Beaches are now starting to reopen much to the delight of those looking to put their feet in the sand. Some may be looking to relocate to a community close to the water. WalletHub just released a report on 2020’s Best Beach Towns to live in.
To determine the most livable beach side communities, WalletHub compared 191 cities across 63 key metrics. The data set ranges from housing costs to share of for-sale waterfront homes to quality of beach water. This study divides beach towns into two categories, those by the ocean and those by lakes.
Top 10 Ocean Beach Towns
Naples, FL
Lahaina, HI
Boca Raton, FL
Newport Beach, CA
Santa Monica, CA
Sarasota, FL
Kailua, HI
Carlsbad, CA
Encinitas, CA
Vero Beach, FL
Top 10 Lake Beach Towns
Traverse City, MI
Folsom, CA
Redmond, WA
Holland, MI
Cornelius, NC
Kirkland, WA
Mercer Island, WA
Rocky River, OH
Davidson, NC
Pewaukee, WI
Best vs. Worst
Ocean Beach Cities:
Port Lavaca, Texas, has the lowest median home price as a share of income, 1.75, which is 8.7 times lower than in Coronado, California, the city with the highest at 15.14.
Wailuku, Hawaii, has the lowest median annual property taxes, 0.15 percent, which is 19.9 times lower than in Shirley, New York, the city with the highest at 2.98 percent.
Miami Beach, Coral Gables & Key Biscayne, Florida, all share the fewest disaster declarations (since 1953), 15, which is 4.9 times fewer than in Santa Monica, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Palos Verdes Estates and Malibu, California, the cities with the most at 74.
Long Beach, New York, has the fewest property crimes per 1,000 residents, 2.37, which is 44.5 times lower than in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the city with the most at 105.47.
Lake Beach Cities:
Alpena, Michigan, has the lowest median home price as a share of income, 2.02, which is four times lower than in South Lake Tahoe, California, the city with the highest at 8.05.
Morgan City, Louisiana, has the lowest median annual property taxes, 0.26 percent, which is 14.7 times lower than in Zion, Illinois, the city with the highest at 3.83 percent.
Traverse City and Alpena, Michigan, have the fewest disaster declarations (since 1953), five each, which is 11.6 times fewer than in Lake Elsinore, California, which has the most at 58.
Bay Village, Ohio, has the fewest property crimes per 1,000 residents, 3.05, which is 34.6 times lower than in Branson, Missouri, the city with the most at 105.62.
Find fresh air and new focus along these stroller-friendly trails near Seattle
It’s hard to resist sunny days when we have them in Seattle. So if you’re looking for a spot to go for a stroll, we’ve got options that will get you outside with plenty of space to spare. Grab the sippy cup and snack trap for the kids, ‘cuz this is how you roll…
photo: Lorin Belcher
1. Woodland Park Zoo
Arguably the most stroller-friendly attraction in Seattle, the Woodland Park Zoo has dozens of animal exhibits spaced over 90 acres, many of which are easily viewed from stroller height. Paths are all level and paved, so you can easily walk or jog through the zoo without worry. There are also lots of spots for the kids to unload and get their wiggles out as well. For a little cross-training, you and the kids can climb the ropes in the new Bamboo Forest Reserve play area by the uber-adorable Asian small-clawed otters.
Tip:If you want to stay moving, avoid the Wetlands and Conservation Aviary areas just west of the Family Farm. This area has lots of double-doors to get through that are hard to navigate with strollers. For an even longer stroll, cross one of the pedestrian overpasses to the east side of Aurora and the rest of Woodland Park. Here, you can enjoy great paved paths through forested areas and grassy hills leading down to Green Lake.
