Family-Friendly Adventures in New York!

Dumbo

Why Visit?

Welcome to DUMBO, Brooklyn — a vibrant neighborhood with stunning views, captivating history, and activities that family members of all ages will enjoy!

Morning: Brooklyn Bridge Park

Start your adventure in Brooklyn Bridge Park, a sprawling 85-acre waterfront haven that offers breathtaking vistas of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Easily accessible by subway, get off at the High Street-Brooklyn Bridge Station and walk down towards the water. Here, kids can play in the numerous playgrounds, including the famous Jane’s Carousel, a beautifully restored 1922 classic carousel, while adults enjoy a leisurely stroll along the scenic promenades.

Noon: Lunch at Time Out Market

Around noon, head over to Time Out Market, located at the Empire Stores. Just a short walk from the park, this food hall features a variety of eateries serving dishes from some of New York’s top chefs. From pizza to tacos, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Afternoon: Photography and Shopping

After lunch, explore the cobblestone streets of DUMBO with your camera ready. The area between the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges, known as the DUMBO Archway, is perfect for capturing the iconic Manhattan Bridge shot. Here, the kids can enjoy the street arts and interactive installations.

Next, visit the local boutiques and shops along Front Street. DUMBO is known for its unique art galleries and design shops – perfect for picking up a memorable souvenir.

Late Afternoon: Main Street Park

Wrap up your day at Main Street Park, right under the Manhattan Bridge. It"s a great spot for picnics with its green spaces and playgrounds, and you"ll often find food trucks nearby for a quick snack.

Throughout your visit, enjoy the fusion of old and new with DUMBO"s historic architecture and contemporary art scene, making it a dynamic destination that’s both kid-friendly and culturally enriching.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Brooklyn Historical Society

Why Visit?

Family Day at Brooklyn Historical Society and Surroundings

Morning: Arrival & Exploration

Kick off your family day with a visit to the Brooklyn Historical Society (BHS), located at 128 Pierrepont Street in Brooklyn Heights. Easily accessible by the subway, take the 2, 3, 4, 5 to Borough Hall or the R to Court Street station, and then a short walk will lead you to the grand doors of a beautiful Queen Anne-style building, which has been standing since 1881.

Start your tour by marveling at the intricate architecture. The building itself, with its terra cotta reliefs and stained glass windows, is a piece of art. Step inside and explore the fascinating exhibitions that showcase Brooklyn"s rich history, from its days as a separate city to its current status as a borough of New York City. Make sure to check out the interactive family corners where kids can engage with historical artifacts and stories.

Lunch Time

For lunch, take a short walk to Montague Street where you can find a variety of family-friendly restaurants. Enjoy some New York-style pizza or grab some sandwiches for a picnic at the nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Afternoon: Brooklyn Bridge Park

Post-lunch, head to Brooklyn Bridge Park, just a 10-minute walk from BHS. This scenic park offers breathtaking views of Manhattan and plenty of space for children to play. Don"t miss Jane’s Carousel, a beautifully restored historic carousel that dates back to 1922, offering rides that charm both kids and adults alike.

Evening Wrap-up

Conclude your day with a stroll along the iconic Brooklyn Heights Promenade, just a few minutes from the park, where you can watch the sun set over the Manhattan skyline—a perfect end to your Brooklyn adventure.

Your visit to Brooklyn Historical Society combined with the local charm of Brooklyn Heights and fun at Brooklyn Bridge Park will provide a memorable experience packed with education, excitement, and picturesque views.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Coney Island

Why Visit?

Discover the vibrant and historic Coney Island, a beloved New York City seaside destination perfect for a family day out. Here’s a fun-filled itinerary to make the most of your visit:

Morning: Breakfast and Beach Time

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Tom"s Coney Island, known for their fluffy pancakes and rich coffee. It"s just a short walk from the Stillwell Avenue subway station, which is accessible by the D, F, N, and Q trains. After breakfast, head to the famous Coney Island Beach. Build sandcastles, dip your toes in the Atlantic, or stroll along the Riegelmann Boardwalk, enjoying the ocean breeze.

