# The Brood List: 40 things to do in New York with kids By Dan, Boroughs & Brood. Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list.html. Printable list: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/print.html ## The short answer The Brood List is 40 things to do in New York with kids, 20 famous and 20 lesser known, each with the subway, stroller, restroom and cost details checked. 11 are free and 13 work indoors. The first three: Ride the Staten Island Ferry past the Statue of Liberty, Climb aboard vintage subway cars at the New York Transit Museum and Meet the dinosaurs at the American Museum of Natural History. New York has more things to do with kids than any family could get through in a lifetime of school vacations, which is a lovely problem until you're standing on a corner at 9am with two children, a stroller and no plan. The Brood List is our answer: 40 New York experiences for families, 20 famous and 20 lesser known, side by side, each checked against its own official page. It's a list to tick off, not a ranking to argue about (well, argue a little). Tick each one as you do it and the counter keeps score on your phone, with nothing sent anywhere. There's a printable version for the fridge, too, for families who like a pen. The famous ones are here because they're famous for a reason, and every one comes with the practical bits: the subway stop and whether it has an elevator, where the restrooms are, what it costs and how long it takes with a five-year-old. The lesser-known ones are the places that don't make the usual lists, and each says why it's worth the detour. We'll keep adding until there are 100. ## The list ### 1. Ride the Staten Island Ferry past the Statue of Liberty Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/staten-island-ferry.html The Staten Island Ferry is free, runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and takes about 25 minutes each way between Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan and St. George Terminal on Staten Island. On the way out it passes the Statue of Liberty, which makes it the cheapest harbor cruise in New York by roughly $26 a head, the price of an adult ticket on the official boat that actually lands on Liberty Island. - Where: Lower Manhattan, Manhattan - Address: Whitehall Terminal, 4 South St, New York, NY 10004 - Famous or lesser known: famous - Ages: All ages - Cost: Free - Price: Free - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter - Time needed: about 1.5 hours for a round trip - Best time: Weekday mid-mornings, when the boats are quiet; late afternoon for harbor light - Subway: 1 to South Ferry (accessible station); 4/5 to Bowling Green (accessible station); R/W to Whitehall St-South Ferry (not listed as accessible). Elevators go out of service, so check the MTA's elevator status before you rely on one. - Stroller: Strollers are an everyday sight on a commuter boat, but I could not find a stroller policy on the DOT pages. At rush hour the decks fill, so a baby carrier is easier. - Restrooms: Not detailed on the DOT pages I checked. Go before you board, especially with small children. - Cost: Free for everyone. - Time: The crossing is about 25 minutes each way. Allow about 1.5 hours for a round trip including waiting. - Check first: Departures are about every 15 minutes at rush hour and every 30 minutes otherwise, and schedules can change without notice. On major holidays the ferry runs the weekend schedule. - Official page: https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/ferrybus/staten-island-ferry.shtml - Coordinates: 40.7013, -74.0133 - Tips: Go mid-morning on a weekday to dodge the commuter crush. Use a restroom before you board; the DOT pages I checked do not detail onboard facilities. Bring a jacket even in summer, because the open decks catch the harbor wind. Boats keep running through the night, so a late ride for older kids is possible; check the schedule first. - Sources: https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/ferrybus/staten-island-ferry.shtml ; https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/ferrybus/siferryschedule.shtml ; https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/ferrybus/ferry-facts.shtml ### 2. Climb aboard vintage subway cars at the New York Transit Museum Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/nyc-transit-museum.html The New York Transit Museum in Downtown Brooklyn is built for the child who has opinions about subway cars, and you probably know one. It houses vintage subway cars and cars from the old overhead railways, dating back to 1907, and you can walk through them, sit on the seats, grab the straps and press your face against old advertising. It is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. - Where: Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn - Address: 99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 - Famous or lesser known: lesser known - Ages: All ages - Cost: Under $25 - Price: Adults $15; children 2 to 17 $10; seniors 62+ $10 - Indoors: yes - Seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter - Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours - Best time: Wednesday to Friday mornings; weekends fill up with train-obsessed families - Subway: 2/3/4/5 to Borough Hall (accessible station) or A/C/F/R to Jay St-MetroTech (accessible station), each a short walk. A/C/G to Hoyt-Schermerhorn Sts is not listed as accessible. Check elevator status before you rely on one. - Stroller: Limited stroller parking at the back and no stroller bag check. The museum notes there is no elevator, with an accessible entrance at the Schermerhorn and Court corner. - Restrooms: Not detailed on the museum's visit page. Plan a stop before or after. - Cost: Adults $15; children 2 to 17 $10; seniors 62+ $10; disabled visitors $10; members and MTA employees free. - Time: 1.5 to 2 hours with a five-year-old. - Check first: Hours (Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm), the A/C outage notice, and whether advance tickets are advised for your date. Closed Juneteenth, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. - Official page: https://www.nytransitmuseum.org/ - Coordinates: 40.6906, -73.99 - Tips: Reserve timed tickets in advance; the museum says a limited number are sold on site. Kids 15 and under need adult supervision. No snacks inside, so eat before you go. Dress for warmth or heat depending on the season, since there is no climate control in most galleries. - Sources: https://www.nytransitmuseum.org/ ; https://www.nytransitmuseum.org/visit/ ### 3. Meet the dinosaurs at the American Museum of Natural History Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/amnh.html The American Museum of Natural History is open daily, 10am to 5:30pm, and the headline for most families is the dinosaurs. The Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs holds the Tyrannosaurus rex and Apatosaurus; the Hall of Ornithischian Dinosaurs has Triceratops, Stegosaurus and Corythosaurus. All of that is included in general admission. - Where: Upper West Side, Manhattan - Address: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024 - Famous or lesser known: famous - Ages: All ages - Cost: Splurge - Price: NY residents pay what you wish for general admission (suggested $25 adult, $14 child); out-of-state $37 adult, $22 child; under 3 free - Indoors: yes - Seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter - Time needed: 3 to 4 hours - Best time: Weekday mornings, straight to the dinosaurs before the crowds arrive - Subway: B (weekdays only) or C to 81 St-Museum of Natural History (not accessible, per the museum); 1 to 79 St, two blocks away (not listed as accessible). The 72 St station on the 1/2/3 is listed accessible and about 0.5 mile away. Check elevator status before relying on one. - Stroller: Strollers are welcome throughout the museum except in theaters, with dedicated parking. Double strollers are restricted in ticketed exhibition galleries. - Restrooms: Several on different floors, including accessible ones in the Gilder Center and the Rose Center. - Cost: NY State residents: general admission pay what you wish with ID (suggested $25 adult, $20 senior, $14 child). Out-of-state: $37 adult, $30 senior, $22 child. Under 3 free; ages 3 to 12 child rate. - Time: 3 to 4 hours with a five-year-old, less with a toddler. - Check first: Special exhibitions and the Butterfly Vivarium cost extra. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Check the museum's calendar for timed entry. - Official page: https://www.amnh.org/plan-your-visit - Coordinates: 40.7813, -73.974 - Tips: Book date-specific tickets ahead and head to the dinosaurs first. Pick two or three halls rather than trying to cover the building. Check whether you want the extra-cost Butterfly Vivarium before you go. Eat first or pack a snack plan; museum cafes are busy at midday. - Sources: https://www.amnh.org/plan-your-visit ; https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/permanent ### 4. Take the Roosevelt Island Tramway above the East River Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/roosevelt-island-tram.html The Roosevelt Island Tramway is a cable car that glides over the East River from East 60th Street and Second Avenue in Manhattan to Tramway Plaza on Roosevelt Island, and it costs the same as a subway ride. You tap OMNY or use an unlimited pass and you are in the air, which is a better deal than most things that call themselves a viewing experience. - Where: Upper East Side, Manhattan - Address: Roosevelt Island Tramway, E 60th St at 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10022 - Famous or lesser known: lesser known - Ages: All ages - Cost: Under $25 - Price: Standard MTA fare (tap OMNY or use an unlimited pass) - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter - Time needed: 30 to 60 minutes for the ride, longer if you explore the island - Best time: Off-peak weekdays or around sunset - Subway: N/R/W to Lexington Av/59 St or 4/5/6 to 59 St (neither listed as accessible); Q to Lexington Av/63 St (listed accessible, a few blocks away). Check elevator status before relying on one. - Stroller: The tram says its cabins provide accessible service for riders with mobility devices, strollers and bicycles. - Restrooms: Not detailed on the tram's page; use a restroom before you set off. - Cost: The standard MTA fare, with OMNY tap-to-pay or an unlimited pass accepted. - Time: About 30 to 60 minutes for the ride and a quick look around. - Check first: Service hours (Sunday to Thursday 6am to 2am; Friday and Saturday 6am to 3:30am) and frequency (every 7.5 minutes at weekday rush hours, otherwise every 15 minutes). - Official page: https://www.rioc.ny.gov/community/transportation/tram - Coordinates: 40.7612, -73.9654 - Tips: Tap OMNY at the turnstile; the tram accepts standard MTA fares and unlimited passes. Go off peak for a quieter cabin and an easier stroller boarding. Sunset rides give the best light on the East River and the Queensboro Bridge. - Sources: https://www.rioc.ny.gov/community/transportation/tram ### 5. A Central Park day: Heckscher Playground, the carousel and the zoo Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/central-park-day.html Central Park is large enough that one visit never covers it, but a three-stop plan works well with young children: