The Best Things To Do With Kids in the Financial District

by Mimi O'ConnorMay 23, 2018

The Wall Street area, or FiDi, as it’s sometimes now called, used to be just for bankers and tourists on their way to the Statue of Liberty. No more! The downtown neighborhood, and the surrounding area (The Battery, Battery Park City, etc.) rebounded from the tough times post-9/11, and now offers numerous ways for families to appreciate both old and new aspects of the southern tip of Manhattan. Read on for all the hot spots, and plan your day downtown!

The Oculus
Is it a spaceship?An alien creature? A trippy ice formation erupting from below? It’s actually a transportation hub and deluxe shopping center, the latter of which is called Westfield World Trade Center. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the Oculus is worth a trip to have a look inside (very sci-fi), even if you don’t want to buy anything. If you do, numerous high end retailers and places to snack (including Eataly downtown) are happy to take your money. It’s worth checking Westfield’s event calendar, as it hosts lots of fun and free happenings.

70 Vesey St.
Online: westfield.com

Seaglass Carousel
A magical, musical “underwater” ride you can take day or night that’s totally worth the five bucks.

Battery Park
State Street and Battery Place
Online: thebattery.org

Bosque Fountain
A sort of wet and wild “Whack-a-mole”, this fountain spouts water at random intervals, and is a fun way to cool off in warmer weather. LED lights illuminate it at night, adding to the spectacle.

Battery Park
Online: thebattery.org

Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island
It’s not just for tourists! As New Yorker’s we’re jaded because we see her every day, but up-close-and-personal, she’s truly awe-inspiring. The smart move here is to buy tickets in advance to skip the line to purchase them (it can be considerable, and you’ll save a lot of time and hassle.) Visitors can go on and inside Lady Liberty (the base, the arm) but you must buy a ticket in advance, and these sell out well ahead of time — so if it’s on your bucket list, plan accordingly. But standing at her feet is plenty impressive. In addition to the main attraction, Liberty Island is also a nice place to picnic, with lots of shaded lawn space to hang out. Pack a lunch; food options are fine, but nothing special, and of course, pricey.

Head over to Ellis Island for an amazing lesson the history of New York, and America overall!

Online: nps.gov

photo: Harold C. via Yelp

National Museum of the American Indian
Located in the grand and historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, National Museum of the American Indian is committed to advancing knowledge and understanding of the Native cultures of the Western Hemisphere—past, present, and future—through partnership with Native people and others. Part of the Smithsonian, the museum, which also has a location in Washington, D.C., is free to the public. Head here for permanent exhibits dedicated to American Indian life and culture of the past, as well as engaging, contemporary work showcasing the work of American Indian artists today.

1 Bowling Green
212-514-3700
Online: nmai.si.edu

photo: Kin T. via Yelp

Teardrop Park
Tucked away in Battery Park City, Teardrop Park is a gem with a large slide, sandboxes, water play, places to “rock hop”, a reading area, naturalistic plantings, and even restrooms.

Online: bpcparks.org

One World Observatory
It’s not cheap, but it is pretty extraordinary, beginning with the experience of waiting to board the elevator to the top — a ride which in an of itself is pretty mind-blowing.

One World Observatory
One World Trade Center (entrance on the West Plaza alongside West Street near Vesey)
Open daily, 9 a.m.-midnight
Tickets: adults 13-64/$32; kids 6-12/$26; seniors/$30, kids under 5/free (but must be ticketed)
844-696-1776
Online: oneworldobservatory.com

photo: Liz C., Yelp

Staten Island Ferry
It’s a classic, it’s free, and it’s a great way to see the Statue of Liberty up close. What’s not to love? Take it from Whitehall Terminal.

4 Whitehall St.
Online: siferry.com

photo: Joseph Y. via Yelp

St. Paul’s Chapel
Part of Trinity Church, St. Paul’s Chapel is truly an historic New York City site, and celebrated its 250th anniversary. Built in 1766, this is the place George Washington walked to to attend services following his inauguration down the street. (True story!) This is also the building that miraculously went undamaged, even though the twin towers fell across the street. (The chapel served as an ongoing rescue and relief center in the months that followed.) The chapel hosts events throughout the year, and free tour are available.

