Grab the kids to experience Christmas in New York City with our guide to the best holiday attractions. The good news is that most family activities are open and still free. Let’s see what’s on, what’s new, what’s better than ever during the upcoming Christmas in New York City holiday season.
Top Christmas in New York City Holiday Tree
The 92nd Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a must-see attraction that is sentimental for all New Yorkers. Even in the height of the Great Depression (1931), workers at Rockefeller Center pooled their money together for a Christmas tree and brought handmade garlands from home to decorate it. The gorgeous 74-foot-tall tree is from scenic West Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
Join celebrities, the Radio City Rockettes and ice skaters twirling on the Rockefeller Ice Rink at the Dec. 4th lighting ceremony. Expect more than five miles of lights and a giant star any time you visit through mid-January 2025. It’s lit from 5am to midnight or 1am daily (24 hours on Christmas Day.) It’s only lit till 9pm New Year’s Eve so as not to compete with the city’s other New Year’s festivities.
For the 2024 holiday season, Fifth Avenue from 48th Street to 59th Street will be fully closed to vehicle traffic on Dec. 8 to celebrate the avenue’s 200th birthday.
Our public safety tip: Mind the kids, the crowds and your wallets.
Favorite Christmas in New York City Events
What would Christmas in New York City be without the amazingly energetic Radio City Christmas Spectacular? It returns mid-November to New Year’s Day with some performances geared for those with disabilities. Book early if you want to sit close enough to feel the warmth of the Radio City Music Hall footlights. And, don’t miss their souvenir gift shop.
On a budget? Slash 42% off of the very favorite New York City attractions here.
Nearby, The Paley Center for Media on West 52nd Street hosts a winter wonderland event known as “PaleyLand.” Through Jan. 5, 2025, explore four floors of holiday cheer, take pictures with Santa and / or a Menorah, meet special guests and watch holiday films and TV shows from this media museum’s amazing collection. With kids under 12 getting in free, it’s a holiday bargain to take advantage of.
This holiday season again glows for commuters at Grand Central Terminal. The holiday fair and over the top decor are back Nov. 11-Dec. 24, 2024. If it’s your first visit, join a tour of this famous railway station at the round Information Booth. The famed Constellation Sky ceiling mural inspired by the French painter Paul Helleu floats above the 80,000-square-foot Main Concourse. Its view of the Mediterranean sky shows off 2,500 stars (60 of which are lighted with fiber optics.) We hear from astronomers that it’s backwards but we say, go anyway.
Arts and Culture Reign Over Midtown New York Holidays
Art lovers like the subway since many stations have murals done by famous artists. (Can you find Yoko Ono’s work?)
There are museums galore. Head to the Museum of Modern Art to catch the new (wacky) show by designer Norman Teague called “Jam Sessions.” Daily schedules usually include complimentary movies the kids will enjoy too. Plan ahead; you’ll need timed tickets and these discounted entry times will come in handy.
We all know the American Museum of Natural History has dinosaurs. Did you know it has its own unique Christmas tree? Boughs are decked with 1,000 paper origami animals themed to “Jumping for Joy. ” Allow time to explore the new Gilder Center. Advanced entry booking times required for the museum; Fun Christmas in New York City celebrations continue through Jan. 22, 2025.
For a matinee or evening treat, catch the annual “Nutcracker,” Mozart’s kid-friendly “The Magic Flute” and other seasonal performances up at Lincoln Center. Check out his year’s beautiful holiday tree on the plaza between the opera, ballet and concert halls.
Another don’t miss performance is the annual “Peter & The Wolf” by Sergei Prokofiev, staged by Isaac Mizrahi with Works & Process at the Guggenheim Museum. The delightfully silly retelling of the classic children’s tale uses dancers to illustrate Peter’s animal friends and a chamber music ensemble to create their voices. It plays several times in mid-December with Mizrahi’s self-described sequel with composer Nico Muhly, “The Third Bird.”
