East River Ferry

Season: Summer

Visit three boroughs in one day by catching a ride on the East River Ferry. It will be the same price as purchasing a subway ticket. You can buy one at any ferry landing. The ferries operate frequently (I’d say around 3 times in an hour). Click here for the route and hours. They also sell refreshments on the boat in case you forget to bring a few snacks and drinks. There is also an option to stay indoors on the first level which is air conditioned or enjoy the breeze from the second level. You can catch this ferry from Hunters Point South, my favorite spot in Long Island City, and head down to DUMBO or Wall Street. There is so much to do at all three sights. You can take the ferry once every year and discover new things at all the spots. Take the ferry on a 80 degree sunny day. Take it during evening hours on a date night. Take it during the sunset. Go with children. Go alone.

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Domino Park

Williamsburg, NY

I went here on a sunny 40 degree November day. With the proper attire, it was a totally pleasant experience. This is an adorable and newly built park on Williamsburg’s waterfront (just north of the Williamsburg bridge). The playground is amazing! There’s a short boardwalk with plenty of benches. There is a taco shack with outdoor seating. There are world class porter potties towards the south end of the park. And there is Williamsburg dining all around you. But honestly, I just went here to see it with my own eyes. The view across the East River here isn’t so appealing. No skyscrapers or landmark buildings. And the Williamsburg bridge isn’t too pretty. This place is a better draw during the summer going into evening house when the geyser sprinklers light up as well as the bridge and all of Manhattan across you. There is also a beach volleyball court and a place for kids and adults to bike ride (an adorable hilly bike track seen in the video below). I still much prefer Brooklyn Bridge Park, DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights Promenade for the overall vibe and the scenery. But this is definitely the better park on a very hot summer day when you need your kids to run into water.

View the gallery above and videos below for a better idea.  Please add your feedback in the comments section and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for live adventures.  And don't forget to share with your friends if you appreciate this page. 

Brooklyn Nets Game

Most often, you can find cheaper tickets to a Brooklyn Nets game over a Knicks game in the Garden. Why? Most likely because transportation and parking around recently constructed Barclays Center is a disaster! And the Nets weren’t always New York’s team. So with the children, if you want to save some money, definitely check out a game here! We caught Lebron’s last game as a Cavalier against the Nets here and it was a tight and exhilarating match the whole way through. I definitely recommend experiencing games at both arenas, either on a date or with your children! Also, you’re in the heart of Brooklyn when you’re here with so much to do and so many place to dine before or after the game. Take advantage of all the excitement around you! Tip: To save some extra money and have the liberty to move around when your child gets rowdy and inpatient, buy standing seats. There are some chairs here and the view of the court is fantastic!

Click here to see neighborhoods close by and things to do!

View the videos below for a better idea.  Please add your feedback in the comments section and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for live adventures.  And don't forget to share with your friends if you appreciate this page. 

Brooklyn Museum

Brooklyn, NY

www.brooklynmuseum.org

Gallery

See Brooklyn Botanical Gardens for more information.

Governor's Island

Governor's Island, NY

Ferry from Pier 6 in Brooklyn ($2 per adult, free for children under 12, $1 per senior citizen)

Ferry from Downtown Manhattan for free

Optimum Season:  Summer

www.govisland.com

Gallery

There is so much to see on this island sandwiched between Brooklyn Heights and Downtown Manhattan in New York Harbor.  Be prepared that the map in the guide book isn't really drawn to scale. Like you kind of gather the general direction to head to but it is probably best to follow the signs and your instinct.  Anyway, here is a list of things I did on the Island (four hours is more than enough!)  There are far more events and activities than I've noted below so it is best to go on the website and plan your day based on what you like as well.  I skipped on the bike rental, free kayaking and zip lining but this would be amazing with older kids or just with friends!

1) Slide Hill:  One of the slides is the tallest in all of NYC and is three stories high.  Make sure you bring a towel to put under your tush as the slide is metal and scorching hot in the summer.  

2)  Play Fountains:  I went here on an 80 degree sunny day.  I thought it was too cold for the beach or pool so I figured this would be perfect with the breeze of the Island.  I would have been more satisfied if it was a couple degrees cooler.  But for kids, this is warm enough to pack the bathing suits and towels so they can run around in the Play Fountains and cool off.  

3)  Hammock Grove Play Area:  I left my husband and sister in law here with my children for an hour as I explored the south and more historic side of the island.  The kids had a blast!  This is right across the Play Fountain area.  Don't be deceived by the map.  It is right there.  

