ML Interest Tag: tennis-court

Our Favorite Family-Friendly Farm Stays In & Around NYC

by Yuliya Geikhman

Are you looking for a chance to swap your New York City Slicker attire in favor of some overalls and mud boots? Gather the family and head to a nearby farm and experience some fresh air, fresh food, and a chance to work and rest hard. These farms are just a stone’s throw away from the city, and they welcome family visitors, whether they want to help out in the workload or just relax and enjoy country life for just a little while. Read on for our favorite farm stays for families in and around NYC!

Big Picture Farm

Big Picture Farm via Yelp

This farmhouse isn't meant for single-family stays. Instead, it's a chance to collaborate with other families to form a group and all visit together — stays are reserved for over 16 people at a time. For a fee easily split between a few families, this trip gives you access to the entire house, complete with nine beautiful bedrooms, a yoga room, and a number of rooms with great views out.

The website calls itself "agriturismo-style boutique lodging" — in other words, you'll be getting an upscale, farm-like experience, rather than a gritty down-to-earth one. A perfect option if you have a lot of like-minded friends and want to experience the beauty of nature and fam life without having to make any sacrifices.

$720/night
1600 Peaked Mountain Road
Townshend, VT
Online: bigpicturefarm.com

Stony Creek Farmstead

Andrew via Flickr

Go off the grid at this Walton farm, where you stay at intentionally offline canvas tents with comfy wooden floors. Tents are equipped with a stove, bed, small cabinet for belongings and a flushing toilet, so you won't be entirely roughing it.

Mornings begin with cow milking, a fresh-from-the-chicken egg and the option to buy freshly made loaves of bread along with local goodies like cheese. Certain days have scheduled events, like morning tours and brick oven pizza nights. Staying here requires a minimum of two nights, but discounts are available for staying even more nights.

$305/night on weekends (Fri-Sun), $345/night weekdays
1738 Freer Hollow Road
Walton, NY
Online: stonycreekfarmstead.com

Catskills Hull-O Farms

Hull-O Farms via Facebook

For a real farm experience, visit Hull-O Farms, where visitors can take part in everyday activities around the farm. Watch or help the farmers go through their daily tasks and meet the animals, like cows, lambs, chickens and even kittens (which the kids are sure to love). Kids are allowed to (and encouraged to!) feed and help care for the animals under supervision of the friendly staff. There's something to do any time of the day!

Other activities include fishing, hayrides, nightly campfires and more. Once you've worked up an appetite, enjoy home-cooked, locally sourced meals.

There are a number of options for accommodations, from private rooms to a more communal experience. This year the farm is celebrating 25 years of being a farmstay, so you can snag special offers through their newsletter. (We went! Read our full review here!)

Inquire for price
10 Cochrane Road
Durham, NY
Online: hull-o.com

Better Farm

Better Farm

Looking for a longer stay? Better Farm has the option for a longer-term reservation for anyone who wants to stay more than a few days. Book a cozy private room or cabin for a summer month (or two!) and enjoy the gorgeous views of this 65-acre sustainable solar-powered organic farm and animal sanctuary. (Winter stays are available here as well!)

While you can take part in typical farm activities here, another big draw is the art-centric environment. Workshops, events, galleries, and performances mean you can enjoy some art in an idyllic location.

$50-$120/night; $35/night for loft spaces
31060 Cottage Hill Road
Redwood, NY
Online: betterfarm.org

Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary

Michael W. via Flickr

Although it's no longer actually located in Woodstock, this spot is a great getaway if you're looking for a more "boutique" farm experience. Opening in April 2019, the Grey Barn offers visitors brand new, modern accommodations with private terraces and beautiful common space. As a bonus, each booking comes with a vegan breakfast made from local ingredients and a private tour of the grounds.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the sanctuary's 150 acres and get to know its 350+ resident animals. Proceeds from the room fee go into maintaining the sanctuary and continuing its nonprofit rescue and outreach work.

Each room has a maximum of two people, so be aware that larger families will need to book multiple rooms.

$250/night
2 Rescue Road
High Falls, NY
Online: thegraybarn.org

Catskill Farm Animal Sanctuary

Jessica L. via Yelp

Stay with nearly 300 rescued animals at the Catskill Farm animal sanctuary by booking a room or suite at the Homestead. This pre-Civil War house has been renovated with eco-friendly methods and materials but keeps its unique look and style. Stays include a vegan breakfast, seasonal tours, and plenty of space and activities to keep anyone busy.

