Posted by Before becoming a father, I had a desire to always reward my kids with experiences for great performance in school. When Maddox completed Kindergarten we took our first ‘Boys Trip’ to Chicago. His enthusiasm did not stop and we sort of made a big deal about the next trip where I allowed him to pick the destination. All through 1st grade, he focused on honor roll and the New York City Trip. He referenced it with his teacher, his many class projects, and during dinner conversations. He earned it.
So we planned the trip in early July to head to the Big Apple. Maddox is a great traveler and he invited his cousin Karter, Uncle Andrew, and Uncle Ben to tag along. Our agenda focused on the kids but manage to squeeze in things we all wanted to do.
- Central Park & Central Park Zoo
- NBC Studio Tour
- One World Observatory
- Yankee Game
- Aladdin on Broadway
- The Intrepid Ship
Central Park & Central Park Zoo
This is a great family type activity. What I loved about it was that we were able to leisurely stroll around the park letting the kids burn off the lunch energy with the playground and many climbing opportunities and we got to lay on park benches and relax. The zoo was a lot of fun but we breezed right through. Spent a lot of time at the Grizzly Bear enclosure as the bears were awake and swimming around.
NBC Studio Tour
This was arranged by Ben and although I have been on this tour before, the added VIP private tour was stellar. Our guide was able to take us on the floor of the Tonight Show and see the epic Muppet Tribute right behind the stage. The kids thought the tour was cool but since they are not of age for late night, most of it went over their heads.
One World Observatory & 9/11 Memorial
One World is worth the entrance fee just for the elevator ride. A phenomenal ride with the video of NYC rising with you. The views are breath-taking and their is a lot of interactive items for the kids to tinker with when up there.
After One World, we spent time at the 9/11 Memorial. Somber as it was, Maddox was very inquisitive on what happened here. Long explanations followed to a 7 year old that does not understand why anyone would take a life of another. It always makes me realize that the generation of parents today have the obligation to teach love so that the world loves more tomorrow vs today.
Yankee Stadium
As I mentioned in previous post, Maddox and I visit ball parks & have a pretty great list going. Yankee Stadium was our 7th together and I will say it was a bit of a disappointment vs some of the others we have been too. First, the signage was lackluster and it was difficult to find our seats or make our way around the park. Second, the monsoon of a storm really cause some problems at the staff struggled to move people to the correct areas. Although all that might be problems, Judge homered and the park lit up. The historical sense of the Yankees make up for it and who can beat a NYC hot dog and a Yankee game?
Aladdin on Broadway
Although the show was cute for the kiddos, it lacked in so many aspects. Maddox thought it was fun but did not ‘LOVE’ it and I probably would have been better off not catering him being a kid. The genie was fantastic and we did have a lot of fun. Check it out if you have nothing else to do, it would not be high on my show list.
The Intrepid Museum
Maddox & I visit ballparks and Navy yards! I will say this is one of the better ones with the Space Shuttle, several planes, and a lot to do while on the grounds. It was hot out so be wary of the close quarters in the ship. It can get crammed and hot.
The Food
From the milk shakes at the Black Tap to the Banana Pudding at Magnolia Bakery. These were some of the fun places we tried out while in NYC.
NYC was a great trip with the kid. I cannot get over how big he is getting and the fun I got to have with him. He loves to travel, meet new people, and sometimes experience something that he has not before. These things I never want him to lose through life. I am glad I was able to be part of our 2nd annual boys trip and that Ben, Andrew, & Karter joined us.
Family Adventures & Story Hub 