Heckscher Playground first, the Carousel in the middle, the Central Park Zoo to finish. Heckscher is the oldest playground in the park (created in 1927) and the largest at 1.8 acres, with swings, slides, a maze-like climber and an extensive water feature. - Where: Central Park, Midtown to Upper West Side, Manhattan - Address: Heckscher Playground, Central Park (West Side, W 61st to 63rd Sts), New York, NY 10023 - Famous or lesser known: famous - Ages: All ages - Cost: Under $25 - Price: Heckscher free; carousel $4 a ride; Central Park Zoo $22.95 adult, $16.95 child 3 to 12, under 3 free - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall - Time needed: a full day, or pick two - Best time: Weekday mornings in spring and fall - Subway: B/C or 1 to 59 St-Columbus Circle (accessible station) for Heckscher on the west side; N/R/W to 5 Av/59 St (not listed as accessible) for the zoo and southeast corner; Q to Lexington Av/63 St (listed accessible). Check elevator status. - Stroller: Strollers are fine in the park and permitted at the zoo. Heckscher has an accessible surface and adaptive swings. - Restrooms: Heckscher: in the breezeway building, 6:30am to 9pm daily, wheelchair accessible. The zoo has restrooms. None at the Carousel. - Cost: Heckscher free. Carousel $4 per ride. Zoo adult $22.95, senior $18.95, child 3 to 12 $16.95, under 3 free (date-specific tickets). - Time: A full day for all three; two stops is more realistic with under-6s. - Check first: Carousel hours are weather dependent. Zoo tickets are date specific and prices can change. - Official page: https://www.centralparknyc.org/locations/heckscher-playground - Coordinates: 40.7683, -73.974 - Tips: Heckscher's restrooms are open 6:30am to 9pm daily and wheelchair accessible. Buy zoo tickets online for your date; every guest needs one. The Carousel has no restrooms, so use Heckscher's before you ride. The Carousel runs weather permitting, so have a rainy-day plan, such as a nearby museum, ready. - Sources: https://www.centralparknyc.org/locations/heckscher-playground ; https://www.centralparknyc.org/locations/carousel ; https://www.carouselatcentralpark.com/buy-tickets ; https://centralparkzoo.com/tickets ; https://centralparkzoo.com/ ### 6. Visit a real working farm in the city at Queens County Farm Museum Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/queens-county-farm-museum.html Queens County Farm Museum is a 47-acre working farm inside the city limits, farmed continuously for more than three centuries, according to the museum. It is free to the public except on ticketed admission days and for groups, and it is open daily 10am to 5pm (closed New Year's Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). - Where: Floral Park, Queens - Address: 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11004 - Famous or lesser known: lesser known - Ages: All ages - Cost: Free - Price: Free, except ticketed admission days and group visits - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall - Time needed: 2 to 3 hours - Best time: Weekdays when hayrides run in the afternoon; weekends for the fall events - Subway: No subway at the door; the nearest subway stops are several miles away. The farm lists a Q46 bus stop; plan the trip with the MTA trip planner. - Stroller: Strollers are permitted on the grounds. There is no designated storage. - Restrooms: The farm says grounds and restrooms are accessible. - Cost: Free to the public, except on ticketed admission days and for group visits. Hayride prices are not listed on the page. - Time: 2 to 3 hours. - Check first: Ticketed event days, hayride availability (weather dependent), and closures on New Year's Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. - Official page: https://queensfarm.org/ - Coordinates: 40.7455, -73.713 - Tips: Check the events calendar for ticketed days before you travel. Strollers, backpacks and bottled water are allowed, but there is no stroller or coat storage. Park free on Little Neck Parkway; the lot is only for special events. Bring sensible shoes; this is a farm. - Sources: https://queensfarm.org/ ; https://queensfarm.org/visit/ ### 7. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/brooklyn-bridge-walk.html The Brooklyn Bridge walkway is open at all times and free, according to the city's Department of Transportation, though portions of the walkway may be narrowed during rehabilitation work. The bridge is about 1.1 miles end to end, opened on May 24, 1883, and the pedestrian promenade is between 10 and 17 feet wide, about 18 feet above the roadways. - Where: Civic Center, Manhattan to Brooklyn Heights, Manhattan - Address: Brooklyn Bridge Promenade, Park Row at City Hall, New York, NY 10038 - Famous or lesser known: famous - Ages: All ages - Cost: Free - Price: Free - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter - Time needed: about 1 hour each way with children - Best time: Early weekday mornings; the bridge fills by late morning and on weekends - Subway: 4/5/6 to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall (accessible station) or J/Z to Chambers St (accessible station) for the Manhattan end; R/W to City Hall is not listed as accessible. On the Brooklyn end, A/C to High St and F to York St are not listed as accessible. Check elevator status. - Stroller: The promenade is wide enough for strollers, but it gets crowded; walking is easier than pushing at peak times. - Restrooms: None listed on the DOT page; plan a stop before you start. - Cost: Free. - Time: About an hour each way with children, longer with photo stops. - Check first: Rehabilitation work can narrow the walkway; check NYC DOT for current conditions. Weather matters, as the promenade is exposed. - Official page: https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/infrastructure/brooklyn-bridge.shtml - Coordinates: 40.7061, -73.9969 - Tips: Walk from Brooklyn toward Manhattan if you want the skyline in front of you; walk the other way if you would rather finish in Brooklyn. Go early on a weekday to avoid the crowds. Bring water and a hat; there is little shade on the bridge. Keep kids out of the bike lane and watch for cyclists. - Sources: https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/infrastructure/brooklyn-bridge.shtml ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn_Bridge ### 8. See all of New York in miniature at the Panorama, Queens Museum Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/panorama-queens-museum.html The Panorama of the City of New York at the Queens Museum is a scale model of the whole city: 9,335 square feet at 1:1200 (one inch equals 100 feet), with about 895,000 miniature buildings built before 1992, every street, park and some 100 bridges across 273 sections. Manhattan runs 70 by 15 feet, and the Empire State Building stands 15 inches tall. - Where: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens - Address: New York City Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY 11368 - Famous or lesser known: lesser known - Ages: All ages - Cost: Under $25 - Price: Pay what you wish - Indoors: yes - Seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter - Time needed: 1 to 2 hours - Best time: Wednesday to Friday afternoons; weekends if you want company - Subway: 7 to Mets-Willets Point (not listed as accessible), then walk through Flushing Meadows Corona Park toward the Unisphere; the museum is nearby. Check elevator status. - Stroller: The museum asks visitors to leave large bags at home and says its coat check is closed; I could not confirm a stroller policy, so check before you go. - Restrooms: Not detailed on the pages I checked. - Cost: Pay what you wish. - Time: 1 to 2 hours. - Check first: Hours (Wednesday to Friday 12pm to 5pm; Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm; closed Monday and Tuesday on the page I read), timed entry and any closures. The page I fetched carried an older notice, so confirm current hours. - Official page: https://www.queensmuseum.org/visit - Coordinates: 40.7457, -73.8461 - Tips: Reserve timed entry if the museum recommends it for your date. Leave large bags and luggage at home. Walk from Mets-Willets Point along the boardwalk and past the Unisphere to the museum. Pair it with time outdoors in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. - Sources: https://www.queensmuseum.org/visit ; https://www.queensmuseum.org/panorama ### 9. Spend a day at the Bronx Zoo Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/bronx-zoo.html The Bronx Zoo is the one to plan a whole day around. On the sample day the zoo's site showed, it opened at 10am, last entry was 4:45pm, animal exhibits closed at 5pm and the zoo closed at 5:30pm. Admission uses flex pricing, so the price depends on the day: the tickets page shows starting prices of $28.95 for adults 13 and over and $27.70 for children 3 to 12, with children 2 and under free. - Where: Fordham Park, Bronx, The Bronx - Address: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460 - Famous or lesser known: famous - Ages: All ages - Cost: Splurge - Price: From about $28.95 adult and $27.70 child (3 to 12) on flex pricing; under 3 free - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall - Time needed: a full day (4 to 6 hours) - Best time: Weekday mornings in spring and fall; avoid hot summer afternoons - Subway: 2/5 to Pelham Pkwy (accessible station), West Farms Sq-E Tremont Av (not listed as accessible) or Bronx Park East (not listed as accessible); each is a walk to a zoo entrance. Confirm the best gate on bronxzoo.com. Check elevator status. - Stroller: Stroller rentals on site: $14.70 single, $20.25 double. Wheelchairs are complimentary. - Restrooms: Available throughout the zoo; specifics are on the zoo map. - Cost: Flex-priced general admission starts at $28.95 (13 and over) and $27.70 (3 to 12); 2 and under free. Parking $22 standard car. - Time: A full day, 4 to 6 hours. - Check first: Flex pricing varies by date; hours change seasonally; last entry is 4:45pm on the sample day I saw. - Official page: https://bronxzoo.com/ - Coordinates: 40.8506, -73.877 - Tips: Buy tickets online; flex pricing rewards planning ahead. Rent a stroller on site if your children are under five; the walking adds up. Study the zoo map in advance and pick your must-see animals. Check the zoo's seasonal events; Boo at the Zoo runs in October. - Sources: https://bronxzoo.com/ ; https://bronxzoo.com/tickets ### 10. Spend a seaside afternoon on City Island, the Bronx Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/city-island.html City Island is a small island in the northeastern Bronx, in Long Island Sound, about 1.5 miles long and half a mile wide, connected to the mainland by a bridge (the new causeway bridge opened to traffic on October 29, 2017). It sits south of Pelham Bay Park, and it feels like a small seaside town that happens to have a subway connection nearby. - Where: City Island, The Bronx - Address: City Island Ave, City Island, Bronx, NY 10464 - Famous or lesser known: lesser known - Ages: All ages - Cost: Free - Price: Free to walk around; Nautical Museum $10 adults, children under 12 free - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall - Time needed: half a day - Best time: Weekend afternoons from spring to fall, when the museum and the restaurants are open - Subway: 6 to Pelham Bay Park (accessible