Tots and Travel - Family Vacations and Reviews » New York

Unicorns at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York

Jocelyn Murray — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:30:09 +0000

One of the tapestries at The Cloisters, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City called, The Unicorn Is Penned, Unicorn Tapestries, c. 1495–1505

The Cloisters’ at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is turning 75. In honor of this diamond anniversary, unicorns will be present for a special exhibit. That’s right, unicorns! These are not just your ordinary variety of unicorn either. They hail from the late Middle Ages, and are represented by beautiful tapestries of landscapes portraying unicorn hunts. Seven such tapestries composed of silk and wool are included in the exhibit which will run for a limited time from May 15 to August 18, 2013.

The mythical unicorn has long been an intriguing creature that dates back to biblical times. A subject of art, religion and literature, this fabled beast has captured the imaginations of children and adults throughout the ages. These supposed naturally wild and fierce animals are believed to be tamable only by fair and honorable maidens who have the power to subdue them. They are noble, sensitive and tireless, but sweet as lambs in the presence of a virtuous lass. As such, the unicorn is a symbol of chastity and purity. And like the horns of other animals, the single spiraling horn that juts righteously from its forehead was thought to have medicinal and healing properties, at least in theory.

Perhaps it was the idea of this splendid creature that served as a kind of enchantment, rather than the creature itself, as is the case with much folklore, legends and myths. Marvelous ideas that were woven into silken displays of hunting parties against a backdrop of mille-fleur (many tiny plants and flowers that served as a common tapestry theme during the Middle Ages), or an architectural background including gardens. These wall hangings were thought to do more than decorate the stone walls of the manors they graced. They were believed to inspire a kind of virtue and fellowship.

This is a great opportunity to visit The Cloisters: the fantastic division of the Metropolitan Museum of Art that focuses on Middle Age architecture and art. It is a chance to learn more about this mystical creature’s place in history and all that it symbolizes. It is also a wonderful occasion to see these stunning tapestries that have survived centuries in time, serving as a testament to human ingenuity and resourcefulness. How exciting to get up close to a piece of the past and let the mind roam freely along the lush gardens depicted in the scenes. One can almost imagine the anticipation of those in the hunting party who believed they would trap the unicorn when it approached a fair damsel and laid its soft and velvety head on her lap, its long mane cascading over the grass. And how she would whisper sweetly to the creature as the hunters tip-toed to catch it and then take it to their own gardens to frolic.

These splendid mythical creatures have been immortalized in art, literature and poetry, heraldic banners, coats of arms, the cinema and more (photo © Catmando / Fotolia)

Although this magical beast never did exist except in the devoted imaginations of people in earlier times, it continues to flourish within art and literature, as do mermaids, fairies, elves and dragons, in the vast and ever-perplexing realm of the human mind.

While at the museum, guests can visit other branches of the Met, take tours, courses and workshops, or participate in the family programs designed for children ages 18 months to 12 years. Things like storytime, art projects, and many other programs are sure to inspire kids and their parents about the wonderful creative world in which we live.

The Cloisters Museum and Gardens is located at 99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort Tryon Park, New York, New York 10040. For more information visit www.metmuseum.org

New York City on a Budget: Best Family Attractions Under $20

Jocelyn Murray — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 23:59:17 +0000

Whether you live in New York or are visiting on a family holiday, you don’t need to go broke to have some fun. Below is an alphabetically ordered list of great family attractions in New York City that are affordable. Come discover these gems.

American Museum of Natural History – Manhattan

See dinosaurs and more at the American Museum of Natural History

This prominent museum is home to 46 permanent exhibition halls, an IMAX theater, space shows and more, with something for everyone. Although there is a suggested general admission price, visitors can pay whatever they can afford to gain entrance (shows and special exhibits are a separate charge), making it affordable to everyone. See dinosaur fossils, ocean life, mammal dioramas, gems and minerals, meteorites and much more. There is even a Discovery Room for children ages 5-12 to explore. For more information visit their website www.amnh.org this

Wintery Wonderland – Lake Placid New York

Genie Davis — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:05:32 +0000

Welcome to Lake Placid!

Listening to a little Irving Berlin in the holiday season may put you in the mood for some snowy scenery. Maybe something that’s a bit of a throwback, when Currier and Ives prints were not historic views of the past, but rather realistic depictions of the present. Skaters on lakes, snowy fields, no real reason to go on ski run. Some place in other words, where the kids can toss a few snowballs and you can still find an unpretentious accommodation that’s still affordable. Wondering where that winter wonderland might be? Lake Placid, New York.

