Want to spend the day uptown with your family, but away from the crowds in Central Park? Start walking as far east as you can go and stop just before you hit the river. There are lots of activities and treats in Yorkville!
Start your weekend off with a delicious brunch at Eastfield’s, and arrive early to avoid the crowds. The sister restaurant to ever popular East Pole, Eastfield’s has seasonal and fresh food that is perfect for both adults and littles – ask your waiter to recite the kids menu. High chairs, crayons and kids cups are all available to entertain the youngest diners.
This self proclaimed “old-school Jewish bakery” was recently highlighted in Leslie Jones’ SNL skit about the neighborhood, and for good reason. It’s worth the wait in line to enjoy the freshest black and white cookies and filled-to-order jelly doughnuts, your choice of jam! They also have seasonal treats available to pre-order for holidays, such as the pecan pie, which is our family favorite for Thanksgiving dessert.
To burn off that sugar, head east again and walk across the newly opened pedestrian bridge on East 81st Street and East End Avenue to enjoy a beautiful and relaxing walk along the water in Carl Schurz. Once you arrive at the Catbird Playground near East 84th Street, there is something for everyone at the expansive playground for children of all ages, including infant/toddler swings, a sandpit, giant jungle gyms. Mom tip: if you visit in warm weather, bring a bathing suit and water shoes! The many sprinklers are impossible for children to resist
Head underground to the biggest subway expansion the city has seen in the past 50 years. The long awaited Second Avenue subway officially opened in January 2017, and it has been a hit with both commuters and children. Each new and airy station includes a permanent installation by a famous New York artist, including Cindy Sherman and Vik Muniz. Avoid the traffic and congestion pricing, and take the Q to your next stop!