4)  Castle Williams:  This is on the south side of the island.  Walk along the boardwalk and you'll pass by here.  You'll catch beautiful views of downtown Manhattan.  And lots of history!  The Manhtattan Ferry is on this side of the island so be sure not to go on the line headed home if you came from Brooklyn.  There are two different ferries people!  

5)  The Hills:  You can climb up the rocks or go up the ramp (via bike or stroller)....once you get to the top, you will have panoramic views of downtown Brooklyn, downtown Manhttan, Jersey City, Statues of Liberty, and the Verazzano Bridge.  Pretty neat view!!!  

Now for those catching the Brooklyn Ferry from Pier 6, note that the time on the website doesn't match the actual hours of operation (or at least on the day we went).  We were on line for exactly an hour before we got on.  It says half an hour on the site. Even those selling the ticket told us to go on the website and complain because it is misleading. And once we got on the ferry, no one checked the tickets we purchased (I don't know if this always happens. Try your luck if you have balls!)  You can go on the ferry with bikes and strollers as well.  But beware that the last ferry leaves Governor's Island at 7pm.  So if you want to catch the sunset on the island, you will have to find a water taxi back home.  

Also the food here is expensive and not so good.  Get your food from Brooklyn or Manhattan before you get on your ferry and bring a picnic blanket as well!!

Nearby:

Carroll Gardens

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6

DUMBO

Battery Park

Staten Island Ferry

This is an excerpt from The Best Things to do in New York about Governor's Island:  "More than two centuries after we gave Governors Island to the government to use as a military training ground, it was finally returned to us in 2003.  Since then, the city and the park service have been in the process of converting its grounds, historic structures (including two massive nineteenth-century fortifications), and waterfront promenade for public access.  Despite a flurry of amenities including outdoor art, mini-golf, bike rental, and water taxi beach, much of Governors Island feels exotically unexplored. The island is currently open for visitors during the warmer months and visiting hours are limited, but when you can get there (by ferry, a free ten minute ride from lower Manhattan), you'll be treated to striking views of the city all around you. The ferry departs from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street in Manhattan.  For current visiting hours, call 212-825-3045 or visit www.nps.gov or www.govisland.com."

Check the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), videos below for a better idea, and add your feedback!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share this page with your friends if you appreciate.

Dyker Heights

Dyker Heights, Brooklyn

Optimum Season:  Winter

Click Christmas in NYC for more info.

Park Slope

Park Slope, NY

street parking (start praying for a spot)

Optimum Seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall

The heart and pulse of Brooklyn is Park Slope!  No neighborhood is as cute.  No neighborhood as centrally located.  With prime real estate right next to the Brooklyn Museum and Prospect Park and Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, nothing else compares (except homes next to Central Park)!  A small neighborhood that can be walked through in the span of two hours.  You should definitely dine here to catch the vibe of the locals. This is a very family oriented place and it is always fun to people watch.  I came here with my then newborn son back in 2010 and I fell in love.  I can't wait to go back (perhaps visit the Prospect Park Zoo this time and then go to Park Slope again.  Big problem is that it is a two mile local (but extremely scenic) route once you get off the BQE.  Drive through Cobble Hill and Clinton Hill to see other beautiful homes and neighborhoods.  Or drive around the park and catch Prospect Park Height (I haven't done this yet) on the south eastern tip.  There is just beauty every where you turn!  Highly recommend going here once in your life if you are a New Yorker!

Check the gallery above and add your comments below.  And follow me on facebook and instagram to see my live adventures!  And share this page with your friends if you appreciate.

Carroll Gardens

Carroll Gardens, NY

street parking

Optimum Seasons:  Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Gallery

This is one of the most secluded neighborhoods in Brooklyn. It is eerily quiet here.  The majority of the population is Italian...and by the looks of the many lavish front lawns decorated with Jesus statues, it appears as though most are devout Catholics or Christians. Even the Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins chain has an outdoor garden with an illuminated Jesus! (Google Maps the Dunkin Donuts...definitely worth seeing this in person!)

The big draw here for residents is the front large (by Brooklyn standards) lawns in front of the brownstones.  This is a rarity in Brooklyn.  Owners of homes take pride in their gardens.  Each is as lush and beautiful as the next. And the homes are all as exquisite.  The trees form a canopy over all the streets so the neighborhood is rather shady even on a sunny day.  There's just so much character and charm here.  All should visit at least once!!  (I'd actually visit once during the spring and once in the winter as the Christmas decorations here are rumored to be out of this world).

