Brooklyn, the sprawling and richly diverse borough of New York City, has an awesome internatioan appeal, and  is a great destination for all ages.  What’s so neat about Brooklyn are its historic buildings, world-class cultural institutions, and unique ethnic enclaves that create their own ambience.  Its place in history is highlighted by the architectural wonder of the Brooklyn Bridge designed by John Roebling in 1893.  With its magnificent tall stone Gothic arches, it remains a spectacular sight day or night.

Brooklyn: A World of Neighborhoods

Discover the charm of Brooklyn Heights nestled in ivy-covered brownstones; it's the first New York neighborhood designated as a protected historic district.  Take a step back in time while viewing the area’s turn-of-the-century brick row-houses, wood-frame Federal houses, converted fire stations and carriage houses.  Stroll along Montague, Pierrepont, Cranberry, Orange and Pineapple Streets, once home to such literary greats as Thomas Wolfe, Walt Whitman (Brooklyn’s most famous poet), Henry Miller and Truman Capote.  You can catch a fiery sunset from the Promenade, a waterfront walkway with stunning views of Lower Manhattan.

Diversity drives the energy of Sunset Park, home to one of New York City’s three Chinatowns, a large number of Italians, Irish, and Finns, as well as a huge Latin community.  Explore Brighton Beach, known as “Little Odessa,” a thriving Russian émigré community with traditional bathhouses, shops and restaurants.  Here, neighborhood stores sell borscht, blini’s and red caviar. 

Catch the beat in Sheepshead Bay, which bustles by day with fishermen selling their catch off the docks, and where sundown brings a different beat when the action moves to strollers, diners, music, street entertainment and mimes.  The traditions of the Lubavitch Hassidic sect and other religious Jews run strong in Crown Heights, where spectacular 19th-century homes retain a historic sense of the once fashionable, upscale neighborhood. In contrast, the Williamsburg neighborhood, which grew up in 1920 when Manhattan’s Lower East Side began ripping at the seams from its immigrant crowds, is once again the “in” place for recent arrivals looking for cheap rents. With its proximity to the waterfront, the hip streets of Greenpoint and historic landmarks such as Peter Luger's steakhouse, Williamsburg is also home to the young, artistic and adventurous from other boroughs. 

DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) has become one of the trendiest neighborhoods and home to more prosperous area artists. See the Middle Eastern mezze on Atlantic Avenue, which is dotted with wonderful specialty shops, markets and restaurants. Red Hook is the destination of the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, gateway to New York City for thousands of cruise passengers and the home port of the Queen Mary 2.  Valentino Pier Park and the Beard Street Pier walkway with its magnificent vistas of New York Bay and the Statue of Liberty are the perfect starting points for sightseeing.

Attractions & Family Fun for Kids of All Ages

Prospect Park, the jewel of Brooklyn, is a world away from the city.  Designed by Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux who also designed Central Park, it is a place where woodland paths meander along the sides of a waterfall, and joggers and horseback riders can roam to their hearts’ content.  Families can partake in a wide array of activities from ice skating, horseback riding and sports.  Don’t miss stopping at the nation’s first urban Audubon Center, housed inside a 1905 Art Deco boathouse, or taking a ride on the vintage, hand-carved 1912 Carousel.  Touting over 300 years of history, the Park is the site of the Revolutionary War Battle of Brooklyn, and where the 18th-century Lefferts Dutch Farmhouse now stands as a museum.
 
A major highlight of this oasis in the city is the Prospect Park Zoo (718/399-7339) where families can immerse themselves in the exciting and incredible world of animals.  It’s home to 100 fascinating species and three major exhibits on wildlife.  A good starting point is the World of Animals’ Discovery Trail, an interactive outdoor exhibit where you actually experience the animals’ habitat.  It’s then on to the Animal Lifestyles building where the Hamadryas baboons are the centerpiece of activity.  Then head over to the Animals in Our Lives building where animal art is a focus.  Drawing supplies are provided, and young visitors learn to observe wildlife by taking the time to sketch it.  An outdoor domestic animal area continues in the theme, and gives families a taste of country life in the city.  Little ones can peer into a chicken coop and an inviting barn to see friendly goats, sheep and cows.  Everyone will also love the interaction and excitement of the daily sea lion feedings that take place in Central Court.  Check their brochure for the exact feeding times and make sure to keep your cameras clicking.  General admission is charged for entrance to the Zoo, children under 3 are free and there’s discount admission for seniors.

