Hello !
We are a family of 4, kids are 1 and 5 and we plan to come from Montreal to take care of a friend flat. for a week around new year eve. We will be around Myrtle-Wyckoff Avs station and I have a few questions.
We arrive by car, do you know where and how to let my car sleep for a week ?
Is there some toll to pay to enter Brooklyn ?
Do you know how is the snow now in NY ?
Any idea where we can find kid friendly places ? Warm and cosy for a baby who love to crawl ?
Any idea what to do on new year eve ?
Other advices ?
Thank you !
As a parent I just want to flag that Bushwick isnt the most family friendly neighborhood. You’ll be fine but might be more stuff for kids in Greenpoint/Williamsburg or even Queens (LIC, Sunnyside)
yes - this. the idea of leaving beautiful montreal with a bunch of little kids to stay in bushwick is…ill-fated.
yeah, this is hilarious
It'd be so cute to see a couple of kids in Carmelo's ☺️
Enjoy your trip, OP!
Also prospect park!
Editing to add: for free baby stuff, look at the schedule of your local library
bushwick is a family neighborhood
Bushwick is a neighborhood and Bushwick has families. But Bushwick is not the most family friendly neighborhood.
I can elaborate if need be?
They will be fine. The playground at Maria Hernandez park is quite large and good for a romp. Other than that I can’t think of many other great spots besides parks which all will be contingent on weather.
Maybe something family friendly happening at the Onderdonk House
We will of course take the subway to Manhattan and spend time indoor. Please, why are you upvoting so much ? I am scared ! What is not family friendly ? I know I come in the most unequaliterian city of the world so I expect to see people living their worst but what can happen to me ?
Its not that bushwick is unsafe, its just theres areas of brooklyn that have a lot more parks or places that are specifically designed for children, and bushwick doesnt really. Bushwick has lots of nightlife and restaurants, but youre not taking a toddler to a bar. Its perfectly fine to stay here with kids though, its just not as conveniently located as some places-- but it sounds like the price is right on your housing, so its fine. Youre not far from the Brooklyn children's museum, which is nice.
Nothing will happen to you or your family, the neighborhood has lots of coffee shops, brunch spots, book stores, thrift stores for kids to explore... You will see a lot of people without kids because we can't afford to, thanks to our broken systems. Some people might not be used to seeing kids around, let them get used to it a little bit. Enjoy your time here ☺️
You’ll be okay, not sure why no one is mentioning the other parks besides Maria Hernandez lol just keep in mind you’re in a big city so there’s a lot going on. There are lots of families who’ve raised their kids here so idk why people are acting like Bushwick is anti-kids lmfao prob not from the neighborhood
Not many parks in bushwick. Maria Hernandez is really the only park and it’s rather small.
Bushwick also has a more recent reputation as a place for young adults/20-somethings to live/play.
Of course, this was not always the way the neighborhood has been historically, and of course people with children do live there. But this is not Bushwick’s current public persona which is why people are upvoting this comment.
friend, i’m not sure exactly how to say this in french, but bushwick is a dump.
Lol I was trying to be gentle but yes this ahaha
You'll be right be an indoor playground called Joyful Palace that should entertain your kids. You can also go to the Brooklyn children's museum a few miles away (easiest by car). Check out classes at Stay Forever in ridgewood.
also check out the libraries! they have story times for kids
My kids don t get english but thanks for the advice !
Hey I’m down the street from where you’re staying, happy to answer. So with your car you have limited options because the time of year and where we are staying. Street parking is a nightmare here especially in the snow, I’d say it’s worth putting in a long term garage, even if that means taking a cab/subway from that garage to where you’re staying.
Tolls exist everywhere to go over bridges, enter burrows etc. easy pass will send you a bill if you don’t have an easy pass.
It just snowed a few days ago it’s cold but not Montreal cold, the ice on the sidewalk is much more the issue than the snow, but who knows by new years. I’m guessing you have those crampons things for your shoes, never hurts to have em.