About Lake Placid

Lake Placid is a secluded, charming town with not one lake, but two. Lake Placid itself is a few miles out of town; Mirror Lake adjoins it. While locals ice skate on both bodies of water at times, the safest and sanest option for kids of the skating age is a lovely rink in town that dates from the Olympic Games held here back in 1932. With a fire pit to warm fingers over, the outdoor rink is bucolic; but there’s an inside rink too if it’s a little too cold for your babies outside.

Activities we Experienced

Speaking of the Olympics, a must-see in town is the Olympic Games, featuring all things Olympic from hockey jerseys to ice skates, and Olympic torches. My kids liked best the theater featuring first person views of ski jumps and bobsledding. The seats offer a 4D experience: mechanized, they give you the sensation of sailing down a ski slope or careening around in a bobsled. There’s also a hockey rink, that will please Olympic memorabilia lovers and hockey fans.

We were still in an Olympic state of mind – and Lake Placid encourages that – and so we went to the Olympic Jumping Complex. No, you don’t actually have to jump. Instead, ride a glass elevator to the top of the center for an amazing view of the surrounding snowy Adirondacks. Great picture taking aside, it’s truly inspiring to see the view, particularly when sunset colors the hills peach and gold.

Nearby is a tube park, older kids will delight in its seven hundred foot tube available to enjoy at a nominal cost. None of us were age appropriate for this attraction, especially not me.

Our Dining Choices

I was instead more than ready to dine. We had a local gastropub recommended to us, Liquids and Solids. Plain on the outside, the menu was lovely, with some unique vegetarian options as well as burgers and sandwiches. My favorite was a side dish of maple infused baked beans. Friendly service and funky atmosphere made this a winner.

Our Accomodations

At last we checked into our hotel – the room wasn’t ready when we arrived early in the day and we packed in a lot of sightseeing and dinner before returning. What a welcoming sight was the warm Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa. I learned in their promotional material that my idea to visit Lake Placid was hardly unique, apparently it’s considered “America’s first winter vacation destination.”

Mirror Lake in winter - a great place for a sleigh ride.

The hotel is friendly and homey, and offers that perfect holiday winter feel. Covered with streaming holiday lights, with snow covered mountains as a back drop, it’s a beautiful place to experience your own Irving Berlin style memory.

The inn has its own cross country ski and snowshoe trails, but best of all they offer a horse drawn or dog-led sleigh or sled ride. Can you say pretty much perfect? Well we could, hot chocolate in the lobby and a snowy, exhilarating ride in a sleigh, plaid blanket on our laps. We loved the fireplace in the lobby, the free cookies and tea in the afternoon, and the delicious toasty indoor pool and jacuzzi for warming up after a trip to the snowy outdoors. The rooms were not huge but well appointed and quiet. Ours had a view of the lake.

For the holidays the inn also offers children’s activities like ornament making – we have a wonderful little clothespin based reindeer to show for this class.

We could walk – albeit regretting that we Californian’s did not bring heavier socks – to Main Street, and browse shop windows. At breakfast time we walked to a cafe called Saranac Sourdough for sourdough pancakes in a log cabin setting. Filling and delicious.

Warmed from the meal we went outdoors again for a dog sled ride across Mirror Lake. It’s a short ride but an exciting and reasonably priced one, and afterwards my kids got to pet the Alaskan huskies that did the hard work, and that might have been the best iconic Americana holiday moment of all: kids and dogs, just doing what they do best, enjoying each other’s company in a snowy landscape.

Modern Art and Modern Ice Cream – New York City Treats

Genie Davis — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:51:51 +0000

A big city – and New York City is certainly one of the biggest metropolitan areas in the world – is full of surprises and treats. Some of them are classic attractions, like the many wonders to be found in the multi-level Museum of Modern Art on the upper East side of Manhattan. Some are hidden gems, like Lula’s ice cream, an East Village delight with, gasp, delicious and healthy ice cream.

En route between the two, there’s the wonderful kitsch of King Kong in the lobby and his favorite perch, the top of the Empire State building.

Inside the Museum of Modern Art, NYC - a bird's eye view.

Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art is a treasure of art, and a great introduction to art for small children and the stroller set. The varied and colorful exhibits ranging from the ultra modern — displays of canned goods consumed over the course of a year in an artist’s life, video art, minimalist abstract pieces, to impressionist favorites such as Van Gogh’s Starry Night, will occupy the eye and your over all senses. The spacious layout of the museum also includes a courtyard for a little open air recreation if the children need a break. Rousseau’s naive art style was a particular favorite of my children, and while we were there on a very rainy afternoon with no time built in for an outdoor ramble, the museum more than occupied, it delighted for several hours.

The Museum of Modern Art reaches out to parents and children with some excellent family guides, including website materials you can print out at home and bring with you, as well as guides you can get on site. There are family activity guides, and suggested approaches to art focusing on color and materials. One such guide focuses on looking for plywood art objects in Museum of Modern Art’s design collection. A child-friendly audio guide leads parents and children to kid-friendly art works described in language children will relate to and follow easily. A collection of characters encourage children to closely examine art works, ask questions about them, and even discover “secret information” about the permanent collection. It’s free, too, and designed for children five and up. Younger children are accommodated too, with a weekly offering for three and four year olds with their parents in tow. These programs are docent led to take children on a close look at up to five pieces of art from the permanent collection. The children are encouraged to participate along with their parents in conversations about the art and the creations of their own art work based on what they’ve seen.

Kids of all ages will be thrilled with the view from the top of the Empire State building.

Empire State Building

With the skies clearing and night approaching, it was a good time to visit the Empire State building, which gets overwhelmingly crowded on weekends and afternoons. Our kids enjoyed the King Kong display in the lobby, and the kitsch in the gift shop, with Empire State building snow globes the coveted souvenir. But most of all they enjoyed the view, sparklingly dramatic once night falls. Just hold onto your children’s hands, and if they are small enough that seeing over the edge of the viewing area is difficult, be prepared to carry them. The viewing platform is crowded no matter what time of day or night you are there in clement weather; several years ago we were outside on a bitterly windy March night and even then we were scarcely alone. Bearing the crowds and the carrying factor in mind, the Empire State view is a must see, with its great view of the art deco Chrysler building and the spread of uptown/downtown high rises. Times Square looks like a minute glittery toy from these great heights, and the kids will enjoy being shown this landmark if you’ve visited it already, as we had, from ground level.

Lula’s Healthy Ice Cream – East Village

Need a little sugar fix? How about a healthy one. In the less-tourist-traveled East Village you’ll find Lula’s, offering delicious hot fudge sundaes, soft swirl cones, and a multitude of flavors from cookie dough to pistachio. How is this healthy, if tasty? The ice cream is coconut milk, not dairy, the sugar is natural cane, all fruit and nuts are fresh and organic. The vegan hot fudge sundae will knock your socks off, and nothing leaves an overly sweet taste in your mouth. Cones are fresh, salt and preservative free, and the flavors change frequently. The friendly staffers are happy to create your favorite childhood ice cream treat – only better for you – and create new ones for your kids to remember. Limited stool seating inside had us perched on outside benches watching the neighborhood flow by, which is also, frankly, a lot of fun. Lula’s Sweet Apothecary is located at 516 East 6th Street in New York City’s East Village. This all natural sweet tooth delight is open every day except Mondays from 3pm until late in the evening.

Da Gennaro Restaurant, Little Italy

If you chose desert as a precursor to dinner, or if you prefer to eat in a more traditional fashion, regardless, the place to taxi is the ever-fun Little Italy district with restaurants and shopping galore! Our new favorite restaurant there is Da Gennaro at 129 Mulberry Street, New York City. This open air cafe has economically priced – caveat, for New York – homemade pastas and salads. I had one of the best eggplant parmesans, delicate and not greasy, that I’ve ever consumed. The atmosphere is festive and small children are coddled with quick service on breads, complimentary bruschetta, and special food requests. Adults will enjoy the house-made fresh strawberry sangria, too, the perfect conclusion to a day of delightful big city treats. For reservations call 212-431-3934.

Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty – Two New York Icons

Genie Davis — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:38:54 +0000

On a recent trip to New York City, there were two classics of New York site-seeing that my kids had on their ‘must see’ list. They wanted to walk the Brooklyn Bridge, and they wanted to see the Statue of Liberty. Both ended up being a compromise – Brooklyn Bridge is a long walk for small feet, and the half way point plus return was a good option. The Statue of Liberty is best seen up close through the National Park Service, however, this involves most of an entire day due to security, crowds, and lines waiting to board the boat to the Statue. In the past we’d taken the free Staten Island Ferry for a look at Lady Liberty. But while the price is right, the view is distant. Here again, a compromise: a water taxi boat tour that circles Liberty Island. While you can’t get off and walk on her shore, you can get an excellent view, and have plenty of time for photographs.

