NYC or Boston with teens?

[sugarbear1]

I take my boys (will be 14 and 11 next spring) to a new city every mid-winter break, but realized in that commitment that I am limited to the west coast because flying east in February could be hellish. 

THEN I realized that miracle of miracles, next year we have the same spring break! So we are going to stay put in February and I'm going to take them east in April.

I have people to visit in both cities and I went to college in Boston. I would love for them to see the campus and I LOVE Boston, but I'm wondering if NY would be better.*

Please, ML, tell me what to do.

*I have a giant stack of papers to grade and am practicing avoidance. I am well aware of the fact that I've got a year to make this plan. LOL.

[mrsukyankee]

I love, love, love Boston. I lived there for two years and wish it could have been longer. I think it's such a good city to visit. NYC is also fun but it can be overwhelming at times and I just like Boston more.

[meanie]

I love Boston but our April break is usually still cold and rainy. NYC will be easier to navigate on public transportation so the weather won't matter as much. You can also get the coupon book for all the attractions, I've never been a tourist in Boston so IDK if we have that.

Do your kids have an opinion?

[countthestars]

This is hard because I love both cities! I would say with 100% certainty that you can't really go wrong. To throw a possible wrench - how long do you have? If you've got a week, I'd do half and half. If you don't, I think I'd choose Boston for the history and because you could show them your school.

[sugarbear1]

Mar 29, 2024 13:30:40 GMT -5 meanie said:

I love Boston but our April break is usually still cold and rainy. NYC will be easier to navigate on public transportation so the weather won't matter as much. You can also get the coupon book for all the attractions, I've never been a tourist in Boston so IDK if we have that.

Do your kids have an opinion?

I haven't asked them yet, but I will. I was reviewing both schools' calendars this morning (see: grading avoidance).

[ellipses84]

I’m having this debate too. I think we are going to time a Boston trip for when our favorite baseball team is playing there since we like to visit all the stadiums. We loved NYC last time we were there and saw a Mets game, but want to go back for a Yankees game. I’d look at what events are going on and see if that helps you decide. Like what’s on Broadway? I think my kids would like to see the Back to the Future show. My kids loved visiting my University campus. There’s no wrong answer!

[thebreakfastclub]

I am in the early stages of planning a trip in June to Boston for a couple of days, followed by a road trip up to Maine. My 11yo is a history buff and I've never been to Boston. Really looking forward to the trip and hearing any suggestions.

[sunshineandpinot]

There is no wrong answer, both awesome cities.
Do they lean toward history? If so, then I might lean toward Boston. The history + the university visits are so great.
NYC- there is just something for everyone. So much to see and do, though IMO less focus on history.
So if history is their jam, then Boston.
Otherwise, NYC!
Or both!

[scm1011]

Just a heads up that Marathon Monday is during April break in Boston. It’s one of favorite days of the year so not discouraging you, but hotel prices are high and the city is packed that Sat - Tues.

[sugarbear1]

Mar 29, 2024 14:52:11 GMT -5 scm1011 said:

Just a heads up that Marathon Monday is during April break in Boston. It’s one of favorite days of the year so not discouraging you, but hotel prices are high and the city is packed that Sat - Tues.

One of my favorite days too! I went to BC, so an intimately familiar with Heartbreak Hill. I think we would stay with family or friends in either city.

ETA: I just looked. We'd be there the week before.

[cricketwife]

Mar 29, 2024 15:02:34 GMT -5 sugarbear1 said:

Mar 29, 2024 14:52:11 GMT -5 scm1011 said:

Just a heads up that Marathon Monday is during April break in Boston. It’s one of favorite days of the year so not discouraging you, but hotel prices are high and the city is packed that Sat - Tues.

One of my favorite days too! I went to BC, so an intimately familiar with Heartbreak Hill. I think we would stay with family or friends in either city.

ETA: I just looked. We'd be there the week before.

Just here to say that I also went to BC and lived on Heartbreak Hill! 

[countthestars]

For people planning a Boston trip:

We went to the Tea Party Museum and had a great time. We love the Science Museum. SKIP THE AQUARIUM. The Paul Revere House is cool and it's right in the North End, so you can get Italian Food and pastries. We like to stay at the Boston Marriott Copley Place because it has a pool and is pretty central. Walkable to the T, Newbury St, food options.