There are pizza stores and Italian restaurants along almost every street (the neighborhood is pretty small, you can walk it all probably in less than 2 hours).  I will now take the opportunity to teach everyone a lesson in common courtesy, politeness, and manners:

So one of these "Everything You Must Do In New York" books that I own listed Frankies Spuntino 257 in Carroll Gardens as an amazing Italian restaurant with a beautiful outdoor garden.  I will not grace this establishment with a hyperlink (google it yourself if you are interested).  My family and I had just finished a day trip in nearby Governor's Island and I round up the troops and told them we must go here for dinner...because my book said so!!!!!  

So I called to make a reservation and I was surprised at how fast the lady said "yes, you can come right now" to my request of a table of 8.  So we google mapsed it and walked down a few blocks.  We walk in and notice there is no outdoor garden.  So I ask the wonderful host "where is the garden?" and she said "oh, you are looking for the our sister restaurant...it's a few stores down. This is Austrian and German cuisine." No wonder it was a fast reservation.

So we walked over a couple stores, go inside the real Frankies Spuntino 257 and were met by a very unfriendly, obnoxious, and rude manager type sort.   He looked at me and my family as though we were the Grizwalds and told us there was no seating (at least three tables were vacant).  I felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman when she was rejected service in the boutique clothing store.  I then tried to resolve the situation and asked "well, where else is good Italian around here?  If you are not honoring our reservation, at least recommend a good place to eat."  He looked at me dumbfounded and said "um, I don't know." Well, fuck you mister menstrual cycle.   (Blonde guy, around 6 foot 2, you can't miss him...he may have been the owner even)  I'm sure this man was just having a bad day, and I apologize in advance if he is not a complete a-hole every minute of his life.  But his attitude sealed our fate which was to quickly follow...

So my cousin googled the next closest Italian restaurant and boy oh boy did we strike gold.  FRAGOLE!!!!  The owner/manager/waiter here was ever so gracious.  Super service.  Super sweet. Super down to earth. Super accepting of my human rights. His name was Victor.  And his brother, who I will marry in my next life, was the chef.  This was the frieken best Italian food I've ever had in my life.  All I needed was to walk back into Frankies Spuntino 25motherfuckin7 with our receipt and say "Big mistake. HUGE!"

The food here was divine.  Every pasta dish (the pesto rigatoni was the stand-out), every salad, the salmon, the complimentary bread with G-d sauce, the dessert.  The entire menu.  I took a picture with Victor (go through the gallery above), told him he is a very good man, left the restaurant satisfied and delighted, and then walked across the street to the Dunkin Donuts to take a picture with the Jesus statue.  The night couldn't have ended on a better note. I thank you Victor for giving us a wonderful dinner and hope to see you many times again.  

Click on the gallery above for a better idea of the neighborhood (best viewed on a desktop for captions) and please add your feedback below!  Follow me on facebook and instagram to see my live adventures!  And share this page with your friends if you appreciate.

Nearby

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Brooklyn Bridge Park

DUMBO

Park Slope

Governor's Island

Brooklyn Botanical Gardens and Prospect Park

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Heights, NY

street parking and parking lot ($40 for oversized vehicles...gets full by early afternoon on a nice Sunday...street parking will take at least 20 minutes to find unless you're lucky)

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

Gallery

I had been to Pier 6 in the summer of 2011.  I had gone with my then first born toddler, my husband, and my Williamsburg-residing sister who gave us a tour of the area. I don't recall Brooklyn Bridge Park at this pier having playgrounds and activities, but I wasn't really there for long and I was just too focused on the view to notice anything else.  We just drove by the downtown Manhattan skyline, double parked the car, got a shot with my son in his overalls, and that was that.  

Fast-forward to summer of 2017, I decided to go to Pier 6 once again to catch the ferry going to Governor's Island.  It was here that I noticed all the playgrounds arranged like a maze intertwined with trees.  Not only is this a great park for families with children, it is a great place to date.  There are all these hidden paths leading to new playgrounds.  The videos and pictures should describe what I can't in words.  It's just something to see with your eyes in your lifetime (even the footage doesn't do enough justice).  There are sprinklers here, so on a 78 degree plus and sunny day, be sure to bring bathing suits and towels for your children so they can have some fun!  

There was also beach volleyball overlooking the skyline.  And Fornino restaurant (which has brick oven pizza but I didn't really check the menu to see what else they offered) with a rooftop that offers views of the skyline as well.  So if you just want to go Pier 6, there is enough to do for several hours. And I'd suggest catching the sunset on the roof of the restaurant and seeing the skyline at night!  It's truly magical!

