5 Lessons to Learn in New York City with Kids
1). Getting a New Perspective is Just What We Need Sometimes
New York is an enormous city, to say the least! Taking the subway to Hoboken can give you a whole new perspective on the skyline. Pier C Park is a fabulous place to see The City from across the river and have a place for kids to play for hours. GFG Bakery and Café is a clean modern, quick-style Greek cafe that won't disappoint.
2) The 911 Memorial is more than just a story about terrorists
Sure this is on your list. For kids, getting inside is the exhibit is essential. To feel, listen and see the love that the city had for each other that day, and the days after, lives on. The heartbreaking notes conveying hope, despair, love and triumph can be seen throughout the exhibit and will touch their hearts. Our kids haven't forgotten this day. Worth the entrance fee.
3) NYC’s Ethnic Neighborhoods and Food
New York was built on immigrants of all backgrounds. While most of the neighborhoods now comprise many ethnicities, the lessons that can be learned through food and culture are still worthwhile and memorable. Little Italy was one of our favorites. A must see neighborhood! Casa Bella on Mulberry St. has delicious food, reasonably priced for NYC and kid-friendly. Lastly, teaching kids that breaking the bank to get good food in The City is not necessary. $2.99 for two slices and drink is a NYC birthright.
4) Lessons Learned by Breaking Curfews in NYC
You may be tempted with young ones to save yourself the trouble, retire early and go at it again the next day. The magic of “The city that never sleeps” can only be witnessed when the lights go down. Times Square and Broadway teach us that our self-clocks are useless when our senses are filled with wonder and amazement at the hustle and bustle of the city at night. Even if Broadway shows aren't part of your budget, so many lessons can be learned by just being there with the lights on. The littles will never forget it.
5) Lessons in the Financial District
After visiting the World Trade Center Memorial, take a stroll with the kids for a view of the Statue of Liberty then into the Financial District to see the hub of the world’s financial markets. This is where greed meets fear. Where a version of the American Dream has been realized by those who’ve decided to save rather than spend, investing in America's greatest companies. It's so old an institution, you'll notice how narrow the streets are and you can imagine what it must have been like during the Roaring 20’s when Model T’s and horses shared the streets. “The Crash” of the early 30’s and the panic of a city. It's so real, kids can almost smell the money.
Goodbye NYC.
Cheers to dreaming- Matt