Am I being selfish

[Jotkaur]

Hi guys so I’m in abit Of a dilemma it’s mine and my husbands 10th wedding anniversary in may so to celebrate it we have always agreed to go New York, however we have 2 children one who will be 9 at the time of going and the other 6. New York is a very busy place I’m not sure whether I’m taking the right decision by taking them I don’t want them to be bored or get over tired. Has anyone been to America or New York with young children that could give me some insight I would very much appreciate it. Thanks

Honestly I would go on a different family holiday with a pool and go with just DH during school time to NYC, it may well work out cheaper if you can do a Monday to Thursday in term time xx

New York no but took mine to California age 7 for a 3 week road trip. She has flown a lot though so the flight to San Francisco didn’t bother her. She loves flying.

There's definitely fors and against so really it comes down to your call. My son was used to flying as he's done so since 4 months old so that part wasn't an issue. We were back in the hotel room from say 8pm as a) we were shattered and b) we tried to stick to our normal sleep routine with my son. He still talks about it until this day so for us it was the right choice.

Yes ur absolutely right!! Different views from everyone so really quite thankful for that. We do have to make our mind up
soon! We’re looking in October and there’s a big price increase which is out of our league if we do go in the summer holidays it’s cheap the weather will be nice but I will stick to my children’s needs if it means coming back to to the hotel by 8pm we will definitely do that as we have always done this we don’t tend to stay out late with the kids just I am still worried about the huddle and bustle but then I think when we go to London it’s busy there too. It’s my daughters dream to go!! She will be 9 though.

Where would you purchase the New York passes from as if we do go we would love to do a lot of the main attractions?

I have been twice for a week at a time and there’s no way in hell I’d take young kids. It’s hot, it’s busy, it’s absolutely manic. I think teens is a much better age for a NY trip. I would go with somewhere like Florida if you’re set on the US

Attraction tickets direct is the best for pre booking, but again I would really think about this. Places like the Empire State Building and the ferry etc is absolutely manic. Other than Madame Tussaud’s, the park/zoo and the natural history museum, I don’t think there’s anything that children your ages would particularly enjoy, and you can do all of that in London.

@Jotkaur
Yes it is like London but you need to train your dc to stay with you. New Yorkers can be brusque and walk quickly!

We have been in the summer - it’s not the best time but if you are cost conscious, go for it. We went right at the end of August. Back for school with a few recovery days built in but NY was after a trip to Boston, Cape Cod etc. NY empties out in August. However you can help yourselves by getting air con cabs and making sure your itinerary isn’t too demanding.

We never had a nightlife with dc! Theatre was it.

If it's your anniversary, you should be going just as a couple!
And New York would be too much for children of that age - the time difference alone will mess them up.
Can't they stay with friends or grandparents?

Ours were 5 and 7 and had no problem whatsoever. The heat in August isn’t as overbearing as people here are suggesting. Plenty of shade and air con in NYC and you plan an itinerary based on your needs!

Up early in the morning and out to sightsee, I don’t rate the New York passes, especially with kids. Much better to think about what they need, what you like and work it that way.

The library, grand central station, Staten Island ferry, picnic in Central Park, hook and ladder 8, the high line, Times Square (first thing in the morning, skip at night, it’s a shithole), Bryant Park (free games to play and bands/festivals), Chelsea Market, walking Brooklyn bridge. All of the above are free, and with that to do why would you spend on expensive passes that restrict you to a time slot?

It is busy, never empties out as others might have you believe, and is hot in summer but more than manageable. Kids will love it as long as you don’t project your anxiety about getting lost on to them and yes, train them to stay with you as they should anyway.

I go once or twice a year as one of my children and family live there. I don’t go in June/July/August as I find it far too hot to do lots of walking. Easter hols can be very cold. I try to go in the May or October holidays. Or September now I’m not teaching.

I'd make a list of what you'd like to visit and price it up against the cost of the pass and see which works out best.
I made sure my son held my hand at all times but really it's no more manic than London.
I agree with the poster who said times square isn't the most desirable at night but as we were back by 8 it didn't really affect us.
You're the best judge of what your children can and can't stand. It is hard going but then you plan your itinerary around what you believe is the most realistic.
Florida was just as hard going as we did all the parks and one day we literally did nothing but laze around the pool, I was done in.
Travel is a big part of our lives so we just take the rough with the smooth. An all inclusive holiday bores the pants off us all so we do us.

The whole place stunk of weed when I was there in November.

I would go at the end of August instead of July. It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity. It can be stifling and feels as if you are in a boiling sauna. Even in off season the lines for “attractions” can be brutal, so be aware of that. And it has become extremely expensive.

Going back to the hotel for kids’ bedtime at 8 every night? That doesn’t sound a great trip for you and dh.

I don’t see why dc should not go. I agree with @CountryQueen. It’s what you do and planning that matters. We never bought a NY pass either. If it doesn’t cover enough of what you want, it’s not worth it and certainly plenty is free.

I think being on a tight budget would be difficult. Our friends always booked appartment hotels so that definitely saves money but then you need to shop - and find one! We didn’t find late August too bed for heat. DH and me are not great night owls either. However going to bed late keeps you more in touch with uk time.

thanks for everyone that has replied me and hubby has decided to go ahead and book! ❤️

If I were you, I’d do up an itinerary so every day you were doing something planned rather than just winging it on the day. While NYC is walkable, it’s exhausting for kids so I’d book a hop on hop off bus one day, and the circle line ferry another day. Minimise the long walks as much as you can because you’ll end up doing thousands of steps anyway. Stop regularly for soft drinks/waters.

Also make sure you have a bit of spare room in your budget as I found NYC VERY expensive on my last visit - eating out plus service charge; sales tax is extra on top of display prices; and the dollar is still quite strong.

@Jotkaur You might find BA flight and hotel deals good value. Check location of accommodation very carefully as this will minimise effort of getting to places. Work out what you want to see first then choose a hotel that works for as many places as possible. Central Park is a long way from the Staten Island ferry!