For an adventure downtown with stellar mountain views, you can’t do better than the Elliot Bay Trail—one of the most popular stroller friendly trails near Seattle. This trail starts at the Centennial Park in Interbay, winds through Myrtle Edwards Park, and ends at the Olympic Sculpture Park (or you can walk the trail backward). This paved trail is just over 1.5 miles and is often refreshingly empty on the weekdays (during non-commute hours especially). This is a perfect stretch for a quick run with your jogging stroller as it is almost completely straight and flat; it’s equally friendly to umbrella strollers for the same reason. Keep in mind that as this trail is right on the waterfront, it can get windy and there’s not much shade. Bundle up the babe and head out.
Not every kid loves the stroller and many will only tolerate it for short bursts of time – a great solution is the waterfront path at Lincoln Park in West Seattle. There is a long, paved trail that starts near the ferries, goes along the beach and then loops back around near the pool and back up to the playground. There are plenty of spots to let little ones explore, but the trail is nice and wide so that you can get them in and out of the stroller over and over again without being in the way of other walkers. Lincoln Park is also a great option for pushing a younger child in a stroller while an older child rides a scooter alongside!
For a picturesque walk or jog on the south side of the city, head to Seward Park at the base of Lake Washington. With a 2.4 mile paved loop path along the waterfront of the park, and an addition network of more rugged trails through forests and along the beach, this 300 acre park won’t disappoint you or your tiny traveling companions. The primary play areas are at the south end of the park (next to the parking areas), so hit the loop trail right away with the promise of playground time after your walk and you’ll have happy hikers with you the whole way.
If you’ve got a sturdy stroller, an open schedule and are looking to meander through a natural wonderland, head to the Washington Park Arboretum. Keep in mind while there’s a great boardwalk and a few paved paths, many interior trails are unpaved so this isn’t the spot to head for an unencumbered long-distance run or if there’s been a recent heavy rain. That being said, this is an awesome spot to go “get lost” with your thoughts (and your kids) for a while. Throw a pair of binoculars in the stroller and encourage your budding naturalist to watch out for waterfowl, turtles and frogs as you wander. Azalea Way is not to be missed in early spring, and be sure to see the maples in the autumn.
For an urban stroller friendly trail near Seattle, Magnolia Bluff will provide you with ample exercise as well as some of Seattle’s best views of the Puget Sound and downtown. There are a few different parking areas off of Magnolia Boulevard where you can get started or park in the Magnolia Village to add some distance. Keep your eye out for the benches along the Boulevard where you can park the stroller and sit in the sun while your tyke gets out to stretch his or her legs in the grass.
For a marathon stroller session, the Interurban Trail (North) is an epic 24.9 miles of stroller friendly trails near Seattle starting in Greenwood, going through Bitter Lake and Shoreline, all the way to Everett. It is almost entirely paved and should be your go-to route if you are trying to put some miles on your jogging stroller’s tires. There are a few busy intersections that the path crosses, but the trail is marked and well-used, so savvy stroller-ers shouldn’t have any problem. Keep in mind that this is primarily a bike route (though you’ll also see lots of pedestrians and even equine traffic), and while it does connect to the Everett Mall, don’t expect too many concessions along the way.
Tip: For an Eastside equivalent of this uber-route, try the Sammamish River Trail (starting in Bothell and running through Woodinville and Redmond, ending at Marymoor Park). With 10.9 miles of paved trail, make sure your stroller tires are fully pumped before setting out!
If you’re looking for the perfect place to take your stroller for a cruise on the Eastside, the Kirkland Waterfront is undeniably the best. Perfect for any kind of stroller, the wide sidewalks are easy for stroller traffic and your tiny passengers will love stopping to play in the grass along the shores of Lake Washington or stopping for some ice cream in Downtown Kirkland on your way back to the car. Maybe they’ll fall asleep in the stroller by the time you get back and you can do a bit of window shopping while they doze! Don’t forget to pack sunscreen for little legs – there isn’t much shade along here on extra sunny days.
When the heat is on and you need to get out of the house, head to one of these museums in Miami, Florida that are perfect for kids. They can explore the solar system, learn about Miami’s colorful history and see works of arts in many different forms. Scroll through to find your next museum adventure!
