Showing NY to the elderly

[Vishenka69]

I need some advice. DH's relatives are coming to visit in a month and MIL asked if we can help her to show them around NY. I love to show off my favority city but not sure what to do with them, since they're older and can't walk a lot and don't speak English. We won't have communication issues (we can speak Russian to them) but we won't be able to take them to Broadway shows. I'm guessing that given their age and inability to remain on their feet for long periods of time, activities that require standing in long lines (aka Empire State Bldg) might be out as well, and hoping on/off subways. I can't imagine anything touristy that doesn't require walking/standing, so I'm at a complete loss as to what to do with them.

Did anyone travel with their grandparents or has any suggestions how to show a huge city to older people?

[Belm]

What about tours by bus? I thought I remember reading in airline magazine about some great tours of NYC via a bus. I'll look around and see if I can find it online somewhere.

[Vishenka69]

My MIL is looking into that but there's only so much you can see from a window and there's still lots of walking involved. I guess we should also see just how much walking this woman can handle.

[houseblend]

Some of the bus tours have open seating on top, so there can still be some great views. Unfortunately NYC is a walking town, so that makes it tough. Would she be open to renting a wheelchair while she is there? That would open up a lot of options.

[bookworm]

What about one of the boat tours? They may not see much "up close and personal," but it can be a nice way to spend an afternoon, when you want to play tourist.

Would they enjoy the opera or ballet? Come to think of it, they might enjoy some of the Broadway musicals even not understanding the words (if you gave them a synopsis before the show, sort of like you get in an opera programme).

You could also take them on a carriage ride around Central Park.

[suzubeane]

I haven't lived in NYC in a while (grew up there) but what about the Circle Line Ferry? You don't HAVE to go to the statue of liberty - that would probably be a bit much for them. But you could consider Ellis Island. I haven't been there since they updated the museum, but I think that they could get tour tapes in Russian.

[Vishenka69]

Thanks girls. Opera and ferry ride have been added to our list. As for the Broadway show we're thinking "Fidler on the Roof," since they've already read the book and seen the movie. Ellis Island could be very interesting, I've never been there either. Don't know about the carriage rides, as I hate even walking by the horse (they stink so much and pretty gross up close).

[looch]

I took my 80 year old Italian grandmother on a NY waterway cruise. they have the narrated headsets in a few languages. she loved it, still talks about it today!