A week-long adventure in the Big Apple
When faced with the decision of whether to stay at home with my nearly 2 year old while my husband was traveling to New York City on business for a week – it was a no-brainer. I literally started packing before my husband finished the sentence about the trip! Firstly, the thought of a week alone, at home with my little guy scared me a little bit, and my 30th birthday was during this time, and who could pass up great shopping?
This wasn’t Liam’s first time on a plane, we had traveled to Cuba in December which, except for giving me a bloody nose on the plane ride home was ok! The flight to New York was only an hour each way (and luckily the hum of the jet engine lulled him to sleep on both flights!)
Here are my trips and tricks for traveling to New York City with young kids!
Location, Location, Location! We ended up staying at 53rd and Lexington which was a great spot. A 10 minute walk to Central Park, the subway and some great (toddler-friendly) restaurants.
Getting Around: Getting around the city can prove being a bit of a challenge. We took a coach bus into the city $12 USD per adult) and once we were there were going to rely on the subway and the good-old heel toe express. We also were armed with our fabulous Quinny Stroller and our Little Star Baby Sling.
Other than walking and the subway we took a double decker bus around the city, with the option to hop-on or hop off at various locations.
The subway can be a challenge to those with strollers, New York City is not as accessible as Toronto, and only certain stations have elevators up to street level.
Must See Attractions – With about 12 hours a day to fill of toddler time, while daddy was at work, 
I had done lots of research about where to go, what to do and here are my top picks of things to do.
Central Park – It really is a magical and huge park, filled with lots of friendly New Yorkers and their pooches. We spent most mornings exploring the massive, 800 acre park. With a carousel, a zoo, a castle and so much more, you literally could spend a week in there. The $35 for the 15 minute ride around the park was well worth it!
Central Park Zoo – It’s the PERFECT size zoo for a toddler (and pregnant mommy). With polar bears, sea lions, penguins and more plan to spend 1-2 hours here with the animals. And at only $8/adult to get in, it’s a great deal. Stop in next door at the RainForest Café for a snack, of what-else but Goldfish Crackers and some juice.
South Street Seaport – We (well, I!) decided that a 2 hour wait for the ferry to the statue of Liberty was not in the cards – so we hopped onto the bus and headed to the next stop, The South Street Seaport, and had a blast. This old commercial port for NYC is now a place to see a tall ship, shop and some great boutiques, have a nice lunch and admire the views of the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s a great place for kids, who can watch the water taxis, helicopters and all the goings-on of NYC.
Bryant Park – Right beside the New York City Library, Bryant Park, is a clean and fun little park in the middle of the city to have a break, run around and grab a carousel ride for $2.00. This carousel is smaller than Central Park’s and great for littler ones.
Children’s Museum of Manhattan – 5 floors of wonder! This is the place to be, especially on a rainy day. With activities for all ages from, Playworks, a thrilling space for kids under the age of five.
Go City Kids says that “Preschoolers can feed alphabet letters to a talking baby dragon, play scientist in a sand laboratory, and conjure up some make-believe on a fire truck, city bus, or general store. Babies can play high tech peek-a-boo (parents, older siblings, and caregivers will be as transfixed as toddlers) and experiment with sound, air, and colors. And families can use a computer to create a story, complete with video, and email it home, or to grandma. Every element is engaging for kids of all abilities, and designed with thought and care. Be prepared for crowds and possible a wait to get in (check at the front desk).The third floor ladies’ and mens’ rooms have padded changing tables, with paper rolls for extra hygenic cover.”
To visit Go City Kids: http://www.gocitykids.com
About the author:
Kirsty Sheen-Kernohan is a mom of two and a graphic designer living in Ontario, Canada.
