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Original poster

2 days with tweens New York

18 replies

Nooyoiknooyoik · 07/02/2023 19:37

Hi there. Looking for some ideas. I’m going to New York at the end of Feb for two days with a couple of tweens. Meeting another family near Central Park for one of the days. They have a toddler so can’t walk far. They don’t know New York at all and say they look forward to joining in with “whatever we’ve planned” - but I don’t know New York either! But it seems that I’m now the official planner for the day.

It looks like we’ll be limited to mid-town that day due to limited mobility. Which is fine. Our sightseeing will be pretty basic and obvious as the tweens have never been. We’re not going to any museums this time as with queues and children time would just be too short.

For that day I’m thinking Central Park, top of the rock, 5th ave. Is there anything you’ve seen as a family around there that you thought was great and would recommend? Any family-friendly ideas for lunch/dinner in the area? Many thanks in advance.

OP posts:
meetmeatmidnights · 07/02/2023 19:41

Top of the rock is a great idea - it's a beautiful view!

For lunch I'd suggest maybe juniors depending how fussy the DC are? It's diner food and absolutely delicious, the cheesecakes are amazing too.

M&M world is fun (expensive!) but fun creating your own bag of m&ms for DC. Any chance budget would stretch to a lunchtime performance of a show at all?

MissConductUS · 07/02/2023 19:45

Not all of these are in midtown, but some are.

familydestinationsguide.com/best-things-to-do-nyc-kids

Honeyroar · 07/02/2023 19:46

Stick your head into Grand Central Station and find the subway underneath with arches and great acoustics (well known). Called the Whispering Gallery and outside the Oyster Bar. Stand the kids in a corner and you stand in another and talk quietly (see pic) - they will hear you like magic!

The Roosevelt island cable car is quite fun. It goes from a few blocks down from Bloomingdales and crosses the river with great views. Otherwise there’s the zoo in Central Park. Central Park is great for wandering generally anyway.

Original poster
Nooyoiknooyoik · 07/02/2023 19:47

meetmeatmidnights · 07/02/2023 19:41

Top of the rock is a great idea - it's a beautiful view!

For lunch I'd suggest maybe juniors depending how fussy the DC are? It's diner food and absolutely delicious, the cheesecakes are amazing too.

M&M world is fun (expensive!) but fun creating your own bag of m&ms for DC. Any chance budget would stretch to a lunchtime performance of a show at all?

Unfortunately a show is out because of the toddler.
Initially I thought a meet-up was a great idea but now thinking would have been better to do our own thing as our time in NY so short. But it could still be a really nice day🤞

OP posts:
Original poster
Nooyoiknooyoik · 07/02/2023 19:47

Will look up M&M world!

OP posts:
Honeyroar · 07/02/2023 19:47

Sorry- forgot the pics!

2 days with tweens New York
2 days with tweens New York
sobercuriouskind · 07/02/2023 19:49

Search Kate Ellison on YouTube, she does a couple of videos re. ideas of things to do in NYC with kids. Some of them are different from your usual stuff.
I'd recommend a stroll along the High line and maybe a short hudson river cruise at dusk so you see all the lights go on.

sobercuriouskind · 07/02/2023 19:52

Also, this would be perfect for the toddler:

www.seaglasscarousel.nyc/

HiccupHorrendousHaddock · 07/02/2023 19:52

It's mad, but after 15 years the think all 3 of mine remember fondly from their trip to New York was riding the indoor ferris wheel at Toys R Us Times Square. It's not there anymore, but it reminds me that what I think will be awesome isn't what mattered to the kids.

Boating in Central Park is fun (singing How Does She Know from Tangled is optional). Seeing Winnie The Pooh and co at the NY Children's Library is cool, plus on the front steps you can get all Ghostbusters.

George4567 · 07/02/2023 19:54

Ellen's diner? My teenager loved it. All the wait staff are those that work in the shows and they burst into show songs quite regularly.
There was a huge queue when we went but it moved v quickly. Usual diner fare

Original poster
Nooyoiknooyoik · 07/02/2023 19:56

Some great suggestions! Thanks!

OP posts:
ClosedAuraOpenMind · 07/02/2023 19:57

was there in October with DD 12, who loved Rise, which is one of these simulators that makes you feel like you're flying over New York, it's just of Time Square so pretty central and good fun

Edinvillian · 07/02/2023 19:58

Another vote for Ellen's diner. It's lots of fun.

trinibrit · 07/02/2023 20:00

www.ellensstardustdiner.com/

Ellen’s Stardust Diner

meetmeatmidnights · 07/02/2023 20:06

Oh definitely take them to FAO Schwarz - it's below top of the rock - it's the toy shop from home alone, it's amazing 😊

HostessTrolley · 07/02/2023 20:24

Ellen's diner definitely. It's quite noisy/buzzy, and lunch/brunch of rainbow bagels and tater tots would entertain the kids alongside the music

trinibrit · 07/02/2023 22:21

If the children like dolls: American Girl store and you can make a reservation to eat there with your American Girl doll!

www.americangirl.com/pages/retail-new-york

TheSnugglyDuckling · 07/02/2023 22:28

I’d also say American Doll and, if it’s still there, Dylan’s Candy Bar

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