[mags]

NYC

if you have 3 days or more

Boston if you have 2-3 days

[livinitup]

I have done and recommend both. Going back to your college for a visit might tip me in that direction.

If you pick NYC, with this much advanced planning, you can get tickets for the Statue of Liberty crown. It’s run by the parks department, so it’s a lovely day. Tickets are bought online and include the ferry over and includes both islands (Ellis island is another stop next to Lady Liberty). For a spring break trip, I would buy tickets 6 months in advance. Just pick one of your vacation days and hope for good weather.

[lilafowler]

Mar 29, 2024 14:02:49 GMT -5 thebreakfastclub said:

I am in the early stages of planning a trip in June to Boston for a couple of days, followed by a road trip up to Maine. My 11yo is a history buff and I've never been to Boston. Really looking forward to the trip and hearing any suggestions.

Obligatory plug for visiting Quincy if you are into history. It’s the birthplace of John Adams, JQ Adams, John Hancock, Dick Dale, Lee Remick, and Dunkin Donuts.


en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quincy_Massachusetts

[erbear]

I love NYC and hate Boston so it’s not even a question for me, lol. My teenagers love New York.

[dancingnancy]

I live in NH so my now 15yo daughter has done Boston quite a few times and loves it. Last year for our winter break (end of Feb/beginning of March) we went to NYC for 4 days and she loved it. You can’t go wrong.

[starburst604]

Mar 29, 2024 16:11:52 GMT -5 countthestars said:

For people planning a Boston trip:

We went to the Tea Party Museum and had a great time. We love the Science Museum. SKIP THE AQUARIUM. The Paul Revere House is cool and it's right in the North End, so you can get Italian Food and pastries. We like to stay at the Boston Marriott Copley Place because it has a pool and is pretty central. Walkable to the T, Newbury St, food options.

Agree. The aquarium is lovely, but always just too crowded and my kid is over it in 30 minutes. That’s an expensive 30 minutes! Somehow I’ve never actually been to the tea party museum, but DD is going there on a field trip next month so I am curious to see what she thinks of it.

Also, I always recommend a visit to Martin’s Park in the Seaport. It’s a very cool, all inclusive park on the water and was built to honor Martin Richard, the youngest victim of the Boston Marathon tragedy. I ran with his foundation’s team for the Boston Marathon in 2017 and NYC Marathon in 2018, so it is near and dear to my heart. We took DD to the opening of the park a few years ago. The Seaport has lots to do around there.

[mofongo]

Mar 29, 2024 17:22:01 GMT -5 erbear said:

I love NYC and hate Boston so it’s not even a question for me, lol. My teenagers love New York.

How can someone hate Boston?

[erbear]

Mar 29, 2024 21:45:54 GMT -5 mofongo said:

Mar 29, 2024 17:22:01 GMT -5 erbear said:

I love NYC and hate Boston so it’s not even a question for me, lol. My teenagers love New York.

How can someone hate Boston?

I’m from Philly 😂

Honestly, it’s just not my jam (and I teach American history so that’s saying something). Too cold. Too many bad drivers. People are not that nice. Something about Boston has always been off to me in the times I’ve been there. I know other people love it, and that’s cool. It’s just not my place.

[starburst604]

Mar 29, 2024 21:45:54 GMT -5 mofongo said:

Mar 29, 2024 17:22:01 GMT -5 erbear said:

I love NYC and hate Boston so it’s not even a question for me, lol. My teenagers love New York.

How can someone hate Boston?

Right?! I know I am biased as a local, but when I go to NYC it is just so giant and overwhelming to me. There are lovely things to see and do, but Boston just has a different feel to it.

[starburst604]

Mar 29, 2024 21:57:44 GMT -5 erbear said:

Mar 29, 2024 21:45:54 GMT -5 mofongo said:

How can someone hate Boston?

I’m from Philly 😂

Honestly, it’s just not my jam (and I teach American history so that’s saying something). Too cold. Too many bad drivers. People are not that nice. Something about Boston has always been off to me in the times I’ve been there. I know other people love it, and that’s cool. It’s just not my place.

I mean, is the weather that different from Philly? It’s not like they are far apart.

