Heading to NYC... Help Needed

jenevang

Rocking a two-piece under my scrubs
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EEK. I'm heading to New York City on Thursday with my 9 year old DD for 4 days. And it's gonna be COLD. I'm a southern gal, so we didn't even own hats/scarves/gloves and the like. P.S. We do now, thank you Amazon.

However, I'm a bit overwhelmed and don't want to get there and "freeze up" in more than just the literal sense. I want to be able to hit the high points with her, but I haven't been there in years so am unsure of a good plan.

We only have one pre-planned event. Aladdin on Broadway on Friday night. I'm nervous about buying advanced tickets for everything else but am nervous not to, LOL.

Anyone with NYC insight... I'd love to hear! Thanks and so excited despite the cold.
 
Oh wow! Hope you have an amazing time! No hints and tips I'm afraid it's also been years since I've been to NY and that was before we had Ty - we are hoping to save up and go not next year but the year after - Ty has been asking for a while to go - he is 8 and wants to see the Empire State building, the Statue of Liberty and Maddison square gardens - big Wwe fan LOL
 
I have no tips as I've never been there, but I'm excited for you. I would LOVE to go!!! You guys are going to have such an amazing time!
 
You can always get tickets the day of for shows - even "big" ones if you're willing to stand in line for them and possibly even stand during the show. You can get discount tickets at TKS (I think that's what it's called) in Times Square - and various other places around the city - but you can also go straight to the theatre box offices and get better deals, usually.. It's been almost 10 years since we've been so things may have changed, but I feel like DH and I saw Lion King and Hairspray in standing room seats - they have rails you can lean on - for like $20 each (that may have been with a student discount - check that out for DD, too). Super jealous of you - but so excited, too! Oh! And maybe you could meet up with Jenn - jk703 - while you're there! ;)
 
You can always get tickets the day of for shows - even "big" ones if you're willing to stand in line for them and possibly even stand during the show. You can get discount tickets at TKS (I think that's what it's called) in Times Square - and various other places around the city - but you can also go straight to the theatre box offices and get better deals, usually.. It's been almost 10 years since we've been so things may have changed, but I feel like DH and I saw Lion King and Hairspray in standing room seats - they have rails you can lean on - for like $20 each (that may have been with a student discount - check that out for DD, too). Super jealous of you - but so excited, too! Oh! And maybe you could meet up with Jenn - jk703 - while you're there! ;)

Oh, is Jenn in NYC. I need to contact her about the inside scoop, hehe. We got tickets to the one show (full price and terribly painful), but I want to see Wicked as well, so gonna check out TKTS while there. Also, it's a cold front... so I'm hoping some folks will stay home :giggle *wishful thinking*
 
There's lot of ways to do NY - but I think for a first time you'll want to see the big things - depending on what is most important a few might be:

Empire State Building
Statue of Liberty (Ellis Island)
9-11 memorial
Rockerfeller Center
Central Park
Brooklyn Bridge

Museums:
MOMA
Guggenheim

Other Places:
Radio City Music Hall
Lincoln Center
Madison Square Garden
Yankee Stadium
Grand Central Station

Food:
Pizza - here's a few recommendations: http://www.timeout.com/newyork/restaurants/best-new-york-pizza-the-top-25-pies-in-the-city
Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipitys 3
Cupcakes from Magnolias
Cookies at schmackary's
cereal milk ice cream at Momofuku Milk Bar
treats at dylan's candy bar
cheesecake from the cake boss

I think I like treats. :)

and the tkts is so worth it. they offer mantinee tickets in the am and after - i think 2 - the evening shows. they have an app so you can see what's available on that day before you go.

Unfortunately, both Jimmy Fallon and David Letterman won't take kids - but i'd normally put one of those on my list too.
 
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you could also look into the city pass or the NY pass - if you have the time and money.
 
Jenn's in NJ, but might be close enough for a quick visit.. ;) (Don't you like how I'm planning her life for her??) :giggle
 
you could also look into the city pass or the NY pass - if you have the time and money.

was thinking about these, but wasn't sure if worth it. Good to know about the TKTS app. Downloading now :)

I also saw the Dylan's thing and wasn't sure the location. I'll have to look closer at that. Seems like something we may both enjoy, hehe.
 
i have found that if you have the time to do the things included in the pass - it's totally worth it. we did it and really enjoyed it - especially the first time that we went.
 
Dress in layers. It is going to be cold and you will probably think it is freezing. ;) Good warm walking shoes/boots. We maybe getting a bit more snow Thu into Fri.

Make a list of you must dos and then find where they are on a map. Divide you day's tours by area. You don't want to plan to go to Dylan's candy bar (on east side) right after visiting MOMA (on west side). Don't try to fit everything into one visit or you will be rushed and stressed. Just do the most important things on your list and enjoy the time with your daughter. :)
 
Hi - for kids I recommended also

Museum of Natural History
Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum
Childrens Museum of Manhattan
Central Park and the Central Park Zoo ( I know it's cold but so worth it)
Transit Museum


Also go to Amy's Break on Bleeker for really good Red Velvet Cake. It's so worth it! I love it and go there all the time. Plus Prodigy Coffee around the corner is very good also.
Also try Alice's Tea Cup they have several locations in the area are lots of fun. Your daughter would love it.

Make sure you get a weekly metrocard. you can go back on all the trains and not have to pay each time. It's a one time base fair.

Times Square also has a big Disney Store and Toys R Us.
 
Have fun. I've been there about 15 times, but my daughter and her husband always managed my visit as it was them I went to see. Not sure about wintertime but there are usually long lines at the statue of liberty/Ellis Island.
 
I am SOO jealous that you are seeing Aladdin! There is also a massive Disney Store in Times Square
 
Sorry - migraine settled in for 2 days. Finally dissipating. Yay!

I don't mind when other's plan my days! :P
I've sent a PM with all my info, and links. There is a lot of info there, lol! Don't be overwhelmed!

Lori had wonderful advice above....Map your day and do the most important visits. You will have a fab time. Have ear warmers or a hat, Chapstick, and lotion. Pop into a coffee shop if you are too cold. There are millions. Let me know if you have questions.
 
Oh I can't wait to hear about your trip when you get back Jen! I hope you two have a wonderful time! We went when my oldest was a little over a year old and I was expecting it to be the worst part of our trip (we went to Boston and Maine after) and it ended up being the best part. You can just wander around and stumble upon fun stuff! We did go see the 9/11 site, Statue of Liberty, Central Park and also had fun strolling up 5th avenue. We saw Phantom (left my son with my sister who was also with us) and that was fantastic too. Times Square is super fun to just see. We ate dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and got lucky with a window table on the 2nd floor over looking Times Square. SUPER fun!
 
everyone please tell Jen that she needs a winter coat for this trip!!!! sorry to put you on the spot. (insert evil laugh here!)

you girls are going to have so much fun! can't wait to see the photos and hear all about it. you are a brave southern girl to be making this trip in Feb! :)
 
No advice, Jen, just popping in to wish you a fabulous time! Can't wait to see your photos!
 
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