Many farm animals make the sanctuary their home, from cows and horses to chickens and pigs. Every rescued animal has background information available about it on the sanctuary's website, so you can truly get to know the story of every critter you come across.

This location is dog-friendly (for well-behaved dogs!) but your furry friend won't be allowed to visit the rescued animals with you. As a Homestead visitor, though, you'll have the freedom to wander the grounds of the sanctuary without an accompanying tour guide, a privilege which day guests don't get!

$135-$295/night
316 Old Stage Road
Saugerties, NY
Online: casanctuary.org

East Hill Farm

East Hill Farm

Welcome to East Hill, where you can stay at one of the 65 rooms, all of which have private bathrooms and are pet-friendly! This is one of the more active stays, with a huge variety of activities happening every day. Children's programs, night-time family-friendly events, a tennis court, indoor and outdoor pools, paddleboats and so much more will keep you and the little ones busy. You'll also find some more unique activities, like massage/reflexology and dodgeball.

Of course, there are also farm animals and activities to enjoy, like horseback riding, wagon rides and egg collecting.

Rates are per person and include 3 meals. Children get discounted rates, and kids under two stay free!

$148-$170/person per night
460 Monadnock Street
Troy, NH
Online: east-hill-farm.com

Verdant View

Ellen T. via Yelp

Start the day at Verdant View Farm at 8:30 with the farm's crew for a home-grown breakfast, then choose your adventure for the day. You can choose to stay on the grounds and play with the animals, including the farm's animals and friendly border collie, pygmy goats, bunnies, calves and chickens. All visitors are welcome to join in and help out with the daily farm tasks.

You can also choose to explore the surrounding area, which is located in the middle of Amish country. Visit museums, restaurants, local markets and attractions and more.

$99-$199/night, with additional fees for more than 2-4 guests (depending on the room)
429 Strasburg Rd.
Paradise, PA
Online: verdantview.com

Kinderhook Farm

Kinderhook Farm

Visit this farm in the summer and fall for a quaint farmstay experience on a working farm. There's no WiFi or television, so be prepared to experience the environment as it's meant to be! Help out on the farm or relax in a hammock then take a dip in the cottage pond. Farm activities include feeding the animals, egg collecting and joining the cows and sheep on the pasture. There are also plenty of books, board games, and outdoor activity equipment available to borrow.

The accommodations are less like a hotel and more like renting out a vacation house, including a fully stocked kitchen and outdoor barbeque. This location is very child-friendly — cribs, high chairs, baby pool, stroller and other child goodies are available for the farm's youngest visitors.

$300-$350/night
1958 Co Road 21
Valatie, NY
Online: kinderhookfarm.com

—Yuliya Geikhman

RELATED STORIES: 

Cream of the Crops: Kid-Friendly Farms Near NYC

We’re Freaking Out Over This Real Farm Vacation

Very Bunny: NYC Easter Egg Hunts, Events & More

 

 

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Serena Williams Daughter Olympia Could Be the Next Tennis Star in the Fam

by Erica Loop

It looks like someone has a mini me. Serena Williams and her daughter, Olympia, hit the court together recently—and there’s video of the absolute adorable incident!

She’s a star on the court—and we’re not talking about Serena. Even though the celeb mama is one of the top athletes in the world, this time it’s not the elder Williams who’s showing off performance perfection. (And it’s not her little sister, Venus, either.)

In a “like mother, like daughter” moment, Williams’ 18-month-old daughter took off, running onto the court (followed by dad Alexis Ohanian). Williams captured the magical moment on her Instagram Story, commenting, “Look at that footwork!” as the tot lost her shoe!

photo: Serena Williams via Instagram

At one point the little girl, seeming frustrated, laid down on the ground and covered her face. Williams noted the mommy-daughter similarities, adding, “Ah sweetie, you look like mommy when she’s mad on the court” through her own giggles.

