New York
American Mosaic: An NYC Exploration With Your Grandchild
Program No. 11559RJ
Journey into the past and explore the present with your family in NYC, where the city’s iconic spots create a mosaic of influences from around the globe.
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6 days
5 nights
11 meals
5B 2L 4D
1
Registration & Orientation; Dinner.
New York, NY
2
Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Little Italy
New York, NY
3
United Nations, Top of the Rock, Times Square
New York, NY
4
Central Park Discovery Adventure, Free Time
New York, NY
5
Coney Island, New York Aquarium, Luna Park
New York, NY
6
Wrap-Up Session, Program Concludes
New York, NY
At a Glance
Imagine the excitement of past generations as they sailed toward New York City for the first time, the sparkling torch of Lady Liberty lighting the way above them. Travel through time with your grandchild as you experience both the past and present of this remarkable city and its mosaic of cultural influences. Discover the story of generations past with visits to Little Italy and Chinatown, go behind the scenes at the United Nations headquarters and experience NYC like a local as you explore Central Park, spot species at the New York Aquarium and taste hot dogs on Coney Island. Who knows, your adventures may even spark a discovery on your own family tree!
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Six hours of physical activity daily, including walking up to eight miles, taking public transportation and climbing stairs.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Take a ferry ride to the iconic Statue of Liberty before visiting Ellis Island, where you’ll learn about past generations and their journey to America.
- Take off on a photo safari of Central Park’s most famous spots, using maps and clues to discover sites like the Balto the Dog statue.
- Navigate the city like a local as you travel to the New York Aquarium, find your favorite amusement ride in Luna Park and eat hot dogs at Coney Island.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Tom Bernardin
As a National Park Service Guide at Ellis Island, Tom Bernardin became an avid collector of Statue of Liberty memorabilia — and his association with Ellis Island inspired him to write "The Ellis Island Immigrant Cookbook: The Story of Our Past Told Through the Recipes and Reminiscences of our Immigrant Ancestors." He has made guest appearances on National Public Radio, the TV Food Network, Arts and Entertainment and the History Channel.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Tom Bernardin
View biography
As a National Park Service Guide at Ellis Island, Tom Bernardin became an avid collector of Statue of Liberty memorabilia — and his association with Ellis Island inspired him to write "The Ellis Island Immigrant Cookbook: The Story of Our Past Told Through the Recipes and Reminiscences of our Immigrant Ancestors." He has made guest appearances on National Public Radio, the TV Food Network, Arts and Entertainment and the History Channel.
Karl Baudendistel
View biography
A New York City resident for more than 25 years, Karl Baudendistel loves sharing his knowledge of the city with visitors from around the world. Having spent 20 years overseeing ‘the business of show business’ for numerous Broadway and touring productions, chances are he’s been to a city near you. Karl is a member of The Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers, is a trained sommelier and was educated at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Suggested Reading List
(7 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
American Mosaic: An NYC Exploration With Your Grandchild
Program Number: 11559
722 Miles: The Building of the Subways and How They Transformed New York
Here Is New York
The Doorman's Repose
Suggested for the children. This novel tells the tales of unforgettable characters who live in a NYC apartment building.
American Passage
The Island at the Center of the World
Journey to Ellis Island
Suggested for the children. Follow a young immigrant as he makes his way to Ellis Island.
All-of-a-Kind Family
Suggested for the children. This follows the adventures of a New York City family in the early 20th Century. There are several books to the series.