Downtown Cheers Visitors with the Latest New York City at Christmas Attractions
Don’t skip lower Manhattan, whether you’re paying respects at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum or ogling the Winter Whirl indoor roller rink at the architecturally-stunning Oculus transportation hub. Shop at over 50 stores, dine like a true foodie and enjoy music at the new holiday-themed, pop-up Polar Pub serving festive snacks and drinks in the heart of the Oculus.
Nearby, Holiday Under the Palms has arrived at the Brookfield Place mall. It’s next to the Winter Garden and its refreshed palm tree grove, overlooking the chilly Hudson River and the vibe couldn’t be more festive. There’s a skating rink open till March, live music performances, a Santa Sandcastle and more programming
Christmas in New York City Starts in Times Square
For many, a shopping spree is required for the ideal Christmas in New York City. Times Square, a largely pedestrian zone of shops and restaurants topped by crazy billboards, has souvenirs galore and is decked out for the season. While in Times Square, check out the TKTS Discount Tickets Booth to see which shows have same-day tickets. The apps TodayTix, SeatGeek and Goldstar also sell last minute tickets, often at a discount.
Sticking around for the famous Times Square Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve tops most bucket lists. This year, be sure to add your holiday wishes to the Times Square NYE Wishing Wall located at Times Square Plaza on Broadway between 46-47th Streets. From Dec. 2-28, 2024, add your wishes to a ton of confetti to be released at midnight on the Big Day. Stay tuned for the entertainment schedule — announced in mid-December.
Christmas in Manhattan: Holiday Store Windows
While you can certainly mask up, bundle up, walk around and enjoy the sights New York City has to offer, remain vigilant to current health and safety guidelines. Cruising along on one of the city’s double-decker buses is perfect for the older generation or littler ones. Plan ahead and dress according to the weather.
Make time for the unique storefront windows and displays of the big 5th Avenue stores. Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf’s are showcasing glittering windows and Saks features its terrific light projections as well.
Of course, Macy’s goes out both on 34th Sgtreet at Herald Square and at its Downtown Brooklyn department store. Over on Lexington Avenue between 59-60th Streets, Bloomingdales has celebrated the holidays for more than 150 years. The mall in the very splashy Hudson Yards on Manhattan’s West Side will be aglitter this season, plus they’re doing live events, surprise moments and, for a fee, a speakeasy popup for shoppers. Share photos on our Facebook page!
Favorite Christmas in New York City Shopping
We love Christmas Markets which are outdoors and inclusive. Best of all, they’re free to roam around in, providing endlessly fascinating art objets, crafts, clothes, jewelry and other gifts your kids will want to see… but probably not own.
At Bryant Park, look for a booming Christmas Market similar to the traditional European Christmas Markets seen in major cities. The small shops surround the large ice skating rink in Winter Village. Look for one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, plus New York souvenirs from late October to just after New Year’s. Stop at The Lodge or the Curling Rink for hot cider and hot chocolate to keep the chill off. For something festive, book a private Igloo and dine inside. The skating rink is open daily till March with free admission; book your skating time online in advance of arrival. Skate rentals and equipment, sanitized between every use, cost extra.
The Union Square Holiday Gift Market in Greenwich Village opens mid-November to Christmas Eve. In addition to the artisanal crafts available, look for jewelry, clothing and other quality gift items. You are welcome to buy produce, lavender sachets, artisan cheeses, etc in person at the famous Union Square Green Market, open every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
New York City Icons Dress Up for the Holidays
New York City is packed with teachable moments and wonder. Take advantage of opportunities to be outdoors and energized. Why not visit two icons — the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty — for a chilly way to scratch them off your bucket list.
There are many ways to get to the top of the Empire State Building — just ask King Kong. Since it’s likely to be chilly, we suggest a walking tour that takes in many of the city’s neighborhood highlights at sea level, then whisks you up to the 86th Floor Observatory for an overview of twinkling lights.