While the tot may have some time before she wins a Grand Slam of her own, if this video is any indication of what’s to come—we might see another Williams (or in this case, Ohanian) on the pro circuit someday.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Serena Williams via Instagram 

 

RELATED STORIES

Serena Williams’ Daughter Olympia Is Her Mini Me—In a Tutu

Serena Williams Too, Remembers What It Was Like to Have a Living Room Once

Serena Williams Speaks Out: Women Athletes Shouldn’t Be Penalized for Pregnancy

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Greek Out!: Exploring Mythology With Kids in NYC

by alina adams

More and more kids seem to have Greek mythology on the brain these days. Maybe it’s the Greek myth subtext of the monster movie hit, Avengers: Age of Ultron, or perhaps it’s excitement about the upcoming Wonder Woman flick, now that she’s not merely an Amazon, but an actual daughter of Zeus. The Percy Jackson and the Olympians book series probably has something to do with it as well. Regardless, we say that just because school is out doesn’t mean you can’t get some fun learning in on the sly. Here’s where your kids can interface with the gods and monsters of the Mediterranean right here in NYC.

Metropolitan Museum photo: Erik Drost via Flickr

Take in Art of Mythic Proportions

Explore Greek Mythology at the Metropolitan Museum
The trend has not escaped the notice of the fine people at the Met. After all, not only is the Met bursting with art referencing Greek mythology, the opening scene of the first book, The Lightning Thief, actually took place at the museum. Stop by the visitor information desk at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to pick up your complimentary Percy Jackson and the Olympians Art Adventure Guide. (Yes, that’s a real thing.)

The guide features a map and quotes from the books that serve as clues to help kids find works of art related to Rick Riordan’s stories. The guide takes users on a tour of classic paintings, armor and statues of heroes like Hercules, Perseus and Athena. When the hunt is over, kids can carefully rip the guide as directed to turn it into a series of collectible trading cards. (For even more info from the author himself,  listen to a podcast of Riordan talking about his inspiration for writing a Young Adult novel inspired by Greek mythology, here.)

Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street
Upper East Side
212-535-7710
Online: metmuseum.org

Kids Programs at Onassis Cultural Center
Though the Onassis Cultural Center’s home base on Fifth Avenue is currently closed for renovation, its programming continues at other venues, including the Center’s annual Hellenic Humanities Series’ Musical Drama and Dance: Re-imagining Greek Theater summer camp at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The Cultural Center is set to re-open in the fall, when they intend to continue regular family programming, such as Sundays at Onassis, with Greek mythology art projects for children ages 3-7.

Onassis Cultural Center
645 Fifth Avenue between 51st and 52nd Streets
Midtown East
212-486-4448
Online: onassisusa.org

Play Among the Gods

What’s better than a playground with cool things to climb on, swings to swing on, and, in the summer, sprinklers to run through? How about a playground with all that… and a Greek god watching over you the entire time? To mingle with the myth-makers of Mount Olympus without leaving NYC, check out these divine playgrounds.

Oracle Playground
Upgraded in 1997, Brooklyn’s Oracle Playground (named for its proximity to Adelphi Street), received not only basketball backstops, removable tennis court nets, and drinking fountains, but also a brand new Greek theme, including paving stones in a mathematical Greek key design around the fences, and animal art in the shape of a Trojan horse, as a hat-tip to Homer’s The Iliad.

Oracle Playground
121 Adelphi St.
Fort Greene
Online:  nycgovparks.org

Poseidon Playground
Located near the Coney Island boardwalk (where else would a god of the sea plant his trident?), Poseidon Playground boasts swings, handball courts, spray showers and — most importantly for parents — a wi-fi hot spot. (So if your child has any questions about the area’s namesake, you can Google some answers immediately.)

Poseidon Playground
Surf Avenue between West 25th and West 27th Street
Coney
Island
Brooklyn
Online: nycgovparks.org

Charybdis Playground
Named after Poseidon’s daughter, this Queens playground overlooks water as well: the East River. Upgraded as part of a capital campaign in 1997 and 2000, it features colorful slides, monkey bars, as well as swings that are accessible to children of all abilities.

Charybdis Playground
Astoria Park between RFK Bridge and Hell’s Gate Bridge
Queens
Online: nycgovparks.org

Prometheus photo: Sharon Mollerus via Flickr

Gods Ready for a Close-up (or Selfie)

It’s one thing to visit Greek gods in a museum, or to frolic in a playground named for one. It’s quite another to gaze up at their larger than life visages (especially if you’re only three feet tall to begin with). For that, you need to seek out towering statues of metal and stone. Luckily, NYC has you covered there, as well.

