NYC/Washington with 12 yo DS

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Off to NYC/Washington in a couple of weeks with my 12 yo DS. It's the first time I've been to either with a child. Any recommendations for things to do/places to go beyond the obvious (Empire State Building etc). We live in a London so won't want to go to a zoo and he's not into galleries.

NYC - walk The Highline in NYC. Walk from Brooklyn across the Brooklyn Bridge back to Manhattan. The views from both are great. Visit Chelsea Market from The Highline. I have girls who liked art galleries and shopping. I would however go to MoMa with him though. There is world class art there and it’s a great building so talk about that. Go over to the Statue of Liberty on the Staten Island Ferry. The Tenement Museum is also great. Look at the great Art Deco buildings and we liked the Radio City Music Hall.

For Washington there’s a lot to interest him. The Flight and Space Museum is a must. Look at what else is on The Mall. The American History Museum is first class. He would be missing out if he didn’t get anything from this.

Go to Arlington Cemetry for changing of the guard and a look at some moving memorials. Visit the war and presidential memorials. They are big! Look at The White House and go inside The Capitol. See Government in action.

If he really won’t go into galleries I’m not sure you will see the best of Washington. We thought they were superb. You can visit Georgetown which has good restaurants, old houses and great little shops.

Gulliver’s Gate in NYC

International Spy Museum in DC
Museum of American History
Newseum
National Postal Museum
Nationals Park to watch baseball
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is quite fun. You can tour the building and see millions of dollars being printed. The tour lasts just 40 minutes.

Many thanks! Very helpful. Into MOMA he will go!