<p>Please forgive me that this is not a specific college question but I am looking for some quick help.
My D is in NYC for the Alvin Ailey dance program which is not a very nurturing program. They do not organize anything beyond dance instruction for the participants. D is feeling overwhelmed with living on her own, being in the city and really doesn't know how to plan for all the free time.</p>
<p>Those of you who are familiar with NYC, can you suggest some very SPECIFIC things we could help her arrange to do, particularly for this long weekend. D is 16 so she can't even get into a R rated movie. When she left she was sure she did not need our help with finding things to do, but I am pretty sure at this point if I told her that on Friday at XX time she should go to XXX she would be happy for the direction. If there are things we could book on-line for her (I know we can do shows and will look at some of those) that would be even better.</p>
<p>Please if you know of holiday events around the city we could tell her to go to or an outdoor concert or such, could you let me know. I can't seem to find a useful website to look up events around the city, so it anyone can point me in that direction that would help. There are 3 other girls staying in the same area so she could/should have travel companions.</p>
<p>D is hinting that maybe she should come home, but I think if we can get her over the long weekend and give her some help in making plans for things to do she will be OK. What she is learning is being an "adult" is a lot harder than it looks.</p>
<p>She should check out Central Park Web site -- they have weekend, freebie guided walks of different areas in the Park. She should check to see if there are any free concerts in Central Park. Even if not, it's a fun place to walk around Central Park on a weekend day -- pick up a picnic lunch, etc.</p>
<p>How about the 4th of July fireworks -- check on line to find best viewing sites along FDR drive on the East side.</p>
<p>Four gigantic waterfalls have been installed under the Brooklyn Bridge. They can be seen at various vantage points -- check the NYTimes last week or any
NYC web site. Plus walking over the Brooklyn Bridge and then having a bite to eat in Brooklyn Heights is fun.</p>
<p>Be sure to check NYTimes on Friday (they list street fairs/festivals), NYMagazine, and Time Out New York.</p>
<p>We live in Northern NJ. Ever since high school, my kids have loved going into the city with friends and just walking around. Downtown is fun to walk
around -- St. Mark's Place, East Village, etc. Good luck to your daughter.</p>
<p>The Lincoln Center Midsummer Night Swing starts in early July:
Lincoln</a> Center for the Performing Arts, Inc.</p>
<p>Like 3booys' kids, my D goes into the city and just walks around. Definitely walk over the Brooklyn Bridge. Sometimes D gets a student rush ticket for a Broadway show. I think for about $30? For the fireworks, she could see if there are tickets left on any of the boat tours. That would be fun with some friends. </p>
<p>I remember seeing a comedian quiping that she couldn't take the pressure of living in Manhattan because there is just too much to do. Much of it free. Check out events at the SouthStreet Seaport. Your D should grab one of the many publications found everywhere & look through them. Some thing will catch her eye. And definitely get hold of the NY Times for great ideas..</p>
<p>Thank you for the specifics. I think I will try and make her a NYC scavenger hunt where she has to take a picture of herself say walking over the Brooklyn Bridge. The links are so helpful and the concert next week is agreat heads up.
The more ideas I can feed her, with explicit direction, I think the better.</p>
<p>keepingcalm, My d did the Alvin Ailey program at 16 last year, so I know your worry. The 16 year olds have to be pretty independent. My d went to a LOT of off off Broadway productions, some great, some just so so. She and friends also made a habit of trying for student rush tickets. They also tried out dance classes (just for fun) at some of the other studios. We actually encouraged our d to come home for the July 4th weekend (we're closer than you) but she declined. Good luck. Maybe she can organize a picnic in Central Park. I don't know of anything specific going on in the city, but wanted to add an encouraging word. My d did love her experience, and now she's a confirmed city rat!</p>
<p>have her go to a bookstore and pick up this weeks copy of Time Out New York magazine and the New Yorker magazine- each will have hundreds and hundreds of activities that are going on this week, many free and open to all ages</p>
<p>keepingcalm,</p>
<p>I'm not sure how long your D will be in the city but there's an event on July 17 which she might enjoy. A friend who is in the show told me this morning about an appearance by the Broadway cast of Rent at Bloomingdale's at 5:30 on the 17th. There will be an in-store performance and then a chance to meet and chat with the cast. From the 9th to the 20th, there will be displays of costumes worn in the show over the past 12 years in Bloomingdale's windows.</p>
<p>Central</a> Park SummerStage
free concerts in central park!</p>