Unforgettable Mother-Daughter Adventure in NYC: Highlights from Our 4-Day NYC Trip
- Samantha Brizgis
- Sep 12
- 5 min read
There's something genuinely enchanting about a mother-daughter trip, especially in the lively, ever-buzzing streets of New York City. Our four-day adventure was packed with iconic sights, delicious food, and a boatload of laughter. Here’s a detailed look at our itinerary, highlighting experiences that not only entertained us but also strengthened our bond.
Thursday: Arrival and Broadway Magic
We kicked off our trip on Thursday with a visit to the 9/11 Memorial. Standing in the space where the Twin Towers once stood, we reflected on the strength and unity of the city and its people. This memorial, which features two substantial reflecting pools, made for a deeply moving beginning to our journey.
The 9/11 museum is very well done and powerful as it walks you through the timeline of that day. For me as a parent, it was important that I take Emily here and that she saw the memorial and the museum for herself. It's something they talk about in school but seeing it in real life is impactful. However, the museum is pretty intense even for me as an adult to take in. At one point about half way through she told me she was ready to go and I let that be OK because I knew it was a lot for a kid to handle. My recommendation if you do take your kids here is to let them take the lead in knowing when it's time to go. It is very intense, and I wanted the experience to be impactful, not traumatic.
After the 9/11 museum we took a much needed nap to rest up for our late night on Broadway - then took the subway uptown to Times Square. For a kid that has not spent a ton of time traveling/visiting cities - Times Square was extremely overwhelming for Emily. She grabbed on to my hand and did not let go. She found it very stressful and was SO glad we did not have a hotel anywhere near that area.
Wicked was absolutely spectacular. We both loved every minute. It's a wonderful story that's both funny, heart warming, and the music and cast are unbelievable.
Friday: Shopping Extravaganza
Friday was dedicated to a shopping spree! We began the day on 5th Avenue, known for its flagship stores and luxury boutiques. It was such a fun girls day exploring some of Emily's favorites like Lululemon and Sephora. With over 581 stores on this famous avenue, there’s something for every shopper.
Later, we ventured to the legendary Macy's on 34th Street, a must-visit department store celebrated for its vast selection and historic charm. We spent hours browsing through merchandise, picking out unique souvenirs, and enjoying our time together.
For lunch, we headed to the bustling Rockefeller Center and ate in the plaza where the ice rink is during the winter time. Afterward, we experienced the Top of the Rock, where we were greeted with panoramic views of the city skyline. Standing 850 feet above ground, the observation deck provides a remarkable perspective of Manhattan, and we couldn’t get enough of the breathtaking sights.
In the afternoon, we visited the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). The artwork inside, like Van Gogh's "Starry Night," inspired us, and we enjoyed discussing our favorites. Later, a stop at the M&M Store in Times Square allowed us to indulge our sweet tooth and snap fun photos among the vibrant displays. Emily bought M&Ms custom printed with her name and a birthday hat on them.
As night fell, we were thrilled to catch the Macy's Fireworks Show. With over 1,000 fireworks lighting up the night sky, it was a spectacular finale to our eventful day. Our hotel was located inside the roped off section for the show. We were able to be right on the river front. without being one of the "lottery" winners that received tickets from the city of NYC.
Saturday: Exploring Culture and Nature
Saturday started with a trip to the American Museum of Natural History. The life size blue whale hanging from the ceiling never ceases to amaze me. Emily has always been fascinated by whales and thoroughly enjoyed this section of the museum. The planetarium also offered stunning visuals about the universe.
For lunch, we dined at Tavern on the Green, a historic restaurant nestled within Central Park. The beautiful gardens surrounding it offered a delightful ambiance, and the food was exquisite. Afterward, we opted for an E-Scooter tour of Central Park, zooming around the paths and stopping at iconic spots like Bethesda Terrace and the Bow Bridge, each steeped in history and beauty. Protip: most of the tour companies require riders to be 13+ to ride. I found one - Fancy Apple that will rent to ages 7+.
In the evening, we ended our day at Eataly, an Italian food hall. We had pizza, wine (me), and gelato - and slept well that night!
Sunday: Iconic Landmarks and Afternoon Tea
Our last day in NYC overflowed with unforgettable experiences. We began with a visit to the Statue of Liberty. Most people don't realize that after you visit the Statue of Liberty the ferry than takes you to Ellis Island which I personally find to be much more interesting. The exhibits are very well done and give you a great representation of what immigrants experienced when they came through Ellis Island.
To wrap up our trip, we treated ourselves to afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel. The elegant setting and luxurious pastries provided a fitting end to our adventures in the city. We reminisced about our favorite moments and enjoyed being fancy for an afternoon.
As we headed to the airport for our flight home, we felt thankful for the memories we created. This mother-daughter trip to NYC was more than just a series of activities; it was about the priceless time we spent together, deepening our connection.
Where to Stay in Manhattan
During our stay, we chose a hotel downtown, which was perfect for our needs. The area was peaceful, yet we enjoyed easy access to transit, allowing us to explore all of Manhattan effortlessly. An added perk? Our hotel was located inside the designated area for the 4th of July Fireworks, enabling us to view the display without needing special tickets. I have typically always stayed in mid-town when visiting thinking that was the most central and therefore the easiest to get everywhere I wanted to go. But after staying downtown I would HIGHLY recommend it.
SAVE $$$ - If you are planning a few of the main tourist spots, I highly recommend a city pass. For one fee you get access to 4 or 5 of the top attractions at a pretty big discount. It's much cheaper than buying tickets at the door at each place.
Unforgettable Memories Await
Our mother-daughter trip to New York City will always be a cherished experience. From the emotional moments at the 9/11 Memorial to the dazzling lights of Broadway, each encounter brought joy. We returned home not only with souvenirs but also with memories that will last a lifetime.
If you’re contemplating a similar adventure, I hope this itinerary sparks inspiration for your unforgettable moments in the city that never sleeps!