Less trendy and gentrified than neighboring Williamsburg or Queens' Long Island City, which lies just across the Newtown Creek, Greenpoint seems to hark back to another era. Visiting the neighborhood feels like taking a trip to the Old World due to its large Polish population. There are lots of homey restaurants along Nassau and Manhattan Avenues serving pierogies, kielbasa and stuffed cabbage. You'll also spy a smattering of newer boutiques, artisanal food outposts and other upscale businesses which reflect Greenpoint's recent evolution as more artists, hipsters and families push northward in Brooklyn.
Greenpoint also lives up to its name with a number of well-kept green spaces like Monsignor McGolrick Park, the recently opened Transmitter Park and the 35-acre McCarren Park, which spills over into Williamsburg. Local family organization Town Square also sponsors free monthly Greencycle Swaps, as well as a number of popular annual kids' events for Easter, Earth Day, Halloween and Christmas.
Throughout October, we'll be posting about the best things to do and places to go in Greenpoint for kids and families. For the purposes of our posts, our geographical boundaries are the East River to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, North 14th Street to the Newtown Creek. While you can get there by taking the G subway to Nassau Avenue or Greenpoint Avenue, the East River Ferry docks at India Street and lets you wander the as yet mostly undeveloped industrial waterfront area. That's certain to change soon!
- Pose for a photo on the big blue whale in the Monsignor McGolrick Park Playground
- Grab a vegan slice at the popular Paulie Gee’s
- Drop in for open play at funky indoor romping spot PLAY Greenpoint
- Indulge in a scoop from Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory—cash only Wednesday through Sunday afternoons
- Fish, play and enjoy incredible views of Lower Manhattan at the waterfront Transmitter Park, which opened at the end of August
- Dance and sing along during weekly interactive Puppetsburg shows for babies and toddlers at PLAY Greenpoint
- Time warp to Old World Poland at “milk bar” Polonia Restaurant - CLOSED
- Browse quality baby and kids’ clothing at Mini Me
- Immerse yourself in Polish cuisine and culture at Karczma Polish Restaurant, featuring traditional folk music and costumed waitresses
- Run around or shoot hoops in Vincent V. Abate Playground in McCarren Park
- Visit a real working urban farm with bees, chickens, rabbits and an amazing view of Manhattan at Eagle Street Rooftop Farm
- Treat your family to hand-decorated sugar cookies at Cookie Road Cafe & Bakery's two neighborhood outposts
- Score fresh fruits, veggies and baked goods at the Greenpoint/McCarren Park Greenmarket on Saturdays
- Enjoy monthly art and writing sessions for kids at WORD bookstore
- Tumble, jump and run during open play at The Gym Park
- Take a dip in the recently restored McCarren Park Pool
- Bite into one of the best doughnuts in NYC at Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop
- Find eco-friendly infant clothes and gear at Wild Was Mama
- Learn how to play pinball at the one-of-a-kind Sunshine Laundromat, a combo arcade/laundry spot
- Swap gently used items for new-to-you treasures at monthly Greencycle Swaps
- Do the downward dog at a Usha Veda Yoga children’s class
- Search for colorful India Street murals throughout the neighborhood, all sponsored by the North Brooklyn Public Art Coalition
- Go ice-skating in the McCarren Park Rink, scheduled to debut in fall 2013
- Sample exotic Polish sweets at the Slodycze Wedel candy shop - CLOSED
- Stroll the Newtown Creek Nature Walk and contemplate the coexistence of humanity and urban nature
- Enjoy free storytime at Greenpoint Library
- Peruse aisles of toys for toddlers to teens at the Greenpoint Toy Center
- Try flavors like red currant, ginger, giandujia…or just go for the artisanal vanilla at Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
- Get eco-friendly at the Go Green! Greenpoint Earth Day Festival held every spring
- Take a family ride at the annual Future Brooklyn Greenway Bike Tour in the spring
- Choose from a variety of fresh Polish soups and taste delicious potato and cheese pierogies at the cafeteria-style Pyza Restaurant
- Put on your best costume for the annual Children’s Halloween Parade & Party
- Grab a gourd on Pumpkin Day on the McCarren Park Lawn
- This parade isn't happening in 2014 but we hope it comes back! Dress up as Santa, Mrs. Claus or another Christmas character for December’s Greenpoint Santa Parade
- Enjoy music, dancing and hunting for colorful orbs at the annual Easter Egg Hunt & Party
- Cool off in the nature-themed sprinklers at the American Playground
- Compete at Town Square's Action Chess Tournament in March
- Enroll in a family fitness class at the Greenpoint YMCA and get in shape together
- Groove to free children’s concerts at various Greenpoint playgrounds during the summer
- Conquer the playset at Greenpoint Playground
Read all of our posts about Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
