Exploring New York City: Resource Post

Do you want to do your own virtual exploration of New York City?

I’ve compiled a list of books, activities, blog posts, videos, and websites that helped us with our project.

Bear with me as this list is quite extensive, but I’m providing it in the hopes to help you create your own virtual journey through New York City.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

New York City Overview

Books:

New York City (Cities) by Joanne Mattern (This book is not easily found to purchase, but this one or other similar books about New York City can be found in the children’s section of your local library.)
123 NYC: A Counting Book of New York City by Joanne Dugan. A fun counting book using actual photographs from New York City.
ABC NYC: A Book About Seeing New York City by Joanne Dugan. Just like 123 NYC, this is an alphabet book using real photographs from New York City.
This Is New York by Miroslav Sasek. This beautifully illustrated book was first published in the 1960’s. The current revision contains updated information.
Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin by Duncan Tonatiah. Two cousins, one in New York City and the other in Mexico, write letters to each other describing their daily lives
Alphabet City by Stephen T. Johnson. An alphabet book using photographs of “found” letters throughout New York City.
Good Night New York City (Good Night Our World) by Adam Gamble. A simple board book which takes you through the day saying good morning and good night to many New York City landmarks.
A Walk in New York by Salvatore Rubbino. Join a young boy and his Dad has they take a walking tour around New York City.
Eloise: A Book for Precocious Grown Ups by Kay Thompson. Read the classic book about Eloise, the little girl who lives in the Plaza Hotel.

Other Book Lists:
Six Great Books About New York City from Design Mom
Kids Books About New York City from Silly Eagle Books

Activities:
Cityscape Printmaking
Roadtrip USA: New York from Confessions of a Homeschooler
New York City coloring page from Education.com

Virtual Tours:
Gray Day in New York City from Imagine Childhood
Exploring Geography: New York City from Mama Smiles
Walking Across the Brooklyn Bridge from 52 Brand New

Statue of Liberty

Books:

The Statue of Liberty (Symbols of Freedom) by Tristan Boyer Binns. A great introduction to The Statue of Liberty containing facts, history, and more.
Emma’s Poem: The Voice of the Statue of Liberty by Emma Glaser. A beautiful tribute to Emma Lazarus and her poem “The New Colossus,” which is carved on The Statue of Liberty.
A Picnic in October by Eve Bunting. A sweet story of a family who celebrates The Statue of Liberty’s birthday every year. A great introduction to immigration and the many things Lady Liberty represents.

Website:

National Park Service: The Statue of Liberty. This is the official Website of The Statue of Liberty. You’ll find fun facts, history, photos, and even a virtual tour.

Activities:

Statue of Liberty Measuring
Statue of Liberty Dress-Up Kit
Making Lady Liberty’s Torch from Relentlessly Fun, Deceptively Educational

The Subway
Books:
A Subway for New York by David Weitzman. A thorough history of the subway system. Better suited for older children, aged 7 and up.
Down in the Subway by Miriam Cohen. A fun story about a young boy’s subway ride and the people he meets.

Activities:

Subway Acrostic Poetry

Taxis

Books:
Taxi: A Book of City Words by Betsy Maestro. Take a taxi ride through the city and learn many new words along the way.
The Adventures of Taxi Dog by Debra Barracca. Join a stray dog as he rides with a taxi driver throughout New York City

Activities:

Pretend Play – Invisible Taxi from Inner Child Fun

Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) and Andy Warhol

Books:

Andy Warhol (Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Artists) by Mike Venezia. Part of a fantastic series of art books for kids, this book will give you a thorough overview of Warhol and pop art.
Uncle Andy’s by James Warhola. A delightful book written by Andy Warhol’s nephew describing his uncle and his family’s visits to New York City and Warhol’s house.

Website:

Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). This is the official website of MOMA. Explore the museum and view their collection on-line.

Activities:

Becoming Warhol: Kids Art Activity
Warhol Art Trading Cards from Art Activities for Kids
Warhol-Inspired Wall Art from Red Ted Art
Exploring Pop Art a la Andy Warhol from Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas

Other Topics to Explore

Times Square, Wall Street, the Brooklyn Bridge, skyscrapers, Central Park, Broadway, jazz music, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and fashion design.

In truth, there is a wealth of information about New York City. I barely just scratched the surface on this post. I encourage you to explore this great city with your kids; there are so many fun activities to do!