Brooklyn Heights, NY

street parking and parking lot ($40 for oversized vehicles...gets full by early afternoon on a nice Sunday...street parking will take at least 20 minutes to find unless you're lucky)

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

Gallery

I had been to Pier 6 in the summer of 2011.  I had gone with my then first born toddler, my husband, and my Williamsburg-residing sister who gave us a tour of the area. I don't recall Brooklyn Bridge Park at this pier having playgrounds and activities, but I wasn't really there for long and I was just too focused on the view to notice anything else.  We just drove by the downtown Manhattan skyline, double parked the car, got a shot with my son in his overalls, and that was that.  

Fast-forward to summer of 2017, I decided to go to Pier 6 once again to catch the ferry going to Governor's Island.  It was here that I noticed all the playgrounds arranged like a maze intertwined with trees.  Not only is this a great park for families with children, it is a great place to date.  There are all these hidden paths leading to new playgrounds.  The videos and pictures should describe what I can't in words.  It's just something to see with your eyes in your lifetime (even the footage doesn't do enough justice).  There are sprinklers here, so on a 78 degree plus and sunny day, be sure to bring bathing suits and towels for your children so they can have some fun!  

There was also beach volleyball overlooking the skyline.  And Fornino restaurant (which has brick oven pizza but I didn't really check the menu to see what else they offered) with a rooftop that offers views of the skyline as well.  So if you just want to go Pier 6, there is enough to do for several hours. And I'd suggest catching the sunset on the roof of the restaurant and seeing the skyline at night!  It's truly magical!

Of course, when I went in 2017, I decided to give the extended family a tour of both Governor's Island (my first time), Carroll Gardens and Brooklyn Heights. Talk about killing several birds with one stone.  But you can totally squeeze these all in one day...with or without the kids!

Or, you could skip all the above and just do what www.mommypoppins.com sites as the 30 best things to do in Brooklyn Bridge Park (none that I knew existed before I went there.  Missed opportunity.  Must go back!)  There are many other piers, roller skating, a pop up pool, free kayaking and so much more!  The whole park is a mile stretch from one side to the other.  Just spend an entire day here!

Check out the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), videos below, and please add your feedback! Follow me on facebook and instagram to see my live adventures!  And share this page with your friends if you appreciate.

Nearby:

DUMBO

Park Slope

Governor's Island

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Carroll Gardens

 

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