Last week, Anton’s 13-year-old cousin, Jimmy, traveled from England to spend time in Brooklyn. It was Jimmy’s inaugural visit to the U.S., and our excitement was palpable. This morning, Anton and I were reflecting on the week, and we decided to share some pictures…
Jimmy resides in a quaint coastal town in England, and Anton shared: “We were having fun, joking, ‘Do you have cars in England? Do you have scooters in England? Do you have light in England? Do you have color in England?’ It was hilarious. Sometimes, when Jimmy would crack a joke, we’d ask, ‘Is that funny in England?’ But honestly, his jokes were genuinely amusing.”
Jimmy requested to visit a few attractions, and we gladly agreed. “Can we check out the Louis Vuitton store that resembles suitcases?” he inquired. I hadn’t even known about it, but when we arrived at 57th Street, there it was!
We took him to the American Museum of Natural History, one of our long-standing favorite spots…
…and to witness Times Square after dark, where Jimmy performed a backflip for onlookers. “He learned to do flips in his backyard when he was six,” Anton mentioned to me. “He just went for it without realizing he could seriously hurt himself!”
The boys also pleaded with me to take them to the Chelsea Piers driving range. They hit golf balls while I solved the New Yorker crossword puzzle. “Jimmy mentioned he wants to ride on a yellow school bus,” Anton told me. “He’s never experienced that.”
We also just hung out at home…
…and around the neighborhood. “When we strolled down the street, Jimmy was like, ‘Check that out, check that out,’ because there were so many different cuisines — Japanese, Lebanese, Thai, Italian, Vietnamese, French, Chinese, Indian, Ethiopian…” Anton explained. “He also adored 16 Handles.”
As the week came to a close, Toby and my mom met up with us, and we went to a local café for coffee and magic tricks using cards. Jimmy dazzled us with some impressive tricks, and I let loose with one of my all-time favorites.
Ultimately, on Sunday, my brother and Jimmy returned to England, and honestly, it left us all feeling quite down. It’s challenging to be an ocean apart from those you care about, a sentiment I’m sure many of you can relate to. But we’re fortunate to maintain contact. When my maternal grandmother relocated from Manchester, England, to Chicago with her new soldier spouse, she could only correspond through letters with her parents until their long-awaited visit years later. Where do your family members reside? Are they nearby? Half a world away? How do you keep in touch? I’d love to hear your stories. I know every arrangement has its ups and downs. xoxo
P.S. Wow, I’ve spent over 20 years in NYC, and here are six NYC itineraries designed for children.
**A Remarkable Week of Activities in NYC for Preteens**
New York City, with its lively culture and boundless attractions, serves as a dream destination for preteens. Whether they’re art aficionados, budding scientists, or thrill-seekers, NYC presents a multitude of activities that suit every interest. Here’s a guide to a remarkable week of fun in the Big Apple for preteens.
**Day 1: Discovering Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History**
Kick off the week with a trip to Central Park, an urban haven with various activities. Rent bicycles and navigate the park’s picturesque trails or visit the Central Park Zoo to observe animals from different regions. Afterward, explore the American Museum of Natural History. Preteens will be captivated by the dinosaur displays, the Hall of Ocean Life, and the planetarium.
**Day 2: Uncovering Science and Technology at the New York Hall of Science**
Devote the day to the New York Hall of Science in Queens. This interactive museum features over 450 exhibits, including hands-on activities that make learning about science and technology enjoyable. Be sure to check out the Science Playground and the Rocket Park Mini Golf for a unique adventure.
**Day 3: Immersing in Art and Culture at The Metropolitan Museum of Art**
Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where preteens can explore diverse art from various cultures and historical periods. The museum provides family guides and interactive exhibits that make art accessible and exciting for young visitors. In the afternoon, stroll down Fifth Avenue and indulge in some window shopping.
**Day 4: Thrills at Coney Island**
Head to Coney Island for a day packed with excitement. Experience the exhilarating rides at Luna Park, including the iconic Cyclone roller coaster. Unwind on the beach or take a leisurely walk along the boardwalk. Don’t forget to grab a famous Nathan’s hot dog.
**Day 5: Experiencing Broadway and Times Square**
No trip to NYC is complete without witnessing the enchantment of Broadway. Select a family-friendly show that will engage preteens, such as “The Lion King” or “Aladdin.” Post-show, dive into the dazzling lights and vibrant atmosphere of Times Square.
**Day 6: Education at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum**
Explore the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, where preteens can delve into the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, the space shuttle Enterprise, and a submarine. The museum boasts interactive exhibits and simulators that offer an exhilarating educational experience about aviation and space exploration.
**Day 7: Shopping and Entertainment at the American Dream Mall**
Conclude the week with a visit to the American Dream Mall in nearby New Jersey. This enormous entertainment and shopping destination features an indoor amusement park, a water park, and an ice-skating rink. It’s the ultimate venue for preteens to have fun and snag some souvenirs.
This itinerary presents a well-rounded combination of education, culture, and adventure, guaranteeing a memorable week in NYC for preteens. With an abundance of sights and activities, the city promises an exceptional experience for young adventurers.