Frost Science
Frost Science
The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a leading science museum dedicated to sharing the power of science, sparking wonder and investigation and fueling innovation for the future. Located in Downtown Miami’s waterfront Museum Park, Frost Science is divided into four buildings: the Frost Planetarium, Aquarium, and North and West Wings. Here, guests can learn about the core science behind living systems, the solar system and known universe, the physics of flight, light and lasers, the biology of the human body and mind and much more.
Kids 10 and under will love Miami Children’s hands-on exhibitions including a play cruise ship, supermarket, and a kids-sized television studio. “Fishing” off the boat is a local favorite.
Featuring beautiful gardens and fairytale architecture, this 10-acre waterfront villa is built in Italian Renaissance style. The kids will be fascinated by the magic of this place, which feels like a castle.
Pérez Art Museum Miami is a modern and contemporary art museum dedicated to collecting and exhibiting international art of the 20th and 21st centuries. They offer many programs for families including an art camp, art day for kids and after school programs.
Learn about Miami's history at this museum that's fun for all ages. On the second Saturday of the month they offer free admission and special family programming.
This museum in Miami's Design District offers free admission and lots of art that the kids will love exploring. Large scale sculptures, a 15,000-square-foot garden and interesting works of art by local artists are particularly interesting for kids.
After her son was born in 2007, Allison traded in her teaching gig for a SAH mom gig that lasted a bit longer than expected. Now 12 years later, she’s added two kids to the mix and gone from teaching high schoolers and college students how to write, to writing about her family’s adventures in the Emerald City. She published her first article with Red Tricycle in 2013 and is thrilled to join the team as Seattle Editor.
Favorite place to play outdoors: Kubota Garden. It’s a surprising find in the middle of a city neighborhood, and not one many seem to know about.
Favorite thing to do on a rainy day: Indoor trampoline parks. My kids are hooked on any and all DEFY Extreme Air Sport parks.
Favorite street for an afternoon of fun: The Junction in West Seattle, especially on Sundays when the farmers market is open. It’s changed a lot over the years, but you can still find great music at Easy Street, interesting shops to wander through, and I’d wager the croissants at Bakery Nouveau are the best in the city.
Do you have a go-to restaurant you like to take the kids: Pegasus on Alki. We love the view and the kids love the white spaghetti.
Can’t-live-without mom product: Wipes, wipes and more wipes. It’s a given that I use them with the baby. But I’m surprised how often they come in handy with an 8 and 12 year old. Who knew?
Favorite thing about raising kids in Seattle: I love that it’s one part big city and one part nature preserve. The city part means we get to enjoy amazing restaurants, shows, museums and more. But we can just as easily pop down to the waterfront to spot seals and sea lions or go tide pooling on the beach.
Most unique (or daring) thing you’ve ever done with your kids locally: A few years back we let the kids blow their own glass ornaments at Avalon Glassworks in West Seattle. Quintessentially Seattle. Definitely memorable.
Reach out to Allison at Allison AT tinybeans.go-vip.net.
The Wharf has earned a reputation as one of DC’s best playgrounds… for adults. But there is plenty to see and do with little ones in tow. And the best part? Most of these family-friendly activities are cheap or free! We’ve sussed out the top 25 ways to have fun in DC’s hottest new neighborhood because, really, who doesn’t love to spend a day by the water?
1. Cruise the Potomac River for free on the Water Jitney from March to December. The boat shuttles 6 passengers at a time from the floating dock at East Potomac Park to Recreation Pier. Check the schedule for daily hours.
2. Grab a rocking horse (yes, rocking horse) and enjoy a child-like moment with your kids at 7th Street Park.
3. Skip the playground and snuggle up on the family-sized swings that overlook the water.
4. Snap a selfie or take a family fall photo in front of Blair Alley’s picture-perfect fountain. Get in on the fun and tag your image #wharfdc.
5. Go for a waterfront tour by bike. BYOT (bring-your-own-tricycle) or rent a two-wheeler at Capital Bikeshare. (A single, 30-minute trip costs $2).
