New York with a 2yo; advice, must-dos and what to avoid?

[MissPenteuth]

Posted this in General Travel Advice but no replies, so trying here.

2yo DD and I are going with DH on a work trip to NY next month. Some of the time it will just be me and DD. Any advice, or recommendations? I'm thinking Central Park Zoo, Children's Museum, Museum of Natural History, as well as a wander round Central Park and a bit of shopping (DH wants to take DD to FAO Schwarz in particular). DH and I have been before, but that was pre-DC so this will be a bit different!

One thing in particular I'm wondering about is how easy it is to get the buggy on the subway. I'll be 4mo pregnant so don't really fancy lugging it up and down stairs. I'm happy to walk a good few blocks, but we're staying near Canal St. so all the way up to Central Park and back would be pushing it a bit.

We'll be there for 4 full days (2 with DH and 2 without). Thanks in advance for any advice :)

Cabs are so cheap I'd just take those tbh, after walking as much as possible.

I'd cab it too. We walked Battery Park back up to Central Park without a problem, straight up but that was without being 4mths pg.

Hi, we are also going with our 2 yo DD next month, so any tips would be helpful... I was also wondering about buggies on the subway etc.,
DP is an over-anxious traveller and father, has never been to the US and is not keen on the idea of going to Manhattan with a toddler but it can't be that hard, can it?! I keep trying to reassure him, anyway...

Ooh, I got replies! I'd almost forgotten that I'd posted this thread.

Good point about the cabs, thanks. I think we might try the subway at the weekend but not when it's just DD and me. DH and I walked from Battery Park to Central Park last time as well, but it was more of a half-day's activity (stopping in shops along the way) than getting from A to B.

spaghettina, it's just like any big city really. Keep an eye on your bags, stick to busy, well-lit (at night) streets. I'm planning to keep DD in her buggy when we're on the streets as the roads can be busy. We're leaving on Tuesday and back next Monday so I'll report back with tips if I think of any once we've been :)

How lovely for you all MissP

Yes to the central park zoo, mine loved the sealions there.
FAO Shwarz is fun but nothing v special really
Times Square at night would be fun for her to see.
The ferry over to Staten Island (free) is fun to see Manhattan and also all the helicopters doing the tours.

Brooklyn Children's Museum would be perfect

Get a picnic at Wholefoods near FAO Shwarz and go into the park and look out for all the dog walkers

There is a huge Build a Bear on 5th Avenue which is entertaining.

I've been in NY on my own with my two and with DS the same age as your DD and it is all very straightforward, yes to the buggy.

I shall think on

We're going in 5 weeks without DC for DP's 40th.we're staying near Canal street too.Any tips on restaurants etc would be great.We've both been before so trying to do the alternative sights this time!
Have a great trip!

Cabs are abundant and not too pricey in NYC, but only if you are not travelling at rush hour and only if you are happy not sing a child car seat.

Otherwise, the subway is perfectly useable, just bring a very lightweight, easily foldable buggy.

yes to Central Park Zoo.

You will have to buy toys if you venture in to FAO Schwartz

Prospect park in Brooklyn is brilliant if the weather is nice. Honestly, well worth the trip to Brooklyn. Bordered on one side by very trendy little area called Park Slope, with an abundance of cute, child friendly cafes.

The Natural History Museum is nice, although not a patch on London's imo.

I stand corrected, my children say FAO Shwarz is special

I second the Staten Island ferry, free, fantastic view of the SoL (better view than those standing on the island itself) and lots of room to move around on the ferry.

Don't forget Times Square.

Blocks are massive in NY, they go on forever. Don't walk! Buy a really cheap lightweight buggy that is easy to carry.

There are a couple of children's museums in the area, you might enjoy one of them.

It was fun watching my kids faces as we went into FAO Schwartz!

So how did it go, Miss P? What did your DD make of NYC, and what did she enjoy?

We leave in a week, can't wait!
Although overanxious DP says DD is "too young" to go on any sort of ferry (she's 2 ) - shame as I thought the Staten Island one would be good - might persuade him yet, does anyone know how long the ferry trip takes?

spaghettina,

Why is your DP so anxious about the Staten Island ferry?.

Have seen babies on the staten island ferry!. Staten Island ferry is very safe; trip to Staten Island takes about 25 minutes. Tell him to read their website.

Re hopandskip's comment re city blocks, if you walk north/south or south/north the blocks are actually very short. If you walk across town i.e east/west, west/east, the blocks are longer to walk.