Walking across Brooklyn Bridge, or at least half way, is a great treat for kids of all ages.

Brooklyn Bridge

I had no idea how to get to the pedestrian walk way on Brooklyn Bridge, so we had to resort to a taxi. The driver did not know how to get there either, and circled several times before reaching a point that he swore would lead us onto the bridge walkway instead of into a sea of traffic. And, although we had to cross a few streets to do it, he was right. The walkway to the bridge itself on the Manhattan side is lined with vendors selling inexpensive NYC souvenirs and a few artists plying their wares and painting pictures of the bridge. Though not as heart stoppingly high as say the Golden Gate, the Brooklyn Bridge is still very impressive, with a main span that rises over fifteen hundred feet. The bridge is one of the nation’s oldest suspension bridges, and was the first bridge built using steel wire. That wire looks graceful and wing-like today. Construction was completed in 1883.

Here's another view of "our" bridge - from the water taxi.

At one point it bore horse-drawn carriages and trolleys, today the bridge holds six traffic lanes and a separate walk through the center reserved solely for pedestrians and cyclists. Taking the wooden walkway designed for pedestrian traffic is a treat. It’s a wonderful stroller ride and an energetic walk for adults at a little over one mile in either direction. Small children will need a stopping point. For us, the half way mark was perfect, lots of soaring arches and cables to photograph and admire, great for distant views of the Statue of Liberty, the East River which the bridge spans, the New York harbor area, and downtown New York. The Bridge is crowded with crossers, gawkers, and picture takers, and on a summer day the crossing can get hot, too. Fortunately vendors are usually around at either end of the bridge, to sell bottled water and inferior but cold flavored ices. If you do make it all the way across, it will take you about sixty minutes in either direction.

South Street Seaport – Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is wonderful to behold

Our next stop was South Street Seaport, where a bevy of chain restaurants and souvenir shops are clustered around the waterfront. The Seaport is an historic district, and as such is separate from the Financial District which it abuts. We enjoyed the restored commercial buildings that date from the 19th century, but for the most part the restaurants and shops were not distinctive. Here however is the departure terminal for many commercial boats and cruises that circle the Statue of Liberty or offer Harbor tours. Here was also a solar operated carousel which we thought was pretty neat and naturally if you have small children you’ll want to build in time for a ride.

The water taxi view tour of the Statue of Liberty is fairly bare bones. It will take you out along downtown Manhattan, circle the Statue, pause for a few good photographic angles from each side of the boat, and then circle back again. It’s a smooth ride – no Dramamine was required by any of our party. A live guide pointed out interesting facts about New York‘s downtown, Ellis Island, Governor’s Island and the Statue of Liberty, however it’s important not to sit too close to the prow or you’ll be straining to hear the speaker against the wind despite amplification. Was the $20 fare a little steep? Yes. But we got what we came for – a good look at this beautiful, welcoming icon, a gift of friendship from France to United States that has become a symbol of freedom to so many. And we got our look without having to wait in a long line, and endure the TSA-like security screening, or spend an entire day on the excursion. We were also able to get a poignant, distant view at Ground Zero and the new tower rising near the memorial site, which had not yet opened when we visited New York.

There are other water tours that offer longer tours of the harbor and yet closer and longer anchorage to Liberty Island, but for us, the water taxi ride fit the bill. It was brief enough to fit the interest level of all ages, and yet gave us the chance to enjoy both the city skyline and the Statue herself.

By land and by sea we saw New York‘s waterfront and two awesome and memorable New York City sights – in one pleasant afternoon.

Our Family Visit to New York City – Off the Beaten Track

Genie Davis — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 01:47:13 +0000

When you take tots to the city, the world opens up. The city itself is a world to a child, and one as vast as New York offers many different worlds to explore. We were able to go to several areas of this great American city that I hadn’t spent much time in before, and one in particular proved to be a fascinating afternoon for small children.

Just off Lexington Avenue on the East Side of New York City, a particularly wonderful, narrow park is worth exploring. That would be Dag Hammarskjold Park, a narrow, brick paved thoroughfare that leads down to the river, several sleek sculptures representing the harmony of nations, and United Nations Plaza itself.

