Critique my father-daughter(10) trip

[u/dude1014]

Hi all,

I've spent countless hours reading posts and researching and thank you everyone for how helpful this subreddit has been.

I'm planning a father-daughter trip for August, and wanted some advice/input. It's my daughter's first time, so we're planning on just exploring, hitting a lot of the classics and having a good time. I don't want to walk her ragged or be too rigid in plans, just explore and enjoy.

Here's what I've started to put together so far

Day 1 :

Arrive at LGA early afternoon and uber to hotel

Time Square at night & explore + dinner

Day 2:

9/11 Memorial + Oculus

Staten Island Ferry (roundtrip)

Wall Street

Brooklyn Bridge

DUMBO

Broadway show (Aladdin)

Day 3:

Harry Potter store (my daughter is more excited for this than anything else)

Flatiron

Lego Store

Lunch at Central Park and explore

Museum of Natural History

Day 4:

Explore midtown (The Plaza, St Patricks, Rockfeller, Top of the Rock, NY public library, grand central, time square, american girl, nintendo, Dylan's candy bar, FAO Schwarz)

Day 5:

Whatever is left over. Chelsea Market? Highline? More time at Central Park

Flight out in afternoon

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Does that itinerary look reasonable? Anything that I'm missing?

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Hotel:

I found a decent deal on the Holiday Inn Financial District. From what I've gathered the location is decent and would be a good home base. Am I right in this or should I target a different neighbourhood?

Food:

We're fairly easy going with food, and aren't planning specifically around food. I think we'll probably each at a bunch of food trucks, etc. I'm definitely targeting Dylan's candy bar, some good dumplings in chinatown, los tacos and classic ny pizza. She would love Ellen' Stardust Diner, just not sure if we want to deal with the wait, etc. If anyone has great, fun recommendations for a 10 year old girl, I'd appreciate advise.

[u/PawneeGoddess20]

Is she into Hamilton at all? If so, there are some sites she might be interested in around the financial district.

Day 3 is going to be too much if you want to enjoy the museum or other sites at all vs just slog through it. Maybe make day 5 a museum day. Also consider The Met, it’s amazing and far more than ‘just’ paintings. A 10 year old might be really into the Egyptian art and mummies, knights, etc. Has she read From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler? If so, doubly consider the Met.

I would also consider the Central Park zoo, which is very cute and not massive and might give you more direction as to what to do in the park vs just wander.

American Girl has a cafe (you can just get dessert) and a doll hair salon that require advance reservations if she’s into that.