6. Pack a picnic (or stop in Shake Shack) for cheap, river-side dining. There are over 10 acres of public space, so take your time finding the perfect picnic spot!
7. Head to the oldest fish market in the United States for a fresh caught dinner or grab some cooked crabs or shrimp for a picnic on the pier. The seafood isn’t the only steal here; patrons of Maine Avenue Fish Market get $2 parking for the first hour (with a valid receipt).
8. Bring family game night to the next level at Recreation Pier with oversized games like Connect 4 and Scrabble.
9. Camp out with Camp Wharf. Or at least get your s’mores on. Try gourmet flavors, like Peanut Butter Cup or Cookies and Cream, or bring your own kit for some fireside fun. S’mores happen nightly at the District Pier Firepit.
10. Go restaurant hopping at nearly 35 eateries — from quick service to fine dining, even picky eaters will find their fill. Save time to stand in the line at Milk Bar; Cereal Milk is worth the wait!
11. Kids 8 & up will enjoy exploring the Washington Channel by paddle board or kayak. Rentals at The Wharf Boathouse start at $16/hr.
12. Spend an iconic evening around Torch, a 14 foot outdoor firepit. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset.
13. Buy a book at indie institution Politics and Prose. Crack the spine at the near-by fountain and waterfall.
14. Bend and stretch every Saturday morning from 9 to 10 a.m at a free, all-age yoga class at Transit Pier. Be sure to bring your own mat. Refreshments are complimentary after the class.
16. Hop on the Potomac Water Taxi to discover more waterfront fun at National Harbor, Alexandria Marina and Georgetown.
17. Play tourist in your own town and explore the National Mall before or after a trip to The Wharf. Burn off end-of-the-day energy on this 20 minute walk or hop the free shuttle to points of interest downtown.
18. Challenge your kids to a photo scavenger hunt—How many boats can you get in one picture? Who can find a bald eagle? The water’s edge provides endless opportunities for budding photographers.
19. On your mark, get set…. Scoot! Kids 6 & up can zip and zag around The Wharf for an epic adventure. Four riders can race around the water’s edge for $70/hr.
20. Enjoy the four seasons at Transit Pier. Summers bring free shows at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday. In the winter, break out the skates: From Nov. 20 to late Feb., enjoy ice skating at the pier.
22. Take a staycation and dive into a heated rooftop pool (open Memorial Day-Labor Day) at the Hyatt House Washington DC. The whole family can stay the night; pets are welcome here, too!
24. Get festive at the waterfront. If there is a holiday, there is a celebration at The Wharf. From the district’s Holiday Boat Parade to a Mardi Gras extravaganza, you’ll find seasonal fun by the Potomac River year round.
25. Let your night shimmer and sparkle with one of DC’s best displays of fireworks. Pyrotechnics illuminate the waterfront on July 4th, at the start of the winter holiday season and at the end of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Is there anything more fun than grabbing a blanket (and snacks) on a warm summer night and watching a movie under the stars? For those who love spending time in the great outdoors as much as you love family friendly movies, mark your calendars because there are loadsof local outdoor screenings.
Bethesda Outdoor Movies Enjoy five nights of blockbuster hits at downtown Bethesda’s 15th annual outdoor movie series! Head to the Woodmont Triangle area of Bethesda where they will bring five days of flicks al fresco during the last week of July. Note: This series is best suited for tweens and teens with movies such as 10 Things I Hate About You and Crazy Rich Asians.
Corner of Norfolk & Auburn Aves. (Bethesda, MD) Online: bethesda.org
Whalen Commons Summer Movie Series
Picnic blankets or chairs are recommended for comfortable viewing under the stars at this series. Admission is free and popcorn is available to purchase! Enjoy three nights of blockbuster hits, spread throughout the summer. Faves include Teen Beach Movie and Mary Poppins Returns.