station), then the Bx29 bus onto the island. Check elevator status before relying on one. - Stroller: The island is flat and walkable; I did not verify sidewalk conditions, and the museum is a small house museum. - Restrooms: Not verified; plan a stop at a restaurant or before the bus. - Cost: Free to walk around. Nautical Museum: adults $10, children under 12 free, members free. - Time: Half a day with a meal and a museum stop. - Check first: Nautical Museum hours (Saturday and Sunday 1pm to 4pm, late April to late October) and restaurant seasonal hours. I could not reach an official island site, so use the museum's own page. - Official page: https://www.cityislandmuseum.org/ - Coordinates: 40.847, -73.7869 - Tips: Time your visit for a weekend afternoon in season to catch the Nautical Museum. Take the Bx29 bus from Pelham Bay Park; plan the connection with the MTA. Check restaurant hours and menus individually before you go. Walk the length of City Island Avenue; the island is short and flat. - Sources: https://www.cityislandmuseum.org/ ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_Island,_Bronx ### 11. Coney Island: the boardwalk and Luna Park Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/coney-island.html Coney Island is the end of the line in the best sense. The Riegelmann Boardwalk and beach run from Corbin Place to West 37th Street, with nearly three miles of sandy beach, playgrounds, courts and amusement rides, plus the Parachute Jump and the New York Aquarium nearby. The boardwalk and beach are free. - Where: Coney Island, Brooklyn - Address: Luna Park, 1000 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224 - Famous or lesser known: famous - Ages: All ages - Cost: Under $25 - Price: Boardwalk and beach free; Luna Park pay per ride, Luna Pass from $40 - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall - Time needed: 3 hours to a full day - Best time: Summer weekdays for the beach; fall weekends for a calmer Luna Park - Subway: D/F/N/Q to Coney Island-Stillwell Av (accessible station); F/Q to W 8 St-NY Aquarium (not listed as accessible). Check elevator status. - Stroller: The boardwalk is flat. I did not verify Luna Park's own stroller policy, so check it. - Restrooms: Not verified on the pages I checked; check NYC Parks and Luna Park before you go. - Cost: Boardwalk and beach free. Luna Park: pay per ride, all-day wristband or Luna Pass from $40. - Time: 3 hours to a full day. - Check first: Luna Park hours and season (they change by date and weather), ride height requirements, and lifeguard dates for swimming. - Official page: https://lunaparknyc.com/ - Coordinates: 40.5744, -73.9783 - Tips: Check Luna Park's hours and ride rules before you go; they vary by day and weather. Pick between pay-per-ride and a wristband based on how many rides your children will actually ride. Swim only when lifeguards are on duty. A walk along the boardwalk is free and a good first stop. - Sources: https://lunaparknyc.com/ ; https://lunaparknyc.com/plan/park-hours/ ; https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/coney-island-beach-and-boardwalk ### 12. Explore the woods at the Staten Island Greenbelt Nature Center Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/greenbelt-nature-center.html The Greenbelt Nature Center sits at 700 Rockland Avenue (at Brielle Avenue) and is free and open to the public year-round. It is a 5,000-square-foot nature center inside the Greenbelt, nearly 2,800 acres of forests, meadows, ponds and hiking trails, and the center offers trail maps. - Where: New Dorp, Staten Island - Address: 700 Rockland Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314 - Famous or lesser known: lesser known - Ages: All ages - Cost: Free - Price: Free - Indoors: yes - Seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter - Time needed: 1 to 3 hours - Best time: Weekday mornings; spring and fall for the trails - Subway: No subway on Staten Island except the Staten Island Railway; take the ferry to St. George and then buses (the NYC Parks page suggests the S74, then the S54 or S57). Plan the trip with the MTA. - Stroller: Not verified. The trails are real woodland trails, so check conditions before pushing a stroller. - Restrooms: Not verified; confirm with the center. - Cost: Free. - Time: 1 to 3 hours. - Check first: Hours (the Parks listing says Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm April to October, Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm November to March), program schedule and bus routes. - Official page: https://www.sigreenbelt.org/ - Coordinates: 40.5826, -74.1121 - Tips: Pick up a trail map at the center. Call ahead to confirm hours; the listing I found may be outdated. Combine it with the free Staten Island Ferry ride out. Wear walking shoes; the trails are real trails. - Sources: https://prd1.nycgovparks.org/park-features/virtual-tours/greenbelt/nature-center ; https://www.nyctourism.com/places/greenbelt-nature-center ### 13. Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island by the official ferry Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/statue-of-liberty-ellis-island.html The official ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island leaves from Castle Clinton in Battery Park, and the National Park Service says Statue City Cruises is the only authorized ticket seller. A general admission ticket covers round-trip ferry transportation with stops at Liberty Island and Ellis Island, plus the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Ferry prices from the NPS page: adults 13 and over $26, seniors 62 and over $23, children 4 to 12 $17, and children under 4 free. - Where: Battery Park, Manhattan - Address: Castle Clinton, Battery Park, New York, NY 10004 - Famous or lesser known: famous - Ages: All ages - Cost: Splurge - Price: Ferry: adults $26, seniors $23, children 4 to 12 $17, under 4 free - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall - Time needed: most of a day - Best time: Earliest ferry on a weekday - Subway: 1 to South Ferry (accessible station), 4/5 to Bowling Green (accessible station), or R/W to Whitehall St-South Ferry (not listed as accessible); walk through Battery Park to Castle Clinton. Check elevator status. - Stroller: Not stated on the NPS pages I read; call the NPS on 212-363-3200. - Restrooms: Not stated on the pages I read; check with the NPS. - Cost: Ferry ticket (includes both islands and both museums): adult $26, senior $23, child 4 to 12 $17, under 4 free. Pedestal or crown add-on $0.30; Hard Hat Tour $55 (13 and over). - Time: Most of a day, including security and the ferry. - Check first: Ferry schedule (it changes seasonally), the security queue, and the crown height minimum (42 inches). Weather and tides can affect service. - Official page: https://www.nps.gov/stli/planyourvisit/index.htm - Coordinates: 40.7033, -74.017 - Tips: Buy tickets only from Statue City Cruises or the NPS-linked page; it is the only authorized seller. Arrive early; the ticket time is for security, not the boat. Book crown tickets well ahead, and check the height minimum. Bring a carrier and snacks; this is a long day. - Sources: https://www.nps.gov/stli/planyourvisit/index.htm ; https://www.nps.gov/stli/planyourvisit/fees.htm ; https://statuecitycruises.com/tickets ### 14. Wander the gardens and Hudson views at Wave Hill Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/wave-hill.html Wave Hill is a public garden and cultural center in Riverdale, in the northwest Bronx, above the Hudson River. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5:30pm (closed Mondays, last entry 30 minutes before closing), with flower gardens, an alpine house, greenhouses and a conservatory. - Where: Riverdale, The Bronx - Address: 4900 Independence Ave, Bronx, NY 10471 - Famous or lesser known: lesser known - Ages: All ages - Cost: Under $25 - Price: Adults $10; students and seniors $6; children 6+ $4; free on Thursdays - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall - Time needed: 2 to 3 hours - Best time: Thursday if you want free entry; weekday mornings otherwise - Subway: 1 to Van Cortlandt Park-242 St (not listed as accessible), then the Wave Hill shuttle (Thursday to Sunday, hourly) or a bus. Check elevator status. - Stroller: The route from Riverdale station is uphill; I did not verify stroller policy, so check before you go. - Restrooms: Not verified; there is a Visitor Center and a Café on site. - Cost: Adults $10; students and seniors 65+ $6; children 6+ $4; free all day Thursday; members free. Parking $10 members, $13 non-members. - Time: 2 to 3 hours. - Check first: Hours (Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5:30pm), the shuttle schedule (Thursday to Sunday), and the pricing for younger children. - Official page: https://www.wavehill.org/visit - Coordinates: 40.8977, -73.9099 - Tips: Go on a Thursday for free admission. Use the free shuttle from the 1 train or Metro-North; it runs Thursday to Sunday. Parking is $10 for members and $13 for non-members. Check the program calendar for family events. - Sources: https://www.wavehill.org/visit ; https://www.wavehill.org/visit/getting-here ### 15. Explore the Intrepid Museum: aircraft carrier, submarine and Space Shuttle Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/intrepid-museum.html The Intrepid Museum is built around the aircraft carrier Intrepid at Pier 86 on the Hudson, with the Space Shuttle Pavilion and the Growler submarine on the same ticket. General admission covers all three plus temporary exhibitions. It is open daily 10am to 5pm (last entry an hour before closing) and closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. - Where: Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan - Address: Pier 86, 12th Ave & W 46th St, New York, NY 10036 - Famous or lesser known: famous - Ages: 5 to 12 - Cost: Splurge - Price: Adults 13 to 64 $38; children 5 to 12 $28; 4 and under free; NYC residents 50% off - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter - Time needed: 3 to 4 hours - Best time: Weekday mornings; Kids Week in February - Subway: No subway at the door. A/C/E to 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal (accessible station) or 7 to 34 St-Hudson Yards (accessible station), each roughly a 0.6 to 0.7 mile walk; or NYC Ferry to W 39th St, 10 to 15 minutes' walk. Check elevator status. - Stroller: Strollers are not allowed in the submarine or the Concorde; elsewhere they must stay with you. No coat or bag check. - Restrooms: Not detailed on the pages I read; there are dining venues on site. - Cost: Adults 13 to 64 $38; seniors 65+ and college students $36; children 5 to 12 $28; 4 and under free; US veterans and military free; NYC residents 50% off. - Time: 3 to 4 hours. - Check first: Last entry is one hour before closing; tickets are non-refundable; check the calendar for special exhibitions and Kids Week. - Official page: https://www.intrepidmuseum.org/plan-your-visit - Coordinates: 40.7648, -73.9996 - Tips: NYC residents: bring photo ID for 50% off. No coat check, so travel light. Plan the walk or the NYC Ferry; there is no subway at the door. Look out for Kids Week in February. - Sources: https://www.intrepidmuseum.org/plan-your-visit ; https://www.intrepidmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/ticket-information ; https://www.intrepidmuseum.org/visitor-information ### 16. Climb the hills of Little Island on the Hudson Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/little-island.html Little Island is a public park on Pier 55 in Hudson River Park, at West 13th Street, and entry is free. It opens at 6am daily, and closing time ranges from 9pm to midnight depending on the season (11pm on the day I checked). Timed tickets are only needed for performances in the Amph, never for general park entry. - Where: West Village, Hudson River Park, Manhattan - Address: Pier 55, Hudson River Park, W 13th St, New York, NY 10014 - Famous or lesser known: lesser known - Ages: All ages - Cost: Free - Price: Free - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall - Time needed: 1 to 2 hours - Best time: Weekday mornings; evenings when the sky does its thing - Subway: A/C/E to 14 St (accessible station), L to 8 Av (accessible station), 1/2/3 to 14 St (accessible station); each is about half a mile's walk. Check elevator status. - Stroller: Strollers are welcome in the park. - Restrooms: Near the Glade, past the South Bridge, including an ADA accessible all-gender restroom. - Cost: Free. Amph performances need paid tickets. - Time: 1 to 2 hours. - Check first: Closing time varies from 9pm to midnight by season; performances need tickets; the rules page covers bikes, dogs and food. - Official page: https://littleisland.org/ - Coordinates: 40.742, -74.0105 - Tips: Entry is free with no timed ticket, so you can drop in. Leave bikes and dogs at home. Check the calendar for family performances; those need tickets. Food carts run April to October; you can also bring non-alcoholic snacks. - Sources: https://littleisland.org/ ; https://littleisland.org/rules-faq/ ### 17. Go up the Empire State Building (with the Family Ticket Bundle) Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/empire-state-building.html I picked the Empire State Building over Top of the Rock for families for one reason: its official pages spell out the family deal. The Empire State Building says kids under 6 enter free, discounted tickets are available for children 6 to 12, and there is a dedicated Family Ticket Bundle (86th Floor admission, flexible entry, express access, or an upgraded express experience that includes the 102nd Floor). The bundle page does not publish bundle prices or composition, so check the cart for the numbers. - Where: Midtown, Manhattan - Address: 20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001 - Famous or lesser known: famous - Ages: All ages - Cost: Splurge - Price: From $46 adult (86th Floor); under 6 free with an adult; ages 6 to 12 discounted - Indoors: yes - Seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter - Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours - Best time: Weekday mornings or an hour before sunset - Subway: B/D/F/M and N/Q/R/W to 34 St-Herald Sq (accessible station); 1/2/3 and A/C/E to 34 St-Penn Station (accessible station); 6 to 33 St (not listed as accessible). Check elevator status. - Stroller: Permitted in the building and elevators, but must be folded on the observation decks. - Restrooms: The FAQ confirms accessible restrooms on the 86th Floor. - Cost: 86th Floor from $46; both floors from $81; Flex from $66; Express from $87. Under 6 free with an adult ticket; ages 6 to 12 discounted; Family Ticket Bundle available (price shown at checkout). - Time: 1.5 to 2 hours. - Check first: Reservations are required, hours vary seasonally, and the building prohibits large bags, glass containers and outside food and drink. - Official page: https://www.esbnyc.com/ - Coordinates: 40.7484, -73.9857 - Tips: Reservations are required; book your date ahead. Travel light: no lockers or storage, and large bags are prohibited. Fold the stroller at the deck; it is permitted elsewhere in the building. Aim for an hour before sunset for the best light. - Sources: https://www.esbnyc.com/ ; https://www.esbnyc.com/buy-tickets/empire-state-building-family-ticket-bundle ; https://www.esbnyc.com/visit/faq ; https://www.esbnyc.com/ticket-policies ; https://www.rockefellercenter.com/attractions/top-of-the-rock-observation-deck/ ; https://www.rockefellercenter.com/events/spring-family-and-kids-offers ### 18. Visit Lefferts Historic House and ride the Prospect Park Carousel Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/lefferts-house-prospect-park-carousel.html Lefferts Historic House is inside Prospect Park, and the Carousel is in the park's Children's Corner, a short stroll away. The house was relocated to the park in 1918 from 563 Flatbush Avenue near Maple Street. The Alliance's page describes hands-on experiences, cultural performances and imaginative play, with stories of Indigenous resilience and of formerly enslaved Africans, plus video installations and pop-up exhibits. - Where: Prospect Park, Flatbush, Brooklyn - Address: Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park near Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225 - Famous or lesser known: lesser known - Ages: Under 5s - Cost: Under $25 - Price: Carousel $3 a ride; house admission not listed, check first - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall - Time needed: 1 to 2 hours - Best time: Weekend afternoons, fall to spring, when the house is open - Subway: B (weekdays), Q or S to Prospect Park (accessible station); Q to Parkside Av (not listed as accessible). Check elevator status. - Stroller: Not stated on the Alliance pages I read; the park paths are wide. - Restrooms: Not verified; check with the Alliance. - Cost: Carousel $3 per ride. House admission is not listed on the page I read. - Time: 1 to 2 hours. - Check first: House hours (September to November: Saturday and Sunday plus school holidays, 12pm to 5pm), carousel dates (March 28 to November 22, 2026) and admission. - Official page: https://www.prospectpark.org/art-and-culture/lefferts-historic-house/ - Coordinates: 40.6612, -73.964 - Tips: Check the Alliance calendar for carousel days and house hours. Bring small bills or a card; the carousel is $3 a ride. Time it for a weekend afternoon in fall. Use the park's other playgrounds if the house is closed. - Sources: https://www.prospectpark.org/art-and-culture/lefferts-historic-house/ ; https://www.prospectpark.org/ ; https://www.prospectpark.org/visit-the-park/birthday-parties/carousel/hours-rates/ ### 19. Play all day at the Brooklyn Children's Museum Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/brooklyn-childrens-museum.html The Brooklyn Children's Museum in Crown Heights is built for the small, and says it serves ages 6 months to 10 years. It spreads over three floors of interactive exhibits and is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm (last entry 4:50pm), closed Monday and Tuesday. - Where: Crown Heights, Brooklyn - Address: 145 Brooklyn Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213 - Famous or lesser known: famous - Ages: Under 5s - Cost: Under $25 - Price: $15 per person; free Thursdays 2pm to 5pm (Community Access Thursdays) - Indoors: yes - Seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter - Time needed: 2 to 3 hours - Best time: Wednesday to Friday mornings; Thursday 2pm to 5pm if you want it free - Subway: 3 to Kingston Av (not listed as accessible) or C to Kingston-Throop Avs (not listed as accessible), each about a third of a mile away. Check elevator status. - Stroller: Fully stroller accessible, with limited stroller parking. The museum suggests parking strollers to free up elevator space. - Restrooms: All ADA accessible; four all-gender restrooms on the second floor; Mamava station in the lobby. - Cost: General $15 per person; members free; free Thursdays 2pm to 5pm; discounts for select partners. - Time: 2 to 3 hours. - Check first: Hours (Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm), Thursday free hours, and food rules (rooftop and cafe only). - Official page: https://www.brooklynkids.org/visit/ - Coordinates: 40.6743, -73.9439 - Tips: Try Community Access Thursdays (2pm to 5pm) for free entry. Stroller parking is limited; the museum suggests leaving big strollers at home where you can. Eat on the rooftop terrace or in the second-floor cafe only. Ask for a sensory kit if your child needs one. - Sources: https://www.brooklynkids.org/visit/ ; https://www.brooklynkids.org/faq/ ### 20. Snug Harbor and the Chinese Scholar's Garden Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/snug-harbor-chinese-scholars-garden.html Snug Harbor Cultural Center is an 83-acre campus on Staten Island with museums, gardens, arts education and events. Its outdoor grounds and gardens are free to the public, open seven days a week from dawn to dusk, with no ticket or registration needed. October to March means shorter hours because of reduced daylight. - Where: New Brighton, Staten Island, Staten Island - Address: 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301 - Famous or lesser known: lesser known - Ages: All ages - Cost: Under $25 - Price: Grounds free; Chinese Scholar's Garden $5 adults, children 5 and under free - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall - Time needed: 2 to 3 hours - Best time: Weekends in fall (when the Scholar's Garden is open) - Subway: No subway on Staten Island; take the free Staten Island Ferry to St. George (the Staten Island Railway St George station is listed accessible), then a bus or a roughly 1.5-mile trip; plan with the MTA. - Stroller: The Scholar's Garden has winding paths and bridges, and I could not verify stroller suitability; the free grounds are easier. - Restrooms: Available on campus (the Snug Harbor site has a Restrooms link); I did not check locations. - Cost: Grounds free. Scholar's Garden: adults $5; seniors 65+ and students $4; children 5 and under free; SI residents free first Friday of the month. - Time: 2 to 3 hours. - Check first: Fall garden hours (Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm from October 4 to December 6), Chapel Road closures on weekdays, and shorter hours October to March. - Official page: https://snug-harbor.org/visit/ - Coordinates: 40.644, -74.1022 - Tips: Visit on a weekend in fall, when the Chinese Scholar's Garden is open. Staten Island residents are free on the first Friday of the month with proof of address. Check weekday road closures on Chapel Road. Pair it with the free Staten Island Ferry ride. - Sources: https://snug-harbor.org/visit/ ; https://snug-harbor.org/gardens/chinese-scholars-garden/ ; https://www.snug-harbor.org/ ### 21. Walk the High Line and finish at Chelsea Market Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/high-line-chelsea-market.html The High Line is a free park on a former raised freight railway on Manhattan's West Side, open daily from 7am to 10pm between April 1 and November 30 and from 7am to 8pm between December 1 and March 31. It runs roughly a mile and a half, has stairs, ramps and four elevator locations, and lets you bail out whenever small legs declare the walk finished (which, in my experience of six and seven year olds in general, is earlier than you planned). - Where: Chelsea, Manhattan - Address: Gansevoort Street at Washington Street, New York, NY 10014 (south end); Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY 10011 - Famous or lesser known: famous - Ages: All ages - Cost: Free - Price: Free (the High Line is free; Chelsea Market is free