A Family Weekend in NYC

Recently, my family and I took a quick trip to NYC! We went for a few days in October of last year before Little Ox #2 was born and we had so much fun! This trip, we were able to see a few more sights that we didn’t have time to see during our last trip.

We had to plan this one a lot better, because we knew it would be a little more difficult with a toddler and a baby! We needed family (+baby) friendly restaurants and sights as well as enough time to see what we wanted, eat what we wanted, and let the kids nap in the hotel too!

I figured I would whip up a post about our trip and include some tips on how to survive AND enjoy a trip in the big city with a baby and a toddler. I will share tips on what to do, where to eat, and what NOT to do (mostly what we learned on our FIRST trip).

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Families with young children are probably advised to NOT visit New York City. Forget them! Here are a few things that have helped us ENJOY our trip into the Big City – even with a toddler and a baby!

• Wear those babies!

Since you will be likely walking everywhere you go – it’s best to carry those babes! They love it! Even my two year old who loves walking and doing everything himself, loved being in a carrier and even fell asleep on dad a few times! Another bonus to babywearing (+toddler wearing!) is not having to carry a stroller up and down the subway stairs and pushing it in and out of a crowded subway car during rush hour (big mistake from our first trip!)

*If you DO take a stroller – make sure it is QUICK and easy to fold up and very lightweight!

• Stay in the city close to a main subway station

We weren’t sure about doing this at first because it can be expensive and some of the hotels are old and small, but that is part of the beauty of the city! We stayed in the city both times, but the second time it was within walking distance to most sights AND right next to a main subway station and the LIRR. This made things so easy because we could take almost every train from that station and it was easy to get back if we needed to hurry back for nap time!

*ALSO – take the subway, EVERYWHERE! And take the AirTrain from JFK versus taking a cab! SOOOO much cheaper.

• Research Family Friendly Restaurants

Doing this ahead of time will save you so much hassle and so much time! On our first trip I thought we were prepared because I had planned ahead of time where we would eat every day (so I could budget) BUT I forgot to check how family friendly these places were. Unfortunately, we trekked through the rain and many subways to find the recommended brunch place on our list and when we got there it was practically a bar and we weren’t allowed to bring our toddler in with us. We were more prepared the second time!

*Tip: Remember that even though places will be considered family friendly, a lot will not allow you to bring your strollers in the restaurant! So, if you need ones that will, you may have to call ahead and check!

 

• BE A TOURIST

So many sites will say to avoid all of the tourist-y things like Times Square and The Statue of Liberty but do not listen to them! Yes it can be crowded, so very crowded, BUT most of these things are what make NYC so exciting! If you are worried about the crowds, visit Times Square during a less busy time or take the (FREE) Staten Island Ferry to see the skyline and the Statue of Liberty! Walk everywhere you go and you are sure to see SO many sights around every corner!

Those are my biggest tips I have for you if you are a family wanting to visit New York City!

Just because you have kids doesn’t mean you shouldn’t travel. Traveling with your kids makes traveling even better! They get to experience other parts of the world as they grow up and you are creating wonderful memories together as a family that you will cherish forever!

Here are a few more suggestions for you if you need some family friendly food ideas:

• Sugar and Plumm

Make sure that you go to the one that has the restaurant attached and not just the bakery!

Make sure you try the French Toast Crunch!

• Max Brenner!

Because who doesn’t love chocolate?! Even the french fries are dusted in cocoa powder and I have heard they are delicious. ALSO – GET THE MILKSHAKES! A-MA-ZING

Also – you might meet someone famous and he might just hold your baby!

• Chelsea Market

I wish I could spend every day of my life here. It is so magical and the food is so good! All three of us ate someplace different and then we shared donuts after. Yum!

In conclusion, GO TO NYC! And bring the babes along!