Author Keith McCarthy encourages New Yorkers and visitors to “spend the day rekindling a sorely-tested faith in Democracy” on a Statue of Liberty tour. This winter, get up close to Lady Liberty and also visit Ellis Island. A holiday time- and money-saving tip: Swing by Lady Liberty on a holiday-themed Circle Line round-the-island cruise or for more savings, the free Staten Island Ferry.
Holiday Beauties in the Bronx
Don’t miss “Holiday Lights” on select dates (mid-November to first weekend in January) at the Bronx Zoo. Roam among animal lantern safaris, ice-carving demonstrations, holiday treats, costumed characters, wildlife theater, stilt walkers and more. Capacity is limited; please book ahead and use the code HOLIDAYMAGIC to save 15% on checkout.
Also in the Bronx, the New York Botanical Garden presents its annual Christmas “Holiday Train Show.” It’s a limited capacity, wildly popular attraction (train tracks laid out in a huge tent) so get tickets now. Another treat is NYBG GLOW, a spectacular illumination of the gardens and buildings in its third year. We love the photo-worthy installations that fill the Reflecting Pool. Look for artistic ice carving displays, roving dancers and musicians plus more outdoor fun. Both ticketed events require reservations and are open select nights from mid-November to mid-January.
Find #StarryLights in Dyker Heights and More in Brooklyn
Brooklyn is known for many things. One of our favorite holiday activities is to explore the DUMBO area between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges. (Join Dom’s terrific Made in Brooklyn Tour if you’re short on time!) Look for garlands at Roberta’s Pizza, a seasonal chill at Brooklyn Ice Cream and glittering lights in the trees outside the legendary River Cafe. From here, the lights of Manhattan reflected in the East River and those of the growing city of Brooklyn surrounding you will put you in the holiday spirit year round.
Alternatively, head to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for the reimagined fantasy of Lightscape. The stunning illumination is transplanted here from the originated at Kew Gardens outside London. The Fire Garden and gorgeous Winter Cathedral are favorite spots for family Christmas cards. Over at Industry City, there’s a new IC Ice Skating Rink offering seasonal specials like Ten Dollar Thursdays and Après Ski VIP Lounge access. Don’t miss the Maker Holiday Fair and unique gift items at their holdiay markets.
For an even bigger dose of holiday lights, join more than 100,000 annual visitors to view the amazing decorations in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. Book a private bus tour, or take the R or N subway out to Brooklyn. Bundle up for a 15-minute walk through Brooklyn’s quiet neighborhoods. The action is along 10th through 13th Avenues between 81st and 86th Streets, near the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. Even if you drive or take a car service, get out and walk by the homes so you can appreciate the animatronics and lightshows. Please ask the kids to bring a few dollars to contribute to a local charity, as some homes take collections.
Queens Lights Up With Holiday Festivities
One mid-December weekend each year, the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bayside puts on an “Outdoor Living Nativity” in Bayside. It’s a cozy local affair with music, live animals and lots of performers, followed up by hot chocolate. The local New York Family site has many other weekend events. Checkout schedules at the Queens Botanic Garden and the Queens County Farm Museum, among our favorites.
Support Local, Travel Sustainably For The Holidays
Do your part to sustain our planet by shopping gifts that give back in sustainable ways. And if you’re coming to New York City, drop into the thousands of stores eager for your support. Most importantly, stay safe, enjoy the holiday cheer, and check out the NYC & Company website for last-minute updates.
What’s your favorite way to celebrate Christmas in New York City? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
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On January 15, 2015, Google announced that it would stop selling the Google Glass product to consumers — who became its “Explorers” — while it makes more improvements to the technology and hardware. Simultaneously, the product will move from its test phase at Google X and become its own department within the giant technology company.
For complete details, please see this story: Google Glass Sales Halted.