Broadway and Fulton Street
212-602-0800
Online: trinitywallstreet.org

photo: Michael S. via Yelp

Federal Hall
That’s George Washington standing proud outside, and with good reason: this is where he became the first President of the United States. (This is where the inauguration took place.) Now a museum dedicated to Washington, the building was also home to the first congress, supreme court, and executive branch offices.

26 Wall St.
212-825-6990
Online: nps.gov

Century 21
Destination of bargain-lovers everywhere, this New York institution is a classic downtown diversion.

Online: locations.c21stores.com

photo: Rowena Y. via Yelp

Fearless Girl
Designed and installed by an advertising firm to promote an index fund, Kristen Visbal’s “Fearless Girl” stands confidently opposite the iconic Wall Street Bull statue. You’ll know you’re getting close, by the crowd assembled. (There are plans to move her to a spot opposite the Stock Exchange by the end of 2018.)

8 Broadway

photo: Brookfield Place Facebook page

Brookfield Place
Another high-end shopping center, Brookfield Place is not just a spot for fancy goods. The complex hosts an ongoing series of fun and free events, as well as engaging public art installations. In the winter, you can take a spin at the center’s ice skating rink or grab a photo with Santa. This is also a nice place to get a bite to eat, thanks to its elevated food court and market options.

230 Vesey St.
212-978-1698
Online: brookfieldplaceny.com

photo: Phil H. via Yelp

The Elevated Acre
Another park and hidden gem, this retreat is well-known by office workers in the area. Hop some escalators to reach this little park, the lawn of which is always a perfect green thanks to Astroturf. (There are lovely plantings of real greenery here too, though.) Not only does this park offer great views of the East River and Brooklyn, you can charge your phone, thanks to outlets in some of the benches.

55 Water St.
Financial District
212-963-7027
Online: 55water.com

What’s your favorite spot to hit with the kids downtown? Tell us in the comments!

—Mimi O’Connor

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Stop, Swap & Play! 5 Family-Friendly Co-Ops Doing It Right

by Kelley GardinerOctober 28, 2014

Fall is here, and it’s time to find new friends at a neighborhood co-op. For a modest monthly fee, members can enjoy clean play spaces with cool toys, and have the opportunity to save money and resources when they “swap” clothes and toys with other members. On damp days, you’ll be glad to have an indoor space for the little adventurers in your family to jump, hoot and holler. Here are five faves.

photo: St. John’s Swap N Play by Andrea D. via Yelp

St. John’s Swap N Play
This fun zone is located just a block from St. John’s Park, just off of Lombard in North Portland. It is sure to delight even the coolest of cats with a nap room, activities room and full kitchen. Their art room is well stocked. When there’s not a class going on, members can go in and use the room and any of the art supplies, as long as they clean up afterwards. The community is warm and welcoming, too, just in case you’re new to NoPo, or if you’re looking for a tribe of mamas to call your own. $20-$40/month

7535 N. Chicago Ave.
971-251-0074
Online: swapnplay.org

Eastside Swap & Play
Filling the indoor and outdoor play void on the east side of the Portland/Gresham border, Eastside Swap & Play is open every glorious day of the week you need it to be. This is another welcoming group, and dub themselves an Intentional Caring Community, where members enjoy hang out with one another while their kids up to seven years old play. There are several different play areas, including the Community Play Room, with a mini town facade lives alongside ride-on toys; a Beginners’ Room for babies; an Outdoor Play Space; an Art and Craft Room; a Big Kid Room and a Parents’ Lounge. $20 joining fee, $80/quarter

17720 NE Halsey St.
971-219-1500
Online: eastsideswapandplay.com

Photo: Southside Swap and Play

Southside Swap and Play
Southside Swap and Play (formerly known as Sunnyside Swap Shop) debuted in its current location one year ago. Membership is available on a quarterly basis, and if you’re not sure if this is the spot for you, simply pop in for a visitor play pass to take the experience for a spin before signing up. There are two main play areas: the Meadow Classroom and Nest Classroom. The Meadow is great for babies and kids who want are looking for active play, while Nest is a quieter space for more creative sit-down activities. $30 joining fee, $20-$35/month