to enter, food is extra) - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter - Time needed: 1 to 2 hours, plus a snack stop - Best time: weekday mornings, before the sunny-afternoon crowds - Subway: 7 to 34 St-Hudson Yards (accessible station) for the north end; A/C/E to 14 St (accessible) or L to 8 Av (accessible) for the south end and Chelsea Market. Elevators go out of service, so check the MTA's elevator status. - Stroller: Fine. The park has ramps and four elevator locations, and strollers are not on its list of banned items. Expect crowds on sunny weekends. - Restrooms: The High Line's visitor page does not list them, so check the park map before you start; Chelsea Market is the natural place to look at the south end. - Cost: Free. Chelsea Market is free to walk around; the food is the cost. - Time: About 1 to 2 hours with a five-year-old, longer if the market wins. - Check first: Winter hours (7am to 8pm from December 1), weather closures, which elevators are working, and the free tour days. - Official page: https://www.thehighline.org/visit/ - Coordinates: 40.7433, -74.0067 - Tips: Go on a weekday morning if you can; the park is much calmer and the market has seats. Check the High Line's elevator status online before you set out with a stroller, because elevators do go out of service. Scooters are banned on the park, so leave them at home or carry them. - Sources: https://www.thehighline.org/visit/ ; https://www.chelseamarket.com/visit ### 22. Play all morning at the Children's Museum of Manhattan Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/childrens-museum-of-manhattan.html The Children's Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) is at 212 West 83rd Street on the Upper West Side and is designed for ages 0 to 6. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, and at the time of writing tickets are $17 online or $18 in person for adults and children aged 1 to 18, with babies under 1 free. Its all-day ticket lets you leave and come back the same day, which is handy for a nap or a lunch run. - Where: Upper West Side, Manhattan - Address: The Tisch Building, 212 West 83rd Street, New York, NY 10024 - Famous or lesser known: famous - Ages: Under 5s - Cost: Under $25 - Price: $17 online or $18 in person for adults and children aged 1 to 18; seniors 65+ $14 online or $15 in person; under 1 free - Indoors: yes - Seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter - Time needed: 2 to 3 hours - Best time: a weekday morning; it is the classic rainy-day answer - Subway: 1 to 79 St or 86 St, or B/C to 81 St-Museum of Natural History or 86 St. The MTA does not list any of these stations as accessible; the nearest accessible stations are 72 St and 96 St (1/2/3), a longish walk. Check the MTA's elevator status. - Stroller: Not permitted in the exhibit areas; a complimentary stroller check is available. - Restrooms: A fully accessible restroom on the Third Floor and an ambulatory accessible restroom on the Lower Level. - Cost: $17 online or $18 in person for adults and children 1 to 18; seniors and visitors with disabilities $14 online or $15 in person; under 1 free. - Time: 2 to 3 hours with a four or five-year-old. - Check first: Current ticket prices and any free or discounted days (none were listed on the visit page I read). - Official page: https://cmom.org/visit/ - Coordinates: 40.7857, -73.9778 - Tips: Eat before or after; food and drink are not allowed inside except formula and water. Use the free stroller check at the entrance. The ticket is good all day, so you can leave for lunch in the neighborhood and come back. - Sources: https://cmom.org/visit/ ### 23. Press every button at NYSCI and play Rocket Park mini golf Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/new-york-hall-of-science.html NYSCI, the New York Hall of Science, sits in Flushing Meadows Corona Park at 47-01 111th Street in Queens. It is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. At the time of writing general admission is $22 for adults and $19 for children, students and seniors, and there is a pricier NYSCI Plus ticket ($33 and $30) that adds the theater and activities. - Where: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens - Address: 47-01 111th Street, Queens, NY 11368 - Famous or lesser known: famous - Ages: All ages - Cost: Under $25 - Price: General admission $22 adults, $19 children, students and seniors; free Fridays 2pm to 5pm (reservations required); Rocket Park mini golf $6 per person - Indoors: yes - Seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter - Time needed: 2 to 4 hours - Best time: Wednesday to Friday mornings; Friday 2pm to 5pm is free but busy - Subway: 7 to 111 St (not listed as accessible by the MTA); Q23 and Q58 buses also stop nearby. Check the MTA's elevator status. - Stroller: Strollers are permitted throughout the building. - Restrooms: All public restrooms are wheelchair accessible. - Cost: $22 adults; $19 children, students and seniors; NYSCI Plus $33 and $30; free Fridays 2pm to 5pm; Rocket Park mini golf $6. - Time: 2 to 4 hours with a five-year-old; add an hour if you play mini golf. - Check first: Mini golf season, whether the theater is open, and reservation rules for the free Friday session. - Official page: https://nysci.org/visit/ - Coordinates: 40.7471, -73.8531 - Tips: Aim for the free Friday session (2pm to 5pm) and book from 10am that morning. Parking is $15 a car if you drive, but the 7 train is easier. Pair it with the Queens Museum in the same park. - Sources: https://nysci.org/visit/ ### 24. Spend a day at the New York Botanical Garden (and see the trains) Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/new-york-botanical-garden.html The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is at 2900 Southern Boulevard in the Bronx, open 10am to 6pm Tuesday to Sunday and on select Monday holidays. Pricing is layered, so read it twice. At the time of writing the All-Garden Pass is $35 for adults and $15 for children on weekdays ($39 and $17 at weekends). New York City residents can buy a Grounds Access Pass at $15 for adults and $4 for children 2 to 12. - Where: Bedford Park, The Bronx - Address: 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458 - Famous or lesser known: famous - Ages: All ages - Cost: Splurge - Price: All-Garden Pass: weekday adults $35, children $15; weekend adults $39, children $17. Grounds Access Pass for NYC residents: adults $15, children 2 to 12 $4 - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter - Time needed: 3 to 5 hours - Best time: a Wednesday for the free grounds window; November to January for the trains - Subway: Metro-North Harlem Line to Botanical Garden station is the simplest route. By subway, B/D to Bedford Park Blvd (accessible station) or 4 to Bedford Park Blvd-Lehman College (not accessible) or Fordham Rd (accessible), then a walk or bus. Check nybg.org for current directions and the MTA elevator status. - Stroller: Not confirmed on the pages I could read; check nybg.org. The grounds are large and hilly in places, so a stroller usually helps with under-5s. - Restrooms: NYBG says all of its restrooms are accessible. - Cost: All-Garden Pass: weekday adults $35, seniors and students $31, children $15; weekend $39, $35, $17. Grounds Access Pass (NYC residents): adults $15, students and seniors $7, children 2 to 12 $4. Free grounds Wednesdays. - Time: 3 to 5 hours with a five-year-old if you add the children's garden. - Check first: Holiday Train Show dates and prices, which pass covers which areas, and winter hours. - Official page: https://www.nybg.org/visit/ - Coordinates: 40.8623, -73.8801 - Tips: Wednesday is the free grounds day for NYC residents, and 10am to 11am for everyone else. Check which ticket includes the Everett Children's Adventure Garden. Take the Metro-North Harlem Line if the timetable suits; it is the easiest way in. - Sources: https://www.nybg.org/tickets/ ; https://www.nybg.org/visit/ ; https://www.nybg.org/content/uploads/2025/09/Holiday-Train-Show-2025-Tickets-On-Sale.pdf ### 25. Brooklyn Bridge Park: Pier 6 playgrounds and Jane's Carousel Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/brooklyn-bridge-park-pier-6-and-janes-carousel.html Brooklyn Bridge Park is free and open daily from 6am to 1am, with 85 acres and 1.3 miles of waterfront. For children, Pier 6 is the main event: Slide Mountain for climbing and sliding, Sandbox Village (one of the largest sandboxes you will see), Swing Valley, and the Water Lab, which is seasonal and runs 10am to 7pm when open. Bring a change of clothes. I mean that as an instruction. - Where: Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo, Brooklyn - Address: Pier 6, Atlantic Avenue at Furman Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201; Jane's Carousel, enter at Dock or Main Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 - Famous or lesser known: famous - Ages: All ages - Cost: Free - Price: Park and playgrounds free; Jane's Carousel charges per ride (check janescarousel.com) - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall - Time needed: 2 to 3 hours - Best time: weekday mornings; summer for the Water Lab - Subway: For Pier 6: 2/3 to Clark St (not accessible), 4/5 or 2/3 to Borough Hall (accessible), A/C to High St (not accessible), F to York St (not accessible). Jay St-MetroTech (A/C/F or R) is accessible. B63 bus stops near 360 Furman Street. Check the MTA elevator status. - Stroller: Fine on the waterfront paths; the park is flat and open. - Restrooms: The park's FAQ covers restrooms; I could not confirm locations, so check the park map. - Cost: Free to enter and play. Jane's Carousel charges per ride; confirm the price on its site. - Time: 2 to 3 hours at the playgrounds; add 30 minutes for the carousel. - Check first: Water Lab season and hours, carousel hours (it is open year round but opens later than the park), and ferry timetables. - Official page: https://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/places/pier-6/ - Coordinates: 40.6895, -74.001 - Tips: The Water Lab is seasonal, so check it is running before you promise it. Pier 6 is where the Brooklyn-side Governors Island ferry leaves from (weekends and holidays, seasonal). Pack a towel and a change of clothes. - Sources: https://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/places/pier-6/ ; https://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/places/water-lab/ ; https://www.janescarousel.com/ ; https://www.timeout.com/new-york-kids/attractions/janes-carousel ### 26. The Metropolitan Museum of Art with kids: three rooms, not three floors Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/metropolitan-museum-of-art-with-kids.html The Met at 1000 Fifth Avenue is open 10am to 5pm on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10am to 9pm on Friday and Saturday, and closed on Wednesdays. At the time of writing admission is $30 for adults, $22 for seniors and $17 for students, and children 12 and under are free. Pay what you wish applies to New York residents (online tickets need a New York State billing address), and to NY, NJ and CT students, who must buy in person with student ID. - Where: Upper East Side, Manhattan - Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028 - Famous or lesser known: famous - Ages: 5 to 12 - Cost: Splurge - Price: Adults $30, seniors $22, students $17, children 