If you can’t beat them, join them the old adage goes.
Well, the weather is beating me senseless.
This has been a brutal winter in New York City. February has been the coldest month on record. The average high – only a mere 21 degrees. There have even been days where the temperature has dropped to an unbelievable negative 15 below zero.
In addition to the polar temperatures we have seen double the normal snow fall amount.
Its unprecedented for New York City. And For a city that walks everywhere – It has been awful, miserable, and unbearable.
We are Frozen. Solid.
For a family living in miniature New York city sized apartments this only means one thing…
A giant hell.
Sick of being inside. Sick of the apartment. Sick of craft projects. Sick of sore arms from trying to push the stroller through the snow.
I’m convinced Spring is never coming. We are never going to thaw.
Possibly I’ve been so cold for so long my brain has numbed – or perhaps I’ve literally gone stir crazy? But today I layered up lil kid, did some arm stretches, and went exploring in this icy abyss. And believe it or not we saw some cool things while doing so.
When in Rome – do as Romans do. When living in an igloo – eat ice, right?
Bundle up as Lil Kid Big City gives you a walking tour of some cool ways to enjoy the frozen abyss that has become Manhattan.
1. Ice Fountain
Bryant Park Fountain
Bryant Park – 6th Avenue between 40th and 42nd. Fountain centrally located near to 41st street on upper level by Ice Rink
I’ve been living in NYC for 13 years and have never seen the fountain frozen.
And its frozen. Solid. So frozen its become an issue. The weight of the ice was becoming damaging to the fountain structure itself so the Bryant Park Corporation has since turned off the water and started chipping away at the ice to relieve some of the weight.
None the less, its still an amazing site. And a great picture opportunity for the kiddies. A must see before the Spring thaw.
2. Ice Skating
The Rink at Bryant Park
Bryant Park – 6th Avenue between 40th and 42nd. 212.661.6640. Ice Rink Entrance near to 40th street and 6th
We’ve been slip sliding all over Manhattan’s sidewalks all winter – why not lace up some skates and slip on a even surface? A beautiful Rink. A beautiful view with the buildings. A beautiful price tag – FREE. The website states that the Rink’s last day of the season is March 1st. Due to the relentless deep freeze I heard they are considering to keep it open. TBD. Note: Skating is free, Skate rental is $15.
3. Ice Cream
Scoops R Us
Toys R Us Times Square – 44th Street at Broadway. 1514 W 44th St, New York, NY. 646.366.8800
The grand daddy toy store in NYC has a year around ice cream counter in the basement called Scoops R Us.
Pick your favorite Hagen Daaz flavor and dig in. Just be sure your face has unfrozen enough to taste your sugary treat.
Note: No seating available in the area. Plenty to watch however as the Ferris Wheel loads and unloads a few mere steps away.
4. Ice Bar
Minus 5 Ice Bar
The Hilton Hotel Lobby- 55th Street at 6th Avenue. 1335 Avenue of the Americas. 212.586.7000
The coolest experience in New York City? It is quite an adventure – The walls, chairs, bar, and even the glasses that they serve cocktails in are made of ice. There’s an LED light show and music thumping. Ice sculptures honoring good ol NYC landmarks. It cost over 5 million to build. They keep an ice carver on payroll to continuously update, replace, and re-invent the space.
It is crazy. It is cool.
Named for its constant temperature – the Ice bar is always, as one would guess, -5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit). Upon entering and depending on which package you have chosen, you receive a parka and gloves to wear and keep you warm. But in comparison to the current weather in NYC – this would be considered a warm up. I almost wore my swim suit.
Kids are welcome before 6pm daily. A little pricey at $20 per person, yes. But its Manhattan…we’re used to crazy prices so it seemed somehow reasonable.