Lots of good museums for kids, but cozy place to let your kid crawl on the floor during the holidays in New York is a… bad idea. Check out the Met and museum of natural history and Brooklyn museum as well as the liberty science center, all have great child programming for all ages. Maybe a parent has better advice than I.
In terms of what to do ON new years, there’s almost too many things to do. My sincerest advice? Don’t ever ever go to the ball stop in time square. You will regret it.
Find a lot somewhere you can park for a week. Try calling K&K Buffet and see if they'll give you a deal. Street parking is like voluntarily walking through the first three layers of hell for a melted Klondike Bar. Plus, if you park on the street, you'll not only have to compete with locals and delivery drivers, but also alternate side parking rules.
Once you get here, take the subway when possible instead of driving - if you're going to spend significant time in Manhattan, you'll spend as much on gas and parking (not to mention tolls if you drive downtown) as you'd pay to take your family to a Broadway show.
Some tunnels, bridges and roads have tolls, some do not. Generally speaking, inter-borough bridges (e.g. Brookln Bridge), do not have any tolls as long as you're staying within the City. The exceptions are the Verrazano, Whitestone and Throgs Neck. There are also tolls on any route into the city, either via the NY Thruway or the GW Bridge and all the tunnels IIRC. There is also a congestion toll to drive below 60th street in Manhattan.
You should look them up to plan your route because the tolls aren't the same and there are a lot of bridges and tunnels. But I think your cheapest route is Taconic --> Major Deegan --> Harlem River Dr / FDR --> Brooklyn Bridge. Most other bridges would require you to drive onto Manhattan streets subject to congestion pricing.
We just received between 2.5-6" (6-15 cm) on Sunday but it will all melt by this upcoming weekend. I don't expect any major snowfall between now and the holidays but flurries and or light snow showers could be possible next week. I wouldn't expect much more than a trace but it makes the trees look nice.
It's too early to predict the weather for Christmas or New Years just yet. Check r/NYCmeteorology for updates before you come down.
I'm gonna have to take a pass on crawling babies, but we have tons of museums spanning history, culture, science and more. NY Hall of Science in Queens is fantastic for kids old enough to appreciate basic things from how soap bubbles are made to elementary space science. Your five year old will love it.
Also, not outside unless you stay in your car, but the Dyker Lights christmas lights display could be inspiring to them. Relatedly, Coney Island is vastly underrated in the winter. Luna Park transforms into "Frost Fest" - and the aquarium is right there too.
With kids in tow? Not sure about that either. Maybe a restaurant that's open late?
Have fun and enjoy yourselves, but please be considerate of locals and conscious of your footprint. We have enough rats and we don't need more trash on the streets. Your here for fun but most of us still have to go to work, so please be mindful of when and where you choose to stop and stand still, and how much space your group is taking up - e.g., on a sidewalk, on staircases, on the subway.
Amusez-vous bien!
I’ve never had a difficult time parking near Myrtle bway and over the holiday it will be even easier. People drive out of town plus there are days that alternate side parking isn’t in effect. Definitely no need for a garage
IDK I live near Myrtle Broadway and people are constantly parking in front of hydrants, in cross-walks, and even on sidewalks.
K&K Buffet isn't a garage. It's a Chinese buffet that is a block away from Myrtle/Wyckoff but is basically always empty. They have a giant parking lot that is way too big for the number of patrons they get so they rent out spaces. Plus you don't have to worry about moving your car for alternate side parking.
I had a car for about 6 months around myrtle-broadway and that wasn't really my experience, but I also was working weird hours so that might have been part of the problem
I really enjoyed your comment so thank s a lot it s heart warmon to see read so much. I forgot a question that is very iportat: Where to do my grocery ? And I talk about edible veggetables since I am a fancy quebecois !
You can get groceries at food bazaar which is cheaper and big - has almost everything and Billy’s is pricier and organic, if you want to get some of your produce there, for example. Hope that helps!
Street parking is fairly easy in bushwick. Also driving to Manhattan with a family is super convenient and free street parking is common in most Manhattan neighborhoods.
