New York's national parks offer a glimpse into history
If you're considering a New York vacation, planning ahead is the only way to go. There are simply so many things to see and do that you should have at least a general idea of how you want to spend your days before you can begin. New York is one of the largest cities in the world, it was not like that without a reason and it has a long history that is part of its greatness.
If I had to choose how to spend my time in New York and what wonderful things about New York City to present to my children, I would choose to introduce them first to the things that have the most historical significance so that that really sinks. And it doesn't compete with the Nintendo Store or the really cool keyboard at FAO Schwarz. I would like my children to understand the history of our country well and badly and I want them to one day instill in their own children the importance of that history.
By visiting the national parks first, I will have enjoyed the benefits of the price tag (free is good almost anyway, especially when you and your children are getting an education) as well as fresh minds on which to impart this crucial knowledge. about the birth of our democracy. Ellis Island is a great place to visit, but I think I will show you the statue from afar instead of taking the ferry. There is so much to do in New York and every second counts. I want you to have as much fun as I want you to get some wonderful ideas that you can also share with your friends at school (something different from the latest and greatest Game Cube game coming out soon).
Some of the major national parks I'd like to take my kids include: Federal Hall, where Washington was opened, Grant's Tomb, Theodore Roosevelt's Birthplace, and Castle Clinton, which was designed to keep invaders out. I would also like to take them to the Church of San Pablo. Not for religious reasons, but for religious freedom issues. I think there is an important lesson to be learned here even today, perhaps especially today.
I believe that the lessons that can be learned about our nation's history in New York City are as important as the lessons that can be learned in Washington or Philadelphia. This country has taken many steps on the road to democracy and we have sometimes stumbled along the way. There never would have been the Salem Witch Trials, the Civil War or the Civil Rights Movement if it hadn't, but we've come this far and we still have a lot to do. I want my children to learn from our past and look to our future.
I think these are the lessons we can learn from our state parks and they are far more valuable than the lessons we can learn at toy stores and at the Central Park Frisbee toss. I want my children to visit museums and toy stores and learn about new cultures, I also want them to take home a deep sense of the history of our great nation.
