Before the Space Race there was the race to construct the tallest building in the world. The Empire State Building is more than just a stop on a NYC sight-seeing checklist. The exhibits and view are worth the time.

Did you know the architects used a pencil as a model?

In preparation for our visit, we used library books to learn about the Empire State Building. The boys stacked boxes to construct a similar shaped model of the structure. Something that stood out to them from images was the lack of safety gear used back then. They added some construction workers to their model who can only be described as holding on for dear life.

Throughout the exhibits there are interactive opportunities to learn more about 1920’s & 30’s NYC. Kids can look through telescopes that show models and videos of what the city and New Yorkers looked like. As you ascend to the observation decks the elevator ceiling depicts the construction above you.

Did you know over 90 movies have featured the Empire State Building?

Watching movies is one of our favorite ways to prepare for a trip. King Kong was top of the list for the the Empire State Building. We had to do some fast forwarding to get to the juicy parts, but it made an impression. The kids pointed out King Kong images all over NYC- including the M&M store.

There’s a great exhibit at the Empire State Building which shows different movie scenes featuring the structure. The kids loved standing in King Kong’s hands as he peeks through the windows!

Highly recommend NYC for the holidays!

• tree being set up in Rockefeller Center
• shops and food in the Bryant Park Holiday Market
• strolling around the decorated Macy’s
• checking off our scavenger hunt list of what we might see in NYC at the holidays!

How can you use a similar idea (model construction, movies, scavenger hunt) to prepare for an upcoming adventure?