This is a great summary of emerging family travel trends in 2015. I am very excited to see ecotourism evolving to include the youngest travelers as well as multi-gen travelers. Very interesting to see uber attempt to dig into the family market. As for all-inclusive hotels, after years of resisiting, I am finally a convert. My kids have always loved them and now their parents finally see the ease and economy of the pay-one-price concept. Happy Travels in 2015!
great feedback on what we’re seeing for 2015; agree that ecotourism has become so mainstream that it’s time all ages and all abilities (including those with disabilities) are included in nature-focused travel.
And yes, disruptive technologies like uber and airbnb are usually started by young people and grow by appealing to young travelers, but as we all know, they too will settle down and have kids and then look at new ways to make their services more “family-friendly.” So that’s an area where we see tremendous growth potential and hope for fresh ideas.
excited about what’s coming in 2015! Thanks for your comments.
I’m in, would love to win a stay at the Camelback water park in Pennsylvania. Close to my NJ home and sounds like a fun snowy or rainy day break with my boys. Sign me up!
After returning from a vacation with her daughter, C.S. shared this review of the Dreams Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic.
“Hi, we did not get sick at Dreams Punta Cana, stuck to bottled water, they were nice there not really attentive at concierge or lobby not knowledgeable and internet not working well, entertainment was okay and food just okay beach nice, tours not organized very well for swim with dolphins and no shopping for malls provided.
Yes the food was not great at all, hoping for better at gourmet restaurants, they always burnt the steak and not great the food, the world café was fine, buffet.
Kids club for my 8 year old she was bored, most of the kids were younger and not a lot to do for the 8 to 9 year olds, riviera maya dreams does a better job with kids club and takes them out to the real pool for kid games that is always nice.
I like Riviera Maya Mexico still a lot better.”
“The Singing Tower.” Bok Towers Gardens. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 July 2014.
The Vera Bradley outlet sale sounds like a midwestern version on Filene’s Running of the Brides! It sounds like a paisley lovers dream and a fun Mother/Daughter bonding event. Thanks for sharing!
How’s the weather up there now? Would it be warm enough to swim outdoors in late April, or still chilly? Seems like a fun spring break getaway since we only have a few days. Thanks for sharing.
I love Rocky Mountain National park! It’s great for all Colorado seasons. In the winter, when other parts of the park are closed down, they open up sledding areas. When I went, we shared the hill with just one other small group. A great afternoon for all ages!
In spite of all the cold weather we have been experiencing, this story makes me want to head up to Montreal for a frosty weekend of fun. The Montreal en Lumiere festival sounds like a winner, as does the hotel. Thank you for the terrific seasonal suggestions!
Skiing is such a wonderful way to experience Colorado’s beauty! There is such pride in that state and I love that so many resorts really cater to children too.
Eldora Mountain Resort wasn’t mentioned on this list, but on Saturday, March 8, they are hosting a scavenger hunt to raise money for Leave No Trace, an organization dedicated to teaching people to take care of the world around them, while also having fun. How awesome is that?! Can’t wait to hear more about it.
This is an excellent article. Well researched, thoughtful and motivating. I know as a parent right now considering a family cruise this Spring Break in March, kids drowning will be on my mind even though my son is on a swim team and swims two miles five nights a week for practice. Drowning can happen to anyone, any time, at any age. As a former swim instructor and lifeguard myself for many years to earn summr spending money and put myself through college, I know how water is dangerous — whether in a pool, lake, baeach or bathtub. But we all need reminding and education about what drowning looks like. And that is what you’ve done for me today. Thank you.
As a teen life guard, I saved a kid at our local pool who was “just floating.” It was a crowded pool on a sticky, hot Midwest day. A swimmer in the middle of the packed giant kids’ pool started yelling at me and pointing to the child “floating.” I’ll never forget doing mouth-to-mouth, his wide vacant eyes, his limp body, and then him catapulting upwards, spitting, sputtering to life. I tear up as I write this. What if he hadn’t lived? The guilt, the fright, the parents, the park district, the system…who to blame if the child had died? Would I be blamed for not seeing him inactive sooner? Would the pool be blamed for allowing too many people in? Would the park district be blamed for booking the swimming event? Did anything change after this incident? Yes. I got fired. And went to work for another pool heading up their swimming lessons program.
