Birthday holiday with 10 year old. New York or something else?

[Chickentimer]

Looking to go on holiday in August with our 10 year old to celebrate my 40th birthday.

I was considering New York (we last went over 10 years ago) but I've heard it is dirtier/ less safe and don't want to have a bad experience with DC. Any suggestions for something special? I was considering Scotland and doing it really nicely. We are all happiest doing 'things' rather than a beach resort - we've done Disney a number of times, cities where we can sightsee have worked well.

We did NY for a few days with our teens in 2022 July/august

They had a fabulous time but it was very very hot and humid and it's a lot of walking. I'd do it again but on the way somewhere rather than on the way back.(California and Arizona)

Last summer we did Florida, teens loved that too so it really depends what you want to do, it's your special birthday!

Have you done Iceland/Northern lights? I am wondering about that for my 40th. Also fancy Norwegian Fjords. I wondered about a cruise taking in both but trying our first cruise this year (Disney) and will decide if we like them 😂
We are also considering Japan when DD is a bit older (she's nearly 9)
As a tween/teen I enjoyed a few city breaks with my parents- Madrid, Barcelona, Amsterdam (and New York actually! But that was 25 years ago)
If you're foodies I hear Porto and Lisbon are good foodie destinations!
Exciting dilemma, reading replies with interest!

Large swaths of the US are really hot and humid in August (not everywhere of course).

What would the 10 year old be excited about? Whitewater rafting, hiking, horseback riding? Museums or well-known tourist destinations?

Have you looked at the NC 500 in Scotland? We are hopefully doing it later this year and there are loads of things to see and do on the way. A bit of an adventure.

Other ideas, Iceland is amazing! Rome?, Athens? A cruise let's you see lots of places so may work but I know they aren't always popular.

We went to New York with our 4 DC ages ranging from tween to early 20's we had an amazing time it's been our best family holiday. I don't think it's changed too much since I was there 15 years ago and I felt safer there than I did in London and than I do in my home town at times.

I'd pick DC over New York any day. There's loads to do. Air and Space museum is excellent but there's loads of other museums etc plus all the monuments, most in easy walking distance.

How long are you planning on going for? Relatives went to NYC with their DC, a little older than yours, but they had a great time last summer.

We had an amazing holiday a while back where we went to Boston, NYC and Washington. Flights between each were so easy. As a previous poster said, there is so much to do in Washington it might make a nice two centre holiday? Boston was great but probs had the least to do for our DD who was about 15 at the time. We were there in Aug and yes, it was hot but everywhere was air con so it was fine!

Another great trip could be Sorrento, with trips to Pompeii and Capri, could also then carry on to Rome?

@CulturalNomad I think 19 year old would love something like kayaking or seeing nature. But equally would love museums, seeing the sights. I'm wondering if we do a split - a few days NYC then something else. Or perhaps go to Canada?

@MassiveOvaryaction we did DC last year and loved it! The museums, history etc all were hits. So much to do!

@Newuser75 the NC500 looks fab!

@Newuser75 the NC500 looks fab!

You could do NYC then move up to the Finger Lakes region of NY which offers a lot of outdoor activities:

https://www.fingerlakestravelny.com/

We did NY last year August and it was hot and humid, part of the days weren't sunny but very overcast.

We did a 3 center trip, Boston, Newport/RI and then NY at the end. We enjoyed it, I personally would have swapped Newport for Cape Cod but it was a good stay as well.

We did this as a joined 50th birthday and DD's GCSE year. She voted for NY, I chose the rest.

Iceland is on the plan for DD's 18th next year.

Also, this may be a little offbeat but Woodstock, NY is fun for a day trip (especially if anyone in the family has any interest in the music/culture of that era)

https://www.travelnewyorknow.com/best-things-to-do-in-woodstock-ny/

@Chickentimer If you can afford it (snd might be difficult to plan for Aug 24) but I’d look at Vancouver Island. I’d also look at Peru. Best time to go! I know it’s not a city but it’s unforgettable. Families Worldwide are worth a look. South Africa is a good destination then although it’s winter there. Lots to see and do.

I think Washington has a lot to offer. Most of USA will be hot though. Iceland is great. Your dc would love a super jeep tour! Also whale watching is fantastic.

@Chickentimer NY very very hot in August.