Anonymous
02/24/2026 23:25
Subject: Help me plan this NYC trip! Is this even reasonable?
Also the 3D adventures. We participated in an egyption adventure and also a dinosaur age version.
Anonymous
02/24/2026 23:24
Subject: Help me plan this NYC trip! Is this even reasonable?
The spy museum is a must for families. Unbelievably fun.
One half is Mission Impossible type active games. Each group enters the various rooms and plays as a team.
The other half is interactive displays to determine what type of spy you would be.
One half is Mission Impossible type active games. Each group enters the various rooms and plays as a team.
The other half is interactive displays to determine what type of spy you would be.
Anonymous
02/24/2026 22:49
Subject: Help me plan this NYC trip! Is this even reasonable?
You’d be crazy to fly!
Anonymous
02/24/2026 22:44
Subject: Help me plan this NYC trip! Is this even reasonable?
We have done some fun food tours in NYC.
Just a warning that the Brandy Melville "flagship" is not really that big, and it was literally the most crowded store I've ever been in in my life. I'm not typically claustrophobic and I almost had a breakdown, and that is with security guards supposedly monitoring the number of people inside.
Just a warning that the Brandy Melville "flagship" is not really that big, and it was literally the most crowded store I've ever been in in my life. I'm not typically claustrophobic and I almost had a breakdown, and that is with security guards supposedly monitoring the number of people inside.
Anonymous
02/24/2026 22:17
Subject: Help me plan this NYC trip! Is this even reasonable?
A New Yorker here - don’t go to Grimaldi’s to stand in a huge line, go to Juliana’s. It’s nearby and run by the original Grimaldi’s owners.
Anonymous
02/24/2026 18:49
Subject: Help me plan this NYC trip! Is this even reasonable?
Anonymous wrote:I'd stay in Tribeca.
You'll be able to walk to the 9/11 museum and the Oculus (where there is a shopping area), as well as to Soho (there's a Brandy Melville there, perhaps it's the flagship?) and Noho for more shopping.
From there, you'll have easy access to subway lines that can take you to Hudson Yards and the Meatpacking District, which is where you'd access either ends of the High Line. There is shopping at both ends. Meatpacking has Chelsea Market and boutiques, and there is a mall-like indoor shopping area at Hudson Yards (that's kind of lame, tbh).
You will also have easy subway access to Times Square. Unless you want to see a show (which you should!), there isn't much there beyond crowds and tourist trap restaurants and stores.
If you aren't into museums and or spending a lot of time in Central Park, focus on downtown. She may be interested in walking around Chinatown or shopping in the village or on the lower east side. The seaport has been revamped and is lovely. And walking over the Brooklyn Bridge is fun for great views . . . on the other side, there is pizza at Grimaldi's and Brooklyn Flea on the weekends in DUMBO.
100%
Anonymous
02/24/2026 18:39
Subject: Help me plan this NYC trip! Is this even reasonable?
If you want to see a show, she might like Maybe Happy Ending. We saw it recently and really enjoyed it. It’s very sweet but also thought provoking.
Anonymous
02/24/2026 10:23
Subject: Help me plan this NYC trip! Is this even reasonable?
I'd stay in Tribeca.
You'll be able to walk to the 9/11 museum and the Oculus (where there is a shopping area), as well as to Soho (there's a Brandy Melville there, perhaps it's the flagship?) and Noho for more shopping.
From there, you'll have easy access to subway lines that can take you to Hudson Yards and the Meatpacking District, which is where you'd access either ends of the High Line. There is shopping at both ends. Meatpacking has Chelsea Market and boutiques, and there is a mall-like indoor shopping area at Hudson Yards (that's kind of lame, tbh).
You will also have easy subway access to Times Square. Unless you want to see a show (which you should!), there isn't much there beyond crowds and tourist trap restaurants and stores.
If you aren't into museums and or spending a lot of time in Central Park, focus on downtown. She may be interested in walking around Chinatown or shopping in the village or on the lower east side. The seaport has been revamped and is lovely. And walking over the Brooklyn Bridge is fun for great views . . . on the other side, there is pizza at Grimaldi's and Brooklyn Flea on the weekends in DUMBO.
You'll be able to walk to the 9/11 museum and the Oculus (where there is a shopping area), as well as to Soho (there's a Brandy Melville there, perhaps it's the flagship?) and Noho for more shopping.
From there, you'll have easy access to subway lines that can take you to Hudson Yards and the Meatpacking District, which is where you'd access either ends of the High Line. There is shopping at both ends. Meatpacking has Chelsea Market and boutiques, and there is a mall-like indoor shopping area at Hudson Yards (that's kind of lame, tbh).
You will also have easy subway access to Times Square. Unless you want to see a show (which you should!), there isn't much there beyond crowds and tourist trap restaurants and stores.
If you aren't into museums and or spending a lot of time in Central Park, focus on downtown. She may be interested in walking around Chinatown or shopping in the village or on the lower east side. The seaport has been revamped and is lovely. And walking over the Brooklyn Bridge is fun for great views . . . on the other side, there is pizza at Grimaldi's and Brooklyn Flea on the weekends in DUMBO.
Anonymous
02/24/2026 10:21
Subject: Help me plan this NYC trip! Is this even reasonable?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Yes, that seems like enough time for what you want to do. I haven’t flown to NYC in a while but I found LaGuardia the easiest airport to deal with when I did fly there more regularly. You could stay in lower Manhattan, Times Square, maybe Chelsea, lots of options. One thing to note is that NYC can be hot and sometimes unpleasant in the summer—it’s a heat island and there can be lots of trash. The subway is a great way to get around but very hot in the summer.
