Morningside Heights with Kids: Top 25 Things to Do and Places to Explore
Submitted by Raven Snook on
Superficially, Morningside Heights hasn't changed much since I was growing up nearby in the '70s and '80s. Sandwiched between the Upper West Side and Harlem, the neighborhood is still dominated by Columbia University and its students, as well as college kids from the many other schools in the area (hence the neighborhood nickname "Academic Acropolis"). Meanwhile, the gorgeous, neo-Gothic Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine and Riverside Church attract worshipers and tourists in equal measure.
Although the area's architecture may be the same, its businesses and vibe are completely different. While some old-school eateries like Tom's diner and the Hungarian Pastry Shop have survived, there seem to be sleek new restaurants on every corner with farm-to-table menus, and most of the ma-and-pa stores of yesteryear have been replaced by chain banks, bars or fast food dining. These days, families almost seem to outnumber undergraduates, as they take advantage of the area's two major, amenity-filled green spaces, Riverside Park and Morningside Park, and large prewar apartments.
Throughout April, we'll be writing about the best places for families to see, eat, play and experience in Morningside Heights. For the purposes of our posts, our geographical boundaries are 106th to 125th Streets between the Hudson River and Columbus Avenue/Morningside Drive. We kick off our coverage with the top 25 things to do in Morningside Heights with kids.
