Manhattan Archives - Globetrotting Mommy

The Best New York City Books …

November 13, 2019 By admin

Reading is one of the best ways for kids to discover the world and learn about places near and far. Since New York City is on many bucket lists, I’m sharing New York City books for kids.

Here are my top picks for New York City books for kids of all ages.

1) 123 New York: A Cool Counting Book by Puck (ages baby – three). One of my daughter’s first possessions, this little board book is a great introduction to NYC landmarks. There are no words, just numbers and pictures so you can read it to your babes in any language you’d like. Uno Statue of Liberty… Dos baseballs…Tres Brooklyn Bridges…they’ll be counting to ten in no time.

2) This is New York by Miroslav Sasek (ages three and up). I had this on my bookshelf when I was a kid and its still one of my favorites today. This classic storybook shows many details of city life with cartoon characters and colorful illustrations. It might seem a little dated but I still think it captures the spirit of New York.

3) Larry Gets Lost in New York City by John Skewes (ages three – seven). That lovable Larry is always getting lost somewhere. Follow the puppy’s escapades around Manhattan while he visits the city’s many landmarks.

4) A Walk in New York by Salvatore Rubbino (ages four – eight). Another one of my favorites, this beautifully illustrated book shows a boy and his dad sightseeing around New York. There are bits of trivia mixed in with the drawings so kids can learn all sorts of interesting NYC facts like the names of the marble lions outside the New York Public Library…can you guess…Patience and Fortitude.

5) My Subway Ride by Paul DuBois Jacobs (ages four – eight). This colorful book depicts the sounds and sights of the NYC subway system. Girls and boys will be equally amused by this one.

6) Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Melissa Sweet (ages five – ten). If your family loves watching New York City’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, this book will become an immediate favorite. The story tells the true story of how the famous floats came to creation with gorgeous graphics and a bit of STEM education along the way.

7) You Can’t Take a Balloon into the Metropolitan Museum by Jacqueline Press Weitzman (ages five-eight). You either love or hate these wordless picture books. This one follows a yellow balloon as it floats all around Manhattan. Kids will recognize famous landmarks as well as paintings and sculptures as they use their imaginations to “read.”

8) Eloise: The Ultimate Edition by Kay Thompson (ages five-ten). For girls who love, love, love Eloise, this treasury is sure to please. This is a great choice for young travelers since it features Eloise in Moscow and Eloise in Paris as well as Eloise at Christmastime and the original Eloise story and scrapbook.

9) And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street by Dr. Seuss (ages five – nine). You might not know but this is Dr. Seuss’ very first children’s books. Your imagination will run wild as you follow young Marco’s ever-changing story. Mulberry Street is located in NYC’s Little Italy neighborhood where you can find Italian pastries and pasta, pasta, pasta.

10) The New York Times: 36 Hours USA & Canada by Barbara Ireland (Kids eight and up). For kids who are old enough to plan family adventures, this coffee table book is filled with travel itineraries and suggestions for trips to New York City (and beyond).

Books make great birthday, baby shower and holiday gifts and these are all sure to please globetrotting kids and parents alike. And, if you’re planning a New York-themed baby nursery, just stock a bookshelf with these and you’re halfway there.

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Sailing Around NYC Aboard …

November 7, 2019 By admin

Since New York City is surrounded by water, one of my favorite family activities is sailing around NYC. We’ve cruised around Manhattan on everything from large Circle Line ships to an authentic 1930’s tugboat. For our most recent voyage, we climbed aboard a classic 1950’s yacht and enjoyed a scenic fall foliage cruise with Classic Harbor Line.

Sailing Around NYC Aboard Classic Harbor Line

We lucked out with a sunny fall day and fairly mild temps. I packed scarfs and hats, a picnic brunch and some Halloween treats to fight off any hangry or “I’m cold” moments.

Sailing Around NYC Aboard Classic Harbor Line

Tourists and locals alike will enjoy the Fall Foliage Cruise on Yacht Full Moon from Chelsea Piers. The 2.5 hour trip up the Hudson River is a great option for the whole family as the yacht offers comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, tables to share a picnic lunch, bathroom facilities and a very accommodating staff.

My daughter loved sitting on the upper deck bean bag chairs (yes, blankets are provided) where she could point out all the NYC buildings as we departed Chelsea Piers.

Aside from the colorful foliage, we loved spotting iconic landmarks such as the George Washington Bridge, the Cloisters, the Palisades, the Little Red Light House and the Tappan Zee Bridge.

Captain Pat narrated here and there sharing a bit of history as he pointed out the sights. He even offered to let my daughter try her hand at sailing.