Of course, when I went in 2017, I decided to give the extended family a tour of both Governor's Island (my first time), Carroll Gardens and Brooklyn Heights. Talk about killing several birds with one stone.  But you can totally squeeze these all in one day...with or without the kids!

Or, you could skip all the above and just do what www.mommypoppins.com sites as the 30 best things to do in Brooklyn Bridge Park (none that I knew existed before I went there.  Missed opportunity.  Must go back!)  There are many other piers, roller skating, a pop up pool, free kayaking and so much more!  The whole park is a mile stretch from one side to the other.  Just spend an entire day here!

Check out the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), videos below, and please add your feedback! Follow me on facebook and instagram to see my live adventures!  And share this page with your friends if you appreciate.

Nearby:

DUMBO

Park Slope

Governor's Island

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Carroll Gardens

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Brooklyn, NY

street parking (difficult...start praying)

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

Gallery

I remember coming here for Mother's Day back in 2012 with my husband, first born, and mother in law.  We had meant to go to DUMBO but accidentally found a random beautiful playground with a direct pathway to the Promenade. We had no idea what this was and we caved into our curiosity. We were amazed by the breathtaking view of downtown Manhattan here. This is the narrowest strip of the East River between Brooklyn and the city.  It feels like you are two butterfly strokes away from South Street Seaport.  And the Promenade lies on top of the BQE (you'll understand when you are there) and behind a bunch of affluent town houses with back-gardens facing the East River.  

I came again in the summer of 2017 when we did a day trip to Governor's Island.  But this time, we came at night.  Without my children and husband. And with a bunch of girls.  The night was utterly magical.  It was a perfect 80 degree fresh summer night.  The moon was reflecting off the river.  One World Trade Center was finally up.  If you live in New York and haven't been here....start planning your next weekend!!!

I suggest wearing sneakers this day and walking every street of the neighborhood.  If not walk, then at least drive!  Definitely stop by Montague Street to dine or shop.  You will be charmed by the stores, the neighborhood, the parks, the playgrounds, the homes and every detail imaginable in Brooklyn Heights.  I promise you!

Nearby

Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6

DUMBO

Park Slope

Governor's Island

Carroll Gardens

Check the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), videos below for a better idea and add your comments. Follow me on facebook and instagram to see my live adventures! And share this page with your friends if you appreciate.

Jewish Children's Museum

Crown Heights, Brooklyn

Street Parking

Optimum Season:  Fall, Winter, Spring

Jewish Children's Museum

Gallery

I was beyond impressed with this museum.  It is probably my favorite in all of New York for the children (it is just a great testament to Judaism and so kid-friendly and interactive).  And as an orthodox Jew who is glatt kosher, this is the best place to go and easily find restaurants to dine with the kids afterwards (as long as you have your admission bracelets, you can walk back into the museum after you have had a lunch break).  There is a Mendy's and a kosher bakery on the first floor of the building, a boutique kosher supermarket a block a way, and Basil (for great kosher italian food)  and Boeuf and Bun (my personal favorite hamburger join in NYC) just steps away.  

Parking happened to be easy the day we went.  I chose this particular Sunday in February because they had a Hamantash preparing workshop.  Definitely visit this museum when there are specific events related to the Jewish holidays.  Makes the experience extra special.

There is miniature golf on the 5th floor on an enclosed deck (there was slight drizzle the day we went and a bit too cold but we were able to play anyway).  I loved the life-like kosher supermarket with children sized carts and cashiers, the recreation of the Western Wall with paper and pencil available to write your prayers, the 7 days of creation exhibit, the Noah's ark play area and every other single inch!  

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Prospect Park, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park Zoo and the must see neighborhood of Park Slope are just a few blocks away.  If you go in the Spring, Summer or Fall, it's worth hitting up both places!  Trust me!

View the gallery above and videos below for a better idea.  Please add your feedback in the comments section and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for live adventures.  And don't forget to share with your friends if you appreciate this page.  

Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Prospect Park

Brooklyn, NY

Admission fee (some libraries offer free passes), parking lot fee, free parking on street

Free from November though February on weekdays

Free on Tuesdays (double check before you go)

Free on Saturdays from 10am to noon (double check before you go)

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

www.prospectpark.org

www.bbg.org

Cherry Blossom Festival!  This is the time to visit this gem of a garden in Brooklyn's Prospect Park!  It took us nearly one hour to find parking, but once we did, it was all worth it.  Get a map and make sure to take in as much as you can!  Every inch is a work of art! The gallery speaks for itself!  