ETA: about the drivers, ok, we are Massholes and I own that.

[mofongo]

Mar 29, 2024 21:57:44 GMT -5 erbear said:

Mar 29, 2024 21:45:54 GMT -5 mofongo said:

How can someone hate Boston?

I’m from Philly 😂

Honestly, it’s just not my jam (and I teach American history so that’s saying something). Too cold. Too many bad drivers. People are not that nice. Something about Boston has always been off to me in the times I’ve been there. I know other people love it, and that’s cool. It’s just not my place.

Everytime I go it’s hot as balls!! Lol 
Idk, I’m southern nice and love both NYC and Boston! I find Boston a touch little easier to navigate, but love the food, culture, and attractions of both! I’ve never driven in either, but they both have good public transit, right? 

[mofongo]

Mar 29, 2024 21:58:48 GMT -5 starburst604 said:

Mar 29, 2024 21:57:44 GMT -5 erbear said:

I’m from Philly 😂

Honestly, it’s just not my jam (and I teach American history so that’s saying something). Too cold. Too many bad drivers. People are not that nice. Something about Boston has always been off to me in the times I’ve been there. I know other people love it, and that’s cool. It’s just not my place.

I mean, is the weather that different from Philly? It’s not like they are far apart.

ETA: about the drivers, ok, we are Massholes and I own that.

Here in Nola, we don’t do signaling, and we’re *extremely* confused by people on bikes, which is a much newer development here! We are ready to throw down with them at any interaction! We also don’t believe in merging, never heard of zipper merge until this place. 

So, if that says anything about where I’m coming from re: driving! Lol

[starburst604]

Mar 30, 2024 0:46:13 GMT -5 mofongo said:

Mar 29, 2024 21:58:48 GMT -5 starburst604 said:

I mean, is the weather that different from Philly? It’s not like they are far apart.

ETA: about the drivers, ok, we are Massholes and I own that.

Here in Nola, we don’t do signaling, and we’re *extremely* confused by people on bikes, which is a much newer development here! We are ready to throw down with them at any interaction! We also don’t believe in merging, never heard of zipper merge until this place. 

So, if that says anything about where I’m coming from re: driving! Lol

You would actually fit right in as a driver here. People would rather give up a kidney than zipper merge. Get your ass in the remaining lane a mile back or die!

[joy]

NYC.

Sorry - I just don’t enjoy Boston much. And I lived there for a few years!

[joy]

Mar 29, 2024 21:57:44 GMT -5 erbear said:

Mar 29, 2024 21:45:54 GMT -5 mofongo said:

How can someone hate Boston?

I’m from Philly 😂

Honestly, it’s just not my jam (and I teach American history so that’s saying something). Too cold. Too many bad drivers. People are not that nice. Something about Boston has always been off to me in the times I’ve been there. I know other people love it, and that’s cool. It’s just not my place.

Oh hi me. I should have scrolled the thread!

[wanderlustmom]

I love to debate cities!

You can’t go wrong with either city for sure.

To me there is not even a comparison. NYC hands down.
But my husband and teens like Boston better. They also liked Florence better than Rome those fools.

Boston was fine but I don’t yearn to go back. Even 30 minutes in NYC and I feel like I’m waiting for the next amazing thing to happen. My kids and DH don’t like the dirt. Same as Rome. To me the dirt brings grit and doesn’t feel anesthetized. I realize I’m going too deep that’s just me.

[lilafowler]

Mar 30, 2024 4:36:39 GMT -5 starburst604 said:

Mar 30, 2024 0:46:13 GMT -5 mofongo said:

Here in Nola, we don’t do signaling, and we’re *extremely* confused by people on bikes, which is a much newer development here! We are ready to throw down with them at any interaction! We also don’t believe in merging, never heard of zipper merge until this place. 

So, if that says anything about where I’m coming from re: driving! Lol

You would actually fit right in as a driver here. People would rather give up a kidney than zipper merge. Get your ass in the remaining lane a mile back or die!

I had never heard of a zipper merge until here!
Edit-and my reaction was WTF YOU NEED TO WAIT LIKE EVERYONE ELSE ☠️

[Gato]

My choice would be New York even though I love Boston. New York City just offers so much, and most kids will think it’s cooler than a Boston trip.