Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids in Bushwick
Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids in Bushwick
1. Maria Hernandez Park
Bushwick’s lively central park offers wide promenades, a splash-friendly playground, basketball courts, and plenty of shady benches—perfect for letting kids run off steam while parents relax.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the neighborhood’s communal backyard, great for picnics, scooter laps, pickup games, and people-watching amid Bushwick’s creative energy.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning to afternoon in spring and fall; summer evenings for cooler temps and lively playground time.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a ball or scooter and stop by a nearby deli for picnic supplies; the flat pathways are stroller-friendly.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families praise the welcoming vibe, clean play areas, and constant buzz of local life.
2. Bushwick Collective
A colorful outdoor gallery of large-scale murals spans several blocks, turning an everyday stroll into a kid-pleasing scavenger hunt for robots, animals, and superheroes.
✓ Why Go:
It’s free, ever-changing street art that sparks creativity and great family photos without museum hush.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for quiet streets and good light; late afternoons for golden-hour shots.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start at Troutman Street and wander toward St Nicholas Avenue—pack a sketchbook so kids can draw favorite murals on a bench break.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents love the open-air feel and say even art-shy kids get excited spotting new pieces.
3. MetroRock Bushwick
An indoor climbing gym with beginner-friendly walls and bouldering areas where kids can try climbing in a safe, supervised environment.
✓ Why Go:
Active kids get a fun challenge, while parents appreciate the controlled setting and rental gear.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons or weekend mornings when crowds are lighter.
✓ Insider Tip:
Call ahead to confirm youth hours and waiver details; bring snug socks for rental shoes.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families highlight encouraging staff and say kids leave happily tired and proud of new skills.
4. Brooklyn Zoo NY
A high-energy parkour, ninja, and trampoline gym offering classes and open sessions suited to kids who love to bounce, balance, and climb.
✓ Why Go:
It channels wiggles into confidence-building movement with soft mats, supervised zones, and exciting obstacles.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend mornings or after-school slots; book ahead for popular times.
✓ Insider Tip:
Wear athletic clothes and bring a refillable water bottle—sessions go fast when kids are having fun.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents rave about the friendly instructors and say kids talk about it for days.
5. Syndicated
A dine-in neighborhood cinema showing a mix of classics and family-friendly screenings with comfortable seating and a full kitchen.
✓ Why Go:
It’s an easy movie outing where you can pair a film with kid-approved snacks without leaving your seats.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Matinee showings for younger kids; early evening for tweens and teens.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the schedule for all-ages films and arrive a bit early to settle in with food before lights down.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families appreciate the cozy vibe and fair pricing for a special-occasion movie night.
6. FINE & RAW Chocolate Factory
A sweet-tooth stop where you can peek at chocolate-making through the cafe window and sip rich hot chocolate or share a pastry.
✓ Why Go:
It’s an edible mini lesson in how cacao becomes chocolate—plus a guaranteed kid-pleaser treat break.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday on weekdays for a calmer cafe; rainy days make this an ideal indoor pause.
✓ Insider Tip:
Split a tasting flight or brownie to keep sugar levels manageable for the rest of your walk.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents say it’s a delightful detour and a reliable reward after park time.
7. Brooklyn Public Library – Bushwick Branch
A welcoming library with children’s books, occasional storytimes, homework help, and quiet corners for a reset during a busy day.
✓ Why Go:
Free, educational, and calm—perfect for cooling down, reading together, or grabbing a book for the subway ride.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late mornings and early afternoons for the quietest spaces.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask librarians about kids’ events and free museum pass programs available to cardholders.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families appreciate the friendly staff and kid-focused shelves curated for all ages.
8. Irving Square Park
A neighborhood green space with mature trees, pathways, and play areas, ideal for toddlers to explore safely away from busy avenues.
✓ Why Go:
Quieter than larger parks, it’s a laid-back spot for bubbles, chalk art, and stroller naps.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning and late afternoon when shade covers much of the playground.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring sidewalk chalk and a frisbee; nearby bakeries make easy snack runs.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents like the calm atmosphere and say it feels like a local secret.
9. Molasses Books
A cozy independent bookstore with a curated selection—including picture books and middle-grade reads—plus seats for leafing through finds together.
✓ Why Go:
Encourages screen-free exploration and lets kids pick a souvenir book that won’t weigh down your day.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons for browsing without crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for local-author recommendations or zines made by neighborhood artists—great gifts for older kids.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families describe it as charming and approachable, with staff happy to help young readers.
10. Roberta’s
Bushwick’s iconic pizza garden serves shareable pies and airy salads in a casual indoor-outdoor setting that works well with kids.
✓ Why Go:
Easy crowd-pleaser food, picnic-style tables, and short waits at off-peak times make it a stress-free family meal.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late lunch or early dinner on weekdays to avoid lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a classic Margherita for picky eaters and a chef’s special for adventurous kids to sample.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents say the fun setting and great pizza end a Bushwick day on a high note.
