April vacation is over, and I have to say that this was one of the most enjoyable vacations we have had. I think the warm weather made a huge difference, no one was freezing. I planned a trip to NYC as it was something that was relatively close to home and didn’t require any flights, and easier than Disney. Oddly enough it seemed like everyone I knew was also in the city, but as schedules had it, we never connected. I had girlfriends each going at a different time, and they sent me texts or called to give me the heads up on various activities that were either a yeah or neigh.
So I am going to run down my list of the top things that we did in NYC and also the things that we didn’t get to do but have to save for another visit.
What a ball we had here. Just be warned it is very expensive. It is about $36 for an adult and $26 for kids. Before you go, get a coupon on line to save yourself about 20%. We made the mistake of going later in the evening and the kids were exhausted but thrilled just the same. They loved seeing Taylor Swift and Justin Beiber and I was just as happy posing with The Backstreet Boys and Madonna. You walk through at your leisure and it finished with a 4D movie for Happy Feet 2. I will say that it was worth the cost on this one.
A giant carousel in Toys R Us in Times Square, what could be better. For $5 per person you get to go around about 6 times, which was about 10 minutes or so. From up high you can see the whole store and everything that is happening on the floors which is quite a lot. A animated giant T-Rex in Jurassic Park and live superheroes in the store who you can have your picture taken with. The kids were thrilled and I too felt like a kid. Fun Fun Fun!
I had read about this on line somewhere and we just happened to come across it. What a ball. All the waitstaff sing and entertain. The restaurant has a 50″s feel and it is loud, but that is what its all about. My two daughters had their jaws hanging open just watching these people and they two wanted to work there. Food was just ok, and somewhat expensive, but the entertainment was two thumbs up.
A great time, as you can get scanned to see what type of M & M you are. We I almost choked on my M & M at the checkout costing $30 for two bags of them.
Every kids loves this place. Lots of fun, right in Rockefeller center.
Rockefeller Center- Ice Skating
We got in at the nick of time before the ice closed for the season. It was weird skating with the temperature around 70 degrees. Kids had a blast, thankfully it was my husband out there and not me. I don’t think I would have been able to stay up. Make sure you have socks, we didn’t, but my kids skated anyway, not without a getting blisters all over their feet, and I don’t even want to think about all the people who wore those skates before them. It was about $50 for the three of them for two hours. Worth the price.
I can’t believe that in my 40 years I had never been to Central Park. It was gorgeous and we walked around, and the kids were excited because that was where Elf had his snowball fight and Santa had his sleigh. So all was good. We bit the bullet and did a carriage ride and that was really nice. $50 for 20 minutes, but again when do you get to do that. It was lovely and you learn all sorts of tid bits along the way from the coach driver.
Everyone gave this a thumbs up and I can see why, however we used it to go see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. That was not a good idea. I think it would have been better to just go around the city and visit these sites separately. It’s not a low cost activity, about $50 per person, but you can use it for 24 to 48 hours. I will say the kids LOVED being on top of the bus, and you see and learn things you wouldn’t have otherwise known. Note: The Statue of Liberty was a 3.5 hour activity, we had long lines and there is security that you need to go through. Make sure that your kids really want to see it, otherwise save it for when they get older.
Right in the heart of the park, a small zoo but was told that it had a great selection of animals and won’t take up your whole day. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see it, but saving for another visit.
I did not personally go here, but our friend Maryann did. She said it was excellent, but you want to plan a day for it. Since we didn’t have enough time, that is for another visit.
Sony Wonder Technology Lab
This is a free adventure, however you need to call the number ahead of time to reserve tickets for entrance. We had planned on going here, but never made it. I had found it written up in Parents magazine. Worth checking out.
Ok, lesson learned here, you really need to call ahead to get your tickets. I did try but never got through, and they were sold out for three days when we arrived. The desk gave us a standby ticket for the Dr. Oz show but kids are not allowed in there so we had to pass. They also do not let kids under the age of 6 on the tour, so keep that in mind if you plan to go. Cost about $24 for an adult and $21 for kids. I think this tour is great if you watch NBC show and love SNL.
Another bummer that we didn’t get to see this, but our friend Maryann did. Said it was great, tons of candy, anything you could want. Perfect for the sugar lover in your family.
Well, a partial failure on my part, we went to the hotel, walked around, kids loved it, but little did I know until I was writing this post that they have an Eloise room, where you can call ahead for tea and pampering treatments. Well, the kids don’t know but it would be worth checking out.
Lastly, this is a great thing to do, of course we didn’t take the kids, another trip, but this is also part of the Grayline bus tour that you can go on. We promised them on the next visit.
Another point of interest not to forget is The American Girl Store.
So, we hit some really great things to do, and with all the things we missed that is a reason for another visit. Kids had a great time, I have not seen them so excited since Disney. I would personally like a trip with friends or with my husband as there was great shopping that I only looked at the great windows. If you have any places that you have been and we can add to this list let us know.
