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Melt With You: Teach Kids Tolerance at These NYC Spots

by Michelle McIvor Cohen

New York has always been one of the most dynamic and diverse cities in the world. From language immersion preschools to parades that celebrate backgrounds of all kinds, there is no shortage of opportunities to teach tiny citizens about other countries and cultures. These days, it feels more important than ever to educate our future world leaders about respect and tolerance. Need some ideas on how to get started? Here are some of our favorite NYC spots that promote understanding and appreciation of different races, ethnicities and cultures.

Ellis Island

Nearly half of all Americans can trace their family history to at least one person who passed through Ellis Island. What better way to teach your little ones how immigrants shaped our history than taking a trip to this historical spot? The island’s Museum of Immigration offers special children’s audio tours in five languages that help kids relive the experience of 12 million immigrants who entered America. The brood will also love trying to find records of your own family history. The museum hosts several temporary exhibits that warrant a trip back if you’ve already been there. Don’t miss seeing Little Syria, NY: An Immigrant Community’s Life and Legacy, which will be on display through January 9. It tells the story of Arab immigrants who settled in Little Syria, a community on Washington Street, in the late 19th Century and highlights their entrepreneurial spirit.

Hours: First ferry from mainland – 8:30 a.m.; last ferry from mainland – 5 p.m.

Admission: $18; $9 for kids ages 4-12; children under 4 are free.

Ellis Island
(212) 363-3200
Online: libertyellisfoundation.org

Photo: Gary L. via Yelp

 

What’s your favorite NYC spot to help kids learn about other cultures? 

–Michelle McIvor Cohen

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