What to do with kids on vacation
Two weeks of kids on school break is enough to fray anyone’s nerves, especially after a gift-wrapped extravaganza of toys with “some assembly required” and “batteries [in a size or format you've never heard of before] not included.” How can you entertain the small people for two weeks without losing your mind?
Avoid the temptation to stock up on too many kiddie events — animated movies, tickets to The Grinch, etc. Look for things you can both enjoy doing. And no, don’t even think about the Museum of Natural History — everyone on the planet has the same idea. Here are my suggestions:
1. The Metropolitan Museum, but NOT the Egyptian wing and Arms&Armor, which will be packed with strollers (and which your kids will see a wearying number of times on school field trips anyway). Go to the uncrowded sections like Assyrian art, musical instruments, or period rooms.
2. Coney Island (Brooklyn). Yes, in winter. The Aquarium is worth the trip all on its own, but if you go on the right day, some of the boardwalk attractions might be open — and everyone likes Nathan’s hot dogs (admit it). And it’s fun to walk on a beach in New York City, no?
3. The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show (Bronx). Yes, this is going to be totally mobbed, but it’s worth it. Seeing miniature replicas of the Empire State Building, Gracie Mansion and the Brooklyn Bridge made out of twigs and leaves and dried oranges is delightful at any age. Plus you can warm up in the tropical section of the conservatory. Go early on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds.
4. Cathedral of Saint John the Divine (Upper West Side). They’re kinda busy this week with religious services (great if you’re into that), but afterwards the cathedral gets back to its quirky “medieval” and frankly pagan family activities.
5. The Village Chess Shop (Downtown). Sure, you could stay home and play boardgames all week, but it’s so much more fun in a bohemian locale. Besides, the Village is full of kiddie-things-for-grown-ups — best of all, enormous, fancy cupcakes.
Any other suggestions?
I have two:
- New York Transit Museum: This is great for kids and adults alike, as there are lots of pictures and intractive stuff like old subway cars and old token and slug displays. Really interesting, as well.
- Queens Museum of Art: Located on the grounds of Flushing Meadows Park, this building was part of the Worlds Fairs in 1939 and 1964, and now houses a bunch of great exibits that kids will enjoy, including a massive panoramic model of the city, which is continually updated to reflect new buildings and changes.
Or you can pull an Andrea Yates and drown them in a tub while singing “splish splash”
hey this is way to expensive and you made me want to puke with your museum thing thanks for nothing
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