Ideas for the Big Apple

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  • June 9, 2009 at 11:26 pm
    amyjane
    Participant

    This summer my husband is working a 2 month contract in NYC and his company is paying for us an apartment (400sqft for a family of 4) so that we can be here with him. I have just got here and settled and in the process of planning our outings and activities. I have 2 db age 5 and 3. I would love some ideas about the following from any one:

    1. nature study ideas for 5yo. We are just introducing these things so I am still unsure of what to do – so if you could be specific that would help. We are 4 blocks from central park so we will spend tons of time exploring that.

    2. some favorite books to read about this city.

    3. favorite places to visit – I got the popular ones from a Frommers Guide to NYC with kids. Any others I would love. We love non-traditional.

    4. Any other cool things you would suggest doing with my age boys while enjoying a summer in the Big Apple.

    Thanks ahead for your ideas – I am new at all this and really want to take advantage of this summer but at the same time make it “twaddle free”

    Amy

    June 10, 2009 at 2:26 am
    Richele Baburina
    Participant

    Hi Amy!

    We just spent about the same amount of time near Central Park in NYC last fall! Our boys were 6 and 4 then.

    First off, you could easily spend your entire time in Central Park. The park itself has a website with activities, concerts, storytelling from master storytellers, 21 different playgrounds, big rocks to climb, the Children’s Zoo, the Central Park zoo, the most incredible birding (you can check out a Discovery Kit with binoculars, etc. at the Henry Luce Nature Observatory) and so much more. Go to CentralPark.com for all the info. We were just back in the city last week and I was thinking how I could do a whole CM year at Central Park.

    I found that the boys discovered a lot on their own Nature Study-wise. I usually go to bed reading The Handbook of Nature Study so I am armed with some wisdom if they ask. They can look at the bugs for an hour. They love to collect sticks, leaves and other treasures. There are rocks to climb in the park as well.

    Make sure you have your swimsuits as the sprinklers will be on soon in the playgrounds. You’ll see the same children with their nannies there everyday. The children will make friends easily.

    You are also close to the Museum Mile. You could do the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or Natural History on rainy days since you won’t want to stay in the apartment (We couldn’t even cook in ours)! At that age my boys just loved (and still do) the arms and armor and Ancient Egypt. A good thing to know is that the Met says $20 admission on the boards but that is just a suggested donation. You can donate as much or little as you want. I usually gave a $5 donation for the three of us each time.

    City walking is also much different. You may need a stroller if you don’t have one or you’ll end up with one on your back all the time.

    When my husband got off work we would head to one of the ethnic neighborhoods or pack a picnic dinner and go to Central Park.

    Do email me if you like. We come into the city every so often and we’re not too far away if you want to escape to the country one weekend.

    Best,

    Richele

    June 10, 2009 at 3:36 am
    Esby
    Member

    1. nature study ideas for 5yo.

    Check out the Urban Park Rangers at http://tinyurl.com/urbanparkrangers

    They offer family programs in Central Park as well as in other parks in the city.

    I’m sending you a private message as well.

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