Last night, Anton and I waited excitedly on the stoop for our guests. My brother Nick and my cousin’s son Jimmy, all the way from England, were heading to Brooklyn for a week. Jimmy, 13, was full of curiosity. When I asked what he wanted to do, he surprised me by saying, “Do you guys have Dunkin’ Donuts?” Yes, Jimmy, we do!
Planning a tour for a 13-year-old is a fun challenge. We kicked off their visit with pizza and rode bikes along the river as the sun set. My brother impressed Jimmy with wheelies, earning the title of “fun uncle.”
This morning, Jimmy woke up at 5 a.m. due to jet lag, but he waited patiently for us to get moving. We walked to grab bagels and snapped silly photos. Next up: shopping for “trainers” and heading to a Yankees game.
Thinking about the activities for preteens in NYC, here are a few hit spots:
- Coney Island: Thrilling rides and beach fun.
- Central Park: Perfect for a relaxing stroll or bike ride.
- American Museum of Natural History: Fascinating exhibits that ignite curiosity.
Also, according to a recent survey by Statista, NYC is consistently rated as one of the top travel spots for family adventures. Nearly 30% of families choose it for culture and activities.
Flashback time: Jimmy and Anton have shared many memorable moments since they were little. Their bond has only strengthened over the years.
As summer this year rolled around, I noticed how time flies! When Anton turned 12 and Jimmy was now 13, their changes reminded me of the joys of growing up. Just like them, many kids forge lasting memories with cousins and friends.
We always cherish visits from family, especially these two. What do you like to show visitors when they’re in your hometown?
P.S. You can explore our Brooklyn house tour and past trips to England for more inspiration!
Source link
anton,personal





















