First trip to NYC recommendations

SO, DH and I are not city people at all and we have never brought our kids who are 6 & 9. I'm feeling guilty lol and want to plan a day trip there. What would you recommend for these NYC amateurs? My possible thoughts so far:

-Spongebob musical
-Nat Geo Ocean Odyssey
-fun restaurant/dessert

Re: First trip to NYC recommendations

Museum of Natural History
Ellen's Stardust Diner for lunch
Spongebob musical sounds fun!

Re: First trip to NYC recommendations

The kids may like Dylan’s candy shop. There is also the Highline if you are looking to take a walk with a view.

First trip to NYC recommendations

The Sponge Bob musical is amazing!!!! I don't even care for SB but we loved it!!! So much fun!!

First trip to NYC recommendations

Sugar Factory is fun! They have hugeeee goblet drinks with steaming dry ice or awesome over the top milkshakes

Re: First trip to NYC recommendations

Museum of natural history. I have really fond memories of this when I was a kid. I loved the dinosaurs.

Not sure about a musical with kids. Will they get bored? How do they sit still? I hate musicals, so maybe I’m the wrong person to ask.

For food after Natural History, how about Shake Shack for kids? Or maybe Max Brenner? Or just an awesome pizza slice at Joe’s on Carmine?

Or just bring snacks and go to Natural History and if it’s a nice day, go to Central Park?

To add, I have no kids, but when I take my niece and nephews they love this stuff.

You will completely wear them out after the museum and have a great night of sleep.

First trip to NYC recommendations

I did the NBC studio tour with my 6 year old and it was very interesting. She loved it and still talks about it.
Natural History Museum
Central Park Zoo
Max Brenner
Ellen’s Stardust diner (entertaining but the food isn’t that great)
Bill’s Burger Bar
Blue Man Group show

Message edited 3/3/2018 10:35:08 AM.

Re: First trip to NYC recommendations

I'd wait until the weather gets nicer so you can do more outdoor stuff comfortably like Central Park Zoo or the seaglass carousel in Battery Park City or even Governor's Island

First trip to NYC recommendations

Oh yes I agree about the Seaglass Carousel and Governors Island! Those are our favorite places! Governors Island is gorgeous and you can rent bikes there!

Re: First trip to NYC recommendations

Thanks everyone!

Re: First trip to NYC recommendations

We go every year to NYC with our kids.
Defininetly the Museum of Natural History
seeing a show. My kids already saw Lion King, and Blue Man group
Top of the Rock
Ice skating at Bryant Park
Central Park Zoo

P.S. Im dying to take my kids to the Sea Odyssey show

Message edited 3/5/2018 6:52:07 AM.

Re: First trip to NYC recommendations

Skip the Nat Geo Odyssey...I liked it but I had 2 for 1 tickets.

Any musical is fun. So if you are going to be in the Times Square area, there is a lot to do. The M&M store is fun for my kids. I was very unimpressed with The Sugar Factory but I went to the one in the Meat Packing district and the one on the UWS might be better. One of my favorite places to eat with kids is Playwright...It's on 49th and 8th ...we sit on the 2nd floor by the windows. Then go to Max Brenner for frozen hot chocolate.

I also really like the area by Bryant Park. Not sure when the Winter village completely goes away but it's a nice place to take a walk to and hang out. As is Rockerfeller Center where you can visit the Lego Store, Ninendo, and American Girl.

Eataly and the Amish Market are fun experiences too.

First trip to NYC recommendations

when my son was 4 we took him to see Blue Man Group and then to the M&M store. We did not eat or do anything else. He loved it. This year we went to Wicked and Bubba Gump (and it rained) and he was miserable and we could not get home fast enough. It really depends on the kid(s). What types of things would they enjoy? When we went to Wicked people suggested Ellen's Stardust Diner and I was like no way. My kid (and I) has no interest in listening to people put on a show while I try to eat. And the line was around the corner. Not for us.

Re: First trip to NYC recommendations

My issues with kids and Broadway shows is it is a LOT of money and you aren't sure if they will like it, get anything out or sit for it.

I mean for just me, DH and DD to go see a show it's like $400 easy. At least! For just 3 of us. (i wont' do the crappiest seats in the house just to save money, to me I'd rather not go at all then be squished in the back or in the middle and have to climb over people). And that doesn't include train fare in, a meal afterwards, etc.

I can't justify it. I can't spend close to $500 or better for a day out.

Maybe when she's like 10 or older

Message edited 3/5/2018 2:54:42 PM.

Re: First trip to NYC recommendations

Re: First trip to NYC recommendations

Intrepid museum! We took my son (7) over the summer and he loved it!!!

Museum of Natural History is also really great for kids that age.