Movies on the Potomac Pack your chairs and head over to National Harbor for some serious family fun. Start by grabbing food to go from one of the harbor’s delicious dining establishments, and meeting friends and family at the Plaza screen for a free movie! Every Sunday at 6 p.m. until October you’ll find all kinds of flicks, from Instant Family to Dumbo.
Cinema Del Rey On the third Saturday of the month through September, head to the Mount Vernon Rec Center where they’re showing a handful of animated movies everyone can enjoy. From Small Foot, to Ralph Breaks The Internet and Incredibles 2, there’s something to please even the pickiest movie goer.
Golden Triangle Cinema Farragut Square is where it’s at Friday nights at sundown from Jun 7-Aug 2. They have current, old school and animated movies showing on the silver screen. Fam faves from A Dog’s Way Home and Mary Poppins Returns to Crazy Rich Asians and Wonder Woman will be in rotation.
NoMa Summer Screen This year’s Who’s Got Game?-themed NoMa Summer Screen features, appropriately enough, a variety of sports related movies. The three month film series starts on June 5 and runs weekly through August 21. The Karate Kid, Bend It Like Beckham and, of course, Rudy are amongst those that will be featured.
Georgetown’s Annual Sunset Cinema Outdoor Movie Series Tuesday nights at sunset from July 10-August 7 are about to be lit. Join the Georgetown Business Improvement District for Georgetown’s Annual Sunset Cinema series, where the 2019 theme is “Out of Office”, and will feature iconic movies about vacations and trips. Arrive early to picnic and to get the best seating. We’re looking forward to Under The Tuscan Sun and Parent Trap.
Canal Park Outdoor Movie Series See your favorite stars beneath the stars at the Capitol Riverfront’sCanal Park Outdoor Movie Series. Catch films every Thursday evening at sundown from June 13 through August 22. Options range from The Goonies to The Little Mermaid.
Rosslyn Cinema Outdoor Movie Festival From Paddington to Casablanca, every Friday this summer, starting June 7, head to Gateway Park. Bring a blanket and a group of friends and enjoy a night under the stars with your favorite movies. Movies start at dusk, but the fun starts at 5 p.m. with games galore. Huge bonus: four legged friends are welcome!
Columbia Pike Movie Nights on Arlington Hill Bring your blankets and pillows to enjoy a movie on the big screen Fridays at 8:30 p.m. The 2019 summer season theme is Heroes & Sheroes. Family friendly screenings include Mulan, Moana and Hidden Figures.
It’s hard to believe that one of Seattle’s most iconic attractions is also one of its youngest. Since it opened in June of 2012, thousands of Seattle families and tourists have flocked to the Seattle waterfront to ride the ginormous Ferris wheel perched high above Pier 57. But believe it or not, there are many families who have never taken a ride. The next time you’re looking for things to do in Seattle, head to The Seattle Great Wheel to get a bird’s-eye view of the city like no other. Scroll down to learn more.
It’s All About the Wheel
The 175-foot tall Seattle Great Wheel dwarfs your regular run-of-the-mill Ferris wheel by over 100 feet. Located at the end of Pier 57, the Seattle Great Wheel offers spectacular views of the Seattle Aquarium, Elliot Bay, Century Link Field, Mt. Rainer, T-Mobile Park, Space Needle and Pike Place Market. The Wheel features 42 fully enclosed gondolas, so the ride is perfect whatever the weather. (Note: if winds reach sustained speeds of 55 mph or higher or if there are lightning strikes within one mile, it will stop operating.) Other than that, you’re good to go!
WhattoExpectontheRide
Each gondola holds up to eight adults which when you do the math, can hold over 300 riders at a time, so the line moves pretty quickly even on the busiest of days. Because ride times vary based on how large the crowd is at any given time of the day, you can expect your tour to last anywhere from 10-20 minutes in length, but that will include at least three full revolutions.