Only on Sunday or major holidays one might find a free spot in Manhattan. Outside of Harlem, it's very hard to find a free spot during the day. Most streets are metered for commercial plates parking only.
My guy I street parked in the LES for 2 years and would drive around the city all the time. Almost every residential street has free parking.
My guy do you really think a Canadian couple with a 5 year old and a 1 year old are going to go hang out in the Lower East Side? They're going to do kid-friendly touristy things not bar hopping.
UES, UWS, Chelsea, Tribeca, Gramercy etc are also easy to park in. Only neighborhoods that are actually hard to find free street parking are midtown and Fidi. I park in the city all the time, you clearly don’t.
You clearly aren't a tourist with kids.
Where do you think tourists go? Midtown and FiDi.
I've parked in all those neighborhoods, I should have said finding a free spot is not easy. It all depends on the time and day.
But it is. Every residential block has free parking
If parking is so easy, then why do I have the privilege of making daily 311 reports for illegally parked cars on my block near Myrtle-Wyckoff?
Duuuuude do you really call 311 every day to report parking that does not affect you ? 😭😭😭
cars parked in front of hydrants all night absolutely affect me and my neighbors' safety. don't be that lazy af loser who thinks its cool to park wherever you want.
Because people are lazy lol.
Twinkle playspace is a good spot for kids to play for a couple of hours
Peter Pan donuts is solid and nearby
Circo has the best cannolis
Sey has best coffee
Don’t look at people the wrong way and you’ll be fine. Move your car and drive around the city, don’t just dump it somewhere and forget about it for a month.
Don't let some of the others scare you--there are plenty of people who are raising kids in Bushwick and it's a fun, artsy community of parents. Check out the BushRidge Parents group on Facebook for recommendations BushRidge Parents | Facebook Check out Space Club and Twinkle Playspace. Forever Young Kids is a cute toy store that has lots of indoor programming (they had a French holiday music program thing this past weekend). If the weather allows, the popular local playgrounds are Maria Hernandez, Starr Playground, Rosemary's Playground, and Grover Cleveland. It's random, but our kid loves Molasses Books. They have a small, eclectic collection of kids books, great cookies, and wine or coffee for the grown ups. There are always a lot of people drawing, writing, etc. in notebooks and our kid is happy to copy the adults and color or draw.
This should be at the top! I would also add Xanadu in the kid-friendly places. It’s a roller skate rink where you could teach your 5yo to skate! Super wholesome vibe. They have all-ages skate sessions several times a week but they’re not open everyday so check the calendar on their website!
If you park on the street, make sure you read the signs alternate side street cleaning to move the car or meter parking. Around there, cleaning happens mo,tu and th, fr, usually 11-12:30 pm. Make sure nothing valuable is left visible. I'm not aware of any pay garages close by. Brooklyn children's museum is great as well as NY hall of Science in Queens. There are small kids private indoor playing spaces you can find via Google maps. Driving from up north, you will need to pay a toll on the Whitestone bridge or the triborough bridge.
Around me its 9:30-11 and I seen streets that have 8-9:30 signs. I think Wednesday is in play too but it's rarer.
Myrtle-Wyckoff is as far from “kid-friendly” as it gets
I’m sorry but bushwick family trip is like Family bonding time at a strip club 😭
There’s a chance Bushwick be a little empty so parking could be easy but avoid driving to the city just take the train there’s a place for kids by Williamsburg’s 15 or less from Bushwick 72 noble st Brooklyn ny 11222 enjoy Bushwick :)
Your best bet is to venture out of bushwick.
It’s kind of far but sunset park has a hapik climbing gym where your kids can let loose.
Park slope is also a great kids town. It’s still snowy and icy so if your friend has a sled you can take them sledding in prospect park.
Bringing kids to Bushwick is so funny, it’s really one of the least kid-centric neighborhoods
The family is taking care of the friends apartment. It's a perfect affordable way to bring a family to NYC. The subway can easily take them to all tourist attractions in Manhattan. They can drive the car around Brooklyn and Queens or walk around for great restaurants. Visit Ridgewood restaurants or any other great food centric queens neighborhoods. Same with other Brooklyn neighborhoods. There are lots of families with kids around here.