Prometheus
Once, this titan stole fire from the gods and was punished for eternity by being chained to a rock and having his liver eaten out. Now, he sits chained to a large metallic disk, watching ice-skaters in the winter and dining tourists in the summer, having his picture eternally taken; a selfie every self-respecting Greek mythology loving tot is required to have for their collection.

Prometheus
Rockefeller Center
Midtown
Online: rockefellercenter.com

Athena
A gift from the people of Athens to the people of New York in 1998, this bronze work of art standing over 10 feet tall is an exact replica of a figure first carved in 350 BC. (The  statue is a tribute to the Astoria neighborhood’s Greek-American population.) Athena’s namesake park includes an amphitheater, a playground, basketball courts, Doric columns and additional statues of Socrates, and Minerva, Athena’s Roman counterpart.

Athena
Athens Square
30th Avenue between 29th and 30th Streets
Astoria
Online: nycgovparks.org

Atlas photo: Leo Gonzales via Flickr

Atlas
It’s a small world takes on a whole new meaning when you leave the lower level of Rockefeller Center and head to Fifth Avenue, where this half-man/half-god stands enduring his eternal punishment: holding up our planet. A wonderful lesson for children either on the topic of actions having consequences, or a reminder that their life isn’t nearly as hard as they may believe it to be.

Atlas
630 Fifth Ave.
Midtown
Online: rockefellercenter.com

 

Where do you go to hang with the gods in NYC? Tell us in the comments below!

— Alina Adams

 

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Sail Off Into the Inner Sunset

by Mireille Schwartz

Forget about the rolling fog, there’s nothing bleak about this fun and funky neighborhood. Yep, it’s true the Inner Sunset is smack in the middle of the fog zone—just three miles from the Pacific Ocean—but with its hip location bordering Golden Gate Park, this ‘hood has the perfect blend of nature and big-city edge. There’s enough here to entertain the kiddos (and their grownups) for days on end. Read on to plan your day in the sun(set!).


Photo: “Over Inner Sunset” 4johnny5 via Flickr

Play

J.P. Murphy Playground
With a ginormous play structure, this spot is perfect for year-round family fun (there’s a  nice grassy area for the pooch to roam as well). There are three tennis courts plus a basketball court if you want to get a game going, as well as a swinging tire and a nice big circle swing. The a recently remodeled clubhouse is ideal for birthday party rentals, as it contains a fully functional kitchen for food prepand even clean-up.

1960 9th Ave.
San Francisco, Ca
415-242-5647
Online: sfrecpark.org

Koret Children’s Quarter Playground & Carousel
Take a spin on the oldest playground in America! This playground opened in 1888 and is said to have been the nation’s first public playground. Generations of San Franciscans have fond memories of the children’s play area and carousel in Golden Gate Park’s southeast corner. It was recently revamped a few years back and has a new climbing wall and rope climbing feature. The cool carousel’s 62 colorfully painted menagerie of animals include: a dragon, camel, and goat as well as horses, frogs, dogs, roosters, and pigs. Painted panels inside the carousel depict Bay Area landscapes from past to present.

Golden Gate Park
320 Bowling Green Dr.
San Francisco, Ca
415-831-5500
Online: sfrecpark.org


Photo: San Francisco Parks & Rec

Sunset Heights Playground
A darling, albeit tiny, neighborhood park with plenty of parking and a dog-friendly atmosphere, too. Swings, a tennis court, and plenty of trails make it a well-rounded place for the local kids to get plenty of action.

89 Rockridge Dr. & 12th Ave.
San Francisco, Ca

Grandview Park
As the aptly-named hilltop implies, from here you can peep unparallelled views of the Golden Gate Bridge, from Pt. Reyes and around to Lake Merced, the Marin Headlands, and a sweet wraparound 360-degree view of San Francisco. It’s a bit of a hike to reach the lookout point, so make sure everyone is wearing a solid pair of shoes for the climb up (and you’ve packed plenty of snacks and water). There’s no play structure, but we promise they won’t be looking for more things to climb once they make it to the top.

Moraga St. & 14th Ave.
San Francisco, Ca
415-831-6331
Online: sfrecpark.org

Explore

Inner Sunset Farmer’s Market
Rain or shine, if some outdoor action is on your menu then plan on doing the stroller slalom at this neighborhood farmer’s market. The buzz is: this rivals even the über fancy schmancy Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market so you’re sure to find a treasure trove of all sorts of flowers, live music, nutritious & delicious fresh seafood, and tons and tons of produce. Great on a Sunday stroll before or after you’ve perused all that the neighborhood has to offer.

