it's the place I'm thinking of.
posted by hoyland at 3:24 PM on May 8, 2023
If you find yourself on the UES, cake in the restaurant at the Neue Galerie (you don't need to pay for museum admission to go to the restaurant, and there's generally a separate line for the restaurant vs the museum). While I am a fan, it's probably not the museum for a 10 year old.
The Tenement Museum is really good. Because it's based around tours with fixed schedules, you might find one that fits on the Broadway day.
I haven't actually gone to the Statue of Liberty, but the ticket gets you to Ellis Island as well, which is a good day out.
You probably need reservations for Spicy Moon, by the way, assuming it's the place I'm thinking of.
posted by hoyland at 3:24 PM on May 8, 2023
None of this is at all off the beaten path or insidery, but it all makes sense based on your desire for efficiency and the ages of the kids:
One of the days you’re downtown, either take the ferry from Wall Street over to Dumbo or walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park. Stop at Van Leeuwen Ice Cream in the old fireboat station next to the bridge. Walk up the Squibb Park Bridge to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade for great views of Manhattan and the harbor. Go back down to Dumbo and explore the neighborhood — at the very least your 10-year-old would love Jane’s Carrousel (not running on Tuesdays) but it’s something everyone could enjoy. Powerhouse Arena bookshop has a great selection of kids and YA books and there are lots of other shops and food options everyone might like in the area. The classic Instagram view of the Manhattan Bridge framed by the old warehouses and cobblestone streets is down there too, if anyone’s into that sort of thing.
On a different day, following your main activity of the day, stop back at your hotel to chill for a while and then walk up to the nearby Meatpacking District. Although the neighborhood has lots of restaurants and boutiques and stuff, the main thing is that’s where you can go up on the Highline and walk as far uptown as you feel. It will be busy with other tourists, but it’ll calm down towards evening. While you’re in the area you should also visit the Pier 54 park (called “Little Island”). It’ll also be full of tourists, but the kids will absolutely love it.
Highly recommend the Tenement Museum too. It's not in the least bit museum-y, if that's what you're trying to avoid too much of.
posted by theory at 3:37 PM on May 8, 2023 [3 favorites]
One of the days you’re downtown, either take the ferry from Wall Street over to Dumbo or walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park. Stop at Van Leeuwen Ice Cream in the old fireboat station next to the bridge. Walk up the Squibb Park Bridge to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade for great views of Manhattan and the harbor. Go back down to Dumbo and explore the neighborhood — at the very least your 10-year-old would love Jane’s Carrousel (not running on Tuesdays) but it’s something everyone could enjoy. Powerhouse Arena bookshop has a great selection of kids and YA books and there are lots of other shops and food options everyone might like in the area. The classic Instagram view of the Manhattan Bridge framed by the old warehouses and cobblestone streets is down there too, if anyone’s into that sort of thing.
On a different day, following your main activity of the day, stop back at your hotel to chill for a while and then walk up to the nearby Meatpacking District. Although the neighborhood has lots of restaurants and boutiques and stuff, the main thing is that’s where you can go up on the Highline and walk as far uptown as you feel. It will be busy with other tourists, but it’ll calm down towards evening. While you’re in the area you should also visit the Pier 54 park (called “Little Island”). It’ll also be full of tourists, but the kids will absolutely love it.
Highly recommend the Tenement Museum too. It's not in the least bit museum-y, if that's what you're trying to avoid too much of.
posted by theory at 3:37 PM on May 8, 2023 [3 favorites]
My god superiority burger. Ten million times. I are there 2 weeks ago and it was one of my fave restaurant experiences of my life.
posted by capnsue at 4:27 PM on May 8, 2023
posted by capnsue at 4:27 PM on May 8, 2023
Another vote for the Tenement museum - it’s more of a tour / experience than an exhibit space, and you can choose the immigrant story you’re most interested in when you buy tickets.
the Guggenheim has a whole building exhibit of Sara Sze’s work right now that looks fascinating - I think even non museum lovers might find it worth the time.
Also closer to the West Village is the Museum of Illusions, which is just what it sounds like and is a lot of fun.
For shopping there’s the Evolution store, which sells all sorts of natural history items, or Astro West for rocks and minerals, which lets you crack your own geodes, up on the Upper West Side (easy access to Times Square & Broadway plus right next to the Natural History Museum). Or my favorite shop in NYC, and definitely off the beaten path, is The Red Caboose, which is a tiny basement shop packed to the ceilings with every kind of model trains. It’s a little east of Times Square and has been there since the 1940s. Also the Harry Potter store is amazing (if the kids are fans and you’re okay with the Rowling issues). They also have some sort of experiences you can book in advance.
