Here’s an updated guide with equally fun, but more conservative spending options if you are staying in town this holiday break. You can follow the full 5-day span, cherry pick your adventures or mix these with my Splurgy Edition recommendations. And don’t forget this to check out my “Traveling to the City with Kids 101.”
DAY ONE
Vacation week will start off with weather in the 50s, so my plan is to get outside!
Recommendation: visit the Shu Swamp Preserve Loop Trail in Mill Neck, NY.
Admission and parking is free. Upon parking you will spot a trail map. Our family of 5 did the red trail loop. CC, the baby, was 1.5 years old. He was carried a little, then walked a little through the flatter segments and finally fell asleep in the carrier after we stopped for a snack. The trail itself is unique in the some of the walkways are paved with wood chips and you’ll walk over a swamp (bring fish snack!). Our kids enjoyed writing and drawing in the muddy sections (you will see why it is called swamp). Right now would be a great time of the year for this hike as it will be less “buggy."
Cost: Free
DAY TWO
Take a trip to the city!
Recommendation: Go watch a show at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater in Central Park (the Upper West Side).
This is a lovely marionette theater that is located in a quaint little cottage in Central Park. The theater is in its last weeks of their “Wake Up, Daisy!” production. This show is a modern twist on Sleeping Beauty, a perfect fit for kids of any gender. This 45-minute show is scheduled twice a day at 11:00 am or 1:00 pm daily until December 31 to enjoy this fun performance. If your kids have not been to the theater this relaxing environment might be a good place to start.
Cost: Children are $8 and Adults (over 16) are $12.
Add on: Christmas Windows + Rockefeller Center! After the 1:00 pm show grab a snack. Then walk over to the East Side of the Park towards 5th Avenue where you will take the M3 down 5th Avenue to 59th Street. Walk down 5th Avenue from there towards Rockefeller Center and enjoy the beautiful holiday windows along the way. At Rockefeller Center enjoy the tree and a glimpse of ice skating. Pop into St. Patrick’s Cathedral for a quick appreciation of its grandeur and architecture. The LEGO store across the street is also a fun place to browse. From there take the quick train ride via the D/F trains to Macy's Herald Square for a viewing of their beautiful Christmas display.
Cost: Free
DAY THREE
Stay local, go ice skating!
Here are three fine choices in order of cost:
- World Ice Arena Skating Rink in Flushing Meadows (this can be turned into a half-a-day trip!) $8 weekdays and $12 for weekends. Skate rental $6.
Add on: visit the Queens Museum and see the enormous Panorama of the City of New York - a 9,000 square foot 3D model of New York City, including all its boroughs! Walk over to the Unisphere (giant globe) and take fun pictures, enjoy the food vendors usually located there. Entrance to the museum if pay-as-you-wish.
- Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink in Great Neck, $9 for nonresidents and $7 for children under 16. Skate rental $5.
- Port Washington Skating Center $18 per person. Skate rental $5.
DAY FOUR
Recommendation: Museum of Natural History!
I am recommending this as an all-day activity because it can be. However, this can also be combined with the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater for a 2 for 1 day in the city.
Download the free “Explorer” app - like a Google maps for the museum. Our favorite kid-friendly exhibitions are Human Origins, Gems Exhibition, Family Hall of Ocean Life (big blue whale on ceiling), North American mammals (because it’s next door) and the entire 4th floor because that is where the dinosaurs are located. There are a couple cafes here and there with limited options, but our go-to is the cafeteria located in the Lower Level where you will find reasonably priced meals and snacks. Protip: Don’t forget to bring your own water bottles as there are water stations throughout the museum. Strollers and coats can be checked.
COST: Admission to the museum is pay-as you-wish for NY-NJ-CT residents. There is no pressure to pay more than what you wish or can afford.
DAY FIVE
There are a few more ways to fill up this final day. I could suggest getting a free museum pass to more city or local museums or Sands Point Conservancy at your local library, or book readings and a walkthrough Christmas experience at Hicks, but my pick for the fifth day is the Midnight on Main New Years Eve celebration in Patchogue! DJ, food trucks (or bring your own), free party hats and noise makers, plus a countdown beginning a few minutes before 9:00 pm. A free, fun and child-friendly way to bring in the New Year! Party begins at 7:00 pm.
COST: Free! Bring your own beverages and food or enjoy from available food and beverage vendors.