Two friendly staffers were on board to deliver drinks (warm and cold) and blankets. I definitely recommend bringing a picnic and/or snacks if you’re bringing kids. The downstairs seating area is heated making it a great spot to eat.

There are plenty of photo-ops so be sure to bring a camera. With stunning views along the way, you’ll want to capture it all.

So gorgeous, right?

In addition to a variety of fall foliage cruises, Classic Harbor Line has several holiday cruises perfect for the whole family including the Cocoa and Carrols Holiday Cruise and a Holiday Jazz Cruise.

If you’re looking to escape the NYC holiday crowds, sailing around NYC aboard Classic Harbor Line’s holiday offerings would be a great idea.

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Staycation Family Fun at …

March 7, 2017 By admin

It isn’t every day I get to really play tourist in my own city so when Conrad New York invited my family for a downtown staycation, I jumped at the chance. If you are looking for a family friendly all-suite hotel in the heart of NYC’s new downtown, Conrad New York is a fantastic choice.

Conrad New York is a great choice for families visiting New York City.

Many tourists think they need to stay near Times Square but I like to recommend families stay in more residential areas to get a better feel for the “real” New York while avoiding the craziness of midtown. Located just steps away from Brookfield Place, and nearby the Freedom Tower and 9/11 memorial, Westfield World Trade Center shopping center (aka the Oculus) and historic Battery Park, Conrad New York was an ideal home base for our two-day trip.

We live nearby so we arrived by taxi and quickly checked in. The 15-story lobby is just stunning and the signature 10-story custom artwork, Sol Lewitt’s Loopy Doopy, really mesmerized us all as the colors changed when the lights shifted.

Staycation Family Fun at Conrad New York

The hotel features a sleek modern design with stylish decor, a grand marble staircase and awesome Hudson River views – I particularly loved the open air spaces that allow guests to take in the art and views from every floor. Just the place to stay inspired…

We settled into our suite (one of 463) which was stylishly decorated with modern art and a soothing color palate. My daughter had her own sleeping area in the living area while my husband and I claimed the master bedroom. In addition to the comfortable beds (and plush feather pillows!), there were closets upon closets, an incredibly spacious bathroom, a separate oversized walk-in rainfall shower, a desk area and chairs for relaxing.

Our stylish suite at Conrad New York. Staycation family fun at Conrad New York.

My daughter immediately fell in love with Hudson, a stuffed bull mascot who was awaiting her arrival.

Our first stop was a visit to The Rink at Brookfield Place where we were greeted by Former U. S. Olympic ice skaters Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov who manage the rink.

Staycation, New York with kids, Former U. S. Olympic ice skaters Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov at The Rink at Brookfield Place. Staycation Family Fun at Conrad, New York

Former U. S. Olympic ice skaters Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov at The Rink at Brookfield Place. Staycation Family Fun at Conrad New York

My daughter and I enjoyed some time together on the ice and then she had a private lesson. The rink isn’t too large making it easy to keep track of your kids and balancing props for young children are available. Talk about a rink with a view. Such a gorgeous backdrop, right? If you’re lucky, you might catch an Ice Skate with Olympic Greats performance.

Skating at The Rink at Brookfield Place. Staycation Family Fun at Conrad New York

Conrad New York offers hotel packages that include ice skating lessons here – definitely a unique perk for an NYC hotel. The ice rink is housed outside Brookfield Place all winter but during the other seasons, you can often find cool art exhibits and other fun pop-up events.

We went back to our room and were quickly greeted with a fresh fruit plate and drinks. I have no idea how the hotel staff read our minds but we were hungry and thirsty so this hit the spot.

Post ice skating snack at Conrad New York.

The weather was gorgeous so we decided to explore outside after a quick pit stop at the hotel’s gift shop. I usually expect touristy things from a hotel shop but this one was nicely curated with specialty NYC themed books (for adults and kids), toys and other trendy items. The friendly guy working there started talking photography with my husband so my daughter and I could happily browse.

Be sure to check out the great gift shop at Conrad New York.

For lunch, we stopped at Hudson Eats, the family friendly food hall upstairs at Brookfield Place, which features a variety of upscale quick serve restaurants and a huge seating area with waterfront views. From sushi, bagels, pizza and sandwiches to salads, tacos, burgers and cupcakes, everyone in the family can find something to eat. I almost always order a Num Pang sandwich while my daughter and husband usually grab a burger, grilled cheese, pizza or sushi.

Downtown NYC has a lot of sights that most tourists never see. I highly suggest the walk from Brookfield Place to Battery Park which is along the Battery Park City Esplanade. There are no cars along the paved promenade making it very easy to roam with kids and you will spot interesting sights (Statue of Liberty!), lookout points, grassy spots and great playgrounds along the way…

Battery Park City Esplanade is a favorite spot for families to explore. Staycation Fun at Conrad New York.