12 and under free; pay what you wish for New York residents and NY, NJ and CT students - Indoors: yes - Seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter - Time needed: 2 to 3 hours - Best time: Friday or Saturday evening (open until 9pm); weekday mornings - Subway: 4/5/6 to 86 St (the MTA lists it as accessible for uptown local trains only), then walk west to Fifth Avenue; 6 to 77 St (not accessible). Check the MTA elevator status. - Stroller: Not confirmed on the Met pages I could read; check the Met's visitor guidelines. For under-5s I would bring one. - Restrooms: Not confirmed on the pages I could read; ask at an information desk when you arrive. - Cost: Adults $30, seniors $22, students $17, children 12 and under free. Pay what you wish for NY residents and NY, NJ and CT students. - Time: 2 to 3 hours with a five-year-old. - Check first: Hours (closed Wednesdays), special exhibitions, and bag rules. - Official page: https://www.metmuseum.org/plan-your-visit - Coordinates: 40.7794, -73.9632 - Tips: Choose three destinations before you go; Dendur and Arms and Armor are easy wins. Friday and Saturday evenings (to 9pm) can be quieter for a short visit. New York residents pay what they wish; bring ID and have the billing address right for online tickets. - Sources: https://metmuseum.org/plan-your-visit ; https://www.metmuseum.org/visit/plan-your-visit ; https://www.metmuseum.org/plan-your-visit ### 27. Take the ferry to Governors Island Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/governors-island.html Governors Island is a car-free island a short ferry ride from Lower Manhattan. At the time of writing it is open daily year round, with the site listing 7am to 6pm for Labor Day through Memorial Day (summer hours run later, so check). The main ferry leaves from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street; adults pay $5, children 12 and under and people 65 and over ride free, and everyone rides free on Saturday and Sunday before 11am. - Where: Governors Island, Manhattan - Address: Ferry from the Battery Maritime Building, 10 South Street, New York, NY 10004; Governors Island, New York Harbor - Famous or lesser known: famous - Ages: All ages - Cost: Under $25 - Price: Ferry: adults $5; children 12 and under free; 65 and over free; free for everyone on Saturdays and Sundays before 11am - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall - Time needed: a half day or more - Best time: weekend mornings (free ferry before 11am); warm, dry days - Subway: To the Manhattan ferry: 1 to South Ferry (accessible station) or 4/5 to Bowling Green (accessible); R/W to Whitehall St-South Ferry is not listed as accessible. Check the MTA elevator status. - Stroller: Fine on the island. Ferry space for strollers and bikes is limited and first come, first served. - Restrooms: Building 110, Yankee Pier, Liggett Terrace (weekends) and South Battery; the site says all are wheelchair accessible. - Cost: Ferry adults $5; children 12 and under free; 65 and over free; everyone free Saturdays and Sundays before 11am. Bikes ride at no surcharge. - Time: A half day; 3 to 5 hours with a five-year-old. - Check first: Ferry timetable and the last boat home, the seasonal Brooklyn ferry (to November 1, 2026), and any construction notices. - Official page: https://www.govisland.com/plan-your-visit - Coordinates: 40.6895, -74.0168 - Tips: Go before 11am on a weekend: the ferry is free then. Check the last ferry home before you start playing. Bring food and water; vendors exist but you can also bring your own (no alcohol). - Sources: https://www.govisland.com/plan-your-visit ; https://www.govisland.com/plan-your-visit/ferry ; https://www.govisland.com/things-to-do ### 28. See the sharks at the New York Aquarium on Coney Island Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/new-york-aquarium.html The New York Aquarium is at 602 Surf Avenue on Coney Island, and the Aquarium's own page lists daily opening from 10am. From September 8 to October 31, 2026, last entry is 4pm and the park closes at 5pm; from November 1 to March 2027, last entry is 3:30pm and it closes at 4:30pm. At the time of writing adults are $29.95 off-peak or $32.95 peak, children aged 3 to 12 are $25.95 or $27.95, and seniors $27.95 or $29.95. - Where: Coney Island, Brooklyn - Address: 602 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224 - Famous or lesser known: famous - Ages: All ages - Cost: Splurge - Price: Adults 13+ $29.95 off-peak, $32.95 peak; seniors 65+ $27.95 / $29.95; children 3 to 12 $25.95 / $27.95 - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter - Time needed: 3 hours - Best time: a weekday off-peak morning; mild days (parts are outdoors) - Subway: D/F/N/Q to Coney Island-Stillwell Av (accessible station), then a short walk along Surf Avenue. Check the MTA elevator status. - Stroller: Not confirmed on the pages I could read; check the Aquarium's Know Before You Go page. - Restrooms: Not confirmed on the pages I could read; the site's Know Before You Go page covers facilities. - Cost: Adults 13+ $29.95 off-peak, $32.95 peak; seniors $27.95 / $29.95; children 3 to 12 $25.95 / $27.95. Parking $18 for up to 3 hours. - Time: About 3 hours with a five-year-old. - Check first: Peak and off-peak dates, exhibit closures, last-entry time, and winter hours (from November 1). - Official page: https://nyaquarium.com/plan-your-visit - Coordinates: 40.5743, -73.9752 - Tips: Buy tickets online and choose an off-peak day to save a few dollars each. Check the home page for exhibit closures (the penguins had a maintenance break in early October 2026). Dress for the weather; some of the exhibits are outdoors. - Sources: https://nyaquarium.com/plan-your-visit ; https://nyaquarium.com/ ### 29. Skate at Rockefeller Center and see the tree Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/rockefeller-center-skating-and-christmas-tree.html The Rink at Rockefeller Center opens for the 2026 to 2027 season on October 10. General Skate tickets start from $22 for a 60-minute session; you can bring your own skates or rent a pair on site, and complimentary lockers are available for small personal items. Tickets must be bought in advance, and everyone who enters the rink area needs one, including non-skaters. VIP Skate starts from $131. - Where: Midtown, Manhattan - Address: Rockefeller Plaza, between 49th and 50th Streets, New York, NY 10111 - Famous or lesser known: famous - Ages: 5 to 12 - Cost: Splurge - Price: General Skate from $22 (60-minute session); skate rental and tickets extra; the tree is free to look at - Indoors: no - Seasons: fall, winter - Time needed: 1 to 2 hours - Best time: weekday mornings; December evenings are very busy - Subway: B/D/F/M to 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr (accessible station); E/F to 5 Av/53 St (not accessible). Check the MTA elevator status. - Stroller: Not confirmed on the pages I could read; the plaza itself is open but expect crowds in December. - Restrooms: Not listed on the Rink page I could read; check Rockefeller Center's visitor information. - Cost: General Skate from $22; VIP from $131; rentals extra; free lockers for small items. - Time: 1 to 2 hours: 60 minutes on the ice plus getting skates on. - Check first: Seasonal hours, ticket prices by date (peak days cost more), and tree lighting and viewing details. - Official page: https://www.rockefellercenter.com/attractions/the-rink-at-rockefeller-center/ - Coordinates: 40.7587, -73.9787 - Tips: Book the earliest session; it is calmer and the ice is fresh. Everyone entering the rink needs a ticket, including non-skaters. Plan the tree visit for a weekday morning in December to avoid the worst crowds. - Sources: https://www.rockefellercenter.com/attractions/the-rink-at-rockefeller-center/ ; https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/the-2026-rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-lighting-has-officially-been-announced-and-its-happening-earlier-than-you-think-092926 ### 30. Whisper across the arch at Grand Central and watch the trains Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/grand-central-whispering-gallery.html Grand Central Terminal, at 89 East 42nd Street, is open to the public daily from 5:15am to 2am, and walking in is free. The Whispering Gallery is the quick trick for children: two people stand in opposite corners of the tiled arched passage on the lower level outside the Oyster Bar, face the wall and whisper, and the sound travels along the curve. It is free, it takes two minutes, and it reliably gets a seven-year-old to cooperate with a sibling. - Where: Midtown East, Manhattan - Address: 89 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017 - Famous or lesser known: famous - Ages: All ages - Cost: Free - Price: Free - Indoors: yes - Seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter - Time needed: 45 to 90 minutes - Best time: mid-morning, outside the weekday commuter rush - Subway: 4/5/6, 7 and S all stop at Grand Central-42 St and the MTA lists each as accessible. Elevators go out of service, so check the MTA's elevator status. - Stroller: Fine; it is a large, mostly level terminal with ramps. Rush hour is the exception. - Restrooms: The terminal has public restrooms; the site lists them as an amenity. - Cost: Free to enter and wander. Food and tours cost extra. - Time: 45 to 90 minutes. - Check first: Shop and restaurant hours (they differ from the terminal's), and any events in Vanderbilt Hall. - Official page: https://www.grandcentralterminal.com/visit/ - Coordinates: 40.7527, -73.9772 - Tips: Avoid the weekday rush hours; mid-morning is much calmer. The whispering gallery is on the lower level near the Oyster Bar; stand in opposite corners facing the wall. Grab a snack at the Dining Concourse and make it a meal. - Sources: https://www.grandcentralterminal.com/visit/ ; https://www.grandcentralterminal.com/ ### 31. Explore the Discovery Garden at Brooklyn Botanic Garden Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/brooklyn-botanic-garden-discovery-garden.html The Discovery Garden is a one-acre garden for kids inside Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm in October and 10am to 3:30pm in November (closed Mondays except October 12 and closed Thanksgiving Day). Children under 12 are always free, and at the time of writing adults pay $22 at the box office or $23.67 online. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. - Where: Prospect Heights, Brooklyn - Address: 990 Washington Avenue or 455 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225 - Famous or lesser known: lesser known - Ages: 5 to 12 - Cost: Under $25 - Price: Adults $22 at the box office ($23.67 online); seniors and students 12+ $16; children under 12 free - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall - Time needed: 1 to 2 hours - Best time: weekend mornings (drop-in family sessions 10:30am to 12:30pm) - Subway: 2/3 to Eastern Pkwy-Brooklyn Museum (accessible station) or B/Q/S to Prospect Park (accessible station), then a short walk. Check the MTA elevator status. - Stroller: Not confirmed on the pages I could read; check bbg.org. The boardwalks are raised, so ask whether your stroller fits. - Restrooms: Not listed on the pages I could read; see the Visitor FAQ at bbg.org. - Cost: Adults $22 box office or $23.67 online; seniors and students 12+ $16 or $17.47; children under 12 free; pay what you wish Tuesday to Friday, December to February. - Time: 1 to 2 hours in the Discovery Garden; allow longer for the rest of the garden. - Check first: Seasonal hours (shorter in November), the entrance in use, and which family programs are running. - Official page: https://www.bbg.org/collections/gardens/discovery_garden - Coordinates: 40.6692, -73.9628 - Tips: Check which entrance is open: the Eastern Parkway entrance was temporarily closed, so use 990 Washington Avenue or 455 Flatbush Avenue. Weekend mornings have drop-in family activities from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Winter weekdays are pay what you wish (Tuesday to Friday, December to February). - Sources: https://www.bbg.org/collections/gardens/discovery_garden ; https://www.bbg.org:443/visit/hours ; https://www.bbg.org/visit/visit_with_kids ; https://www.bbg.org/visit/hours ### 32. Noguchi Museum and Socrates Sculpture Park, Long Island City Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/noguchi-museum-and-socrates-sculpture-park.html These two sit on the same stretch of the East River in Long Island City, close enough to walk between. Socrates Sculpture Park (32-01 Vernon Boulevard) is a six-acre waterfront park that is open 9am to sunset daily and always free. It is a sculpture park rather than a playground: the park says there is no playground and asks people not to climb or touch the artworks, which is a firm message for children to absorb, but the lawn and the harbor view help. - Where: Long Island City, Queens - Address: Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Road (at Vernon Boulevard), Long Island City, NY 11106; Socrates Sculpture Park, 32-01 Vernon Boulevard, Long Island City, NY 11106 - Famous or lesser known: lesser known - Ages: All ages - Cost: Under $25 - Price: Socrates Sculpture Park free; Noguchi Museum $16 general, $6 seniors and students, free first Friday of every month (check the child rate) - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall - Time needed: 2 to 3 hours for both - Best time: a fine weekend afternoon; the first Friday for free Noguchi entry - Subway: N/W to Broadway (not listed as accessible) and walk eight blocks west to the river; 7 to Vernon Blvd-Jackson Av (not accessible). NYC Ferry to Astoria Landing is about a five-minute walk north of Socrates. Check the MTA elevator status. - Stroller: Socrates has a paved path around the lawn. The Noguchi says it is wheelchair accessible; check its stroller policy. - Restrooms: Socrates has ADA portable restrooms (more in programming season, April to October) at the southern end. The Noguchi's restrooms were not listed on the page I read. - Cost: Socrates free. Noguchi $16 general; $6 seniors and students; free first Friday. - Time: About 2 to 3 hours for both with a five-year-old. - Check first: Noguchi child admission and holiday closures, and any events or installations at Socrates. - Official page: https://www.noguchi.org/visit/ - Coordinates: 40.7676, -73.9369 - Tips: Check the Noguchi child price before you book; I could not confirm it. First Friday of the month is free at the Noguchi. Socrates has no playground and you must not touch the artworks; bring a ball for the lawn if the rules allow. - Sources: https://www.noguchi.org/visit/ ; https://socratessculpturepark.org/?p=14 ### 33. Fort Tryon Park and the Met Cloisters gardens Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/fort-tryon-park-and-the-met-cloisters.html Fort Tryon Park runs from Riverside Drive to Broadway and from West 192nd Street to Dyckman Street in the far north of Manhattan. NYC Parks says it holds the Heather Garden, the city's largest garden with unrestricted public access, along with playgrounds and Manhattan's largest dog run. The Met Cloisters sits inside it at 99 Margaret Corbin Drive. The Cloisters is open Sunday to Tuesday and Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, closed Wednesdays. - Where: Washington Heights and Inwood, Manhattan - Address: The Met Cloisters, 99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort Tryon Park, New York, NY 10040 - Famous or lesser known: lesser known - Ages: 5 to 12 - Cost: Under $25 - Price: Fort Tryon Park free; The Met Cloisters $30 adults, children 12 and under free, pay what you wish for NY residents and NY, NJ and CT students - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall - Time needed: 2 to 3 hours - Best time: a dry weekday morning; the Cloisters is closed Wednesdays - Subway: A to 190 St (the Met says to exit by the elevator; the MTA station data I used does not flag it as ADA accessible, so check the MTA elevator status first) or M4 bus. 1 to Dyckman St is accessible. - Stroller: Strollers are permitted throughout the Cloisters. Fort Tryon Park has hills and some closed paths. - Restrooms: Restroom facilities are available at the Cloisters. Not confirmed for the park. - Cost: Park free. Cloisters $30 adults; under 13 free; pay what you wish for NY residents and NY, NJ and CT students. - Time: 2 to 3 hours with a five-year-old for the park and a short museum visit. - Check first: Cloisters hours (closed Wednesdays), path closures in the park, and the shuttle if you need step-free entry. - Official page: https://www.metmuseum.org/en/plan-your-visit/met-cloisters - Coordinates: 40.8649, -73.9317 - Tips: The Met says to take the A to 190 St and use the elevator; free parking is available in Fort Tryon Park. Ask about the free shuttle if you need step-free access into the Cloisters. Check NYC Parks for the Broadway-side path closures. - Sources: https://www.metmuseum.org/en/plan-your-visit/met-cloisters ; https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/fort-tryon-park ### 34. Staten Island Children's Museum at Snug Harbor Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/staten-island-childrens-museum.html The Staten Island Children's Museum is at 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building M, on the grounds of Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden. It is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, with members-only time on Wednesday to Friday from 9am to 10am. At the time of writing tickets are $10 for adults and children alike, and children under 1 are free, which makes it one of the cheaper indoor options in the city. - Where: New Brighton, Staten Island - Address: 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building M, Staten Island, NY 10301 - Famous or lesser known: lesser known - Ages: All ages - Cost: Under $25 - Price: $10 for adults and children; under 1 free; members free - Indoors: yes - Seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter - Time needed: 2 to 3 hours - Best time: a weekday morning; Snug Harbor's grounds are free to wander afterwards - Subway: No subway on Staten Island. Take the free Staten Island Ferry to St. George Terminal, then the S40 bus to Snug Harbor (confirm on the MTA site). Subway to the ferry: 1 to South Ferry (accessible) or 4/5 to Bowling Green (accessible). - Stroller: Not confirmed on the pages I could read; check the museum's website. - Restrooms: Not confirmed on the page I read; ask at the front desk. - Cost: $10 for adults and children; under 1 free; members free. Snug Harbor's grounds are free. - Time: 2 to 3 hours with a five-year-old; longer if you add the gardens. - Check first: Holiday closures (the museum closes on major holidays), Chapel Road closures, and the exact bus route. - Official page: https://www.sichildrensmuseum.org/visit/ - Coordinates: 40.644, -74.1022 - Tips: The grounds of Snug Harbor are free; combine the museum with a walk through the gardens. Chapel Road has partial weekday closures through mid-2027; check Snug Harbor before you drive. Check the ferry and bus times from St. George; the S40 bus is the usual link (check the MTA). - Sources: https://www.sichildrensmuseum.org/visit/ ; https://snug-harbor.org/visit/ ### 35. Walk the West Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/jamaica-bay-wildlife-refuge.html Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is part of Gateway National Recreation Area, with more than 12,600 acres of water, salt marsh, freshwater and brackish ponds, plus upland fields and woods, and it is one of the largest bird habitats in the northeastern US. The refuge trails and parking are open daily from 6am to 9pm, entry is free, and the visitor center is open Friday to Monday, 10am to 4pm (restrooms are available only during visitor center hours). - Where: Broad Channel, Queens - Address: Cross Bay Boulevard, Broad Channel, Queens, NY 11693 (Gateway National Recreation Area) - Famous or lesser known: lesser known - Ages: 5 to 12 - Cost: Free - Price: Free - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall - Time needed: 1 to 2 hours - Best time: spring and fall migration; cool mornings - Subway: A to Broad Channel (not listed as accessible by the MTA), then a walk; Q21 and Q53 buses also serve the refuge, per the NPS. - Stroller: The West Pond trail is reported to be flat gravel and suits strollers; check with the visitor center. - Restrooms: Available only when the visitor center is open (Friday to Monday, 10am to 4pm). - Cost: Free. - Time: 1 to 2 hours with a five-year-old. - Check first: Visitor center hours, trail conditions, seasonal ranger programs, and weather (it is exposed). - Official page: https://home.nps.gov/gate/learn/historyculture/jamaica-bay-wildlife-refuge.htm - Coordinates: 40.6173, -73.8235 - Tips: Check the visitor center hours (Friday to Monday only) if you need restrooms. Bring binoculars, water and sunscreen; check for ticks afterwards. Bikes are not allowed on the trails. - Sources: https://home.nps.gov/gate/learn/historyculture/jamaica-bay-wildlife-refuge.htm ; https://www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/hours.htm ; https://new.nymetroparents.com/article/what-to-do-at-the-jamaica-bay-wildlife-reserve-with-kids ### 36. Eat your way around Arthur Avenue, the Bronx's Little Italy Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/arthur-avenue-retail-market.html Arthur Avenue is the main street of Belmont in the Bronx, often called the real Little Italy, and its covered Retail Market at 2344 Arthur Avenue opened in October 1940 with 117 stalls. Mayor La Guardia built indoor markets to house the city's pushcart vendors. The Arthur Avenue neighborhood site describes a covered Italian bazaar with nine restaurants, five pastry shops, four butchers, two pasta-makers and six bread stores. - Where: Belmont, The Bronx - Address: Arthur Avenue Retail Market, 2344 Arthur Avenue, Bronx, NY 10458 - Famous or lesser known: lesser known - Ages: All ages - Cost: Under $25 - Price: Free to enter; food is extra - Indoors: yes - Seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter - Time needed: 1 to 2 hours - Best time: a weekday morning; remember it is closed on Sundays - Subway: 4 to Fordham Rd (accessible station), then a walk or the Bx12 bus; B/D to Fordham Rd (not accessible); Metro-North to Fordham. Check the MTA elevator status. - Stroller: A covered market with narrow aisles; fine early in the day, tight at lunchtime. - Restrooms: Not confirmed on the sources I could read; ask a market vendor or the Belmont BID office at 2396 Arthur Avenue. - Cost: Free to enter; food costs extra. - Time: 1 to 2 