NYC with Kids...the Middle School Years
There is lots of information about what to do with young children in NYC but once they reach the middle school years, suggestions often seem to taper off. And there is no question that while what works for a toddler or elementary school child will seem too babyish for a 6th grader, kids this age don't yet have the patience for a full day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the hours-long wait required for a visit to the top of the Empire State Building. So what to do? Well, first of all, if the weather allows, we recommend that you take to the water: the Beast, the Shark and the Chelsea Screamer are all speedboats that provide wonderful views of Manhattan (with plenty of photo ops near the Statue of Liberty) -- you'll like the narrated tour; they'll love the wind in their hair and the salt-water spray in their face (and on our favorite, the Beast, a real chance to get thoroughly soaked!). Eschew the Central Park Zoo in favor of the NY Aquarium -- not only are the exhibitions more appropriate for a more sophisticated audience, but once the kids' attention flags, you can head over to the amusement park attractions that Coney Island offers in abundance. If you must go shopping, consider including Fantasma Toys (a magic store with ongoing magic shows and a Houdini exhibition) or Halloween Adventure (an amazing source for practical jokes, toys, costumes, and year-round ghoulish glories) on your list of stores. If a Broadway show is on your itinerary, have a pre- or post-show meal at Dave & Busters -- the food isn't bad and the arcade atmosphere will provide a fun counterpoint to two hours of sitting still. Museums are still a possibility, but choose carefully with plenty of thought given to the specific interests of your child. For example, the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art might be appropriate for a kid who likes the latest in Japanese anime.
posted by Insider Travel Guides at 12:36 AM
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