If you only have a few people in your party, it’s likely that you’ll have to share the space with another smaller party of riders. The gondolas are not huge inside–there is just enough room to sit and enjoy the ride. However, if you arrive early or visit on a day that isn’t very busy, they might be able to accommodate you with your own cabin.
At first, the ride is slow, as all 42 gondolas are loaded with new riders, giving you a chance to really take in the view. Once everyone is on board, you will go on three slow-ish rotations around the wheel depending on how long the boarding process takes. Although this doesn’t sound like long, we promise you that it’s the perfect length of time to be in a gondola with your children. Little ones will be pretty antsy by the end of those 20 minutes and you’ll be ready to bust free as well…no matter how amazing that view is.
Feeling nervous about being up so high? We won’t lie and tell you that it’s no big deal–at a whopping 175 feet tall (that’s over 17 stories!) your heart is likely to skip a beat or two on your first trip around. The littlest ones won’t even notice the height, but older children may get the heebie jeebies. Luckily, the ride is super smooth and you’ll easily be able to distract them with all of the cool sights.
Who Can Ride?
Just about anyone can experience the Seattle Great Wheel. It is wheelchair accessible (however the door width is 30”), the ride is slow and smooth making it appropriate for both pregnant women and babies and given that each gondola can hold up to 1300 pounds, nobody is too big to ride.
The Price of Tickets & Where to Get Them
The Seattle Great Wheel tickets are $14 for adults (age 12 & up); $12 for seniors (65+); $9 for kids (ages 3-9); and anyone age 2 or younger rides for free. While you can always wait in line to purchase your tickets, we recommend you buy them online. However, tickets for children 0-2 and seniors are only available at the ticket booth. There is no service fee to purchase tickets online, but be sure to print them out at home and have them in hand when you arrive. If you only have the confirmation code, you will still have to wait in the regular line to have the tickets printed, which will likely test your patience and your crew’s patience. Tickets are general admission and valid for any date or time that the wheel is open (excluding the by reservation only New Year’s Eve Midnight Ride) and do not expire until used.
What to Bring
The bad news? There isn’t a ton of room in the gondolas, so you’re going to want to pack light. The good news? You can bring a stroller and park it at the bottom of the stairs where you get on the wheel and leave some of your not-so-valuable items in there while you ride. Speaking of strollers, leave your SUV-sized double jogger at home and opt for a smaller umbrella stroller instead. It will be great for little ones who get antsy standing in line. Otherwise, bring clothes for the weather–you will be waiting in line outside in the Seattle elements sunglasses for the ride in the wheel to make sure you can see all the sights and, of course, your camera. Food and drinks are not allowed in the gondolas, so leave the snacks and juice boxes in your stroller.
photo: Kristina Moy
The Great Wheel VIP Experience
If you really want to splurge or plan a very special date night, go for the VIP Experience. The Great Wheel features one special luxury gondola with four leather bucket seats, a stereo system and a glass floor. VIP tickets are $50 each and includes a champagne toast at Fisherman’s Restaurant, a souvenir t-shirt, photo booth photos and priority boarding. Note: the VIP gondola is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
LED Light Shows
The Seattle Great Wheel is covered in over 500,000 LED lights and on weekends (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) you can watch the colorful light show displays. Mid week, the Wheel typically illuminates just the ring beam. Psst…keep an eye out on holidays and game days for special themed light shows—they are especially fun to watch! But guess what? You can also “order” your own custom light show. If you are getting married, having a special event or want to do a baby gender reveal, they can program an array of patterns, letters, colors and designs just for you. Email The Seattle Great Wheel at LightShow@pier57seattle.com for more information.
photo: Kristina Moy
What Else Can You Do at Pier 57?
You can actually plan to spend up to a few hours at Pier 57 (aka Miner’s Landing). In addition to the Great Wheel, the Pier is home to a lesser-known but just as iconic Wings Over Washington flying theater. Expect an experience similar to one you’d find at a Disney theme park. You can read all about the ride here. You’ll also find a historic indoor carousel, the Waterfront Arcade, a variety of places to eat and shops and oddities to check out.
