I haven't been to New York City since my husband and I went to visit friends before the kids were born. (The eldest is 12, so it's been a while!). This time we are taking the kids with, so it's sure to be a whole new experience. Lots of walking to do in New York. Here's hoping for energetic, cooperative kids!
In order to get the most out of our experience in New York, I got a bunch of Eyewitness Travel guides from DK Canada. With all of the museums, landmarks, family attractions and food available in the city, expert guidance is completely necessary.
Step number one in our planning is the DK Eyewitness Travel New York City 2014 guide. It comes with a large, pull-out laminated map, great for getting our bearings.
The guide breaks New York City down into manageable pieces so you can focus on a specific neighbourhood and its attractions. We'll be staying in Upper Midtown, which, according to the guide, is home to "upscale New York in all its diversity." Lots of stunning architecture. I am definitely putting a visit to the Trump Tower lobby on our list.
The New York City guide also contains themed itineraries to plan your trip by length of stay or by interest. There are neighbourhood walking maps, hotel and restaurant listings, cutaway illustrations of major architectural and historic sights, museum floor plans and 3-D aerial views of key districts to explore on foot.
The New York City guide also contains themed itineraries to plan your trip by length of stay or by interest. There are neighbourhood walking maps, hotel and restaurant listings, cutaway illustrations of major architectural and historic sights, museum floor plans and 3-D aerial views of key districts to explore on foot.
Of course, you don't want the kids to get bored. DK's Eyewitness Travel Family Guide: New York City helps us parents find kid-friendly attractions in The Big Apple. The guide treats each major sight as a "hub" destination, around which we can plan a day. "Let off steam" suggestions and eating options around each attraction help family members to recharge their batteries. And maps outline the nearest parks, playgrounds and public restrooms. I have already added some post-its to various pages, noting attractions like the Staten Island Ferry (a free boat ride!), the High Line (a park in the sky!) and Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
DK Eyewitness Travel's Top 10 New York City is a pocket-size guide that covers Manhattan by neighbourhood and includes an additional section on the four outer boroughs (Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island). It includes dozens of Top 10 lists, including Top 10 sights, Top 10 museums, activities for children and events and festivals. There's even a list of the Top 10 things to avoid. A pull-out city map points to where the recommended activities, lunch spots and other attractions can be found.
My daughter has been through the Top 10 guide with her post-its and has marked the Statue of Liberty, theaters, museums and places for children. Involving the kids in the planning process is really getting them excited about the trip, which is important because we want them to be on board.
Clearly there is plenty to see and do in New York City and we are going to pack in all that we can. I am thankful for the expert guidance that these DK books provide.
Have you been to New York City? What's your favourite attraction?
*I received books for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Wow ,sounds amazing! Think a good Guid is a important Piece :)
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So true! :)
DeleteJo
I added High Line to our list thanks to you! :) I'll be sure to take pics. Thanks for the link. Eating is my top priority usually on a trip and NYC has some great veg restaurants!
ReplyDeleteVery exciting :) NYC is on my list of places I wish to visit sometime in my life - there are SO many things to see and do there; I wouldnt even know where to begin :)
ReplyDeleteI feel much the same way. Our itinerary is growing...and might be a bit ambitious. ;)
DeleteWow, a great trip!! I haven't been to NYC since college. We love the top 10 guides by DK- Brian and I get them for every major trip, and they're so user friendly!
ReplyDeleteThey really are great guides. Lots of pictures to keep you interested! :)
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