5239 SE Woodstock Ave.
Online: southsideswapandplay.org

Woodlawn Swap ‘N’ Play
Sidled up next to great coffee shops and restaurants, and a stone’s throw from Woodlawn Park, Woodlawn Swap ‘N’ Play is best for kids ages up to five. The smaller indoor play space combines well with the upstairs second floor Village Ballroom for lots of room to roam. Trucks and buses go by all day long, so watching the action out the front window can be endless fun. The space hosts some great kids concerts from musicians like Mr. Ben and Red Yarn. Check their website for a full rundown. $20 joining fee, $25/month

704 NE Dekum St.
503-799-6600
Online: woodlawnswapnplay.org

Harrison Hill Swap N Play
Just opened in February 2014, this family co-op is conveniently located in the heart of the Richmond neighborhood in Southeast Portland. Be sure to come for the weekly “big play” in the hosting church’s Chapel Hall, when kids can really spread out and let loose with a bigger space to roam with the co-op’s toys. Monthly membership fees are charged on a sliding scale. $25 joining fee, $30/month

At St. David of Wales Episcopal Church
2800 SE Harrison St.
Portland, OR 97214
Online: harrisonhillswapnplay.com

Did we miss your favorite Swap and Play? Let us know in the comments section.

— Kelley Gardiner

A New Splash Pad & Playscape That’s Worth the Trip

by Kelly AiglonAugust 26, 2014

There’s no better combo than a splash pad and playground. Add a covered wagon, wildflower garden and maze of fake animal tracks, and your kid will really be a happy camper. Get ready because you’ll find all of that and more at the new Rita (Fredenhagen) and John Harvard Early Learning Playscape. The attraction for ages 2-7 just opened in Naper Settlement, Naperville’s outdoor living-history museum that’s all about the pioneer days.

Pump Up the Water Fun
The main attraction is the splash pad, which you’ll find in the shadow of a real-sized covered wagon (one of the playscape’s many charming nods to early settlers and pioneer history). The entire area, particularly the splash pad, is thoughtfully designed for younger kids and those with a broad spectrum of capabilities. No ginormous geysers or bucket dumps here — the splish-splashing is tame and all in good, gentle fun.

In a contained area, you can enjoy what feels like a big sprinkler party. Kids maneuver mini cannons to spray water, while ground jets shoot water skyward. There’s even a re-creation of an old-fashioned pump; jiggle the handle to send water streaming down a chute, and fill cups and bowls along the way.

Play & Learn
There’s plenty more to do after you’re all splashed out. A re-creation of a pioneer village — complete with a trading post stocked with fake food — sits beside the sprayground. Climb to the top of the fort-like play structure and take the winding tube slide down. Or camp out on top and peer through a periscope or telescope to spy on what’s happening below.

Naper Settlement is an educational attraction aimed at showing kids what life was like back in the 19th century. The same spirit is alive at the playscape, where you can follow animal tracks embedded in the concrete; there are seven different kids of animal tracks (plus wagon and human tracks!) and the fun is guessing which is which. Next to the slide they’ve built a smaller-scale replica of Fort Payne, a lookout center that was built during the Black Hawk War of 1832 and sat where downtown Naperville is located today. Even at the trading post there are lessons to be learned, as a panel points out what type of goods (metal tools, blankets, beads) were swapped during that time.

While You’re There
The fact that the playscape is just one part of a 12-acre living-history museum — where costumed interpreters roam, tell stories, and demonstrate skills like blacksmithing and weaving — makes this spot worth the drive. (From Chicago it takes about 45 minutes to an hour to get to Naperville.) The Settlement’s quiet, uncrowded paths lead you on a journey into historic homes and buildings, including a one-room school house, log cabin, print shop, chapel and mansion. Interpreters have obvious passion for sharing what they know about this time in history, and they tailor their talks so they’re age-appropriate and exciting for just about anybody they meet.

If you’re looking for a day of play in what feels like the colorful pages of a history book, this is a great place to go. Enjoy!

Harvard Early Learning Playscape
at Naper Settlement
523 S. Webster St.
Naperville
630-420-6010
Online: napersettlement.org

The Playscape is open during regular Summer Season hours, from April 1-October 31: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ; Sun., 1-4 p.m. (Closed Mon.)

Entrance into the Playscape is included in your museum admission: $12/adult; $10/senior (62+); $8/youth (4-12). Those under 4 years, Naperville residents and Naperville Heritage Society Members are free.

What have you heard about this awesome new spot? Let us know in the Comments!

— Kelly Aiglon

ML Interest Tag: chapel

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