New York, New York. Nick and I love this massive city.
When Nick had the opportunity to attend a work event in New York, we decided to make it a family affair. We wanted to share a city we love with our girls. It’s only a five hour drive from where we’re currently living, so why not make the quick trip all together?
We drove to Staten Island and took the ferry into the city. What a way to come in and out! The views made us excited to come and sad to say goodbye. It also saved us driving into the city and paying a ridiculous price for parking. Did you know the Staten Island Ferry is free?
During our quick two days in the city, we tried to see as much as we could while keeping our short legged children in mind.
We cruised by the Statue of Liberty on the way in via ferry and promised to visit it once Lana was tall enough so we could all climb up to the crown.
I took the girls through the free Native American Museum since that’s what we were studying in our school work. I’m pretty sure it helped bring to life a topic they weren’t as interested in just from the books I’d shown. Once we were back home, they asked to read more and gained more interest in this people group.
We made sure to stop by the World Trade Center Memorial. We’ve shared some details of the 9/11 events with our girls the past few years, and we felt it was important for them to experience the memorial – to see the size of the buildings that fell and honor those who lost their lives. We then made a stop at the top of One World Trade Center. The views were amazing – even despite the clouds and lack of breath taking sunset. I will say I think I like the Top of the Rock better. But maybe that was because it was my first time seeing the city from above, or perhaps I wasn’t as exhausted?
The next day Nick set out for his event, and the girls and I went exploring and shopping. A stop at the New York Public Library, then American Girl store, Legos, a quick peek at Rockefeller Plaza and then on to Central Park. We met up with Nick after lunch and played on a playground before making our way to Time Square, and eventually back to the ferry.
I wish our time in the city wasn’t so short. I’ve visited NYC three times now, and I’ve never had more than two days to fit everything in. I want to stay longer next time. Maybe find an AirBnb in Brooklyn and really soak in the life of the city. Explore more neighborhoods in Manhattan, take in a Broadway show (preferably CATS) and relax more in Central Park. I’ve sworn my next trip will also be during Christmas time because I really need to see that Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza. If I could also come early and watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade from Macy’s Square all of my New York dreams would come true.
Maybe we should just move there. If only we could afford it we totally would.
Our girls were exhausted, but they really loved their time in the city. They can’t wait to go back and climb that Statue of Liberty.