It’s all about perspective. For parents in the neighborhood there is a large community that focuses on park outings, kids activities and schools/daycares. Just as kid-centric as most neighborhoods.
I see what you’re saying, like ofc there are kids here and things for them to do. But it’s not a place where you’d be like “ooo let’s take my kids here!” Especially when you have alllll of NYC as options..
Scandinavia House in manhattan has a great indoor kids area for ages 1-5. Mine loved it.
https://www.scandinaviahouse.org/playing-learning-center/
You had me at baby crawling in Millenial drug heavy Bushwick! People are nice here, but we have issues!
Wave hill is up in the Bronx and very wonderful for kids , it's enchanting & educational ❤️✨ you can drive there !! & park comfortably . It's a magical place to see views of the Hudson with a very lovely outdoor area as well as some stuff indoors too (it's more af a cultural center) they are doing some really cool stuff for winter solstice ! Google it 💞 It's probably about an hour drive north but worth it if the city gets overstimulating You can also take the train there but it's a nice drive
I wanted to add a couple restaurant recommendations if you’re looking to eat out: Pan (pizza and salads) is kid friendly, decades pizza has a great Cesar salad, there’s a truck near the train that sells great $3 empanadas, variety coffee is some of my favorite, tiny arts supply if you want to get arts stuff, milk & pull cafe is also pretty solid & nearby, nice staff, fresh bread at L’imprimerie (probably spelled it wrong), Lucky Chix has great Korean Fried chicken, the lady who sells pupusas outside the train on sundays are great 10/10, also love the fresh tamales outside the train/ on random corners, super Pollo people say is great, fresh pond road has a lot of delicious polish delis with great pierogies, Itzel’s taqueria is my favorite Mexican in the neighborhood, I’m definitely forgetting some places but that’s a start! And oh bakeries - Rudy’s is great, old German bakery, been here forever, and Calibella bakery has delicious guava pastries. I’d recommend trying a Dominican food bar, too, if you’re interested. Great rice & beans (arroz con habichuelas) & meat if you’re into it.
Just take them to Williamsburg, Greenpoint, or maybe around prospect park area. The Brooklyn botanic garden has their light show right now too. Family vacation to Bushwick is kinda funny. It’s more of the nightlife scene. Tons of bars and venues.
Don’t listen to these nerds Myrtle wycoff is fine. Parking over there is hard. Lot of moving street sweeping rules and everyone has a car
Recommend using spot hero and seeing if you can find a weekly price.
Mostly just bars and restaurants in ridgewood. Maybe not the best for a crawling baby but if you go during the day it’s fine. Just take the L into manhattan and you’ll find plenty.
The L train goes right into manhattan or transfer to the G and go to Park Slope. 565 acre park, massive library, tons of children, and welcome everywhere. Bushwick is younger hipsters rather than families, but you'll be fine.
Flying Apple is an indoor playground by Myrtle Wycoff great for your kids
If you’ll be near Myrtle & Wyckoff, you’ll basically be in Ridgewood. Walk over to the Ridgewood library for some story time events. There’s a cute little toy store (Forever Young) in that area that does small events/classes like sing-a-longs for toddlers. The good news is that the Myrtle Wyckoff train stop is ADA friendly (when the elevators are in service!), so it would be easily to cart some kids into the city (when the MTA lets the L leave Brooklyn on weekends!). Hop on the M to Genius Gems (got dragged there for a kids party and actually enjoyed my adult self!). Books of Wonder, a bookstore speciality in kidlit, is close to it as well. Or check out Holiday Market in Union Sq.
ETA: forgot to mention, that area has a lot of buses that will take you to Downtown Brooklyn and pass by some lovely areas on the way. Could just be nice for sightseeing on the way. I babysat some pandemic babies who lived in that area and riding the bus was a fave activity for them and helped them settle/nap for a bit.
And what about ICE ? We are partially non white ...