Thank you for writing this and your call to action for everyone to take responsibility for children around water at all hours of the day and night. Your “unthinkable” article has given us all much to think about.
Would be a fun vacation if you could really save money by doing it too!
What an adventure, I would love to do embark on a journey like this with my teens. The flora and fauna seem incredible, the guides professional. Thank you for sharing!
We’ve heard the Boeing factory tour is really interesting – wondering now if there any exhibits or parts areas that relate to the new Dreamliner. Would love to see one up close, especially being assembled after all the battery snafus.
Wish we all could have been there, Morocco looks fabulous and during the winter it would be a very productive coder’s retreat.
Congratulations to ALL of the students who entered in the FTF Writing Scholarship contest :3 Of course a big "congrats" should be merited to our winners, but I think every student who entered deserves a pat on the back–hopefully they'll be inspired to continue writing, too!
This sounds like a great resort for my all-inlusive loving teen children, who have a " bigger is better" attitude. I love that it is so close to the Cancun Airport, so you can get right to the fun as soon as you land.
I love the idea that guests at the hotel can "assemble" their own favorite meals from a variety of healthy offerings. Sounds like a great idea. If only I had time to cook so many different options every night at home!
This looks like a fascinating experience to remember and to go too! I have always wanted to go to Dubai and going there is a vacation never to forget!
Enjoy
One of the best states to come visit!
You make me want to go there and spend weeks on end, reconnecting with nature and making friends. And blobbing too. Thanks for sharing this.
Cincinnati, Ohio. Just another city in the Mid-West, right? Wrong. Cincinnati is one of the greatest cities in Ohio. With our stunning river front view, our bustling downtown, and the newly gentrified Over-the-Rhine, what else could we have in store?
For starters, Cincinnati has the 7th best zoo in the nation.Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a great location for exploration and learning. People of all ages can appreciate the wide variety of animals found in the Zoo. Not only are the animals astounding, but guests get the chance for a hands on experience with many of the animals. For example, in Giraffe Ridge, guests can purchase a snack for the Giraffes and then feed them over the balcony. These moments will be remembered and cherished for the rest of a person's life.
Another great accessory Cincinnati has is the new, urban planned area called "The Banks. The Banks features apartments on the second floor of the buildings and restaurants and music venues on the first floor. This is a great area for younger couples to hang out at night.
Findlay Market is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or weekend. Findlay Market is the oldest public market in the state of Ohio. The market is open every day but Monday and is one of the best places to find locally and organically grown foods. Another great feature about Findlay Market is that the area surrounding the market is newly gentrified, meaning that it has been refurbished. This makes the area even more desirable.
The Newport Aquarium</a>is not located in the city of Cincinnati itself but it is an awesome place for family fun. Newport, Kentucky is only a 10 minute drive from downtown Cincinnati and has other amenities. Other places to visit while in Newport would be Dewey's Pizza, Brothers, Brio, and the Haufbrau House. All these restaurants give a different essence to the name "Cincinnati". Dewey's is a local pizza joint that runs the gamut in available options. Clever names and quick service make for a great time. Brothers and Brio are Italian restaurants that serve authentic Italian cuisine (Brothers is the less expensive option). The Haufbrau House is a German Bier Garten style restaurant that offers a large selection of beers and sandwiches. Along with normal options, the HaufBrau House also provides authentic German food. After you eat, the chicken dance is played, giving patrons the opportunity to dance on the table tops.
Other Cincinnati food traditions are Goetta and Skyline. When German immigrants came over to America, they settled along the Ohio River, then called the "Rhine". The Germans created a meat similar to sausage called Goetta. Goetta consists of ground pork or beef, oats, and a variety of spices. This specific meat can only be found in Cincinnati and occasionally there are large festivals for Goetta and German heritage. On the other hand Skyline is chili, created by Greek immigrants. The name "Skyline" originates from the owner believing that the Cincinnati skyline was the most beautiful he had ever seen. Skyline chili has a unique flavor due to the large amount of chocolate used in the chili.
