New York City
(contd.)
Take a trip on the Staten Island Ferry (free) for that billion dollar skyline view and visit Battery Park, the financial district and the World Trade Center Memorial. To eat: La Mela on Mulberry Street is one of the only restaurants in the city where kids eat free with a paying adult. Dumplings on Mosco Street in Chinatown is where you can get five homemade dumplings for $1! Twin Mom Tip (from a native New Yorker): Almost all hotel lobbies have a bathroom; use them. The subway is the fastest way to get around and kids under 44” ride for free on all public transportation. Taxis only take four passengers, so larger families should consider a limo service like Lincoln Car Service (212) 571-2828. They have great rates and large cars. Many museums have free or pay-as-youwish days. Call ahead to see if one of the days will fit your schedule. For safety, consider writing your cell number on the inside of your childrens’ jackets or buying wristbands with it on it (Mabel’s Labels). It’s a big city, so have a plan in case one of your kids gets out of eyesight. Check family websites like New York Family Magazine and local blogs for up-to-date tourist info. ~ natalie
Austin, Texas
Seattle, Washington
To eat: TacoDeli’s breakfast tacos are divine, as is Thursday’s special, scallop tacos. Kerbey Lane is open 24 hours and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all day long. They focus on cooking affordable, locallygrown food. It’s known as funky, family-friendly and very Austin. Last but not least, check out Phil’s Burger House, a terrific burger joint with a playground for the kids. Right next door is Amy’s Ice Cream where you can get yummy ice cream with “crush’ns.”
To eat: Check out local favorites like Anthony’s Bell Street Diner, the Cheesecake Factory (for more variety for kids), or the Old Spaghetti Factory.
To stay: Hyatt Regency Austin, located on Lady Bird Lake in the middle of Austin, or The Driskill, an iconic hotel located in the middle of downtown Austin within walking distance to the State Capital, Congress Avenue, Sixth Street, and so much more.
To do: The Seattle Center includes Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, EMP Museum, Childrens Museum, Pacific Science Center, International Fountain, and the Space Needle. Use Seattle Great Wheel to tour Seattle by land and water on a World War II amphibious landing craft.
To do: Zilker Park, a 351-acre park in the heart of Austin, has a variety of things for families to enjoy. Or for something different, check out Glow Bowl at the Texas Union Underground.
To stay: Edgewater Hotel, which is located on the waterfront, offers rooms with gas fireplaces, pine furnishings, plush comforters, and great views of the Puget Sound. The Olive 8 Hyatt in Seattle offers great shopping, and also offers spa packages for mom and a fabulous pool for the kids. The Four Seasons Hotel has an outdoor pool and offers a great welcome package to all kids if you provide the names and ages of each child prior to arrival.
Twin Mom Tip: Visit in March or October when temperatures are ideal. Weekends during these months are packed full of special events, concerts, and festivals. Check out event calendars for something your family might enjoy. ~ kristi m.
Twin Mom Tips: A visit to the Pike Place Market with fun shops and the “GUM” wall are a must. Woodland Park is always fun, too! Seattle offers the Seattle Link Light Rail from Sea-Tac Airport to downtown Seattle. Children under 6 are free. ~ jana s. --- contd. pg. 38
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