I have a great idea for Alec and Hilaria’s next family fun day. Brooklyn! Put on your most comfy kicks and start at the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge. Now walk! Over the East River and through the crowds. Don’t knock it, it’s my favorite bridge in the universe. Move to the side for some selfie action. Then when you get to the other side, hang a left.
You’re in DUMBO aka Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. Have a market plate lunch at Westville or try out the many culinary vendors in the Time Out Market New York. This addition to the hipster food hall trend is part of the Empire Stores complex where you can stop into the DUMBO annex of the Brooklyn Historical Society for a quick lesson about the area. Walk over to St Ann’s Warehouse to see what cool performances are on tap for the season. Remember this is where the Tony Award-winning revival of “Oklahoma” got its NYC start. And last but certainly not least pop on over to Jane’s Carousel and take a whirl. A must-do? Iconic photo ops by the water in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Do not upstage the bridal parties who were there first. And don’t forget you promised your oh-so-tired children some chocolate at Jacques Torres or a cone from the Ample Hills Creamery outpost. You day is almost done. Don’t Uber. Buy a $2.75 ticket at the Pier 1 booth and board the NYC Ferry back to the city. Kids under 44 inches are free. Go for a rooftop seat, feel the breeze in your hair and enjoy. Heck have a beer if you so desire. Step off in Midtown or Wall Street feeling like you just hit refresh.
Westville DUMBO, 81 Washington St; Time Out Market New York, 55 Water St; St Ann’s Warehouse, 45 Water St; Jane’s Carousel, Old Dock St; Brooklyn Historical Society: DUMBO, 55 Water St; Jacques Torres, 66 Water St; Ample Hills Creamery on the Waterfront – Pier 5, 8 Joralemon St; NYC Ferry, Old Fulton St & Furman St, Pier 1