When: Every Sunday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. year round

Parking Lot btwn 8th & 9th Ave., 10th Ave. btwn Irving & Judah Sts.
San Francisco, Ca
Online: pcfma.com

San Francisco Botanical Gardens
All year round this is hailed as one of the most diverse gardens in the entire world. The Botanical Garden is an actual “living museum” in GG Park, offering 55 acres of both landscaped gardens and open spaces, and showcasing over 8,000 different kinds of plants from around the world for you and your kiddos to explore. An ongoing event calendar features bi-weekly Sunday morning Children’s Story Time, as well as an extra special Full Moon Walk (bring warm clothing and a flashlight!).

Golden Gate Park
Corner of 9th Ave. & Lincoln Way
San Francisco, Ca
415-661-1316
Online: sfbotanicalgardensociety.org

Paresh Martial Arts
This family martial arts center is nestled in the heart of the neighborhood on bustling Irving Street. One of their most popular signature courses, the ‘Family Classes’ give parents and little ones the unique opportunity to train together in a playful environment. Moms and Dads should be ready to move and sweat: all classes and programs are taught by black belt instructors and designed to keep you on your toes! Good to know: You must register in advance for all classes. 

447 Irving St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-665-5511
Online: sfmartialarts.com


Photo: wong_jordan via Flickr

16th Avenue Tiled Steps Project
Since 2003, the tiled steps project has been an Inner Sunset neighborhood effort to design and create a beautiful mosaic up the risers of the 163 steps at 16th Avenue & Moraga. Special City Permits were required and local artists Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher led the creation of the 163 mosaic panels that were applied to the step risers, and over 300 neighbors joined in making handmade animal, bird and fish name tiles imbedded within the mosaic. This labor of love is a must-see for the family!

Moraga St. btwn 15th & 16th Ave.
San Francisco, Ca
Online: tiledsteps.org

Eats & Treats

Peasant Pies
For a healthy (yep, you read that correctly!) lunchtime choice, head on over to Peasant. Thier handheld selections of warm homespun goodies harken back to the days of 18th-century “fisherman’s pies” and they are perfect for little fingers. We recommend Spinach & Feta, a mouthwatering Sausage, Potatoes & Scrambled Egg, and a spicy Garbanzo Bean & Curry. Fuel up here and then stroll the ‘hood with a full belly.

1039 Irving St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-731-1978
Online: peasantpies.com

New Eritrea Restaurant
In the mood for a walk on the wild side? Look no further than this family-run restaurant specializing in authentic Eritrean and Ethiopian food all served “Family-Style” on a large circular platter. Tender, boneless chicken sauteed in complex spices is a big hit here (there are also 100% vegan dishes on offer) and tangy, fluffy “Injera” bread fills in for silverware—the kiddos will love love eating with their hands. Crispy eggroll-style Sambusas are easy and yummy for tiny tykes to munch.

907 Irving St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-681-1288
Online: neweritrearestaurant.blogspot.com


Photo: New Eritrea Restaurant

Arizmendi Bakery Cooperative
Lines form early in the day here for the delicious pastries and breads at this worker-owned bakery. They have all the delightful, ooey gooey cookies and muffins, plus a decadent chocolate fudge cake with salted caramel frosting (!).  Around lunchtime, people come in waves for a slice of whatever type of pizza the creative cooks have crafted (check the website for a list of the daily pizza flavors—or just show up and be surprised). Instead of the usual boring pepperoni for your brood, how about a roasted fresh fennel, arugula, feta cheese, lemon thyme oil, and parsley pizza?

1331 9th Ave.
San Francisco, Ca
415-566-3117
Online: arizmendibakery.com/pizza

Ebisu
Good for the whole family or for a special occasion, this is considered by many to be one of the top sushi restaurants in the Bay Area. It’s been in the ‘hood for 30 years, so it has true staying power. Bring in the entire gang for the full on sushi bar experience in a neighborhood well-known for its Japanese cuisine. Rare red clam sushi and “Rainbow” rolls make this a dynamic and fun experience for your littlest diner on up.

