Dyker Heights with Kids: 20 Things to Do for NYC Families

There's a reason Dyker Heights, Brooklyn feels like a swanky suburb. When it was originally developed in the late 19th century, it was marketed as exactly that, a community of stately mansions within commuting distance of the hustle and bustle of the city. Sandwiched in between the more commercial areas of Bay Ridge and Bensonhurst, the neighborhood is primarily residential and is well known for its extravagant Christmas displays, which attract a slew of locals and tourists every holiday season. But whether you visit in December or at another time of year, Dyker Heights is a lovely area to stroll through with its large single-family homes and manicured lawns. It's hard to believe you're in NYC.

While you won't find a ton of family attractions in the area, there are a few cool spots for kids, including Dyker Beach Park, CityParks Junior Golf Center, a BounceU and a bunch of delicious restaurants, bakeries and markets. Since Dyker Heights is overwhelmingly Italian, it's a great place to pick up pizza, pasta and fancy pastries. One downside: It's quite a walk from the nearest subway stops (the N or the D, depending on where you're going).

Throughout November, we'll be covering all the things there are to do, see and eat in the nabe. For the purposes of our posts, our boundaries are Interstate 278 to 14th Avenue, 65th Street to Shore Parkway. Here are our top 20 things to do on a visit to Dyker Heights.

1. Head over throughout December to see the houses decked out in over-the-top holiday lights, decorations and animatronic displays
2. Christmas isn't the only holiday the neighborhood celebrates. Come around Halloween to brave the annual Brooklyn House of Horrors on 79th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues
3. Pick up a sampler box from Aunt Butchie's Cakes so you can try many different kinds of desserts, including its famous cheesecake
4. Decide which famous Dyker Heights pizzeria has the best slide: Bella Luna, Krispy Pizza or La Sorrentina
5. Visit Dyker Beach Park to romp in the playground, hit the massive dog run and look for horseshoe crabs in spring
6. Check out books and computers in the children's room at the Dyker Library
7. Prefer to buy a tome? Explore the extensive kids' section at Boulevard Books & Cafe, coffee in hand. The shop also hosts frequent events for families
8. Introduce the brood to Greek-style fries (they're smothered in feta cheese) at Spartan Souvlaki
9. Try a family program at the local Gymboree—many classes offer free trials
10. No need to caddy for dad at the Dyker Beach Golf Course—children ages 7 to 17 can sign up for free seasonal lessons at the CityParks Junior Golf Center nearby
11. Try a prosciutto ball from Faicco's Pork Store
12. All the Italian eats inspiring you to learn the language? Then enroll in Mommy & Me classes at Little Language Playhouse
13. Hit one of the three playgrounds in the leafy Leif Ericson Park
14. Browse quality children's clothes and accessories at Kaktus Kids, a shop owned and operated by a pair of local sisters
15. Pick up succulent meats at B&A Pork Store but don't forget to grab some eggplant Parmesan, too—it's the best in the nabe
16. Buy your underwater gear and sign up for lessons at Ocean Horizon Scuba
17. Jump and tumble with your kids at BounceU's Family Bounce Night
18. Burned off a few calories? Then you can indulge in a cannoli from Mona Lisa Bakery
19. Choose from freshly made exotic flavors like green tea, mango and durian at No. 1 Ice Cream
20. Or opt for an Italian ice from Uncle Louie G's—flavors include peanut butter cookie dough, vanilla peanut butter with chocolate covered pretzels, and cake batter