Our kids loved Dag Hammarskjold Plaza and park, a gateway to the UN

Dag Hammarskjold Park

Dag Hammarskjold has a variety of benches and pleasant trees, and even a small wooden bridge that small children will enjoy scampering across. But its main attraction is a series of modern, faceless brass and stainless silver sculptures of people – people you can stand next to, sit along side, climb over, and pose for pictures next to. It’s truly delightful, and the shiny, reflective surfaces of these sculptures sparkle in sunlight and shine with spooky pleasure after dark. Follow the park down to the river, past squares and orbs representing unity, many nations, and peace, and cross the street to UN plaza. The flags of many countries on display here are great to point out to the kids, and the bright colors will fascinate even the smallest children.

We loved the faceless everyman sculptures in Dag Hammarskjold Park.

United Nations Plaza

If you feel your child is up to the visit, take a tour of the UN from the inside. The older children will find history lessons brought to life, and will learn a great deal about the peace keeping and organizational role the UN plays in the world today. The tour does last nearly two hours, and guides give attendees headphones to listen to the guide. So naturally the inside portion of the UN experience is limited to kids old enough to tolerate both the length and the headphones – or young enough to sleep through it, while their elders explore. Regardless of your children’s ages though, seeing the flags of many countries and walking through the park to UN Plaza is a must see that many families visiting New York do not.

Times Square

An attraction that most New York visitors do see is Times Square. The massive crowds, enormous video screens and bill boards, the noise and flashing lights will either enchant or disturb a small child. A viewing platform is now in place in the heart of Times Square, and this is a good place to start. You can hold your small child aloft or let older children simply peruse the view. It’s a great photo spot, and lifts you high enough above street level to give children of all ages a perspective on the flow of people, traffic, and media through the Square. At night, this makes a great place to enjoy all the color and neon without having to navigate the flow of the steady crowds.

Our Dining Choices

Looking for a place to eat in this area that’s child friendly and not fast food? Try the Stage Deli nine blocks north, with choices for all eaters from potato pancakes and steamed vegetables to rich Reuben sandwiches. Literally across from the viewing platform is Blue Fin, in the W hotel. This upscale Asian restaurant has some of the best avocado and vegetable roll sushi I’ve ever eaten. It’s on the expensive side, but the location can’t be beat, and its a calm oasis in the stream of commerce that is Times Square. There are reasonable and kid-friendly items on the menu besides the veggie rolls. We enjoyed a fantastic vegetable gazpacho with a bread basket, for under $12. The kids ate every last drop.

Spider-Man, Turn Off The Dark

Looking for a Broadway show to please adults and kids alike? We saw parents bringing lap-children to Broadway musical and technical ”Marvel” Spider-Man, which is great for the whole family. The sets are the thing here, ever changing and awesome, as is swinging, jumping, ceiling-circling Spider-Man. A money saving fun tip: take the balcony and watch Spider-Man climb over the edge and sail into the theatrical sky. The New York City references are fun too, and if Bono (of U2 fame) hasn’t constructed the most melodic of scores, the great orchestra will be sure to dazzle.

Our kids loved looking at the bright lights and crowd action in Times Square.

Our Hotel Stay, the Roger Smith

Looking for a reasonably priced New York accommodation – no that’s not entirely an oxymoron – then look back toward the UN. Still easy walking distance to Rockefeller Center and Times Square, you’ll find the small, older Hotel Roger Smith with large rooms, and suites with kitchenettes and a separate living area. We were very pleased with the spaciousness – especially by New York hotel standards, and being able to make our own breakfasts and pack up a quick lunch made the suites worthwhile. The hotel is quiet, and seems to cater to families and traveling Europeans. It has an arty vibe, with an adjacent art gallery also owned by the hotel and paintings in the friendly lobby bar and cafe. Delis, a drug store, and even a super market – down on 2nd Avenue – are easy walks. And right around the corner: Dag Hammarskjold park.

Visiting Ground Zero: An Experience You Will Never Forget

Lisa Fritscher — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 20:00:34 +0000

Ground Zero spurs powerful emotions

The tragic events of September 11, 2001 have become one of our nation’s defining moments. Who doesn’t remember exactly where they were and what they were doing when they first learned of the attacks? I was at my parents’ house, sleeping off a party the night before.