1283 9th Ave.
San Francisco, Ca
415-566-1770
Online: ebisusushi.com

Yummy Yummy
A genial owner who bops around the restaurant makes certain this fun place lives up to its name. Succulent bowls of pho make this the choice for Vietnamese cuisine in the Inner Sunset. The bright dining room is always packed shoulder-to-shoulder with food lovers of all ages. Try the fried rice with a sunny side egg on top.

1015 Irving St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-566-4722
Online: facebook.com

Holy Gelato!
As good as it gets. Marvel at all the luscious flavors including Chocolate Hazelnut and Honey Lavender. This joint works for those with lactose & milk allergies, too, with a dozen vegan options as well as goat’s milk choices. There are special coffee blends to keep moms & dads perky, too, and also some lovely flowering teas great to sip or for gifts as you stroll inside this quirky, cheerful unique neighborhood gem.

1392 9th Avenue
San Francisco, Ca
415-681-3061
Online: holygelato.com

Park Chow
This family-friendly American eatery is always crawling with kids. If your adventurous eater wants to stray from the kids menu, their tasty pastas, pizzas and salads come in three sizes, so there’s a portion for every person in your brood.

1240 9th Ave.
San Francisco, Ca
415-665-9912
Online: chowfoodbar.com

How do you like to take your Sunset stroll? Tell us in the comments below! 

—Mireille Schwartz

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Scale to New Playtime Heights in Presidio Heights

by Erin Lem

When the urge hits to leave the city without actually leaving the city, hop on over to Presidio Heights for a peaceful and quiet escape. While the tony neighborhood spans just seven blocks east to west, the picturesque area packs in the fun. With three playgrounds, a cafe with a play space and a shop called Stroller Spa (yep, it’s a spa for your wheels), Presidio Heights is the home away from home you’ve been looking for.

Parks & Playgrounds

photo: Amber Guetebier

Julius Kahn Playground
This playground and park some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay, and Marin Headlands, assuming you visit on a fog-free day. Beyond the sweet views, the playground includes a large fenced-in area with separate play structures for the little and big kids, free parking and bathrooms (score!). Julius Kahn (or JK as it’s referred to by the neighbors) also has a large adjacent grassy expanse, basketball court, tennis courts and baseball field.

Find It: West Pacific Ave. & Spruce St., San Francisco, Ca

photo: Mindy W via Yelp

Presidio Heights Playground
A hidden gem, this quaint park feels like you’re in someone’s (amazing) back yard. Features include a toddler play area with big sand pit, slides, swings, and a climbing structure. There’s also a full length basketball court that serves as a roadway for the many riding toys donated by local parents. Bonus: a clubhouse with restrooms that you can rent out for birthday parties.

Find It: Clay & Walnut St., San Francisco, Ca

photo: Venus S via flickr

Laurel Hill Playground
Off of Euclid Avenue behind Laurel Shopping Center this playground is not visible from the street, which means it’s often less crowded. This hidden neighborhood gem includes a baseball field, tennis court, basketball court and playground. While the playground hasn’t been renovated in awhile, it’s charming, sunny and a great spot for less crowded outdoor play.

Good to know: since the playground and park is set back from the street you need to walk in and it’s an incline to reach the play area.

Find It: 301 Euclid Avenue, San Francisco, Ca

Fun Pit Stops: Shops, Resources & More

photo: Erin Lem

Stroller Spa
Give your wheels a much needed cleaning and repair at Stroller Spa, a store in San Francisco’s Presidio Heights neighborhood, that’s dedicated to making your stroller shine and run like new (even after baby #3). And for you, there’s a mani-pedi salon just down the block. It’s a win-win for everyone.

3566 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, Ca
855-STROLL-SPA
Online: strollerspa.com

photo: Day One Baby

Day One Baby
Once you see those two pink lines, the planning, shopping, and decorating frenzy begins. Let DayOne Baby–a retail and community center in Presidio Heights–help you navigate your way through pregnancy and beyond. Their sparkling space features educational seminars, fitness opportunities, a lending library, retail store, and more for expectant and new parents.

3548 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, Ca 94118
415-813-1931
Online: dayonebaby.com

photo: Erin Lem

Serena & Lily Design Shop
Whether you want to revamp your play room or need ideas for baby’s first nursery, Serena & Lily’s chic new outpost will give you what your Pinterest board can’t—helpful guidance by friendly staff, inspiration, and a ton of paint swatches and textile samples to look at, feel, and take home.

