School’s out for December!

After the Christmas shopping is all done, and the holiday eating wears off, you may be searching for some fun activities to do with the family.  One of the traditions we have is heading to NYC to do the usual sightseeing.  This year we want to focus on a targeted destination that is all FREE!

Our plan: Cool train exhibit, visit the amazing NYC public library, check out Bryant Park.  (not Rockefeller but still beautiful and less crowded w/ ice skating!)

First up, Trains!!!

Photo by Zachary Stieber/The Epoch Times

From now until Feb 12, 2013, they are having a train show exhibit inside Grand Central Station, NYC.

From grandcentralterminal.com:

“Grand Central Terminal turns 100 in 2013 and we’re starting the party early with our eleventh annual Holiday Train Show!  In a brand new layout built by Lionel, model Metro-North and New York Central trains depart from a miniature Grand Central on their way North on a 34’ long, two-level “O” gauge layout.  Vintage model trains from the Museum’s collection are on display joined by stunning New York Central railroad posters harkening back to Grand Central’s heyday as the nexus of long distance and commuter train travel. Salute the Centennial with your very own Lionel Grand Central Express Passenger Set, unveiled and on sale at the Museum Store.”

Next… a little storytime….

New York Public Library

Located on 5th Ave & 42nd The NYC Public library is a great architectural building, including 2 Legos Lions inside to replicate the 2 lions statues outside.   Below we filtered what’s going on for children during Christmas week at the Schwarzman Building, Children’s Center at 42nd St.  Make sure you check out their schedule online for all events.

Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Children’s Center at 42nd St.
TIME	EVENT	AUDIENCE
MONDAY, 12/ 24/2012
4 p.m.	Preschool Storytime	Children, Pre-schoolers (3-5yrs)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012
2 p.m.	KidsLIVE presents The Paper Bag Players Saddles and Sunshine	Children, Pre-schoolers (3-5yrs), School Age (5-12 years)
	Time: First come, first served
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2012
10:30 a.m.	Toddler Storytime	Toddlers (18-36 months)
11:30 a.m.	Toddler Storytime	Toddlers (18-36 months)
2 p.m.	KidsLIVE presents 200 Years of GrimmÂ	Children, School Age (5-12 years),
	Time: First come, first served
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2012
12 noon	Family Crafts: Polar Bear Puppets	Children, Pre-schoolers (3-5 years), School Age (5-12 years)
	Time: First come, first served
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2012
11:30 a.m.	Family Read Aloud	Children, Pre-schoolers (3-5 years), School Age (5-12 years)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2012
3 p.m.	Family Read Aloud	Children
MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012
4 p.m.	Preschool Storytime	Children, Pre-schoolers (3-5 years)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2013
2 p.m.	Showtime! Children’s Films	Children, Pre-schoolers (3-5 years), School Age (5-12 years)
THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013
10:30 a.m.	Toddler Storytime	Children, Toddlers (18-36 months)
11:30 a.m.	Toddler Storytime	Children, Toddlers (18-36 months)
SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2013
11:30 a.m.	Family Read Aloud	Children

Finally… our 3rd stop

Taken from Bryant Park’s Facebook Cover Photo

Bryant park

Bryant Park is an amazing Holiday treasure, with its own Christmas Tree, Ice skating rink, outdoors holidays stores selling trinkets like star wars figures made out of scrap metal, delicous waffles apple ciders, and this beautiful area is much less crowded than Rockefeller Center.

Check out http://bryantpark.org/

Check out our little cheat sheet graphic to bring with you to NYC:

Click on image to go to google maps..