Midday: Luna Park and Deno"s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park

Next, visit Luna Park, enter through the main entrance near West 10th Street. Don’t miss the historic Cyclone Roller Coaster, a wooden coaster that"s been thrilling visitors since 1927. For more fun, walk over to Deno"s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park. The iconic Wonder Wheel, standing at 150 feet, offers breathtaking views of the beach and city skyline - a perfect spot for memorable family photos.

Afternoon: New York Aquarium

A short walk east along the boardwalk will take you to the New York Aquarium. Fascinate the kids with marine life exhibits, including sharks, rays, and sea lions. Check out the Aquatheater"s sea lion show, a hit among families.

Evening: Dinner and Boardwalk Relaxation

For dinner, grab a table at Ruby"s Bar and Grill, where you can savor classic boardwalk fare while soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere. End your day with a leisurely walk on the boardwalk, indulging in some sweet treats like a cone from Coney’s Cones.

Remember, Coney Island is not just a place but an experience steeped in history, from its iconic amusement rides to its role in the birth of the hot dog. Enjoy your adventure in this timeless New York gem!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Dyker Heights

Why Visit?

Dyker Heights Family Day Trip Itinerary

Morning: Arrival & Breakfast

Start your adventure in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, by fueling up at Paneantico Bakery Cafe on Fort Hamilton Parkway. Indulge in Italian pastries and a hearty breakfast. To get here, take the D train to 71st Street station and enjoy a short walk through the neighborhood, experiencing the local vibe.

Mid-Morning: Dyker Beach Park

After breakfast, head over to Dyker Beach Park for some outdoor fun. It"s a short 10-minute walk from the bakery. This park offers a playground for kids and spacious areas for a family picnic. It"s a great spot to relax and let the kids play.

Lunch: Local Eats

For lunch, grab a bite at Tommaso Restaurant, located near the park. They offer delicious Italian dishes that reflect the area"s rich cultural heritage. Their kid-friendly menu is perfect for younger palates.

Afternoon: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (Seasonal)

If visiting in December, the highlight of your trip will be the famed Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. Start at 11th Avenue and 83rd Street after dusk. Each year, residents decorate their homes with extravagant light displays and festive decorations, drawing visitors from around the globe. This magical spectacle provides a perfect holiday experience for the whole family.

Evening: Dinner and Departure

Conclude your Dyker Heights visit with a dinner at The Brooklyn Firefly on 3rd Avenue, a family-friendly spot known for its pizzas and live music. To return, the R train at 86th Street station is your best bet, offering a direct route back to downtown Brooklyn or into Manhattan.

This itinerary offers a blend of culinary delights, outdoor activities, and unique local culture, making your family trip to Dyker Heights a memorable one!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Verrazano-Narrows Bridge

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Day at the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your day early by catching a scenic bus ride or driving to the Bay Ridge area in Brooklyn, where the western end of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge is located. Upon arrival, you can park near Shore Road Park, which offers stunning views of the bridge — a perfect spot for family photos!

Interesting Fact: Did you know the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1964? It connects the boroughs of Brooklyn and Staten Island, making it a vital transportation link in New York City.

Mid-Morning: Educational Walk

Head to the pedestrian pathway at the bridge"s entrance for a leisurely walk. As you stroll, teach the kids about the bridge’s engineering. The bridge’s main span stretches 4,260 feet, and it swings wider or narrower with the weather due to the steel cables expanding or contracting!

Lunch: Picnic with a View

After your walk, lay down your picnic blanket in Shore Road Park and enjoy a family lunch with the bridge in the backdrop. The park is also great for spotting birds, so bring along binoculars if you have them.

Afternoon: Fort Hamilton

Next, visit the nearby Historic Fort Hamilton, just a short drive away. It’s one of the country"s oldest military installations, and there"s a visitors center that offers insights into its history. Check out the community club at Fort Hamilton for a snack or a refreshing drink.

Late Afternoon: Sunset at Staten Island

Wrap up your day by driving or taking a bus to Staten Island for a different perspective of the bridge. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach offer a serene spot to watch the sunset and reflect on your adventurous day.

Evening: Dinner in Staten Island

Conclude your visit with dinner at one of Staten Island"s family-friendly restaurants before heading back home. Enjoy local seafood or Italian fare as you discuss the day"s discoveries and plan your next family outing!

This itinerary offers a blend of education, relaxation, and breathtaking views, ensuring a memorable visit to the iconic Verrazano-Narrows Bridge!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.