New York October

[HalfasleepChrisintheMorning]

We are going to New York for 8 nights in October half term.
So far I have just booked Virgin flights. We’re 2 adults and a 12 year old boy.
Would love recommendations for where to stay and things to see and do.
So far I think we want a room with a kitchenette, ideally on Manhattan.
We want to do 911 museum, Ellis Island and SoL, Empire State, Broadway, Intrepid Museum and shopping!
Is the GoCity pass any good?
It will be Halloween while we are there.

If you only go up one thing, make it Summit One. It's so good.

Stay anywhere with easy access to the subway. We've stayed in Midtown, the Financial District, and even New Jersey, they've all been fine, and easy to get around.

If you are there for week, take a trip one day down to Coney Island, especially if the weather is good. It's super tacky, but fun - my teens loved going on the Wonder Wheel and the Cyclone, plus eating Nathan's Hotdogs on the boardwalk. Check the dates that it's open though, as I think it might be only weekends at that time of year.

Before you go, look up some Halloween events. We were there in late October, flying home the day of Halloween, so missed seeing the kids out in their costumes - we did see a few, but missed the main events. But there were lots of Halloween decs out, especially around the houses of lower Manhattan, where stoops were decorated with pumpkins and cobwebs.

So far I think we want a room with a kitchenette, ideally on Manhattan.

Not sure what they cost, but the Marriott Residence Inn chain has a few places in Manhattan with kitchenettes.

We stayed at Club Quarters in the Financial District opposite 9/11. Great location. It has a coffee machine, microwave and fridge. Do you want more facilities than that in your room? It also has a free laundry and tea and coffee in the lobby and bottled water. 5 minutes from numerous subways, 10 minutes to the SOL ferry etc.

We bought our passes on Groupon. We went for the 10 attraction pass which was too many but we figured we would have options as we were there in February. It meant we could get out the cold it it was awful weather. When we converted the cost back each attraction was less than £20 each. Well worth it.

Join a couple of the New York planning pages on Facebook. Invaluable information on there.

We went last Halloween and went trick or treating. It was AMAZING!!!!

We went to seal park area in Chelsea. Thats a more family area (everyone was still nice to my 15/12 yo) the we did a bit in Greenwich village which was slightly older children.

Dress up is more like fancy dress - my 12yo bat was called retro! You get whole families themed. Couple of pics attached.

Economy candy in the lower east side give away large bags of candy about 3pm ish I think.

There is a parade in Greenwich village but we swerved that for trick or treating.

The other thing we did that was good was a big Apple greeter tour. It's a free personal walking tour. You register and gives times you can do and areas you might like to visit and they try and match you. We did a walking tour of Brooklyn.

We went to NY in October 22 with DD who was then 11
she liked going up the empire state building, but top of the rock was also good, quicker and cheaper and you can see the empire state from it!
we got a go city pass via group on, which was a great deal
DD also loved an attraction called Rise, which was just off times square, which tells a bit of the history of Mew York bit ends with a ride which simulates flying over manhattan.
we walked over the Brooklyn Bridge and walked though Brooklyn for a bit which was great as a lot of houses were decorated for halloween and went to an old drug store style soda place - I think called Pharmacia Brooklyn
the m&m's shop on times square was also a big hit with her - bit expensive!

Don't miss the High Line

I think the High Line is excellent. Top of the Rock is great and the Tenement museum is worth it. Will a 12 year old get much from 911 other than nightmares? There’s better things info. Walking back to Manhattan across the Brooklyn Bridge is one. We have stayed in SoHo and Mid Town. The subway is grubby and confusing. The Met has a great collection of all things American and the MoMa is a fantastic building. We like the art there too!

I took my then 9 and 12 year old boys a couple of years ago. Their favourite things were a superhero bus tour - which basically visited the sites where various superhero movies had been filmed and a basketball game - we went to see the Brooklyn Nets. We stayed at the Conrad downtown. We loved the location as it was quieter than midtown and overlooked the Hudson so we could easily catch the ferry to the Intrepid museum.

Update, I have booked the Kimberly Hotel in Midtown East. It has a one bedroom suite so 2 double beds, living room and kitchenette. It’s a bit pricey at £500 per night but looks gorgeous and has good reviews on Trip Advisor.
Now to plan!
I do fancy doing Dumbo and the Brooklyn Bridge on the first day when we will wake up stupidly early.

I would suggest doing DUMBO and Brooklyn bridge at sunset as then you see Manhattan all lit up at night. That's still one of my best experiences of all the many places I've visited in the world.

I second this. Get the ferry from DUMBO back to Manhattan once it’s dark. The most amazing views.

I just searched New York as I'm putting our itinerary together.

We're staying at the Kimberly in May, hoping it is as good as the reviews suggest. Also planning on heading to Dumbo/Brooklyn Bridge on our first morning for the same reasons.

Look forward to hearing all about your trip and any top tips.
Have a fantastic time!

@HalfasleepChrisintheMorning we've had a great few days in New York and loved the hotel. The room was big, it's in a great location and the staff were fantastic.

Definitely see if there are any Halloween events on while you're there. The attractions you're wanting to do are offered via gocity, so I think a pass would be well worth your while. We always gets them when visiting big cities.
Festival seasons are amazing in NY. Hopefully the shop fronts will be decorated for Halloween! I'm jealous!!

Following even though I haven’t left Toronto yet (we leave on Saturday) but I’m already thinking about the next holiday. I have an 11 YO boy so this is all relevant!
The super hero tour sounds amazing!