If I had to offer one tip for traveling parents casting about for something to do with kids in a place they’ve never been and about which they know little it would be…
Head for the library
At the library you’ll find books for your kids to read, toys for them to play with, posters telling you what is happening in the local community, art or history exhibits, story times, and even activities like art projects or scavenger hunts. In some places, the library is the most architecturally significant building and in others it is the center of cultural life.
Libraries never fail me. This is as true in small towns like Lake Geneva, Wisconsin as it is in cities like Boston.
Which is why, when I’m in midtown Manhattan, I try to always stop by the New York Public Library, to say hi to the big lions that grace its steps and see what’s up.
I had particularly spectacular success on this front in November 2013, when, with an hour or so to kill between lunch and our next activity, we wandered in the front door only to discover a fantastic, free exhibit titled “The ABC of It: Why Children’s Books Matter”.
All our favorites were there.
Where the Wild Things Are
Harold and the Purple Crayon
And of course, Goodnight Moon.
There were some less familiar books as well, and lots of really interesting explanations of how children’s literature has changed throughout history. Although I think the boys’ favorite activity was the interactive Once Upon a Time story, which allowed them to fill in the blanks Mad Lib style.
Libraries: They never let you down.
I share this post as part of Friday Postcards from Walking On Travels. There are sure to be lots of fun and pretty posts there (since it’s all about the photos).
Looking for more family travel tips? Be sure to check out The Family Traveler’s Handbook. It makes a great Mother’s Day gift.
jan says
May 9, 2014 at 10:51 pmOur kids were always library kids. Every school holidays we haunted the place. I have however not thought about visiting the library when on holidays in strange places. Such a good idea. Familiar yet different and the plus side of finding family friendly local experiences.
Mara says
May 11, 2014 at 6:49 amThanks Jan – I learned this trick when I traveled with a toddler for 13 months. Libraries saved me on more than one occasion!
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
May 11, 2014 at 12:22 amWhat a great exhibit and such a wonderful treat to see childhood favorites. I don’t think my kids would have wanted to leave. We usually have a packed itinerary and I can’t remember ever visiting a library while on vacation but we visit our local one every 3 weeks. I will need to change that! Thanks for the idea! Happy Mother’s Day, Mara!
Mara says
May 11, 2014 at 6:50 amYes Mary, I had to drag my kids out of here – we actually were almost late for our next itinerary item (The Tenement Museum) for which we had timed tickets! Thanks for stopping by and Happy Mother’s Day to you too.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
May 12, 2014 at 3:22 amI’ve always wanted to walk between the lions of the NY Public Library, climb the steps, and go inside. I always imagine that it’s a fantastic place. That exhibit looks great and brings back so many memories of the excellent picture books I used to read my kids. Other than the famous libraries like this one, I never thought about visiting them while traveling. I’ll have to start looking into it.
Mara says
May 12, 2014 at 10:36 amThanks Michele – the NYPL is of course an iconic place to visit, but it really is true that libraries are often local landmarks even in small towns. I hope your dream of visiting those lions comes true!
Amy says
May 12, 2014 at 10:34 amLikeLikeLike! Except I of course have another case of library envy now.
eileen @ FamiliesGo! says
May 12, 2014 at 10:57 amI’m not sure that temporary exhibit is still there. But on the lower level there is a sizable and very comfortable children’s reading room. it’s a great place to warm up if you are checking out the holiday sights in december. and take a break from the heat in summer. And bryant park, behind the library is a lovely place to run around, picnic and ride an old-fashioned carousel.