New York City

Since the covid pandemic, I’ve been meaning to travel a bit more. Now that the little one is a walkin’ and talkin’ toddler, I’m excited to show her some of my favorite cities here in the United States, and perhaps around the world.

So to start off right, I took her to a place that equally doesn’t get enough sleep!

NYC is a cultural hub that is full of life and energy. With countless neighborhoods to explore, there's always something new to see and do, whether you're into art, music, food, or shopping. Some must-see attractions include the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and Times Square. And let's not forget about the amazing food scene, with everything from street vendors to Michelin-starred restaurants. You'll never run out of things to do in this city that never sleeps!

Toddler safety in the New York City subway is an important issue that requires attention. Make sure to always keep a close eye on your child and hold their hand when navigating through the subway system. Be aware of gaps between the platform and the train, and keep strollers and other large items away from the edge. Always follow posted signs and announcements, and report any safety concerns to MTA staff immediately.

One of the many reasons to visit New York City is the endless amount of neighborhoods to explore. Each neighborhood has its own unique vibe and charm, and it's a pleasure to discover each one of them.

LETS TALK FOOD!

The food scene in New York City is simply amazing. From food trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants, there's something for every budget and taste. We had the pleasure of experiencing some delicious culinary surprises.

Savory beef plate with rice noodles meal served at **Thái Sơn** Vietnamese Cuisine located at 89 Baxter St, New York, NY 10013

The above images were taken at Flame located at 100 W 82nd St #5502, New York, NY 10024. We didn’t have reservations, so they weren’t able to accommodate a hibachi table, but the food was still worth the visit. I enjoyed hot green tea, a dim sum sampler, and tuna tartare.

We had just about half the menu at **Dim Sum Palace** located at 28 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019. This is definitely a restaurant I would like to return to. Everything on the menu was served fresh and hot! It was my first time trying chrysanthemum tea, and while it was not my favorite, I actually feel it helped get rid of my stubborn cold.

This might be what the locals consider an overrated place, but that didn’t stop us from biting into delicious, mushy, moist, chocolate chip cookies, and a latte to wash it all down. Don’t hesitate to stop by the **Levain Bakery** on the Upper West Side.

THE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

The American Museum of Natural History is a must-visit for families with children. The museum is home to an incredible collection of exhibits that explore the natural world, from prehistoric dinosaurs to the depths of the ocean. Children can marvel at the towering skeletons of ancient creatures or get up close with live animals in the Butterfly Conservatory. The museum also offers interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and hands-on activities that make learning about science and nature fun and engaging. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that the American Museum of Natural History is a favorite destination for families visiting New York City.

DID YOU KNOW?

If you receive SNAP benefits, there are a number of museums in NYC (and more than 1,000 in the United States) you can visit for a discounted fee or even for free! Visit museums4all.org for more information.

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART

The MET is one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the world. It houses a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the globe, ranging from ancient times to the present day. Visitors can explore galleries filled with paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and more. The museum also has an extensive collection of American art, as well as a collection of costumes and textiles. With so much to see and do, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must-visit destination for art lovers visiting New York City.

The Museum of Modern Art

While you might be reluctant to take a toddler to an art museum, Aria was quite interested in gazing upon some of the pieces on display here.

The MoMA is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the world. Its collection includes works of painting, sculpture, photography, film, design, and performance art created after the late 19th century. Some of the most famous artworks in the museum's collection include Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night," Salvador Dali's "The Persistence of Memory," and Pablo Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon." In addition to its permanent collection, MoMA also hosts temporary exhibitions, film screenings, and educational programs.