The magic of New York City comes to life in some of our favorite kids’ movies. From “Eloise” and her charmed childhood at the Plaza Hotel, to Tom Hanks as a kid trapped in a grownup’s body in the 80’s classic, “Big.” Spend a family day in the city straight out of the most iconic scenes from these New York kids’ movies.
“Eloise:” A day in the life of Eloise would be “divine, divine, divine” as her “rawther” British nanny might say. While the first stop would of course be The Plaza, be sure to head over to the Plaza Food Hall for a peek at the Eloise Menu. The Central Park Pancakes served with maple syrup are a must-try. Next stop is to trace Eloise and Leon’s trail to the Hayden Planetarium over on Central Park West. Get lost in the stars and planets and later in the iconic Central Park across the street. Finish off your day with a horse and carriage ride and don’t forget to take a photo with the Eloise oil painting done by book illustrator, Hilary Knight, outside of the Palm Court restaurant!
“Stuart Little:” Stuart Little is not your average New Yorker, but he does a pretty good job of adjusting to the city- and his new human family- in no time at all. Chart his race by riding one of the Central Park toy sailboats as you root for a miniature yacht of your own. Follow his tiny footsteps onto a Fifth Avenue bus and enjoy the city scenery. Then, take a walk through Central Park (during the safety of the day, unlike Stuart), and visit one of the many playgrounds within the 843 acres. Be sure to also check out the Converse store down in Soho for a pair of your own signature Stuart Little red sneakers!
“Big:” Remember the famous keyboard scene at F.A.O Schwarz in the movie “Big?” On the day that scene was filmed, Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia noticed stand-ins dressed identically to them ready to jump in if they hadn’t mastered the dance. Hanks and Loggia then became determined to do the entire number on their own. And they succeeded. F.A.O Schwarz is the first stop in recreating the Big experience for a tour around the iconic toy store. You can also head down to the Paddleball Court on the corner of Thompson and Spring Streets in Soho for a look at where the tennis scene in the movie was filmed.
“Enchanted:” Step into the world of Giselle, cartoon Disney princess turned frightened New York guest after she tumbles down a magical well and finds herself in New York City. The first stop is Times Square, the busy and lit-up landmark where Giselle encounters the modern world. Next, head to Katz’s Deli to enjoy a bite to eat at the place where Giselle’s prince plots his chivalrous attempts to save her! Take a stroll through the Mall in Central Park where Giselle performs the famous “That’s How You Know” musical number.
“Home Alone 2: Lost in New York:” When 9-year-old Kevin McAllister (Macaulay Caulkin) loses his family at the airport before a holiday trip to Florida, he accidentally takes a flight to New York City, where he experiences its holiday magic, and fights off some unlucky toy story burglars. Taken in a show at Radio City Music Hall–the Christmas Spectacular starts November 7!–or at Carnegie Hall, where Kevin peeks at the stage from between the lights (they’ve got a great family concert on November 8.) Skate on Wollman Rink, where the Wet Bandits plot to rob the toy store, and (after December 3) enjoy the splendor of Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree.
