Story:
This was a family walk across the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn on a Friday in May. We had our 5-year-old with us, and all we had to tell him was that the "Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory" was on the other side of the bridge to get him excited for the walk.
It was a mellow stroll across the river (and above the cars zooming in both directions), but it was warm and very crowded. Drink vendors line the bridge, which was very helpful. We could spy the Statue of Liberty in the distance along with dozens of boats and helicopters. This is a scenic, but not relaxing, activity.
Exiting the Brooklyn Bridge (or rather knowing which exit to take) was not obvious, so we followed a tour guide with a group. Once in Brooklyn, the signs and map were also not super helpful to lead us to the ice cream factory or the world-famous Grimaldi's Pizzeria nearby.
This was a family walk across the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn on a Friday in May. We had our 5-year-old with us, and all we had to tell him was that the "Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory" was on the other side of the bridge to get him excited for the walk.
It was a mellow stroll across the river (and above the cars zooming in both directions), but it was warm and very crowded. Drink vendors line the bridge, which was very helpful. We could spy the Statue of Liberty in the distance along with dozens of boats and helicopters. This is a scenic, but not relaxing, activity.
Exiting the Brooklyn Bridge (or rather knowing which exit to take) was not obvious, so we followed a tour guide with a group. Once in Brooklyn, the signs and map were also not super helpful to lead us to the ice cream factory or the world-famous Grimaldi's Pizzeria nearby.
Tips:
1. Entering the Bridge:
Finding the Bridge is easy, finding where to enter the pedestrian walkway was not. We found it right near the "Brooklyn Bridge City Hall Station" Subway entrance, where Centre St crosses Avenue of the Finest. There is a little grassy nook called "Printing House Square" right next to the impressive Manhattan Municipal Building.
2. On the Bridge:
The walk across the bridge is easy and pretty quick (about 30 min each way). If it is warm, bring some water along, especially for children
The walkway is divided into a bike lane and a pedestrian lane, both of which are supposed to accommodate two-way traffic. It can get very crowded on the bridge, so you will have to squeeze by oncoming walkers and definitely watch out for bikes racing past if you need to step into their lane to pass a group or people stopping to take pictures.
3. Exiting the Bridge in Brooklyn:
Look for the sign "Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo: Washington St. and Camden Plaza" with a pedestrian descending some stairs.
4. The Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory:
This is a lovely, old building that you can spot from the Bridge. It is cute and colonial, and a perfect rest stop by the dock, with incredible views of the river, the city and the bridge. They have a limited, but tasty selection of flavors (8) and options (cones, milk shakes, sundaes and banana splits). We made this our first destination, because it was hot and because we had made a big promise to a little guy. That said, if the weather is cooler, you might want to consider holding out until after you eat breakfast/lunch/dinner, because even rookie parents know that if a child eats dessert first, s/he is not eating much of a meal after.
5. Grimaldi's Pizza:
If you have your heart set on waiting in the block-long line for Grimaldi's, bring some water and your patience. Also, they do not sell pizza by the slice, just whole pies. That surprised us.
1. Entering the Bridge:
Finding the Bridge is easy, finding where to enter the pedestrian walkway was not. We found it right near the "Brooklyn Bridge City Hall Station" Subway entrance, where Centre St crosses Avenue of the Finest. There is a little grassy nook called "Printing House Square" right next to the impressive Manhattan Municipal Building.
2. On the Bridge:
The walk across the bridge is easy and pretty quick (about 30 min each way). If it is warm, bring some water along, especially for children
The walkway is divided into a bike lane and a pedestrian lane, both of which are supposed to accommodate two-way traffic. It can get very crowded on the bridge, so you will have to squeeze by oncoming walkers and definitely watch out for bikes racing past if you need to step into their lane to pass a group or people stopping to take pictures.
3. Exiting the Bridge in Brooklyn:
Look for the sign "Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo: Washington St. and Camden Plaza" with a pedestrian descending some stairs.
4. The Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory:
This is a lovely, old building that you can spot from the Bridge. It is cute and colonial, and a perfect rest stop by the dock, with incredible views of the river, the city and the bridge. They have a limited, but tasty selection of flavors (8) and options (cones, milk shakes, sundaes and banana splits). We made this our first destination, because it was hot and because we had made a big promise to a little guy. That said, if the weather is cooler, you might want to consider holding out until after you eat breakfast/lunch/dinner, because even rookie parents know that if a child eats dessert first, s/he is not eating much of a meal after.
5. Grimaldi's Pizza:
If you have your heart set on waiting in the block-long line for Grimaldi's, bring some water and your patience. Also, they do not sell pizza by the slice, just whole pies. That surprised us.
Tags:
family-friendly, walk, sightseeting, day trip, Manhattan, Brooklyn
family-friendly, walk, sightseeting, day trip, Manhattan, Brooklyn
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