How to Spend 1 Week in NYC with Tweens

Arrive in NYC and check into your hotel. Unpack a bit, maybe take a short nap and get ready to head out to dinner. Head to South Street Seaport to walk around, get a great view of the Brooklyn Bridge, and choose one of the many restaurants for the first family dinner of your trip. I recommend one of the restaurants right on the water. After dinner you can take in a sunset view of the Brooklyn Bridge, explore a bit more, then head back to the hotel for a good nights rest!

Explore the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

A poignant and historic site offering an unparalleled collection of artifacts, testimonies and records from the tragic events surrounding September 11, 2001. Plan to spend 1-2 hours exploring with tweens.

Lunch and shopping at the Oculus

Take a break from the powerful museum by having lunch and doing some shopping inside this amazing mall. Marvel at the impressive architectural design both at the exterior and interior.

Walk to Soho

If the weather is on your side, take a walk up towards Soho and have fun exploring the cute boutique's and cafes. Grab a pastry for a snack at one of the many adorable bakeries. I recommend Dominique Ansel Bakery.

FiDi Sights

Take the subway back down to lower Manhattan and walk through Bowling Green, see the Charging Bull, walk through Trinity Church to see Alexander and Eliza Hamilton's graves and back around to Wall Street. End at the famous Fraunces Tavern, where Hamilton, Washington, Burr and many others dined. There are many restaurants in that area you can choose from for dinner or dine in the Tavern itself!

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Take the ferry from Battery Park to Liberty Island and see Lady Liberty up close and personal! Take your time exploring the museum. If you're feeling active, you can purchase tickets to walk inside the statue, perhaps even all the way up to the crown! Next, board the ferry over to Ellis Island where you can learn all about this historic immigration center. When you're done, you can take the ferry back over to Battery Park. Plan to spend a good 4-5 hours on this part of your day.

There are several food carts and some dining options near Battery Park so make sure to refuel. Next, catch a ride on the Seaglass Carousel, a fish-themed carousel that's sure to please.

From here, you may be ready for a short rest at your hotel. I'd recommend a couple hours, then head back out to dinner in the Lower East Side. There are some amazing choices here - my favorite is Katz's Delicatessen.

Make your way towards Rockefeller Center and get breakfast at Magnolia Bakery. Then, take in an amazing view of the city at Top of the Rock. Next, walk towards Times Square and visit Madame Tussauds, a wax museum that is always a hit with tweens. You'll be hungry for lunch at this point so I recommend Juniors Restaurant and Bakery for some delicious diner style food — and don't forget the cheesecake for dessert!

After a leisurely lunch, its time for some shopping! There are so many favorites for older kids here. The M&M store is a hit for the ability to make custom M&M's, not to mention all the fabulous clothing stores.

Have a pre-theater dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants-my personal favorite is Becco for it's 3-course all you can eat pasta and salad dinner! (As your advisor, I can even help you secure reservations ahead of time!). After dinner, it's time for your show. Enjoy!

Sleep in — you'll need it after being out late last night! Take your time in the morning, grab breakfast, and then set out for Central Park. Depending on the time of year, there are so many fun activities to be found here. There are also several food stands and carts or hit up one of the many eateries nearby. If you have a sweet tooth, don't miss Levain Bakery and their incredible cookies. Afterwards, choose between the American Museum of Natural History or the Metropolitan Museum of Art, depending on your family's interests. Explore and enjoy!

Head back towards your hotel and stop for dinner on the way. A fun and popular choice near Broadway is Gayle's Broadway Rose, a singing restaurant. They also take reservations.

Day 6 - West Village and Your Last Full Day

This is the day to anything you still want to cross off your list. I recommend checking out the West Village, for it's quaint streets, designer boutiques and trendy restaurants. You may even spot some celebrities-sure to bring smiles to even the grumpiest tween. You can also check out Union Square and Washington Square Park.

Day 7

Before heading to the airport get one last NYC Breakfast. A classic bagel shop will do the trick! My top choices are Russ & Daughters, Zabar's and Liberty Bagels.