hours. - Check first: Sunday closure (and Monday opening times), individual shop hours, and holiday hours. - Official page: https://www.arthuravenuebronx.com/ - Coordinates: 40.8545, -73.8884 - Tips: It is closed on Sundays, so plan a weekday or Saturday. Bring cash for small purchases and a bag for leftovers. Pair it with NYBG or the Bronx Zoo for a full Bronx day. - Sources: https://www.arthuravenuebronx.com/directions/ ; https://www.arthuravenuebronx.com/ ; https://www.bronxlittleitaly.com/attractions/arthuravenueretailmarket/ ; https://citylore.org/?p=21335 ; https://helpnewyork.com/a-locals-guide-to-unique-shops-in-arthur-avenue/ ### 37. Take the ferry to Rockaway Beach Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/rockaway-beach-by-ferry.html Rockaway Beach runs from Beach 3rd Street to Beach 153rd Street, with a boardwalk and playgrounds, and NYC Parks says it comes alive each summer from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The NYC Ferry's Rockaway route runs from Pier 11 at Wall Street to a landing at Beach 108th Street. Adults pay $4 one way and children under 44 inches ride free. The ride is long (check the timetable), so it is a day trip rather than an hour. - Where: Rockaway Beach, Queens - Address: Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk, Beach 3rd Street to Beach 153rd Street, Queens, NY; NYC Ferry Rockaway landing at Beach 108th Street - Famous or lesser known: lesser known - Ages: All ages - Cost: Under $25 - Price: NYC Ferry adult one-way $4; children under 44 inches ride free; beach free - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall - Time needed: a full day - Best time: late June to early September, with lifeguards on duty - Subway: Ferry: NYC Ferry Rockaway route from Pier 11/Wall Street to Beach 108th Street. Subway: A to Beach 67 St (accessible), or A/S to Rockaway Park-Beach 116 St (accessible); Beach 90, Beach 98 and Beach 105 St are not accessible. Check the MTA elevator status. - Stroller: Fine on the boardwalk; sand is hard going. Check NYC Ferry's stroller rules. - Restrooms: Not confirmed on the pages I could read; check the NYC Parks page for the beach you pick. - Cost: Beach free. NYC Ferry adult one-way $4; children under 44 inches free. - Time: A full day with the ferry and a beach session. - Check first: Lifeguard dates and which sections are closed to swimming, the ferry timetable, and weather. - Official page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/rockaway-beach-and-boardwalk - Coordinates: 40.5836, -73.82 - Tips: Swim only when and where lifeguards are on duty, usually Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Check the summer ferry timetable and the last boat back before you settle in. Beach 67 St (A) and Rockaway Park-Beach 116 St (A/S) are the accessible subway stops. - Sources: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/rockaway-beach-and-boardwalk ; https://www.ferry.nyc/ ### 38. Green-Wood Cemetery: the trolley tour and the parakeets Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/green-wood-cemetery.html Green-Wood is a working cemetery and a National Historic Landmark in Brooklyn, with the Main Entrance at Fifth Avenue and 25th Street open every day from 7am to 7pm. It is a place for quiet, not a playground, and the rules are strict: children must be accompanied by an adult at all times, no bicycles, scooters or rollerblades, no pets apart from service animals, no picnicking (you may have a snack or beverage), and no running, jogging or game-playing. Excessive noise is not allowed either. - Where: Greenwood Heights, Brooklyn - Address: 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232 (Main Entrance at Fifth Avenue and 25th Street) - Famous or lesser known: lesser known - Ages: 5 to 12 - Cost: Free - Price: Free to enter; trolley tour tickets are separate (check the event listing) - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall - Time needed: 1 to 2 hours (a trolley tour is 2 hours) - Best time: dry daytime hours; the cemetery gate closes at 7pm - Subway: R to 25 St (not listed as accessible by the MTA), then walk east/uphill one block to the Main Entrance. Check the MTA elevator status. - Stroller: No specific stroller rule is published; the grounds are hilly. - Restrooms: At all entrances; accessible restrooms in the Modern Chapel near the Main Entrance and the Gatehouse. - Cost: Free to enter. Trolley tours are separate; confirm the price on the event page. - Time: 1 to 2 hours on foot; 2 hours for a trolley tour. - Check first: Trolley tour dates, prices and age limits; gate hours; and the rules (no picnicking, no running). - Official page: https://www.green-wood.com/visit/ - Coordinates: 40.6604, -73.9949 - Tips: Check the trolley tour listing for price and age rules before you book, or email the cemetery. Keep children close and quiet; bikes and scooters are not allowed. Park on the right-hand side of the road; parking on the grass is prohibited. - Sources: https://www.green-wood.com/visit/ ; https://www.green-wood.com/rules/ ; https://www.green-wood.com/tours/ ### 39. Museum of the Moving Image, Astoria Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/museum-of-the-moving-image.html The Museum of the Moving Image sits in Astoria at 36-01 35th Avenue. At the time of writing the museum's site listed Thursday 2pm to 6pm, Friday 2pm to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am to 6pm (other sources say it is closed Mondays and Tuesdays), so confirm days before you set out. Adults pay $20, seniors and students $12, youth aged 3 to 17 $10, and children under 3 are free. Free museum hours are every Thursday, 2pm to 6pm. - Where: Astoria, Queens - Address: 36-01 35th Avenue (at 37th Street), Astoria, NY 11106 - Famous or lesser known: lesser known - Ages: 5 to 12 - Cost: Under $25 - Price: Adults $20; seniors and students $12; youth 3 to 17 $10; under 3 free; free Thursdays 2pm to 6pm - Indoors: yes - Seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter - Time needed: 2 to 3 hours - Best time: Thursday 2pm to 6pm is free; weekend mornings for studio sessions (check) - Subway: M/R to Steinway St (not listed as accessible by the MTA) or N/W to 36 Av (not accessible), then a short walk. Check the MTA elevator status. - Stroller: Not confirmed on the current official pages; ask at admissions. - Restrooms: Not listed on the pages I could read; ask at admissions. - Cost: Adults $20; seniors $12; students $12; youth 3 to 17 $10; under 3 free; free Thursday 2pm to 6pm. - Time: 2 to 3 hours with a five-year-old. - Check first: Which days it is open, exhibitions, and holiday hours. - Official page: https://movingimage.org/visit/ - Coordinates: 40.7567, -73.9239 - Tips: Free hours are Thursday, 2pm to 6pm; arrive early because it is popular. Ask at admissions about strollers and family drop-in programs. Check the current exhibitions before you go. - Sources: https://movingimage.org/visit/ ; https://mommypoppins.com/newyorkcitykids/museum-of-the-moving-image-exhibits-and-family-programs ### 40. Climb aboard the Wavertree at South Street Seaport Page: https://boroughsandbrood.com/brood-list/south-street-seaport-wavertree.html The South Street Seaport Museum is at 12 Fulton Street and is open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm, with last entry at 4:30pm. At the time of writing admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and students and $5 for children, and general admission includes boarding two historic ships at Pier 16: the 1885 tall ship Wavertree and the 1908 lightship Ambrose. Guided tours of both ships run through the day and last about 45 minutes each. - Where: Seaport, Lower Manhattan, Manhattan - Address: South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton Street, New York, NY 10038; ships at Pier 16 - Famous or lesser known: lesser known - Ages: 5 to 12 - Cost: Under $25 - Price: Adults $18, seniors and students $15, children $5; members free - Indoors: no - Seasons: spring, summer, fall - Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours - Best time: a dry Wednesday to Sunday late morning; the museum is closed Monday and Tuesday - Subway: Fulton St: A/C, J/Z, 2/3 or 4/5 (all listed as accessible by the MTA), then walk east to the East River. Wall St 2/3 and 4/5 are not accessible. Check the MTA elevator status. - Stroller: Allowed in the galleries at 213 Water Street and 12 Fulton Street; stroller storage behind the Wavertree gangway. The ships involve steps and steep stairs. - Restrooms: Accessible bathrooms under the FDR near Pier 16 and inside the A.A. Thomson & Co. building at 213 Water Street. - Cost: Adults $18; seniors and students $15; children $5; members free. - Time: 1.5 to 2 hours with a five-year-old. - Check first: Open days (Wednesday to Sunday), last entry (4:30pm), weather, and ship tour times. - Official page: https://southstreetseaportmuseum.org/admission/ - Coordinates: 40.7066, -74.0033 - Tips: Check the weather; the ships are outdoors and the pier is windy. Use the stroller storage at the Wavertree gangway. Restrooms are near Pier 16 under the FDR and at 213 Water Street. - Sources: https://southstreetseaportmuseum.org/admission/ ; https://southstreetseaportmuseum.org/admission-faq/ ; https://www.southstreetseaportmuseum.org/visit/ ## Questions people ask **How many things are on the Brood List?** 40 right now, 20 famous and 20 lesser known. We're adding more until there are 100. **Which Brood List experiences are free?** 11 are free: Free 25-minute harbor ride, Statue of Liberty included, Free working farm with animals, hayrides and a corn maze, A free 1.1-mile walk over the East River, A fishing-village island with seafood and a tiny museum, Free nature center and woodland trails, Staten Island, Free hilltop park on a Hudson River pier, A free park on old rail tracks, with a market at the end, Free waterfront playgrounds and a 1920s carousel, A free stop: the whispering gallery and the concourse, Marsh, birds and a flat trail, reachable by the A train and A huge, quiet cemetery; best for children who can stay calm. **What can we do indoors on a rainy day?** The indoor ones on the list: Old subway cars you can walk through, in Brooklyn, Dinosaur halls, the blue whale and the new Insectarium, A 9,335 sq ft model of the whole city, 895,000 buildings, Free nature center and woodland trails, Staten Island, The 86th Floor view, with kids under 6 free, Three floors of hands-on play for ages 6 months to 10, Four floors of hands-on play for ages 0 to 6, Hands-on science museum in Queens, with rocket mini golf, Temple of Dendur, armor and a smart plan, A free stop: the whispering gallery and the concourse, A hands-on museum on the Snug Harbor grounds and A covered Italian market and a real neighborhood street, and more. **What's on the list for toddlers and under 5s?** Picked especially for little ones: A historic house and a $3 carousel in Prospect Park, Three floors of hands-on play for ages 6 months to 10 and Four floors of hands-on play for ages 0 to 6. The all-ages entries work too. **What's best in winter?** The ones at their best in winter: The rink opens October 10; the tree is lit December 2. **Does the tick list save my progress?** Yes, on this device, in your browser. Nothing is sent to us or anyone else. Clearing your browser data clears the ticks, so print the list if you want a copy.