What to do in NYC with two newbs?

[Anonymous]

I've been before and did all the touristy things (that would appeal to partying 20's or most recently, young children) My mom and sis have never been, and my son, me, and my other sis have been before. I know they want to do the tour bus thing the first day to take it all in. I doubt either of them want to see a Broadway show (def not my son!) and aren't into shopping sprees.

Any ideas off the beaten path? We're staying at 33rd & 3rd on the East side and they both have walking issues (age and injury) so we'll be using cabs for the most part unless we're really close to a subway station. Both are teachers if that helps. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

The Tenement Museum is on the lower east side if you would find that interesting. They have walking tours of the neighborhood (not for you) but they also have a preserved tenement house and it was fascinating to see how people (mostly immigrants) lived in NYC the 1920s. Each tour is about an hour (we took 2), and there are usually at least a couple of seats in each room so your family should be able to sit for a good part of the tour. A number of the tours are meant for kids as well.

Also off the beaten path is The Cloisters, which is a small sub-section of the Met way on the upper west side (I think Harlem even) that focuses entirely in medieval art. It is a small castle overlooking the Hudson and very pituresque.

Also, maybe tickets to a Letterman taping during the day?

S