Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids in DUMBO
Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids in DUMBO
1. Jane's Carousel
A glittering 1922 carousel in a glass pavilion beside the East River, with sweeping views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges that make every spin feel cinematic.
✓ Why Go:
Toddlers and grade-schoolers love the classic horses, while parents savor skyline photo ops and a breezy waterfront break in the heart of DUMBO.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings or golden hour for softer light and shorter lines; aim for late afternoon in cooler months to enjoy the warm pavilion.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a small zip bag for tickets and phones—hands get busy fast. After your ride, stroll the adjacent riverfront for postcard-perfect family photos.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families praise the nostalgia, smooth rides, and unbeatable backdrop; most say it’s a quick, affordable highlight that delights all ages.
2. Main Street Playground
A ship-and-sea inspired playground steps from the river with climbing nets, slides, swings, and seasonal splash features, all framed by bridge views.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the neighborhood’s go-to play space—safe, scenic, and sized right for mixed ages—perfect for burning energy between sightseeing stops.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings before crowds and midday sun; on hot days, visit late afternoon when shade increases and misting features feel refreshing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pack water shoes and a small towel for splash play. Restrooms and additional seating are a short walk away within Brooklyn Bridge Park.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents love the clean equipment and waterfront setting; kids call out the climbing nets and views as favorites.
3. The Cliffs at DUMBO
An outdoor bouldering field under the Manhattan Bridge where kids and adults can try color-coded climbs with jaw-dropping river views.
✓ Why Go:
It’s an active, confidence-boosting adventure that’s different from typical playgrounds and memorable for tweens and teens.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning on weekdays for open mats and cooler temps; shoulder seasons (spring/fall) for most comfortable outdoor climbing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Sign waivers online and check age requirements before arriving. Rentals are available—bring thin socks and a refillable water bottle.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families appreciate helpful staff and fun beginner routes; many note kids leave happily tired and proud of new skills.
4. Time Out Market New York
A curated food hall with top NYC vendors, ample seating, highchairs, and a rooftop terrace that frames bridges and midtown in one panoramic sweep.
✓ Why Go:
Even picky eaters find something they love, and parents can sample NYC favorites in one stop without formal sit-down dining.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive right when it opens for easiest seating or early dinner on weekdays; sunset for dazzling rooftop views.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head to the 5th-floor terrace for space to roam and skyline selfies. Divide and conquer lines—one adult orders while the other grabs seats.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families rave about the variety, views, and convenience; it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser during busy sightseeing days.
5. Washington Street View
The iconic cobblestone block where the Manhattan Bridge perfectly frames the Empire State Building—NYC’s most famous family photo spot.
✓ Why Go:
Kids feel the movie-magic of the scene, and parents get a frame-worthy shot that says “we were in DUMBO.”
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning for soft light and fewer people; weekdays year-round are calmer than weekends.
✓ Insider Tip:
Cars use this street—keep little ones on the curb and step out only between vehicles. A wide-angle phone lens helps capture the full scene.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it a must-stop and worth the short detour; patience pays off with spectacular photos.
6. St. Ann's Warehouse
A striking theater in a restored tobacco warehouse presenting inventive shows and a tranquil public garden tucked behind its brick walls.
✓ Why Go:
When family-friendly programming is on, it’s an inspired cultural stop; otherwise, the garden is a serene breather between park play.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Check performance calendars; for quiet garden time, late morning or late afternoon on weekdays.
✓ Insider Tip:
Slip into the Max Family Garden for shade and greenery—even without a show, it’s a hidden nook kids enjoy exploring.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families admire the building’s drama and occasional kid-centric events; many appreciate the calm garden oasis.
7. POWERHOUSE Arena
An independent bookstore-gallery hybrid with a strong kids’ section, artful displays, and occasional author signings and workshops.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a cozy indoor break where children can browse picture books and graphic novels while adults discover design and photo titles.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons for unrushed browsing; rainy or cold days for an easy, low-key stop.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask staff for locally themed kids’ reads to pair with your DUMBO day; signed copies make great souvenirs.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents describe it as welcoming and well-curated; kids linger longer than expected in the bright children’s corner.
8. Jacques Torres Chocolate DUMBO
A beloved chocolate shop where families indulge in cookies, truffles, and rich hot chocolate steps from the waterfront.
✓ Why Go:
A sweet reward after playground time, with quick-serve treats that satisfy kids and a coffee pick-me-up for adults.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday weekdays to avoid lines; winter afternoons for a warming hot chocolate stop.
✓ Insider Tip:
Share a few different cookies so everyone can sample; snag a bench outside for an easy treat break.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors consistently praise the quality and friendly staff; many call it a DUMBO tradition.
9. Brooklyn Bridge Park Environmental Education Center
Interactive exhibits that introduce kids to East River ecology, local wildlife, and the history of the working waterfront.
✓ Why Go:
Hands-on learning complements outdoor play, offering an engaging, free or low-cost educational pause right in DUMBO.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Pair with nearby park time; aim for opening hours earlier in the day to explore exhibits at your own pace.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check current hours before you go, then head to the nearby shoreline to spot boats and birds mentioned inside.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families appreciate the approachable science and friendly staff; kids enjoy pressing buttons and making discoveries.
10. John Street Park
A quieter, northern stretch of Brooklyn Bridge Park with lawns, shoreline views, and space to watch boats and trains glide by.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a mellow counterpoint to busier lawns—great for picnics, stroller naps, and bridge spotting without the crowds.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon for shade and soft light; spring and fall for comfortable temps and crisp views.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a picnic blanket and a small bag of sidewalk chalk for creative downtime before dinner in the neighborhood.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents note the relaxed vibe and room to roam; kids love counting subway cars on the bridge and boats on the river.