3457 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, Ca
415-580-7078
Online: serenaandlily.com/designshop

photo: Victor G via Yelp

San Francisco Public Library, Presidio Branch
This neighborhood library underwent a renovation a couple of years back and the facelift made the interior brighter and more welcoming. Each week features an array of children’s programs like toddler tales and playtime and baby rhyme time. After hanging out in the designated children’s area, head outside and picnic on the grass or the sunny steps.

3150 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, Ca 94115
Online: sfpl.org/index.php?pg=0100002801

photo: gracewong via flickr

Jewish Community Center
Whether you’re on the hunt for an after school enrichment program, looking to try out a new class like ballet and hip hop or hope to learn more about the Jewish faith, the JCC offers programs and services for every age and interest. As the oldest Jewish center on the West Coast, this hulking building houses tons of great resources and is open to all.

3200 California St
San Francisco, Ca
415-292-1200
Online: jccsf.org

photo: Yelp

Dottie Doolittle
This small boutique on Sacramento Street has been dressing Presidio Heights kids in classy American and European styles for close to 40 years. The store carries chic and timeless duds (think outfits for weddings and special occasions) for children infants through 16 years old. You can even create a baby registry here.

3680 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, Ca
415-563-3244
Online: dottiedoolittle.com/aboutus.asp

photo: jessicafm via flickr

Right Start
For products for infants through toddlers pay a visit to Right Start. Whether you’re a seasoned pro on baby number three or a newbie on your first, this storefront carries everything you’ll need including strollers, car seats, bath products, nursery furniture and more.

3435 Sacramento St
San Francisco, Ca
415-202-1901
Online: rightstart.com

Eat
The main hub where you’ll find eat–both sit-down and take out–is at Laurel Village. Located on California Street between Spruce and Laurel Streets, this shopping center is a hub for locals visiting the pharmacy, selecting cuts of meat at the butcher and visiting the bank. For a full list of shops and restaurants click here. Some of our favorite kid-friendly eateries at Laurel Village and beyond are listed below.

photo: William R. via Yelp

Rigolo Cafe
If you’re craving a real meal out with entertainment for the kids, dining at Rigolo Cafe is a must. The modern French bistro serves up delicious fare from morning until night (they’re open 7:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday) and includes a kids play area with toys and a chalkboard, clean restrooms, a kids menu, balloons and more. Park in the back of Laurel Village for non-metered spots.

3465 California Street
San Francisco, Ca
415-876-7777
Online: rigolocafe.com

photo: Antonio C. via Yelp

Ella’s
Come here for brunch, but get there early as neighbors know that this corner restaurant gets crowded fast. The restaurant serves up American comfort food. Must-trys? The fresh squeezed orange juice, buttermilk pancakes and chicken hash.

500 Presidio Street
San Francisco, Ca
415-441-5669
Online: ellassanfrancisco.com

photo: Liz S. via Yelp

Picnix Bistro
This small cafe is off the beaten path but certainly worth the few block walk away from the main shops on Sacramento Street. A favorite of neighbors and hospital workers, the cafe features an array of soups, salads and sandwiches. There are a few tables and chairs set up outside, which are nice on a sunny day. Closed Sunday.

3872 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, Ca
415-751-2255
Online: picnixsf.com

Date Night Picks: If you book a sitter, beeline it back to Presidio Heights for a proper date night. Favorite spots are: Spruce (3640 Sacramento Street), Sociale (3665 Sacramento Street) and Nico (3665 Sacramento Street).

Coffee Shops

photo: Zoey S. via yelp

Swank at the Laurel Inn
By night Swank is a cocktail lounge, but by day it’s a coffee bar. Head here to get your Blue Bottle fix and pick up locally-made pastries to get your day started right.

444 Presidio Avenue
San Francisco, Ca
Online: jdvhotels.com/restaurants/the-laurel-inn/swank-cocktail-coffee-club

Coffee & a Bagel
Even in a small enclave like Presidio Heights you can’t escape the Peet’s Coffee, Noah’s Bagel, Starbucks trifecta. Find each at Laurel Village where you can grab a cuppa, nosh on a bagel and then peruse the stores.

photo: lwy via flickr

Noah’s Bagel
3519 California
San Francisco, Ca
415-387-3874

Peet’s Coffee & Tea
3419 California Street
San Francisco, Ca
415-221-8506

What’s your ideal day in Presidio Heights? Tell us in the Comments below!

— Erin Lem

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