also going to NYC with my DD. How hard is the subway to navigate? I use the subway here often and used the one in Boston all through grad school but have not been in NYC and fear getting lost! It seems I can get one fare card for both of us?

I have to say that Matilda is one of the best broadway shows I have seen. I think you should see Wicked and Matilda.

We took our daughter to New York City last May for a special birthday celebration, and another daughter took her 5 year old twins with her husband for a quick stay in December.

- We all enjoyed the Stardust Diner where the young wait staff sings and entertains. It is a nice taste of Broadway, especially if you do not want to shell out big bucks for a show.

- The Water Taxi we found to be great fun with its Hop on and Hop Off schedule and going around the Statue of Liberty. BUT I must say the view from the FREE Staten Island Ferry of the City is very special.

- FAO Schwartz walking down then to Rockefeller Plaza area with ice skaters in winter, NBC Store, American Girl Store,St. Patricks and Radio City all nearby.

- Times Square at night is certainly New York, and we felt safe.

- You can Google Day Outings in New York for different things or Walking Tours to get some great ideas to sort of pick and choose from. High Line starts at one point right at the Chelsea Market which is a great place to go indoors for an early lunch before the rush.

- If you go in nicer weather and your daughter likes to ride a bike, you might choose to rent a bike in Central Park.

Oh and FYI Dylan's Candy Bar has an ice cream and an adult bar upstairs - great happy hour if you need a drink!

Definitely see Wicked!

Katz's Deli on the lower east side - its been there since 1888 and does amazing sandwiches

Even if she's not into shopping the NYC Macy's is a really awesome store.

FAO Schwartz is a must see and if she's a tech-girl then the Apple store is right out in front of it.

Just wandering around Times Square and going into the Toys R Us there (they have a Ferris wheel inside!)

If you're planning on doing the 9/11 memorial then take some time to wander through the financial district. The buildings down there are so tall that you can barely see the sky when you look up.

I actually love staying across the river at the Sheraton Lincoln Harbor. You can get a room with a view of the entire NYC skyline and they are literally right on the water where the water taxi is.

I would go for something different. Momofuku or I think she'd love the opera cafe/diner mentioned earlier.

OP here.

Would a non-girly 12yr old like going to afternoon tea? Honestly I have no idea. I would love it but I feel like she isn't that kind of girl (yet or possibly ever?) But I could be wrong.

Ditto Top of the Rock. We did Top of the Rock at night and the Empire State Building during the day. Since you are going during Spring Break, I recommend splurging on the Express Tickets for the Empire State Building. Initially seemed exhorbitantly expensive, but your time is so valuable and when we went during Christmas time we felt they were really worth it. Afternoon tea at Pennsylvania Hotel (which is centrally located between Times Square and Central Park) is very nice although I'm sure there are other nice tea locations.

+1 for High Line, walking across Brooklyn Bridge, Staten Island Ferry, Cloisters, Moma (gardens!), Met, walking through Central Park, Strawberry field… Have a great time--sounds like an awesome trip!

Anonymous wrote:My daughter and I enjoyed staying at the hilton Times Square. It was in the heart of Times Square yet quiet and peaceful. We were able to walk to our show(Matilda). Also it was two doors down from wax museum which is vert touristy but my daughter loved it.

I'm a PP. That's where my daughter and I stayed, too. You get to experience the hubbub of Times Square, and then you come in and go, ahhh.

Stayed in NJ at the Sheraton Lincoln Harbor (we had our car though) and took the ferry back and forth. My kids loved that!

Same as PP above, I used One of the bidding sites a few years ago and got a great deal at the intercontinental. Great location!

Food - Shake Shake, Luke's Lobster truck, Doughnut Planet, Levain Bakery for the most amazing cookies ever!! (Not far from one of the Shake Shack locations), maybe one of the more famous/popular bagel and pizza joints? We did Grimaldis and Ess A Bagel.

Top of the Rock is amazing and we had wonderful wonderful experiences with Free Tours by Foot. Great guides, lots if interesting info, and cost is donation of your choice. Book early!! We did the Central Park and the Lower Manhatten tours.

The Omni in midtown. It is very close to Rockefeller Center and is an easy walk to FAO Schwartz and the south boundary of Central Park.

For a hotel suggestion- I got a great deal on Hotwire. You pick location and how many stars. I picked 4 stars and Midtown and got Intercontinental for 150 for a Saturday night.

Wow ladies. I may have to stay a week. I love all the suggestions! Keep them coming

Especially hotels. Already bought the train tickets for super cheap.