Traveling to New York with kids? Here's an insider guide for what to do and where to go, tested by us and proven to be kid-friendly and cool.
Liquiteria — It’s clean-up time everybody!
First it was low-carb, then it was no-carb and now it’s all about doing a “cleanse”. We all know of someone who has done it, wants to do it or plans to do it. A juice fast can do the body good every once in a while – even if it is just for a few hours (which is about all I can manage to do). It is especially great for kicking off a new eating routine (i.e.: breaking the coffee/sugar habit) and for those of us whose meals consist mainly of discarded nuggets and pre-chewed food that your kids have flung on the floor. The juices at liquiteria are the best in the city — fresh, delicious and extremely well priced, and if you swing by to talk to one of the owners they will customize your very own cleanse. I highly recommend ‘The Grasshopper’, ‘Beets Me’ and ‘The Killer’.
ALSO IN THE AREA:
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| Veniero’s Pasticceria | Katz’s Delicatessen | Veselka — Ukranian 27/7 |
The Shoe Garden
My husband cringes every time he sees a tiny empty shoebox in the trash, knowing full well that I have just purchased something with a shelf life of approximately two months…. But heck – I ask you – is there anything cuter than a toddler shoe? I discovered The Shoe Garden a few years ago and it is still my go-to place for adorable and affordable children’s footwear. They have an amazing selection of high quality and stylish shoes for kids of all ages with a large selection of hard-to-find European brands. Like moth to flame I need to walk into the store every time I am in the neighborhood, and I usually leave with a tiny box in hand, but like I said, is there anything cuter than a toddler shoe?
ALSO IN THE AREA:
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| Clementine Consignment Shop — For Kids | Belly Dance Maternity | Doodle Doo’s |
The unspeakable: A trip to New Jersey
I kid. I am after all a New Yorker and it’s in my DNA to pick on New Jersey. Truth be told however, I find myself going there quite often with my kids on day trips. One of my very favorite go-to spots is the Liberty Science Center, which (dare I say) blows all of the kid’s museums in NYC out of the water. There are tons of things to do there and there is a separate contained Toddler play area with animal displays and all sorts of things to touch and climb on. One of our personal favorite exhibits is “My Hudson Home” which has giant tanks filled with fish and turtles and a water table with sand to scoop. It appeals to all ages beyond the toddler years and there is something for everyone to enjoy. The place is absolutely immaculate to boot and they have an incredible cafeteria with organic and healthy food for adults and children. Go early or late afternoon to avoid the school crowds and I guarantee a good time for all. Please note: bring blindfold for when you leave if you want to avoid the gift shop.
Baby Cakes
I was asked to bring a treat for a birthday party at the girls’ pre-school last year, but with all the food allergies out there these days filling that request can be downright terrifying. Ok…so let’s see….that leaves me with what options?….rice cakes? …a fistful of raisins? What “treat” on earth is going to be wheat, nut, egg and dairy free?
I then remembered BabyCakes – an adorable little shop on the Lower East Side which is, incidentally, New York’s first and finest dairy, egg and gluten free bakery! They make picture perfect cupcakes, cookies, brownies and even pie – all of which can be scarfed down guilt free. But how do they taste you ask? Delicious! And what’s better, I feel like I am beating the system somehow when my kids eat them.
Moomah – Coffee and Creativity
I have been watching……waiting…..okay, technically “stalking” out this place for weeks now and as of last Monday the doors to paradise have finally flung wide open. Moomah – which dubs itself a “creative arts café” is the brainchild of Tracey Stewart, a Tribeca mother who took a delightful detour from the over-stimulating child play spaces that have been cropping up around the city to create a community space where adults would feel just as much at home as their kids. One part adult café, one part earth-conscious art/exploration space for kids – Moomah offers something for all of the senses and serves as a place where the adults don’t have to just sit awkwardly on the sidelines. From big tables for impromptu art projects to cozy couches where you can grab a light meal and read a book, the rustic-chic space offers cool activities for families to do together. (more…)
ALSO IN THE AREA:
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| Landmarc | Hudson River Park | Kaffe 1668 — The new Tribeca fix |
