The Eloise Shop at The Plaza (and More in the Area)

What could be more exciting for a 5 or 6 year old girl (and her little brother) than a trip to the Eloise Shop located in the basement of New York's iconic Plaza Hotel at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue!  The shop has several rooms (and of course lots of items for sale) that appeal to toddlers to pre-tweens. There is even a toy piano with a 3-sided mirror on which to practice scales.  Eloise's "playroom" has huge round pink sofas where kids can lounge and watch the Eloise movies that are continuously looped on a big screen. There is a party room as well where sometimes visitors can peek in on a celebration in action.  Of course, it makes sense to read books from Eloise series or watch the videos (available at most children's libraries) prior to a visit.  This adds meaning and context!

The Plaza

Eloise's Apartment

The Party Room

Playing the Piano

Eloise's Bedroom

Eloise's Playroom

 While at The Plaza, make sure to stop for a snack in the huge, magnificent food court right outside of Eloise's apartment.  You can get anything from a small cookie to a full meal at any number of restaurants and shops.  We found that a cookie and a juice pack was just fine and it didn't "break the bank!"

The Food Court at the Plaza

Just across Fifth Avenue is New York's landmark Apple Store.  Entering the huge glass cube is an event in itself and then taking the glass elevator downstairs is another adventure.  Once inside, head for the iPad tables where several tablets are loaded with games while kids sit on sturdy balls on low-lying tables.  We had to pry the kids away after more than one "five-minute warning."

The Apple Store on Fifth Avenue

Playing with iPads at the Apple Store

Now if you really want to splurge, just behind the Apple Store is the internationally-known toy store, F.A.O. Schwarz.  Of course, browsing all of the toys is just too tempting for some kids, but one time when we visited, we simply said that it was for looking and exploring, but not for buying. (On another occasion, we tried to teach an "economics lesson" and limited each child to an $8 purchase. It was somewhat challenging to find an item at that price point, but we were successful.  (Our grandchildren were prompted to make the purchase themselves, to approach the counter money in hand, and check on the change received.)  Of course.there is plenty to explore without a purchase-- magnificent Lego structures, giant stuffed animals to sit on or hold, demonstrations, and the famous "Big Piano."  Kids remove their shoes and after waiting a turn, they can walk, slide or jump onto a giant keyboard and their motions make piano sounds.  It is great fun.

The Big Piano at F.A.O. Schwarz

 As you leave the store, make sure to say goodbye to the costumed "toy soldier" who is stationed at the door.