Getting-around-wise, post Covid traffic in Manhattan is a nightmare - Ubers / cab prices are nuts, and streets are more clogged in general. So subwaying from where you’re staying to almost anywhere will likely be faster and more convenient than assuming something will be easier to get to just because it’s also downtown.
Fyi the Neue Gallery is ages 12 and up, so I wouldn’t put it on the list - not sure if that applies to the cafe as well.
posted by Mchelly at 4:30 PM on May 8, 2023
the Guggenheim has a whole building exhibit of Sara Sze’s work right now that looks fascinating - I think even non museum lovers might find it worth the time.
Also closer to the West Village is the Museum of Illusions, which is just what it sounds like and is a lot of fun.
For shopping there’s the Evolution store, which sells all sorts of natural history items, or Astro West for rocks and minerals, which lets you crack your own geodes, up on the Upper West Side (easy access to Times Square & Broadway plus right next to the Natural History Museum). Or my favorite shop in NYC, and definitely off the beaten path, is The Red Caboose, which is a tiny basement shop packed to the ceilings with every kind of model trains. It’s a little east of Times Square and has been there since the 1940s. Also the Harry Potter store is amazing (if the kids are fans and you’re okay with the Rowling issues). They also have some sort of experiences you can book in advance.
Getting-around-wise, post Covid traffic in Manhattan is a nightmare - Ubers / cab prices are nuts, and streets are more clogged in general. So subwaying from where you’re staying to almost anywhere will likely be faster and more convenient than assuming something will be easier to get to just because it’s also downtown.
Fyi the Neue Gallery is ages 12 and up, so I wouldn’t put it on the list - not sure if that applies to the cafe as well.
posted by Mchelly at 4:30 PM on May 8, 2023
Chinatown & Times Square are already on the list.
I really would not budget out separate time for Times Square. Just walk over before or after your Broadway show if they want to experience it, most kids don't really like the actual people-pressing experience of walking in Times Square.
If I were with 10 and 15 year old girls I'd probably make an appt now for one of the high end art-manicure salons like Paintbox in Manhattan or Paintbucket in Williamsburg. You're going to be doing a lot of walking, waiting and standing in lines, don't underestimate sitting and pampering.
posted by lesser whistling duck at 1:43 AM on May 9, 2023
I really would not budget out separate time for Times Square. Just walk over before or after your Broadway show if they want to experience it, most kids don't really like the actual people-pressing experience of walking in Times Square.
If I were with 10 and 15 year old girls I'd probably make an appt now for one of the high end art-manicure salons like Paintbox in Manhattan or Paintbucket in Williamsburg. You're going to be doing a lot of walking, waiting and standing in lines, don't underestimate sitting and pampering.
posted by lesser whistling duck at 1:43 AM on May 9, 2023
One of the days you’re downtown, either take the ferry from Wall Street over to Dumbo or walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park.
I was going to suggest the ferry as well - but maybe just a ferry ride for its own sake. The main hub is on Wall Street, so if you're staying in the West Village you have access to all the lines; and you can take the ferry to a couple points in Williamsburg or Rockaway Beach or Red Hook, Governors Island and Bay Ridge or Roosevelt Island or the Sculpture park in Astoria. In June they will also have a dedicated ferry just over to Governors Island on the weekends. Any one of those spots would be good options for "let's get out and just walk around and see what it's like", and you also have the ferry ride itself.
Another option: Industry City in Brooklyn. It's a big shopping/eating/maker space on the site of a couple former factories, but they also have a lot of open-air courtyards with stuff happening in them. A playwright I knew back in the day sometimes goes there with his 13-year-old to just hang out.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:20 AM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
I was going to suggest the ferry as well - but maybe just a ferry ride for its own sake. The main hub is on Wall Street, so if you're staying in the West Village you have access to all the lines; and you can take the ferry to a couple points in Williamsburg or Rockaway Beach or Red Hook, Governors Island and Bay Ridge or Roosevelt Island or the Sculpture park in Astoria. In June they will also have a dedicated ferry just over to Governors Island on the weekends. Any one of those spots would be good options for "let's get out and just walk around and see what it's like", and you also have the ferry ride itself.
Another option: Industry City in Brooklyn. It's a big shopping/eating/maker space on the site of a couple former factories, but they also have a lot of open-air courtyards with stuff happening in them. A playwright I knew back in the day sometimes goes there with his 13-year-old to just hang out.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:20 AM on May 9, 2023 [3 favorites]
The Tenement Museum is fantastic - so poignant and fascinating.