My Story

On the evening of September 10, 2001, a friend flew home to Florida after spending the summer in California. A large group of us went to the airport to pick her up…10 friends in our 20s, mostly gothic/punk in appearance, laughing and joking as we made our way to her gate. Lots of other families and friends were there, all meeting loved ones on that late night cross-country flight. We gathered back at my parents’ house, along with other friends who had to work late, for a welcome home party. Several of us were still asleep on the living room floor when my dad woke us with a statement I will never forget. “A plane crashed into the World Trade Center. They’re saying it might be terrorism.”

For the rest of the day and well into the evening, we all gathered around the television in my parents’ bedroom. No one wanted to go home. Most of us worked at Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando. The rumors were flying that the theme parks might be hit next. Along with the rest of the world, we watched and waited, acutely aware that life would never be the same again.

We were the lucky ones. We had a few acquaintances living in New York City, but no one that would have been anywhere near the Twin Towers on that fateful morning. Our closest contact was my mom’s coworker’s sister, who had originally planned to fly into New York that morning but had changed her plans more than a week before. Nonetheless, the attacks had a profound effect on me. I wanted to visit Ground Zero and pay my respects once it was safe to do so.

Our Visit

The feeling is still raw

As so often happens, life got in the way. But when Dad and I had the opportunity to take a Canada and New England cruise out of New York Harbor in 2008, we jumped at the chance. After the cruise, we spent a few days at a youth hostel in Manhattan, just off Central Park. During that stay, we finally made it to Ground Zero.

Nothing could have prepared me for that moment. We had looked at photos online and basically knew what to expect. But actually being there was more raw and more painful than I could have possibly predicted. There was a reasonably-priced memorial museum nearby, but with limited time we decided to forgo it. Instead, we took the pedestrian walkway over the site.

The fences and rails blocked our view to some extent

It’s a little bit difficult to see clearly from the walkway, due to fences and rails. Dad kept sticking the camera into gaps in the fence, and we probably got our clearest view from the resulting photos. But it didn’t matter. The thoughts and feelings that we experienced were monumental, and frankly overwhelming. All around us were others doing the same thing we were–walking slowly, taking pictures and stopping to speak quietly with one another or have a silent moment of reflection. There were tears all around.

I kept thinking about how I never made it to the World Trade Center when it was still standing. My family had been to Manhattan once before, when we stopped for a few days on our way upstate for Woodstock ’94. But we had so many things on our to-do list, and such limited time. We decided to save the WTC for “next time.” Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that this would be the “next time.”

I've been told that New Yorkers feel a sense of renewal at the site

There was a flurry of activity going on at the site, and I’ve heard New Yorkers say that all the construction is a major relief, that it feels like hope and renewal. I can certainly understand that, for those that have been around the site a lot. But to me, it all just felt so sad. All the terrible images I saw on TV in the hours and days following the attacks came rushing back and I felt awful for the families that were left behind.

Dad in a quiet moment of reflection

Soon we had made it across the pedestrian walkway. Dad and I were both uncharacteristically quiet, still in a bit of a stupor from what we had seen. Slowly we made our way down to the waterfront, where we had an excellent dinner at an outdoor café and watched the sun set over the harbor. It was a lovely ending to an emotionally trying day.

Tips for Parents

Explain the events of that day in advance

As we close in on the 10th anniversary of the tragedy, many of you may have kids who were not yet born when the attacks occurred, or were too young to remember. But like all dark points in human history, it is crucial that we share our memories with our own children in hopes that history will never repeat itself.

Prepare your children for the visit by explaining the events of September 11th in terms that they can understand. Excellent resources are available on the ClassBrain website. Remember that your kids do not remember the World Trade Center or life before 9/11, so you may need to provide some historical context.

Don’t make Ground Zero your first stop in Manhattan. It would be easy for your kids to formulate an association between Manhattan and tragedy, so take them to make some positive memories first.

Kids may see Ground Zero as an exciting construction site

Be prepared for questions at the site, although they may not be the ones that you expect. While you may associate Ground Zero with the feelings that you experienced during the attacks, kids don’t have the same context. They may see it as a busy, interesting construction site and be more interested in what is coming next than in what happened.

Consider visiting the World Trade Center museum. Although we have not seen it, I understand that the collection of exhibits is geared to visitors of all ages. It may help to further explain the events of that day to younger kids.

Watching the sun set over the harbor helped us relax

Do something nice for your family when you are finished at the site. Have a relaxing dinner, take in a movie or Broadway show, or visit some of the massive shops along Times Square. Whatever you choose, take the time to relax and shift gears before heading back to your hotel.