If you have extra time, venture out and expore all of Prospect Park (designed by the same architectural team of Manhattan’s Central Park) which should take about two hours to walk the perimeter trails. You will find lakes, ponds, a carousel, an ice skating rink, a roller skating rink, open fields, playgrounds and even waterfalls in this magical place in the middle of Brooklyn. You may even be able to spot an animal (we saw a peacock!) through a fence that connects to the Prospect Park Zoo!

For acquiring free passes, contact your local library.  For Great Neck residents, click here www.greatnecklibrary.org.

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Visit the Brooklyn Museum when you are here!  You may as well!  We visited with a baby and a toddler strapped in a double stroller, and walked into the museum for free one hour before it closed for the day.  There was a special exhibit that month of structures made out of soda cans as you can see in the photos. You can also dine in Park Slope a couple blocks West of the Botanical Gardens. This is a truly magical part of Brooklyn and a very upscale and wealthy neighborhood.  The townhouses are gorgeous!   There are other beautiful affluent neighborhoods to the South and West, and lots of celebrities live around here.  But Park Slope should be the hippest.  I would love to go back once a year!

For a list of other parks and gardens, click here.

Click on the gallery above, the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

The Boathouse

Grand Army Plaza

Williamsburg Waterfront

Williamsburg, NY

Park on street

Optimum Seasons:  Summer

Gallery

I am lucky my sister is a resident of Williamsburg.  I was able to enjoy 4th of July (well, half enjoy) fireworks with my children on the East River!  We experienced sunset and breathtaking views of Manhattan's skyline. Unfortunately, I had no idea the fireworks begin at 9:30 so by then, my toddlers were already hours into suicide watch!  Whenever the fireworks are on the East River, and your children are older, or you have a babysitter, definitely park in Williamsburg....the views won't be nearly as nice as those in DUMBO or downtown Manhattan, but it gets the job done with far less people traffic!

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Bedford Avenue dining!

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass)

Brooklyn, NY

street parking and parking lots

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer

Gallery

Grimaldi's Pizza!  Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory!  Jane's Carousel!  Brooklyn Bridge Park!  The River Cafe! The Brooklyn Bridge!   The newly opened Empire Stores!  Cecconi's Restaurant!  The 1 Hotel!  These are all hallmarks of this cobble-stoned neighborhood located just across the East River from downtown Manhattan.   With breathtaking views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges and the NYC downtown skyline, every inch of DUMBO is as charming as the next!  Parking is an utter disaster (unless you get lucky) so just do yourself a favor and dig into your pockets and pay to leave your car in a parking lot!  You can spend the entire day here with children.  Best to go around 3pm and stay as long as you can to experience the sunset.

Reservations at River Cafe need to be made months in advance, but it's worth just taking a look from the outside of this famed NY restaurant!  It is utterly magical at night when the gardens are illuminated and you can see the sparkling skyline and Brooklyn Bridge through the leaves of the trees!  Videos of both the day and night can be viewed below.

Also, Cecconi's DUMO is a new and beautiful indoor/outdoor restaurant on the ground floor of Empire Stores with prime real estate between the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges.  I have been told the food here ain't all that but the Instagram posts after your less-than-fine dining is what you are paying for.  But if you are looking for an excellent restaurant with great decor, service, food and views, I prefer Maiella on the waterfront in Long Island City overlooking midtown Manhattan with views of the iconic Empire and Chrysler Buildings.  

Love the energy in this little nook of Brooklyn as much, if not more, than that of Manhattan!  My favorite thing to do on an uneventful Sunday with the family!   And DUMBO is ever evolving.  When I went last year, Empire Stores looked like an abandoned warehouse and I just kept wondering why they hadn't restored this beautiful building.  And what do you know, I came back one year later to find a mixed use shopping mall/office building.  I have pictures of the inside and outside in the gallery above and videos below.  

I am still torn between whether DUMBO is more magical during the day or in the evening.  For sure there is an unmatched and vibrant energy during the day with the crowds of people.  When we went on a Thursday evening, the kids were missing, the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory was closed, but the lights of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges were reflecting off the East River and there was a beautiful serenity that you don't find during the earlier hours. Definitely visit DUMBO at least once in your life, and make an effort to catch it at both times of day. Tip:  For the money shot, head to Washington Street to get a pic of the Empire State Building peaking through the Manhattan Bridge (pictures above)

Nearby

Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6

DUMBO

Park Slope

Governor's Island

Carroll Gardens

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Brooklyn Museum

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!