Seattle Great Wheel
1301 Alaskan Way – Pier 57
Seattle, WA 98101
206-623-8607
Online: seattlegreatwheel.com
Editor’s Note: Operating hours may change during special times of the year. Visit the website for current hours before you head out. Last ride loads 10 minutes before closing time.
This is the perfect time of year to get out and about in our hometown.And where better to spend a day than among the cobblestone streets and charming scenery of Georgetown. Here are our suggestions on what to see, where to eat, and how to play.
Photo: Dumbarton Oaks Gardens
See
Begin your day by just wandering down M Street. Be sure to make it to the Old Stone House, the oldest house in D.C. It’s temporarily closed for rehabilitation but makes for a fun bit of history as you stroll. When you’re ready to veer off the beaten path of the Georgetown’s main streetfor a little more history and nature, you’ve got a couple choices.
Tudor Place Head north on 31st street to Tudor Place, an 1816 estate offering daily tours.
Dumbarton Oaks Gardens Keep walking north and make your way to Dumbarton Oaks Gardens, a museum surrounded by beautiful gardens, perfect for running and playing.
All of that walking will work up an appetite and you’ll find no shortage of restaurants in Georgetown. For our favorites, check out:
Pinstripes Delicious food in a welcoming atmosphere is enough to draw us in. But add in bocce and bowling with game-side food service and we can’t stay away.
Il Canale Pizza for the kids. A truly authentic Italian experience that will have you feeling as though you’ve made it to Naples for the adults. Everybody’s happy. (illcanale.com)
With full bellies, find a place to play for the rest of the day.
Georgetown Waterfront While the splash park is gone for the season and ice skating hasn’t started yet, the Georgetown Waterfront still offers plenty of space to run around, a Labyrinth to follow, lovely river views and overlooks, and a functioning steam gauge.
In recent years, the city has become more and more bike-friendly. Re-establishment of bike lanes in NYC streets, convenient CitiBike stations slowly but surely expanding into the outer boroughs, and the occasional free helmet fitting and distribution events from the DOT have helped bikes regain their popularity as a way to get some exercise, move from one place to another, and just have fun! As you plan your summer trips and events, don’t forget to fit in some family bike-time at one of the many wonderful and kid-friendly biking spots in NYC. We’ve highlighted the best below!
Brush up on Your Skills with Bike New York and CitiBike
Before you take to the big-kid trails, you may want to refresh your memory — or learn to ride a bike in the first place. Luckily, a few of NYC's bike-loving groups have free classes and events for beginners to get the handle on biking, whether it's your kid who needs a lesson, or you. Learn to ride a bike from scratch with CitiBike's small group lessons, held every month in various locations. Click here for upcoming adult classes, and check out this list for kid classes. Or you can stop by any of Bike New York's bike Education Centers spread out around the boroughs for a free lesson. Click here to see a map with center locations.
Central Park is a fantastic place to start, since it's such a central location (pun intentional, sorrynotsorry). The park has paved bike trails that wind around the entire park, with entrances at different points for easy access. Bikers under age 14 are required to wear a helmet (although all riders are encouraged to wear one as well), and must obey the rules of the road since at various points bikes either share the path with pedestrians, or are intersected by pedestrian crossings. Since there are no cars, however, this is a perfect opportunity to learn the rules and practice your riding in a safe location.
Follow the trail map, which also highlights park bathrooms and key points of interest, to plan your path ahead of time (and maybe make some time to stop for a picnic). Don't have your own bike? No problem — bike rentals through BikeRent NYC are available at the SouthEast and SouthWest corners of the park.
Location: Manhattan. Bike rentals are located at East Dr. at 74th St., or Central Park West at 59th St. (Columbus Circle). If you BYOB, enter at any park entrance (refer to the bike map for entry and exit points).
