The Big Apple for boys

I rarely post twice in one day, but many of you are asking about our trip up the East Coast. You want to know more about kids+DC and kids+NYC. Here's a quick list for what to do with boys in the big apple. Please leave comments if you have other fun ideas! 

Our experience has been that kids are kids no matter where they are. It doesn't matter what you're planning...history, culture, amazing eats, the arts...little girls want to play dress up and little boys want to throw rocks. SO! While you can and should plan fun adventures, I'd encourage you to go with the flow a bit, be spontaneous and follow your little dude's lead. Sure you can guide him in the right direction, but don't force it. I promise, you'll both have more fun this way! 

The free, everyday things can be the best part of a visit to NYC. Here are a few do's (musts): 

Take a picture with New York's finest...what little boy isn't obsessed with cops and firemen? This was the highlight of Ford's trip. 

Feed the ducks. (Get a disgusting hotdog from the street vendors...choke it down and feed the bun to the ducks). There's something about throwing bread in water and the temporary fear that comes with three dozen ducks chasing you down the sidewalk looking for their next bite.

This mini fair was in town while we were visiting in August. It was pricey, but a fun respite from tall buildings and big crowds.

Central Park has an AWESOME play area adjacent to the climbing rocks/restrooms (easily found if you're coming from 5th Ave near the apple store/the Plaza hotel). The park has a cool stone castle structure with a water mote. You can see part of it in the background of the pic below. There are usually balloon people and face painters and such near the entrance...the $5 balloon swords are unavoidable (but let's be honest. He'll love it so much, he won't even notice that you're dragging him into Topshop later. Totally worth it). If you're dude isn't into swings and slides, there's also the Central Park zoo, the boathouse where he can sail a tiny sailboat, and lots of green space to run around and go crazy.

For lunch, try 5 Napkin Burger. There's plenty for you and your little one. Afterwards, head next door to Lip-Schmakin' Good Cookies!

If it's hot or rainy, check out the children's museum or the dinosaurs at american museum of natural history. 

Let's see...if you're tired of walking or if it's the weekend and you're having a panic attack because it's SEC football time and you're in a fashion museum, then head to Brother Jimmy's. Grab a sweet tea and/or a beer, enjoy some good BBQ, and catch up on all the scores. They have multiple locations, so you won't have to go far. 

Sweet William has cute and unique finds for little boys...I'm a fan of these: 

Of course, there are a ba-jillion other things to see and do (like Time's Square/Toy's R Us, great bookstores, Brooklyn has awesome waterfront parks I hear, etc...). I hope this helps you get in the travel mood! Be sure to fill me in when you get home from your trips! We're always looking for new little treasures in the big city!