ROCKEFELLER PARK Home to Tom Otterness' The Real World, a small sculpture garden where tiny creatures lurk everywhere, in addition to great views of the Hudson River, and a wonderful playground
Where: Bounded by Chambers Street, River Terrace, North End, and the Hudson River
When: Daily, dawn to dusk
Contact: Visit the Rockefeller Park Web site or call 212.267.9700.
PIER 26 This venue serves up the River Bikes Rental booth and batting cages, where kids and adults can whack baseballs or softballs (15 balls/$2) after purchasing tokens at the booth
Where: From Chambers Street; walk west and cross West Street/9A. Then turn right (north) to the Pier.
PIER 34 The NY Trapeze School gives kids (and adults) an opportunity to fly through the air with the greatest of ease, and an art installation on the pilings in the river serves as an avian trompe l'oeuil
Where: Cross West Street/9A at N. Moore Street, and head north
When: The Trapeze School operates Apr.–Oct. Visit the Web site for the current schedule.
PIER 40 The Pier Park and Playground Association run indoor and outdoor athletic fields for use by soccer, football, rugby, lacrosse and baseball/softball players
Where: Cross West Street at West Houston and head to the walkway at the South end of the building
Contact: Visit the Pier 40 Web site or call 212.989.3764.
PIER 54 One of Hudson River Park's nicest playgrounds juts out over the river on this pier, and while it lacks shade, it's got terrific water play. Bring hats and sunscreen
Where: On the Hudson River, between Horatio and Jane Streets
When: Daily, dawn to dusk
Contact: Visit the Pier 54 Web site or call 212.533.PARK.
The Museum of the American Indian, 1 Bowling Green
The Smithsonian's tribute to Native Americans is housed in one of New York City's former Customs buildings, and offers a collection of art, clothing, and weaponry. The museum's Resource Center contains reading material, objects to handle, and computer stations equipped with interactive programs on different aspects of Indian life and history. Hours:
Daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Thur. 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Teardrop Park,
Between Warren and Murray Streets, east of River Terrace, North End
A hidden gem, and not easy to find, Teardrop has a terrific long slide, plenty of summer water play, and lots of rock outcroppings to climb. It's also right next door to NY's cleanest, loveliest public bathroom (no one knows about it hence its pristine condition!).
Gigino Trattoria,
Wagner Park, west of Battery Place
During the warmer months, Gigino offers outdoor dining in style at Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park. An indoor option for up to 40 diners is available year-round. While you won't find a kids' menu, most little ones are perfectly sated by a shared plate of pasta (the staff can make some that tastes "less fancy" than what's on the menu), or kids can order soup and focaccia, or margherita pizza.
The museum is appropriate for older children only; its mission is to document the 20th-century Jewish experience, the Holocaust, the society it destroyed, and its aftermath. To achieve that end, the museum uses artifacts, artworks, and intricate multimedia installations, including documentary footage and interviews with survivors.
