Once run down and desolate, Chelsea is now one of the most “kidcentric” hoods in Manhattan. Filled with indoor play hubs, newly renovated parks and charming tree-lined streets, traffic jams on 8th Avenue have been replaced by stroller jams on the sidewalks. Whether you’re new to the area or were lucky enough to buy before real estate prices soared, it’s the place to be if you’ve got little ones. The Highline and Chelsea Market are world-famous attractions for kids of all ages. But read on to see if you’re really in the know about what it means to be a Chelsea parent.
photo: via Chelsea Piers Field House on Yelp
1. Chelsea Piers is #1 on your speed dial. Every member of your family is enrolled in an athletics program – even your 12-month-old.
photo: Michelle Cohen
2. You order your kiddo’s birthday cake from Billy’s every year.
photo: Dan Griffith
3. You jam with Dan Griffith (a.k.a. Ramblin’ Dan & The Freewheelin’ Band) at least once a week.
photo: Salim Fadhley via Flickr
4. Your loft apartment doubles as an indoor playground. There is a swing and an ergonomic bouncer hanging from your 12-foot ceiling.
photo: Kelko S. via Yelp
5. You shop at Buy Buy Baby so often the sales associates know you by name.
photo: Tribeca Pediatrics via Yelp
6. You spotted Chelsea Clinton at your pediatricians office and your neighbor’s kids studied Mandarin with Suri Cruise at Avenues.
photo: NYC Parks
7. You practically live at “Seal Park” during the warmer months – so what if “some people” say it’s infested with mosquitos?
photo: Books of Wonder via Instagram
8. You’ve met some of the most celebrated children’s authors in New York at Books of Wonder.
photo: Michelle Cohen
9. Families come from every borough to trick or treat on your block. Last Halloween, you and your neighbors decorated the facade of your brownstone with cobwebs and handed out enough candy to make any suburban kid jealous.
photo: Umair Mohsin via Flickr
10. You’re raising emerging artists. Your six-year-old spends Tuesday nights drawing Manga characters at HiArt! and your two-year-old just celebrated her first gallery opening at Appleseeds.
photo: Vi N. via Yelp
11. Your family eats breakfast at Grey Dog every Saturday. You treat your young foodies to fine delicacies on the kids menu, especially the dog-bone shaped pancakes.
photo: Paul L. via Yelp
12. You can get anywhere in Manhattan in 20 minutes, but you can’t think of a reason to leave. All you have to do is walk outside to experience some of the best restaurants, parks, art galleries and shopping in the city. Life is good in Chelsea.
What did we miss? Tell us in the comments below!
–Michelle McIvor Cohen
