The Met & The Mark

The Met

The Metropolitan Museum in NYC is a treasure trove of activities for children. French Impressionist, marching knights, the bright colors of Ellsworth Kelly, the temple of Dandur, and of course, your child’s side-eyes and snickering as you pass by the many sculptures. There is a lot to see, so this handy kids map is an excellent guide. Focus on a few exhibits, so the kids don’t lose steam, along with your patience. Through the summer, check out the “Play it Loud” and “Camp” limited exhibits for a view of the original instruments played by rock and roll royalty, or the eccentric designs from the fashion elite. If you need a short break, grab some gelato on The Great Hall Balcony Cafe. Tip: Bring a bag of change and let the kids cast their wishes as they explore the many fountains throughout the museum.

The Mark

Congrats! You did it! An afternoon of culture is in the books, and your aesthete is reveling in the nuances between impressionism vs. realism. You’re an amazing parent, so now on to a well-deserved post museum trip to the Mark Bar in the Mark Hotel. The Mark has a charming restaurant, but you are not here for that. With kids, the best spot is the low slung couches that look like cows in the bar area, where you are early enough to get a place, and they are welcoming to children. Excellent pizzas, burgers, and fries make the perfect post museum lunch. Bonus: Free WiFi - just in case. For you, an excellent wine list with something for everyone. And after all, isn’t that what you wished for?