If you’re a regular to our blog (thank you so much if you are!) you may find this piece a tad surprising as usually we are backpacking and hiking in places as remote as we can find them. However, this was one of those places we decide was somewhere we had to go.
First things first – central park. An absolute no brainer for anyone and everyone and just so easy to do. You can take a walk round, horse and cart ride round, cycle round when you arrive. No planning required when you have jet lag and just want an easy first day.
We went to Central Park a few times during our stay as we spent a rather long 10 days in New York! Not intentionally. Our original 6 days was extended twice by Virgin Atlantic cancelling TWO flights. Luckily, with enough notice for us to stay in the city and not be stuck at the airport. We also got extra lucky, because each delay was over 24h our compensation paid for our trip, but anyway I digress…..I just didn’t wanted to ensure you all we didn’t pack all of what we did into a short long weekend like many do!
The stores!
Ok, so when I say stores obviously we aren’t talking handbags and clothes, we are talking those busy, exuberant and colourful stores that the kids love: The Lego Store and the Disney Store and of course we visited the famous Toy store seen in Home Alone – lost in New York – FAO Schwarz.
It was this trip to New York which sparked the forever growing Super Mario Lego collection the boys now have growing. Here’s a video they insisted I put out into the Youtube world: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/O6Z7Jtz7xBw – this collection is ever expanding so thanks New York lol!
Essential Foodie Stops
We absolutely LOVED the restaurant Stardust. If you love musicals and all things cheesy you have to go here. Be prepared to queue so don’t plan to go if you have a timed arrangement after but I promise it’ll be worth it. Stardust diner doesn’t have the best food, its average but that’s not what you’re there for. You are there to see all of the aspiring stage actors sing, dance and entertain whilst you eat.
This was actually such a truly magical experience for us. If you follow us on social media you’d know we suffered a tragic unexpected loss in my mother in law (Ashley’s mum) and one of the main reasons we went to New York was because she had loved it and had asked if we would go with her for a return trip. Unfortunately that trip didn’t happen…..but we decided to go in her memory. The first song the staff began to sing was Dancing Queen – Abba. One of her favourite songs. It was a monumental moment and we must have looked like a bunch of crazies, crying whilst laughing, singing and dancing. She was there with us.
Hard Rock Cafe is also another which has to be ticked off the bucket list – again food isn’t anything to write home about but the atmosphere and the vibe was what we went for. Also of course, expensive souvenirs in the from of guitar plates and t-shirts!
Other food stops that we’d recommend you don’t miss out is China Town and Little Italy. Personally, I tend to prefer Asian food and whilst China Town was decorated spectacularly the food seemed over priced and not authentic. However, when we went to Little Italy the food was phenomenal. We wanted to try so much when we were there we actually ate dinner in one place and then left to have dessert in another!
More Family Fun
If you’re heading out with children that are obsessed with fire engines then New York is sure to be a massive hit!
Not only will you see a constant flurry of fire engines but you can also head to the Ghostbusters Headquarters. Whilst this is still an active fire station it is completely decked out and a must see.
We did of course go for a wander over to see the Statue of Liberty but we opted against taking the boat across as we personally didn’t see the value in it for us but we did enjoy walking around Battery Park. Not only could we see the Statue of Liberty from here but there were artists, buskers, food stalls and a great atmosphere.
A Family Wild Card Stop?
We went to the Friends “studio” and I absolutely loved it. This may seem like an odd choice with kids in tow and I know there are many people that feel Friends is outdated with some offensive content but let’s face it, it’s an iconic show and is the epitome of New York.
When I was pregnant with Jacob I was pretty ill. I had gestational diabetes, had zero motivation to take care of myself and on reflection more that likely had pre-natal depression. I spent my days curled up with a cat on my lap watching Friends. My mother in law used to joke Jacob was going to come out singing the theme tune, I’m pleased to say, he did not.
Whilst it’s not something my kids have ever particularly watched (I may have had the odd episode on in the background) they certainly know the theme tune and the basis of the show. They had fun poking “fat ugly naked guy” with the super long “chop stick” as well as riding “Pat the dog.” So even if your kids are younger and haven’t watched the show they’ll still get enjoyment from going and sipping from an extra large coffee cup. (They did not drink coffee!)
To summarise, don’t dismiss New York with kids. My boys are forever on the case to go back, next time in Winter (I better start saving for that one.) I never once felt unsafe and we walked around Times Square at Night, China Town and Central Park etc. Aside from the recommended places we spent so much time just walking. Graffitti art, street performers, crazy vehicles, food vendors and so much more filled our days with joy and entertainment and we hope you can see it can for your family too!
P.s don’t forget you’re able to save on your travel, you can find out more here. Save And Earn On Your Travel! – Because planning a family trip doesn’t have to mean losing your sanity and your savings 🙂
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