Come one come all! Memphis is the breeding grounds to fun and adventure!
I truly love my City of Houston. Though I don't know where my education will take me, Houston will always be my home.
Austin is a great place to live, love, and visit. It has wonderful sites, people, and things to do. Everybody should visit Austin.
Say what you will. An open mind is insightful.
Thank you for this spot-on mini-review of Greve and Panzano, two of the most scenic and charming towns in Chianti. Daniel Ferro's summer music program only adds to the area's beauty, with music in the piazza to entertain locals and visitors alike. The rental property sounds like an excellent choice for families who choose to vacation in and explore the area. Thanks for sharing!
Ames, Iowa provides many opportunities to experience American culture and become immersed in American history. Since the mid 1800s, Ames has become a booming college town. Culture has had lots of time to flourish in this time, and evidence of the age of this town can be found everywhere. Tourists coming to Ames can also feel safe and enjoy Ames' attractions without fear of crime. Gun fights in Ames are practically unheard of, and the friendly people never hesitate to wave, even at newcomers to the area. Any tourist can appreciate the age and personality of Ames, as well as its safety.
To experience the culture in Ames, tourists must visit Stephen's Auditorium on Iowa State University's campus. This theater hosts a variety of concerts, plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances. Comfortable seating and awesome acoustics make this location a worthy contender for a relaxing night out. Big acts such as Bill Nye the Science Guy and the band Needtobreathe have to known to reserve this venue so one feels included in a special and popular event, but the space does not have an overwhelming size, so overcrowding and overheating will not deduct from the experience. Stephen's Auditorium will help in discovering the culture of Ames.
Tourists wishing to discover some of Ames' culture would greatly benefit from attending Ames' Farmer's Market on Saturdays on Main Street. Vendors have local and homegrown produce, meat, eggs, pastries, jewelry, art and many other items for sale that offer a taste of Iowan culture. Musicians often perform for shoppers, so they can be entertained while shopping. Ames' Farmer's Market provides an excellent opportunity to experience the culture of Ames and Iowa.
Evidence of Ames' history can be found in a visit to Iowa State University's campus. Founded in 1858, Iowa State University was the sight where George Washington Carver decided to do much of his botany research. Visitors to the college will see evidence of the age of this college in the buildings from this era that still exist. Iowa State University also housed the master minds who created the first computer. Tourists to Ames can take a trip to Durham Center in Iowa State and view the replica of this first computer. Main Street offers a taste of history also. The buildings in this area of Ames give a taste of what architecture looked like back in the early 20th century. A mural on Main Street depicts some of the founders of Ames. History holds great importance in Ames, and tourists can experience this without too much trouble.
To curb tourist's hunger, Ames offers many excellent places for dining. No tourist should visit Ames without eating at Hickory Park. This restaurant is famous not only for its deliciously moist chicken but also its tangy barbecue sandwiches. After the main meal, enjoy sweet and creamy ice cream. Dublin Bay offers wonderful Irish cuisine for tourists to enjoy. Try the moist Shepherd's Pie with perfectly salted fries for contentment. For fans of Mexican food, El Azteca guarantees friendly service, free chips, and delectably flavorful food. Many restaurants with amiable service and food that delights the taste buds are available for hungry tourists.
Though a relatively small town, Ames offers visitors a chance to learn about the history and culture of not only Ames, but the state of Iowa without fear of crime. Numerous attractions exist for this purpose. Visitors can also talk to the mayor of Ames, Ann Campbell, about the culture of history of Ames. City council members happily will answer questions from tourists. Tourists will not be sorry for visiting this town.
Northern Nevada never stops to amaze.
