Multigenerational Travel: Awesome Activities to Do with the Grandparents

Are you planning a trip to New York City for your entire family? With sites and attractions for all ages, the Big Apple offers plenty of activities that will delight both kids and grandparents. These must-see attractions appeal to all generations and are the perfect way to explore New York City on your next family trip.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Taking a ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is a fantastic option for those who want to teach their children or grandchildren about the history of America through the eyes of immigrants. Enjoy the breathtaking views of New York City from the crown or pedestal observatory in the Statue of Liberty or explore the Statue of Liberty Museum to learn more about the design and history of the statue.

After visiting the Statue of Liberty, the ferry will take you to Ellis Island where more than 12 million immigrants first set foot in America. Galleries and interactive kiosks tell the stories of immigrants, and activity books are available to keep children engaged. Parents and grandparents will enjoy tracing their own family history as they explore artifacts, videos, and oral histories.

The Mall in Central Park

Lined with towering elm trees that form a natural canopy, this pedestrian esplanade runs through the middle of Central Park and is one of the largest remaining stands of American Elms in North America. The promenade leads to the beautiful Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, and the Literary Walk at the southern end of the Mall is home to statues of several well-known literary figures, including William Shakespeare, Sir Walter Scott, and others. Street performers, vendors, and locals alike gather on this popular walkway, making it the perfect spot for the whole family to relax, people watch, and escape the bustle of the busy city streets.

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Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

Located in the heart of Times Square, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is perfect for families and children of all ages. The over 200 lifelike wax figures include musicians, movie stars, politicians, and cultural icons like Albert Einstein, Abraham Lincoln, Taylor Swift, Iron Man, and King Kong. Taking selfies with the figures is highly encouraged, and the museum offers numerous interactive experiences for everyone to enjoy. Your entire family can interact with superheroes in the Marvel 4D Experience, embark on a tropical adventure in Kong: Skull Island, and search for ghosts in the Ghostbusters Experience.

Bronx Zoo

This New York City treasure is the largest urban zoo in the U.S. and is revered for its vast animal collection. Children, parents, and grandparents will all enjoy getting up close to a wide variety of animals including bears, crocodiles, lions, and monkeys. The Bronx Zoo is extremely child-friendly and includes the Children’s Zoo, where children can pet donkeys, sheep, and goats. Children also love exploring the Treetop Adventure and Nature Trek, where they can zipline, build forts, and climb through obstacle courses. Outside food is permitted, so feel free to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy when everyone is ready for a break.

DiMenna Children’s History Museum

Housed in the New York Historical Society, the DiMenna Children’s History Museum offers entertaining exhibits and games for children to learn about 350 years of American and New York history. Everything in the museum is child sized, including a map of the five boroughs, and stories are told from the perspective of famous New Yorkers from when they were children. The museum is designed to explore in one day and is an entertaining way for your entire family to learn more about the city’s history and the lives of the famous people who have called it home.

Jeffrey Ferraro is Director of Marketing and Sales at Diamond Tours, America’s leader in group bus tours. With over 20 years of experience in the bus tour industry, he enjoys sharing his knowledge to inform and inspire others to experience something new and make memories. Learn more about Diamond Tours on Select Traveler Conference.

Laurissa Jane Music

Laurissa Jane Music Studio is a dedicated institution that offers a solid foundation for students to explore the captivating world of music and arts. With experienced instructors, we offer private and group lessons in piano, voice, and guitar, for all ages and skill levels. We provide year-round training for renowned programs such as NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) and ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music). LJMS runs an annual Summer Musical Theatre Arts Program from July-August which offers a creative environment for young individuals with a passion for acting, singing, and dancing. We are proud to serve the vibrant communities of Jamaica Queens and can also provide classes virtually. At LJMS, we firmly believe in the transformative power of the arts. Call us today!

Incarnation Camp

Wilderness adventure &amp; classic summer camp fun! Located in coastal Connecticut, on over 700 wooded acres surrounding a mile-long private lake, Incarnation Camps are the country's oldest co-ed camps.&nbsp; Since 1886, we have provided a fun-filled, traditional camp with experiential learning and group living in the outdoors.&nbsp; We guide campers through well-rounded &amp; adventurous programs that develop an appreciation for nature &amp; celebrate the uniqueness of each individual.&nbsp; We offer both overnight and day camp programs on our property and serve over 1000 campers each summer through our various programs.

Extreme STEAM Science Kids at Park Shore

If your child has a passion for science and technology, our unique educational summer program is tailor-made for them! Immerse your young scientist in a world of robotics, mechanical and electrical engineering, coding, science, art, and mathematics, all while ensuring a fun and engaging learning experience. Housed in our state-of-the-art three-story STEAM Science Center and Hydroponics Grow Lab on our expansive 15-acre campus, the program goes beyond the ordinary. Our thematic 2-week sessions, designed for grades 1-5, are carefully crafted to stimulate curiosity in science and foster the development of essential 21st Century Skills. From hands-on experiments to exciting projects, your child will explore the wonders of STEAM subjects in a dynamic and supportive environment. The learning experience extends beyond the classroom with scientific field trips that enhance the understanding of real-world applications. These excursions provide a valuable opportunity for students to witness the practical implications of the concepts they learn in the program. The morning program is just the beginning; we offer the flexibility to extend the day, allowing your child to delve into all the amazing activities Park Shore has to offer. From engaging in outdoor adventures to participating in creative arts and athletic activities, the options are vast, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching summer experience. Enrolling now for the Summer of 2024 comes with the added benefit of Early Rates, making this educational journey not only enriching but also affordable. Don't miss out on the opportunity to spark your child's love for learning and exploration. Join us for a summer filled with discovery, creativity, and endless possibilities!