Girly Family Fun On A Budget in NYC

This blog is for my friend Chantale, who's taking two teenage girls down to NYC this weekend and asked me if I had any tips.  I hate to admit, the first thing that popped into my mind after hearing "two teenage girls" was... hide your wallet!  I can't exactly speak from experience, having never gone to New York City with a teenage girl, but if it's any consolation I often have similar tastes as teenage girls (just not for Abercrombie clothes and Justin Bieber).

First and foremost, this is a family trip, so while you're trying to save a buck, you still want to make sure you're traveling safe and staying somewhere safe.  Luckily, pretty much all forms of public transportation in New York City are safe and kid friendly.  In addition, you might enjoy a ride in a doubledecker bus for a hop on/hop off tour, which doubles as your mode of transportation when traveling from one tourist site to another.  The New York City Pass is a good value if you're aiming to hit a bunch of tourist destinations, and it's always cheaper for a kids pass, further savings can be had if you buy a New York Pass and Bus Tour together.  Empire State Building, Madame Tussaud's, River Cruise... you will quickly get your money's worth.

Teens are definitely old enough to enjoy a wide variety of shows on (and off) Broadway.  I haven't quite mastered the technique of getting cheap theatre tickets yet, but for starters you could sign up at playbill.com for discount codes to various shows.  There is the booth for same day discount tickets at Times Square, but I find the lines too daunting.  I had some luck during my last trip getting same day tickets right at the box office for a show that was still in previews (Nice Work If You Can Get It), where there were still a number of sections available.  The trick is to buy the cheapest seats, keep an eye out for empty seats in a section further up, and swoop in on them once the lights go down, or during intermission.  I managed to get from the second last row to front mezzanine.

Regardless of who you're traveling with or how old they are, it's always a good idea to check out a park or two.  Central Park is the obvious destination, you can rent bikes, or have a picnic, or both!  It's an economical and fun way to spend the afternoon.  Don't forget the famous F.A.O. Schwarz toy store is just south of the park.  If you want to stay closer to Midtown there's Bryant Park with its beautiful carousel.  The High Line Park has also been recommended to me, a former elevated railway now reclaimed and rebuilt into a public park above the streets of Manhattan’s West Side.

When it comes to food, it's harder to make recommendations as everyone has different tastes.  New York is known for its pizza and street food though, I don't think having a pretzel for lunch one day ever hurt anyone.  And what is one type of food almost everyone can agree on?  Candy!  Ok, it's not cheap, but Dylan's Candy Bar is worth a visit.  From the bulk bins to the nostalgia chocolate bars (plus the occasional free sample!), there will something for everyone regardless of their age.

Finally let's get girly, you can't go to New York City in August without a little back to school clothing and accessory shopping, right?  So while you're in the Empire State Building area, on the ground level look for the entrance to Strawberry, which is like a Winners for young ladies (and once in a while you'll find me in there too, usually buying one of pair of every shoe).  Not far away on 34th Street is Forever 21, with a selection that puts its Toronto branches to shame.  Keep walking west on 34th Street and you'll walk right into Macy's, which needs no introduction -- remember to show your passport at the customer service desk for your visitor discount card.  While in Soho, be sure to check out Yellow Rat Bastard for the best t-shirt selection including Paul Frank, Toki-doki, and more.  You won't find anything like em here at home.  If you're near the Flatiron building, head north on Broadway or swing over to Avenue of the Americas or 7th Avenue and you'll see a lot of beauty supply stores, nail polish in every colour of the rainbow and walls of hair and beauty supplies await you in those stores.  It is the city of $10 manicures after all (oh yeah, maybe get one of those too!)

Chantale, I hope you and the girls have a terrific time in the Big Apple.  It's cool to be a little fiesty, New Yorkers like to see that in their women.  Make sure to have a red velvet cupcake and a black & white cookie, and get yourselves to the top of the Rock(efeller) or Empire State Building.  Have fun! xo