For a much shorter, but just as refreshing ride, bring your bikes to Prospect Park's 3.35-mile cycling loop. Bikes are also allowed on the park's drives, Park Drive, Center Drive, and Wellhouse Drive, though families will want to stick to the quieter path around the lake. During the spring, you can rent bikes at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside.
Location: Brooklyn. Bike rentals are located at 171 East Dr. Enter at any of the park's entrances.
The Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway is a bike path that connects Brooklyn's waterfront with a 26-mile bike route. While every part of the route is accessible, some spots are more kid-friendly (and more scenic) than others. The most family-friendly location along the route is the biking trail through Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you can stop to enjoy some waterfront ice-cream or to ride Jane's Carousel. CitiBike rentals and bike racks are available at various points through the route, so you can enjoy the trip without having to lug your bikes around.
Location: Brooklyn. Various bike rental spots and entry locations are scattered around NYC's waterfront.
Need a respite from the city? Bring your bikes or rent some on location to enjoy the car-free bike paths on Governor's Island. In addition to a safe, completely traffic-free route, the path offers bikers stunning waterfront and city views. CitiBike has two stations located by the ferry landings on the island, or you can rent from Blazing Saddles near Liggett Terrace (which also allows visitors to borrow a free bike for an hour every Mon-Fri from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) With amazing photo-ops, thrillingly high slides, relaxing hammocks, delicious food trucks, fun children's climbing park, and so much more make sure you plan this one to be a full-day adventure. Governor's Island is open May through September yearly.
Location: Accessible via Ferry from Manhattan at 10 South St. (Battery Maritime Building) and from Brooklyn at Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 6.
Enjoy the beautiful waterfront route along this path dedicated to non-motorized vehicles. This is truly a bike-friendly spot — bike racks, rest stops, and mile markers are located along the length of the route. Along with the views, you can stop at various family-friendly spots along the path, like the Pier 51 Play Area.
Location: Manhattan.The path stretches along the Hudson River between Battery Place and W. 59th St.
Want to get away from paved city bike paths and get a feel for the real deal? Check out the 6.5-mile cycling track in Fresh Meadows. The path is split into thirds by difficulty, with space available for any biking level. If you're feeling adventurous, check out the beginner and intermediate dirt jump park (even if it's just to watch others attempt it!). Ensure you stay on the right path for you by following the difficulty markings on the trail map.
Ready to take on some more challenging trails? The bike trail at Wolf's Pond provides another opportunity for mountain biking with the older kids. Follow the natural trail down the unpaved path and try your hand at various obstacles intended for different skill levels. As you bike, enjoy the beauty of the park — and make sure to leave some time for relaxing on the quiet beach after all the excitement.
Location: Staten Island. Entrances at Holton Ave., Chisolm St., Luten Ave., Arbutus Ave., and Raritan Bay.
Hamptons, schmamptons! You know where it’s all happening this summer? NYC, baby! The city is hosting some one-of-a-kind art exhibits and happenings that are perfect for fun and super cool family outings. From dance parties and awesome sculptures to a room filled with balloons and beyond, you and the kids can hit up some amazing, ultra Instagram-worthy spots before school starts, no soul-crushing LIRR trip required. Click through to start planning!
Meridian (Gold)
Mika Tajima's Meridian (Gold) functions as both a lesson in commodities trading and contemporary art. (It's also really cool looking.) Located on the waterfront of Queens' Hunter's Point South Park, the piece is "an illuminated plume of water vapor whose color shifts between magenta and pale cyan. The color of the vapor corresponds in real-time to the global sentiment for gold, reflected in the price fluctuation of the commodity."
While it looks somewhat intimidating, the illuminated mist is surrounded by a spa-inspired seating zone that invites visitors to relax — and, if they so choose — "reflect on the fleeting materiality of contemporary life." The project was selected by participants in Public Process, an intensive program for high school students at the nearby Sculpture Center that uses New York City's rich public art landscape to explore the history and impact of public art and its community influence.
Free
44-19 Purves St.
Long Island City
718-361-1750
Online: sculpture-center.org
