Brooklyn for the Family

If you’ve seen all of Manhattan’s best sites, book a trip to Brooklyn. There’s plenty to enjoy in this hip neighborhood that will appeal to travelers of all ages and sizes.

Stay

A quiet hotel in a central spot, The Hilton Brooklyn New York gives guests great access to nearby eateries and attractions without feeling overrun by other travelers. The downstairs bar and lounge offers drinks and a limited menu of tantalizing snacks; it’s less crowded in the early evening and afternoon, so if you want to share a plate of potato skins (even though they’re definitely worth hogging all to yourself — the smashed red potatoes are coated in sage and parmesan, served with house ranch) with your favorite kid, go then.

The guestrooms are definitely spacious for New York City and the decor is quirkily naval (while still totally tasteful), with hallway lighting fixtures mimicking what you might imagine in a submarine, and the carpeting crisscrossed with a rope pattern. In fact, the decor is so well done, you might not even notice there is a theme, had it not been pointed out to you.

A guestroom with two queen beds gives more than enough room for parents and one or two children, with extra seating available and plenty of outlets throughout, so there’s no squabbling over who gets to charge their phone next.

Play

The Hilton Brooklyn New York is within easy walking distance of two Brooklyn locations you want to add to your itinerary — first is the Barclays Center. Catch a Nets game or, if your family isn’t into basketball, check the calendar for a lineup of other fun events, including top-tier concerts. Upcoming acts to watch out for include Cher (May 2), Twenty One Pilots (June 4), Ariana Grande (June 14 and 15) and the Mother’s Day Good Music Festival featuring multiple acts like Ashanti and Donell Jones (May 10).

Barclay Center. Photo: Jackbluee | Dreamstime.com

For a budget-friendly experience, visit the New York Transit Museum. For just a couple dollars per person, you can spend a few hours exploring the history of transit in New York, from subways to buses. Parents will love all the interesting history, but everyone will get a kick out of the many vintage trains, all restored to their former glory, sitting on tracks underneath the museum, ready for you to board and explore. From cars that served New Yorkers as early as 1908 to those more recently replaced, you’ll enjoy this step back in time.

Eat

Get your pizza fix at Sottocasa. The small and intimate eatery specializes in Neapolitan pizza and the servings are huge. Pick from a range of pizzas large enough for two to share, or maybe pick a calzone, also easily shareable. The parents can enjoy Italian beers and wines and, if it’s a nice day, everyone can enjoy eating on the sidewalk.

Another cozy pick with loads of kid-friendly pastry options, all displayed prettily in a glass case, The Little Sweet Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, coffee and cocktails, including sandwiches and sweet and savory crêpes. Grab the table next to the window to people watch and contemplate your many dessert options.