We like staying in Chelsea. It’s quiet, for NYC, and a little cheaper. We have also stayed in Times Square West, which actually isn’t part of Times Square and is closer to Penn Station/Mounihsn Train Hall. We always try to stay within ten blocks of the train station…makes arrival and departure easy.
I like staying in Chelsea, too.
Anonymous
02/24/2026 10:20
Subject: Help me plan this NYC trip! Is this even reasonable?
If you're in suburban Maryland, consider taking Amtrak from the BWI station. It's close to the airport, not at the airport. Easy parking. Saves some travel time. Booked far in advance for a decent price, take the Acela if it's available. Far in advance is key.
Anonymous
02/24/2026 10:17
Subject: Help me plan this NYC trip! Is this even reasonable?
Anonymous wrote:Definitely see a Broadway show. I would recommend The Outsiders for your daughter's age. Can also do the half price ticket line if you don't have a specific show in mind.
The 9/11 museum is amazing and there's some shopping down by South Street Seaport that your daughter might be interested in too. Maybe walk across the Brooklyn Bridge afterwards and eat pizza at Grimaldi's. Fun summerish stuff on the Brooklyn side of the river near the bridge too.
Dim Sum in Chinatown if you're not from a city with a bigger/better one (West Coast).
I know you ruled out museums, but I would maybe reconsider as there are some fun niche ones based on your interests and it might be a good way to get out of the heat if it's super hot that day.
There's a great mostly food, but also fun shopping, market by the high line: Chelsea Market. Your daughter is the perfect age for it.
Yes Chelsea Market and High Line (but do that on a weekday so it won't be as crowded) is perfect for that age. Get pita sandwiches at Miznon, they are so good.
Anonymous
02/24/2026 10:17
Subject: Help me plan this NYC trip! Is this even reasonable?
My daughter is the same age. The only thing she really liked in Times Square was the huge Sephora and H&M She had an amazing time shopping around the West village/Washington Square area.
Anonymous
02/24/2026 10:16
Subject: Help me plan this NYC trip! Is this even reasonable?
For teens, I would stay near Times Square.
Eat at Katz's deli near Chinatown. Walk from the 911 memorial to see Wall Street, Lady Liberty in the harbor, over to the high line, see the Little Island. Maybe Chelsea Market and the Food Network HQ.
The best shopping concentration is in Soho - Kate Spade, Sephora, Paige, Staud - my teen found plenty of mid-price stores to see.
Central Park, Rockerfeller Square, 5th Avenue to see the big stores like Tiffany, Dior and Louis Vuitton.
You will see the crazy in Times Square just by walking to your hotel. Buy a fake bag from a street vendor after 10 pm. Can walk down to Koreatown and the Empire State builidng if you want KBBQ - its not far.
Eat at Katz's deli near Chinatown. Walk from the 911 memorial to see Wall Street, Lady Liberty in the harbor, over to the high line, see the Little Island. Maybe Chelsea Market and the Food Network HQ.
The best shopping concentration is in Soho - Kate Spade, Sephora, Paige, Staud - my teen found plenty of mid-price stores to see.
Central Park, Rockerfeller Square, 5th Avenue to see the big stores like Tiffany, Dior and Louis Vuitton.
You will see the crazy in Times Square just by walking to your hotel. Buy a fake bag from a street vendor after 10 pm. Can walk down to Koreatown and the Empire State builidng if you want KBBQ - its not far.
Anonymous
02/24/2026 10:14
Subject: Help me plan this NYC trip! Is this even reasonable?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:The 9/11 museum is weird. There are so many great museums in NYC, just go see the outdoor memorial site and save the museum itself for another trip.
No?
Weird? That’s a weird take. I’ve never heard this from anyone else who has visited and reported back. I’ve heard it’s one of the most well done experiences ever.
It's very well done. Obviously need to be prepared for what you will see, but it's very respectful and gives a complete view
My kid really wanted to do a tour, again, very well done. They do it with headphones for everyone, but led by a guide who speaks quietly into a microphone as they go. That way it doesn't disturb people on their own, but can still ask questions, talk, etc
The end at the exposed slurry wall, the part which stood strong through everything, is powerful.
Anonymous
02/24/2026 10:13
Subject: Help me plan this NYC trip! Is this even reasonable?
Definitely see a Broadway show. I would recommend The Outsiders for your daughter's age. Can also do the half price ticket line if you don't have a specific show in mind.
The 9/11 museum is amazing and there's some shopping down by South Street Seaport that your daughter might be interested in too. Maybe walk across the Brooklyn Bridge afterwards and eat pizza at Grimaldi's. Fun summerish stuff on the Brooklyn side of the river near the bridge too.
Dim Sum in Chinatown if you're not from a city with a bigger/better one (West Coast).
I know you ruled out museums, but I would maybe reconsider as there are some fun niche ones based on your interests and it might be a good way to get out of the heat if it's super hot that day.
There's a great mostly food, but also fun shopping, market by the high line: Chelsea Market. Your daughter is the perfect age for it.
The 9/11 museum is amazing and there's some shopping down by South Street Seaport that your daughter might be interested in too. Maybe walk across the Brooklyn Bridge afterwards and eat pizza at Grimaldi's. Fun summerish stuff on the Brooklyn side of the river near the bridge too.
Dim Sum in Chinatown if you're not from a city with a bigger/better one (West Coast).
I know you ruled out museums, but I would maybe reconsider as there are some fun niche ones based on your interests and it might be a good way to get out of the heat if it's super hot that day.
There's a great mostly food, but also fun shopping, market by the high line: Chelsea Market. Your daughter is the perfect age for it.