Linda Grant of NYC Single Mom, who lives in downtown Manhattan, shares with us her top five recommended summer getaways she believes every child should experience. She is the single mother by choice (through adoption) of an 8-year-old girl.
Summer is upon us and for my daughter and me, it means mostly a break from the daily routine. As a child, my parents blended fun, family, and new experiences into our summer and I like doing the same for my daughter. I will always remember spending time with cousins at my grandparent’s home, driving cross country, hanging at the beach with my Japanese grandmother and trips to Disneyland (yes, Disneyland not Disney World).
I think every child should look back on their summers with joy and happiness and of course, memories to fill a book and regale their friends with when they are older.
Here are 5 Summer Getaways Every Child Should Experience:
1. Weekend Trip to Another City
Last year, we went to Philadelphia for a weekend and had a fantastic time learning about the Liberty Bell, Benjamin Franklin, cobble stones, the Declaration of Independence, and so much more. Visiting another city offers your child the chance to learn about this great country of ours.
2. Visiting a New Playground
New York City is filled with playgrounds, but we have a tendency to visit the same ones every year. Why not plan a day trip to another part of the city or even aghast another borough, pick a fan favorite diner and explore a different part of the city. Make it even more fun, invite friends and make it a big playdate. It’s like a day trip in your home town.
3. Explore a New Museum– New York City is filled with museums but we have a tendency to visit The Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum (Rooftop Garden is now open) and Children’s Museum which are all popular amongst both kids and adults. Why not find a museum that fits your child’s interest like a science museum or an aquarium.
4. Visiting Disney World
Disney World is one of those iconic summer experiences every child and/or adult should experience. There is so much to do and see that there is no way, your child will not have the best summer of their life. Last year, we went to Disney World and I think my daughter will forever remember her first Disney World trip, especially her Cinderella breakfast at the Magic Kingdom and so will I. (Before you go on that Disney trip or other big family vacation, consider giving your kids the Summer Trip Pep Talk.)
5. Spend a Week with the Family
I have fond memories spending the summer with my grandparents. My daughter is a tad too young but I think that every child should spend a week with grandparents or an aunt/uncles. Spending quality time with family is important for children so they can really to get to know their cousins and/or grandparents.
As we head into the last weeks of school, the summer is already half planned and I can’t wait for the fun to begin and we can make another summer of memories.
Linda Grant is a New York City mom. She blogs at NYC Single Mom.
What are your top summer vacation spots for kids? Share them in the comments below and check out what our local dad Guest Blogger picks as his top 5 summer getaways for kids.
