New York in July

[Granard]

Hi, thinking of going to NY in July with my 11 year old to see the sights, do some shopping etc. Will it be very hot/humid? My other option is to go at mid-term in October, so last week of October.

Has anyone any advice to offer on things to that an 11 year old might like (apart from shop up a storm in Abercrombie & Hollister!) and also advice on whether July or November would be best.

Thank you.

I went a couple of years ago at the beginning of October, it was nice weather pretty good, just starting to get colder.
Whenever you go invest in a City Pass card for both of you, basically a pre paid card that gives you access to all the big attraction plus many more. You only have to use it about 3 times to get the cost of it back and it means you can skip queues a lot of the time too which is even more worth it than the monetary savings.
I also recommend the m&s shop in Time Square (and just the place itself) and go get cake at Grand Central Stationyou won't believe the size of it!

It can be very hot (temp in the 90s) and humid in July in NYC; it would certainly be cooler later in the year.

You'd both probably like seeing the worlds largest Macys dept store, Bloomingdales, having a ride on the Staten Island Ferry (this is free), visiting the South Street Seaport and going to the observation deck at the Top of the Rock (Rockefeller center). The Beast boat is good fun to go on if you go there in July.

Whenever you decide to go, you must fill in the ESTA online for both yourself and your child before travel. Only use the official US government website (there are MANY unofficial ones that will rip you off), the official US govt site charges $14 US (about £9 sterling) per application.

Thank you both for your replies. Appreciate it.

I was thinking of doing self-catering, rather than a hotel and there are LOADS of places available. But I've also read warnings about how it's illegal to sub-let on a short term basis in NY and some people have arrived only to find they're denied access to the place they've booked and paid for.

Anyone got experience of doing self-catering or any recommendations.

Thanks again.

horrid horrid in July - better later in the year. Pre book Ground Zero - you can't just turn up. If your DD isn't familiar with what happened on 9/11 then maybe watch a few videos on youtube before you go - we took DC's last year and didn't realise till we were leaving that my 11 year old had NO IDEA why we were there . If budget allows a show on Broadway is pretty special but way more expensive than even West End shows - google Broadway discount vouchers and you may get half price tickets. Cycle tour in Central Park was the highlight of our trip - plenty of providers - look at Tripadvisor for reviews

Just back from the States, including NY. I have been once before in November and would go then rather than July. July will be muggy and sticky, it got up to 29 degrees when we were there last week and that was muggy enough in the City. Loved the Rockefeller Centre and the Turtle Pond was lovely to sit by in the heat.

I went with DCs aged 6 and 10 one August a few years ago. It was hot, but not that bad - obviously it varies from year to year.

At 11, your DD will probably be more interested in fashion etc than mine were then, but other things they enjoyed were the Staten Island ferry (we didn't bother with the actual Statue of Liberty tour, just waved as we went past), Empire State building, various bits of central park, and generally spotting film locations everywhere.

They also loved the massive Toys R Us in Time Square, with indoor ferris wheel, and FAO Schwartz (the toy shop with the floor piano you can dance on - as seen in Big) plus the M&Ms store, but your DD might be a bit old and sophisticated for those.

October would be a better time of year weather wise & the plane tickets will also bee much cheaper than July.

Thanks everyone. Have decided to go with October. If anyone has any tips on hotels or self-catering, please let me know. Thanks again.

October is definitely a more comfortable time in terms of weather. If you're there for Halloween, check out the parade in Greenwich Village. It's a blast.

Oct will be nicer. I'd find somewhere away from downtown Manhattan which is horribly noisy and a bit soulless. If self catering is OK and you don't mind possibly sharing a bathroom with one other room, I recommend the Harlem Flophouse. Great transport links, full of character, diner for breakfast nearby.

Ellis Island is wonderful and the ferry passes the Statue of Liberty and gives you that classic view of Manhattan.

If you're ok with v hot/v humid then July will be ok. Otherwise def Oct/Nov. We took DD at that age and she still remembers the ice-cream parlour Serendipity. It's a really cool place and kids adore it. The frozen hot chocolate is absolute heaven. If you go, get one to share between two because they're huge. As I remember DD throughly enjoyed the Staten Island Ferry. We had a really good visit to Ellis Island (we also didn't get out at the Statue of Liberty as heard it was a bit of a bunfight). Top of Empire State building at dusk was a favourite too. We stayed and watched it get dark and watching the city below gradually light up was magical. Def FAO Shwartz. Even for an 11 year old who feels a bit too cool for 'toys' it is quite something. Not sure when in Nov the ice-skating at the Rockerfeller Centre and in Central Park starts but that was lovely to watch. Can't advise re accommodation though as it's over 10 years since we went.

We have stayed in the NYC university accommodation before. Small, basic (but clean and serviced) apartments in Greenwich Village. Highly recommend.

It will be hot, although August is more humid. I like the heat, personally. It makes it very atmospheric and gives you an excuse to slow your pace down a bit and stop frequently for drinks and snacks . Everywhere, including the subway, is air conditioned, which is great.

Is your 11 yr old a boy or girl? I can recommend lots of 'girly' things

Otherwise, yes to Staten Island ferry, Ellis Island & Empire State by night. Top of the Rock at the Rockafeller Plaza is an alternative to the State.

This is a cool bowling lanes in Manhattan.

There is also a monster of a multiplex cinema on 42nd St that could be quite fun.

A Broadway show? Or a Yankees game?

The best things about NYc are strolling around the streets and eating out! Have fun whatever you do,

Try airbnb for self catering. I have not used them in NY, but very successfully in other cities.

The tenement museum on the lower east side is great. You have to book and go on a tour.

Cycling round governors island is fun, you get a good view of the statue of liberty without the big queues of going there, and a break from the city.

Thanks to everyone for your tips and info. Appreciate your time.