How to read your way to a classic NYC kid

Posted on July 19th, 2007 by mommy

There's an undeniable charm to the idea of the classic NYC kid. Precocious, worldly, outspoken and feisty; whether you're just visiting NYC with a child or raising your own specimen, you can enjoy imagining your child as one of these feisty tots.

There are a host of books that will set the stage and act as a primer for aspiring Eloises and children will enjoy reading about the familiar places and connecting their lives with the ones in the book.

For younger children Eloise is an obvious place to start and an outing for tea at the Plaza is a perfect accompaniment to the book. After tea, walk into Central Park and visit the Central Park Zoo as depicted in One Sunday Morning. Take time to listen to the chimes of the Delacorte Clock ring out favorite children's rhymes.

Other classic NYC kid activities include a ride on the carousel or sailing a boat in the conservatory water. Whatever you do, don't rush. To be a true classic NYC kid is to live in your own precious world that you own as depicted in The House on East 88th Street. NYC runs around you. You never run around it. To that end perhaps a slow carriage ride around central park would be nice.

For older kids Harriet the Spy, Superfudge, The Cricket in Times Square, and Stuart Little all romanticize NYC childhoods in a way sure to charm young readers. An outing to Serendipity for frozen hot chocolate and a trip over the Roosevelt Island Tram should recreate the magic of being a kid in NYC for them in real life.

What do you think is magical or special about raising kids in NYC? Leave a response.

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My kids love being in NYC.

Submitted by Eric (not verified) on July 24, 2007 - 3:27pm.

My kids love being in NYC. The older one at 5 commutes with me every school day through the subways and knows most of the F and 4/5/6 lines. After the steam explosion his mom was worried about how to get downtown to 1st Ave and 34th, a trip they normally run by the M15 bus. The 5 year old did not miss a beat and said Mommy lets take the F down to 34th and then take the crosstown bus. She was floored.

Hey Mommy, I am glad you

Submitted by Eric (not verified) on August 6, 2007 - 6:49am.

Hey Mommy,

I am glad you liked the site. My plan is to do that post about activities on the island and about life here in the River. If you are interested in seeing what Movie night is like today's post presents a short video peek. Be well.

Hi, Eric, I just checked out

Submitted by mommy (not verified) on August 5, 2007 - 8:27pm.

Hi, Eric,
I just checked out your Roosevelt Island blog. Love it! I see you posted about outdoor movie nights there. I hope you'll keep us updated with Roosevelt Island activities!

There are 8 million magical

Submitted by Bill Amstutz (not verified) on July 19, 2007 - 6:54am.

There are 8 million magical things in New York, and NY city kids are lucky to grow up amoungst them all. It is the amazing diversity.

And culture. There are a couple of guys who play jazz on the corner near out apartment building a couple times a month, and I have become friendly with them. Now my five year old gets excited when they're out there. "Your JAZZ guys are there Daddy," he'll say. I didn't even know what jazz was until I was a teenager.

I also get a kick out of how quickly they become experts at transportation alternatives. The subway, the bus, taxis, car service, the train, walking, biking, stroller, scooter - these kids get around. And they develop their preferences. "I don't wanna take the M4, Daddy, Let's take a taxi!!"