Sunday River has been on my radar for a potential family ski trip for quite a while. This story is so loaded with good information, it seems like it is worth the extra time spent in the car to ski at such an excellent family resort. Thanks!
Wow, this sounds likea great merging of chocolate and history, two of my favorite subjects.
I am looking forward to experiencing this for myself, thank you for the informative post.
I love this post so much! I hope I will come here one day!
This is a terrific article that I am so glad to have read. I didn't know there was a car-free way to appreciate the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Sounds like a fun, scenic and eco-friendly option.
Your essay moved me to tears. I am also a finalist in the scholarship and I wrote about visiting Poland’s concentration camps. I would love your opinion on my essay.
I wrote this essay hoping to bring people closer to understanding, as close to understanding as we can get. I want to share an experience that had an impact on me. This trip truly changed me, and what I want do with my life. I suggest if you have the means or are able to visit Poland or go on March of the Living. I know there are teen and family trips with BBYO.
Thank you so much for what you said. I truly appreciate what you said. I also visited the picture of your family. Your family is beautiful and I am so glad that they were able to make it through such a devastating time.
I loved reading about your romantic return to what sounds like a beatiful and vibrant island. Thanks for sharing some of its treasures.
This is a great story, thank you for sharing the glories of Octoberfest in lesser known Nerumberg. My mouth was atering reading about all of the regional delicacies that accompany the beer!
Oh goodness, this is so sad! Thanks for sharing all of this information, a lot of these things I did not know until just now. We're taught about the Holocaust at school, but I'm sure that there is nothing like actually being at a concentration camp to understand how it actually was. Thanks for sharing.
wow! This sounds like such a wonderful experience. I'm sure it was very enlightening, and it really makes me happy to read that last paragraph. I think it's beautiful that you see things that way, and I hope to some day personally come to that realization through my own experiences. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Hi Debbie,
You will want he Medical Authorization Form from each child's parents with a photocopy of their insurance card.
Then you can use the last form which is for group tours, school outings etc. It is fine for domestic travel, Include travel info for each child so that parents assign you guardianship for certain period of time only.
Get these forms notarized. Make several photocopies in case an adventure tour operator wants to keep one. Or, if you all travel on same flights, get one long form, like a petition, and be sure both of each child's parents or guardians sign it.
You should be fine with it. Does the hotel know? Many states say it is illegal for a minor to occupy a room without an adult present. You may need connecting rooms guaranteed.
Enjoy the trip and write about what you did!
JaguarZ writes to the Admin with a very good question:
I will be traveling to Hawaii, originating on the eastcoast, with 4 minors (only 1 is my child) – they will all be 17 at the time of travel. I need to be able to "act as their guardian" — for example, sign waiver forms for activities, seek medical coverage if necessary.
I found a form or two on the site, but they seem geared toward international travel and do not seem to include the ability to "sign the waiver forms" I mention above. Any suggestions? I realize I may be able to get some of these forms signed before we leave, BUT for those activities they decide on when we are there — H E L P!
Thank you so much for your anticipated support
Debbie
This is really incredible. It is a dream of mine to visit Alaska, and I hope that if I ever do get to go, that I can experience what you did. My dad and I are avid kayakers, so it was somewhat relatable, although I doubt that Miami waters are NEARLY as cool (haha) as those in Alaska.This truly sounds like the trip of a lifetime.
I wanted to add that I loved the way you described everything, it was so beautiful and real.
Aw, I'm so sorry that happened to your dad but I'm glad something good came out of it. My family was actually planning on going to Gatlinburg next summer but we're all way too chicken to do this white water rafting haha. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for sharing this! That sounds like a truly beautiful experience. I love the bit about never underestimating yourself the most, very true.
*2009 not 2008
This is about my trip to South Dakota.
This trip was indeed and enriching expreience.
If you copy and paste the URL at the bottom of the post into your browser, it will take you to a video clip of the event, and if you skip to the last 12 seconds of the video you will see myself and one of my good friends sprinting in to the finish. We ended up tieing for 9th place.