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Explore New York’s Lower East Side on the All-of-a-Kind Family Walking Tour - New York

Explore New York’s Lower East Side on the All-of-a-Kind Family Walking Tour

New Yorkeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels with basic mobility for walking city streets

Overview

Discover the immigrant history of New York’s Lower East Side through Sydney Taylor’s beloved "All-of-a-Kind Family" in this immersive walking tour. A perfect outing for families and history buffs alike.

New York, New York

Walking Tour: "All-of-a-Kind Family"

Sunday, December 14, 10:30am ET: In-person

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Adventure Photos

Walking Tour: "All-of-a-Kind Family" photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on a captivating journey through the Lower East Side on December 14th, exploring the world of Sydney Taylor's All-of-a-Kind Family. Discover real-life inspirations behind the beloved characters, visit historic sites, and enjoy a taste of the past. Perfect for families, this unique tour brings literature to life!

Take the kids on a trip to the literary Lower East Side!

Join us on Sunday, December 14th at 10:30am and follow in the footsteps of Ella, Henny, Sarah, Charlotte, and Gertie, the beloved sisters depicted in Sydney Taylor’s children’s classic All-of-a-Kind Family. Stroll through the story and into the streets to learn about the real-life people and Lower East Side places that inspired Taylor to write All-of-a-Kind Family. These behind-the-scenes details are guaranteed to make you love the book even more! Recommended for children five and up and their adult companions.

Highlights:

  • Visit the Main Sanctuary of the Eldridge Street Synagogue, a house of worship where the All-of-a-Kind characters may have attended
  • See the Allen Street tenements and discuss how the sisters lived
  • Visit Hester and Orchard Streets where the characters shopped from pushcarts and peddlers
  • Walk through Seward Park and see where the girls used to play
  • Pass by Seward Park Library where the sisters borrowed their books
  • Stop by The Pickle Guys and sample one of the sisters’ favorite foods

Ticket Price (Includes Museum Admission): Adults $15 Seniors / Students $12 Children 5-17 $10 Children Under 5 FREE Cool Culture Pass / SNAP Benefits $5

REGISTER HERE

This Museum at Eldridge Street Walking Tour is only available to small groups (25 people max). This tour is available to both individual ticket holders and families.


About the Museum at Eldridge Street: The Museum at Eldridge Street is housed in the Eldridge Street Synagogue, a magnificent National Historic Landmark that has been meticulously restored. Opened in 1887, the synagogue is the first great house of worship built in America by Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. Today, it is the only remaining marker of the great wave of Jewish migration to the Lower East Side that is open to a broad public who wishes to visit Jewish New York. Exhibits, tours, public programs, and education initiatives tell the story of Jewish immigrant life, explore architecture and historic preservation, inspire reflection on cultural continuity, and foster collaboration and exchange between people of all faiths, heritages, and interests.


Image Credit: "All-of-a-Kind Family," Sydney Taylor, 1984 book cover.

Adventure Tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes

The tour covers city sidewalks and some uneven pavement, so sturdy shoes are recommended.

Bring water and snacks

Though the tour is moderately paced, having water on hand keeps everyone refreshed.

Dress for the weather

Winter in New York can be cold; layering is recommended to stay warm outdoors.

Arrive early for check-in

Arriving 10-15 minutes early ensures a smooth start to the tour without rushing.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Pigeons commonly seen in city parks
  • Occasional sightings of migrating songbirds

History

The Lower East Side was home to one of the largest immigrant communities in the early 1900s, shaping New York’s cultural landscape.

Conservation

The tour encourages responsible tourism by respecting local residents and historic sites to preserve the neighborhood’s character.

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Adventure Hotspots in New York

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Support and cushioning for urban walking over mixed surfaces.

winter specific

Layered clothing

Essential

Adjustable warmth against chilly December weather.

winter specific

Reusable water bottle

Stay hydrated throughout the tour.

Camera or smartphone

Capture historic buildings and vibrant street scenes.