Pearl River Mart - a big store full of mostly-affordable neat stuff
posted by nouvelle-personne at 5:36 AM on May 9, 2023
Pearl River Mart - a big store full of mostly-affordable neat stuff
posted by nouvelle-personne at 5:36 AM on May 9, 2023
+1 Tenement Museum - my similar aged kids really enjoyed it when they went with a relative (I did not go, but heard good reports).
posted by Mid at 6:23 AM on May 9, 2023
posted by Mid at 6:23 AM on May 9, 2023
In the West Village, Myers of Keswick is fun for specialty British items (for kids, especially chocolate) and their lovely cat, Grace. A few blocks away is The Butcher's Daughter, which is vegetarian and particularly good as a lunch spot. Near both are some nice little parks and playgrounds.
I'd check out the Little Island calendar for your dates see if they have anything interesting going on, particularly music or daytime arts activities. A good place to take a break and picnic.
I would also skip the 9/11 museum, especially with a 10-year-old! You can read this piece and this one for more perspective on the museum, which I'd encourage even if you are set on going. From the second piece: "I didn’t really start to get unnerved until I entered the historical overview section, a linear journey through 9/11 and its aftermath. Minute by minute, visitors are effectively re-traumatized as we are taken through the events of the day and how they were experienced in real time." The reflective pools are a meaningful but less overwhelming experience for that age.
If you're going to do one museum, I'd echo the suggestions for the Tenement Museum - their tour experiences are really engaging and appeal to people who may not like traditional museums as much.
posted by earth by april at 7:30 AM on May 9, 2023
I'd check out the Little Island calendar for your dates see if they have anything interesting going on, particularly music or daytime arts activities. A good place to take a break and picnic.
I would also skip the 9/11 museum, especially with a 10-year-old! You can read this piece and this one for more perspective on the museum, which I'd encourage even if you are set on going. From the second piece: "I didn’t really start to get unnerved until I entered the historical overview section, a linear journey through 9/11 and its aftermath. Minute by minute, visitors are effectively re-traumatized as we are taken through the events of the day and how they were experienced in real time." The reflective pools are a meaningful but less overwhelming experience for that age.
If you're going to do one museum, I'd echo the suggestions for the Tenement Museum - their tour experiences are really engaging and appeal to people who may not like traditional museums as much.
posted by earth by april at 7:30 AM on May 9, 2023
If you go to the tenement Museum, here's a few specific shops nearby-- but generally orchard street between canal and houston is great window shopping (and all the side streets leading off of it)
Essex Market has a cool foodhall kinda vibe
Top Hat- just neat stuff.
Big Bud Press
On the tenement museum itself, I have especially loved the walking tours of the neighborhood in the summertime because the building can be quite warm on a hot day
posted by wowenthusiast at 8:56 AM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
Essex Market has a cool foodhall kinda vibe
Top Hat- just neat stuff.
Big Bud Press
On the tenement museum itself, I have especially loved the walking tours of the neighborhood in the summertime because the building can be quite warm on a hot day
posted by wowenthusiast at 8:56 AM on May 9, 2023 [2 favorites]
If you go to the tenement Museum, here's a few specific shops nearby
If you go to the Tenement Museum (which you should) and don't walk like three blocks to BonBon Swedish Candy, you will be sad and not even know why.
posted by The Bellman at 11:24 AM on May 9, 2023
If you go to the Tenement Museum (which you should) and don't walk like three blocks to BonBon Swedish Candy, you will be sad and not even know why.
posted by The Bellman at 11:24 AM on May 9, 2023
Hardly obscure, but the AMNH has a cool new building and might be worth popping in
posted by airmail at 5:32 PM on May 10, 2023
posted by airmail at 5:32 PM on May 10, 2023
Not sure if this is their (or your) bag, but it looks like there’s going to be a Malibu Barbie cafe around for a bit while you’re here.
Also I completely forgot, but talking about pop culture, there’s a Friends Experience here where you can interact with versions of the sets and see costumes and props from the show. Not high art or anything, but if they want to hold a couch on some steps and yell “Pivot!” It’s there.
posted by Mchelly at 4:43 AM on May 19, 2023
Also I completely forgot, but talking about pop culture, there’s a Friends Experience here where you can interact with versions of the sets and see costumes and props from the show. Not high art or anything, but if they want to hold a couch on some steps and yell “Pivot!” It’s there.
posted by Mchelly at 4:43 AM on May 19, 2023
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posted by beccaj at 3:06 PM on May 8, 2023 [2 favorites]