Battery Park is full of adventures for tourists and locals alike and if you have an afternoon or full day, I highly recommend you visit the Statue of Liberty, ride the gorgeous Seaglass Carousel or take a sail aboard the Staten Island Ferry.

We stopped by the Cool Globes art exhibit just at the top of Battery Park to check out the amazing oversized globes on display.

Checking out the Cool Globes. Staycation Family Fun at Conrad New York.

Then we headed back home to the hotel with a stop at the West Thames Park. Love these stunning Freedom Tower views.

Downtown New York City has a variety of playgrounds. Staycation Family Fun at Conrad New York.

After a quick change, we headed back over to Brookfield Place for dinner. There are always fun art exhibits going on in the gorgeous palm tree filled glass atrium and we got to see the famed Luminaries display which features hundred of changing lights that coordinate to holiday songs. If you are in the area over the winter holidays, be sure to check it out.

Luminaries at Brookfield Place. Staycation Family Fun at Conrad, New York

We had a delicious dinner at Beaubourg in Le District and we were so happy we could just walk home after our long day. If you love French cuisine, Le District is a gourmand’s haven filled with restaurants and shops selling everything from meats and veggies to pastries and French candy.

Le District in Brookfield Place. Staycation Family Fun at Conrad New York

I really love having a suite when we travel since my daughter usually goes to bed around 8 pm and I like to stay up later. It was so nice that our Conrad New York suite allowed my daughter to fall asleep while my husband could stay up late without having to be quiet or keep the room dark.

My daughter loved having her own space at Conrad New York.

After a great night’s sleep, my daughter and I enjoyed lounging around reading while my husband checked out the in-room Nespresso coffee machine. We had a nice relaxing morning and headed to our 10 am brunch reservation at Atrio in the hotel’s lobby. Of course, our new pal Hudson joined us.

Young travelers receive a stuffed Conrad bull at Conrad, New York.

Young travelers receive a stuffed “Hudson the bull” at Conrad New York.

We chose the breakfast buffet which was loaded with pastries, bagels, and yogurt parfaits along with eggs, bacon, potatoes and other breakfast items. The restaurant features river views behind sparkly “curtains” that mesmerized my daughter and Hudson. In addition to weekend brunch, Atrio also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and features an Instagram-worthy wall of wine.

Atrio at the Conrad New York features a stylish dining room with river views.

We spent the rest of our day checking out the nearby attractions like the Regal Battery Park movie theater (which you can enter from the hotel!), department stores (hi Saks), restaurants (including Danny Meyer signature spots) and the shiny new Oculus which houses some amazing retailers, eateries and the newest Eataly (think everything yummy from Italy under one roof).

After thoroughly exhausting ourselves in a good way, we headed back to Conrad New York to grab our bags and say goodbye.

Thanks for a great staycation at Conrad, New York

If you want a pampering family friendly hotel stay with a great location to explore downtown, NYC, I highly recommend Conrad New York.

Have you ever stayed downtown? Tell me your favorite attractions in the comments below.

A very special thanks to Conrad New York for providing accommodations, breakfast and skating lessons. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Fun and Free in Manhattan: …

October 10, 2014 By admin

New York City can be a super expensive place to visit but there is never a shortage of free family friendly activities and attractions if you’re in the know. Today I’m showcasing the High Line in NYC’s Chelsea neighborhood.

Fun and Free in Manhattan: Explore the High Line in NYC

One of the best places for kids of all ages to take in New York City, the High Line is a public park built on an elevated freight rail line on New York City’s West Side. It begins at Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District and runs up to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues. There are several entrances and exits (some with elevators) so you can walk as much or as little as you’re up for. As you stroll along, you’ll find interesting art exhibits, a variety of plants including perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees, and scenic resting spots. It’s also an amazing spots for taking photos so don’t forget your good camera!

Fun and Free in Manhattan: Explore the High Line in NYC

If you don’t love walking through NYC’s busy streets with small children, you’ll love that there are no cars or bikes so kids can freely roam around. It can get very crowded on nice days so I suggest going first thing and then going for lunch (there plenty of options for lunch and snacks on the High Line and surrounding areas). If you’ve got more time, foodies of all ages will want to check out nearby Chelsea Market, fashionistas will love the Meatpacking district and art lovers will want to explore the many area’s art galleries.

If you’re around on Saturday, October 25, join Friends of the High Line for the fourth-annual, family friendly Haunted High Line Halloween celebration. Come in costume and trick-or-treat with characters, make giant art creations and explore a haunted train tunnel.

Have a great weekend!

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