New York, Through His Eyes: An October weekend of ferry rides, LEGO joy, and unexpected perspective.
There’s something about New York City that feels almost… mythical. Like it’s too big to plan for, too iconic to get “just right.” Which is kind of hilarious, considering I’ve planned entire trips across Europe. But New York? She’s a whole different energy. The epicenter of cities. The boss level of urban travel. So when our son turned 9 and we were living in D.C. (just a quick train ride away), we decided it was time to pull off a surprise birthday weekend in the Big Apple. Spoiler: He asked to go to the LEGO store. Naturally, we said yes
We kept things flexible but knew we wanted to hit a few key spots—Ellis Island, Central Park, and yes, all the LEGOs his little heart desired. We walked a ton, mixed in public transportation, and embraced the New York of it all. The people. The pace. The pure magic of just being there.
Let’s start with Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. It was a drizzly, gray October day, and still—completely worth it. The ferry ride offered a stunning view of the city skyline, and the museum itself is deeply moving, even if you’re nine and only halfway interested. There’s something about being in that space, standing in the halls where so many immigrants first arrived, that makes you take a beat. It mattered.
From there, we headed into Central Park, and okay—wow. It was one of those crisp, golden-lit fall afternoons that feels like a movie set. We climbed rocks, watched skateboarders, wandered the paths, and stumbled on playgrounds like little gifts tucked into the landscape. It’s classic New York for a reason.
We also visited the 9/11 Memorial, which felt important. Our son wasn’t alive then, and being there helped him understand a piece of history that shaped everything. Quiet, powerful, beautifully done.
Now let’s talk food, because no NYC post is complete without it. We based ourselves near Hell’s Kitchen, which turned out to be the best call. This neighborhood—stretching from 34th to 59th, west of 8th Ave—is an eclectic mix of grit, history, and seriously good food. It was once home to Irish immigrants and crime syndicates, and now it’s a buzzy blend of old-school flavor and modern charm. We loved it.
Dinner at Norma (a cozy Sicilian spot) was dreamy—think wood-fired pizza, homemade pasta, and eating alfresco under string lights like you’re in a different country. Another night we hit Rancho Tequileria for tacos and tequila (us, not the 9-year-old). Great food, even better vibe.
And then came the LEGO Store. If you have a kid, or a nostalgic heart, this place is peak joy. Two floors of wild creativity, massive builds, and of course, birthday-present selection magic. Our son was wide-eyed the entire time. And to top it off, we stopped by the Krispy Kreme flagship store, because warm donuts after LEGO joy? That’s peak parenting.
We walked through Times Square, of course—it’s loud and bright and a little overwhelming, but it’s one of those things you have to do once. That said, I probably wouldn’t stay there a long time. It’s more of a see-it-then-keep-it-moving situation.
There’s something about seeing the city through your kid’s eyes that softens it—makes it feel a little less intimidating, and a lot more fun. And in the midst of all the big city noise—the boats and billboards, the pizza slices and LEGO bricks—it was the quiet moments that stuck. Watching him take in the 9/11 Memorial, asking questions at Ellis Island, sitting still on a rock in Central Park just watching it reminded me that sometimes the best way to see a place is to slow down and look through someone else’s eyes. Especially when those eyes are full of wonder. That was the unexpected perspective. And it made New York feel entirely new.
Have a favorite NYC spot—hidden gem, must-eat, or memory you’ll never forget? Tell us everything in the comments. We’re already dreaming up the next trip.