New York, New York....In My Dreams!!

My brother and sister-n-law are traveling to New York in the summer and suggested I give them a "things to do" list! Kind of funny for me to help them with an itinerary as I am one of the few in our family that has never been! I decided that since I do dream of going there some day, that I would make a list of  activities that interest me...probably many that most of you have enjoyed, but I do it in hopes that I can receive feedback on what to see and what not to see for when I finally get to go. At any rate this "itinerary" can turn into a great resource when I do finally make it to the Big Apple.
First thought when thinking of visiting New York is, do I really want make it a family? Would my four kids...mainly my younger ones, have fun? Of the places I want to visit, I am not sure my children would enjoy. After researching a bit I have come to the conclusion that taking four kids to New York can be a wonderfully fun learning experience, but I have also realized some of my interests would be put on the backburner and saved for a future trip with no kids.
I think this list has a bit of interest for every new visitor to New York young and old alike, but please let me know if they are worth the time to visit.

Day 1 options:
Central Park-visitors center, take a guided tour (the castle tour sounds intriguing), ride the carousel, and let kids play on the multiple playgrounds.
Time's Square-offer free tours every Friday at noon
Macy's Dept store-mainly to ride the original wood escalator built in 1902...What can I say?? I love
    the history!
Empire State Bldg.-Is it worth it with a possible two hour wait to reach the top though??

Day 2 options:
Statue of Liberty and possible island hop to Ellis Island
WTC monument
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

Day 3 options:
Visit America's largest dinosaur museum
Travel North about 50 miles to Bear Mtn State Park for hiking or paddle boat rides on the lake
Coney Island
Visit the Wing Fort House which is the oldest home in New England...built in the mid-1600's!!! It is located in East Sandwich, Mass.

Of course, the optimal trip would include a Broadway show...ideally without kids!

I assume this is a very basic list, mostly of the main attractions for first timers. In reality it would take longer than 3-4 days to see other key sights that New York is famous for. If I had my way I would take a road trip through New York to Niagara Falls, visit many historical sights or travel to other states in close proximity.

Utah's Prehistory Week 2013

Utah's Prehistory week begins May 4, 2013 with activities taking place throughout the state. This archaeological focus takes place each May around the same time. In the past we have went to the opening celebration at the Rio Grande station in Salt Lake City where they had tons of free activities going on including many for the kids. We have also traveled out to Wendover where they have done field trip tours of Danger Cave (cave with evidence of ancient Indian existence)...which I noticed is not being offered as an event as of now.

This year our ideal plan is to travel to Price, Utah and visit their Prehistoric museum, which is celebrating the beginning of prehistory week with a free family day. It usually costs around $5 so I am hoping this fee is waived for the day! I would also love to attend the Nine Mile Canyon field trip happening the following Sat. (May 11th), but it has been noted that it is an all day thing that I am afraid my kids would find tiresome.

We will possibly take our trailer and stay the night or stay overnight at Greenwell Inn which has been recommended by a friend who says her kids love the cool swimming pool there. They even have rooms with three queen beds which is much more accommodating for our family of six. (Priced at around $110)

If you are interested in some great prehistory learning activities to share with your kids check out the links and see what activities you can attend. Finding out about our state's ancient history is an amazing experience!!

Uintah Mountain Yurt Experience

This past week we were finally able to go on our cross country ski yurt trip. As it drew closer I had to admit I was getting nervous about taking the kids into the backcountry in the winter. In our yurt info packet we  received it constantly warned against potential danger, suggested numerous items to bring in preparation for sleeping outdoors, and also highly recommend going on the orientation tour to become familiar with the yurt experience. I am happy to say that for the most part it was a memorable and safe family adventure that allowed for much cooperation and support among each member of our family.

We traveled roughly 2 1/2 hours from American Fork to the Lily Lake Trailhead parking lot 27 miles south of Evanston, Wyo. On the way, we stopped at REI off 33rd in Salt Lake to rent skis for Porter. ($8-$16 depending on if you are a member or not)

The trail was fairly easy to identify although the group on snowshoes, coming in the next day to take our place at the yurt started down a snowmobile trail which probably would have left them on the opposite side of the ravine from where the yurt was. If possible I would totally recommend going on an orientation tour just to become familiar with the trails and yurts you may be traveling to.

The 1 1/2 mile trail we traveled on was good for our family except for the dip into the ravine and back out again. We took off our skis and snow hiked it down and up. My husband's makeshift sled was not ideal for our little two year old.

It was constantly tipping over, and at one tip over he still managed to finish stuffing his trail mix into his mouth as he laid in the snow. After the first tip over of the next day he was done and had an emotional breakdown. Mom had to carry him out over a mile back to the car. Yes, I still had to carry my backpack. Needless to say I was sore the next day, and didn't ski as much as I intended to.
Our little 4 yr. old insisted on skiing in and out and it was his first time on skis so I am sure you can imagine how painfully slow we progressed along the trail. What could take beginner-intermediate older skiers 1-2 hrs to their destination, it took us almost double!!! But he loved it!!

Our overnight stay at the yurt was definitely rustic which the kids were not used to. It took a lot longer to make meals as we had to boil water, make a fire in the fireplace, and walk to the outhouse for potty breaks.

 

There were six large bunks that could easily fit two people each if they are of average size. Our family of six all slept on three lower bunks. Several of us did not sleep well in the yurt though. Between the sounds of mice scratching around, hoping the fire would keep us warm through the night, and me personally worrying about keeping myself and my pillow inside my sleeping bag so I didn't have to touch the yucky sleeping mats made it difficult to go and/or stay asleep. Yes, it has been a long time since I have had a rustic experience. I was not used to the uncleanliness of the situation, but I survived, and I would do it again!!!

 

See previous post for links to receive more info on having your own snow adventure! Yurts can also be reserved in the summer as well which I think would add a little less adventure, but just as much fun.