No matter what the season, something is in bloom in the 52-acre Brooklyn Botanic Garden (718/623-7200).  Stroll the many gardens within the Garden and enjoy the serenity of the Japanese Hill and Pond and the fragrant Cranford Rose Garden.  Catch the kids in action for wonderful family photos as they explore the Children's Discovery Gardens.  Don’t miss the Steinhardt Conservatory containing the world famous C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum.  Admission is free on Tuesday and Saturday morning, and there is a small fee the rest of the week.
 
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum (718/-735-4400) was the world’s first museum for children when it opened in 1899.  It’s a magical world of family fun where children can discover a place created entirely for them.  You can stop here any day and find imaginative, interactive programming from art projects and animal meet-and-greets, to seasonal celebrations. Programs also tie in to special workshops throughout the 10 galleries.  Kids try musical instruments from across the globe, study plants, and get to test their “culinary” and “business” skills in the pizza shop and diner.  The adults will enjoy viewing the wonderful black and white photos from the turn of the 20th century that are displayed around the inside entrance. There is a small admission fee.

The recently opened Jewish Children’s Museum (718/467-0600) is designed to engage, entertain and educate children, parents and grandparents of all backgrounds.  Families can learn about Jewish history and traditions in an interactive environment.  Permanent exhibits in this unique institution include a kosher supermarket and a discovery synagogue.

Every family should include a visit to The Brooklyn Museum (718/638-5000), a monumental Beaux Art building that’s one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States.  Its world-renowned permanent collections include more than one million objects from ancient Egyptian masterpieces to contemporary art.  "Family Guide" activity books are available to young people (ages 8 and up) to use as they explore the various exhibits.  The guide contains activities to do at each stop, along with questions to think about and discuss.  The popular “First Saturday” program offers free art and entertainment from 5pm to closing on the first Saturday of each month.  There is a suggested admission fee for the museum, and audio tours are also offered for a small fee.

A world stage for the performing arts, the Brooklyn Academy of Music (718/ 636-4111) has small and large theatres full of pulsating international performances. Contemporary drama and performance art take center stage here at BAM, where frequent special performances especially geared for children let their imaginations run wild.

Coney Island appeals to the young at heart with its legendary boardwalk and Nathan’s Famous hot dogs and if you come around the 4th of July you can catch the annual hot dog eating contest.  Despite the obvious wear and tear this poor neighborhood has experienced, Astroland Amusement Park (718/265-210), home of the world famous Cyclone Roller Coaster since 1927, is still the center of a full Family Park offering 35 rides and attractions. Don't miss a chance to head up the stairs to stroll the famous elevated boardwalk, site of the annual Mermaid parade and the starting point for the Polar Bear Club of swimmers that relish the Atlantic waves every day of the year. The family's thrill seekers will head for the landmark Deno’s WonderWheel (718/372-2592) and the really adventurous family members will love the new 100-foot-high Super Shot Drop Tower.  And for those with younger children, Astroland is also home to 17 children's rides, such as Dizzy Dragons. 

Also, recently added to Coney Island are the Brooklyn Cyclones, a New York Mets minor league baseball team.  Tickets are affordable and the games, played at Keyspan Park, offer more than just a baseball game.  Kids are entertained by the mascots, Sandy the Seagull and Pee Wee, and adults can enjoy a nice ocean breeze, a view of the water and the famous landmark, the Parachute.  If you are lucky enough to catch a game on a Friday night make sure to stick around for fireworks at 9:30.

The New York Aquarium (718/265-3474) is right next door and the perfect place to head.  From sharks to sea otters and seahorses, the wildlife at the Aquarium reflects the diversity of marine life itself.  Plan to watch the fascinating marine demonstrations, take part in the hands-on exhibits and up-close creature encounters, and then visit the rocky marine habitat of the walruses, penguins and seals.  The children will especially enjoy the Aquatheater show, starring the amazing sea lions. 

Details, Details

If seeing all the sights Brooklyn has to offer has you famished, sit down at one of the many great restaurants throughout the borough where grabbing a bite to eat is a breeze.  Some of the more famous places to relish include Junior’s (718/852-5257) in downtown Brooklyn, a legendary landmark eatery since 1950, with an oven that works its magic on the world-famous rich and seductively smooth textured cheesecake in sensational flavors from plain to Black Forest.

Lundy’s (718/891-1796) in Sheepshead Bay is a must for luscious seafood and their signature mouthwatering lobster.  And, if you’re looking for the perfect USDA you’ll find it at Peter Luger Steak House (718/387-7400) in Williamsburg - in business since 1897 and the granddaddy of fine dining.

The Brooklyn Renaissance Center in the heart of the bustling downtown Brooklyn Civic Center is the site of the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge (888/436-3759), which was built in 1998.  The upscale, full service hotel is the perfect springboard to enjoy the sights of Brooklyn.  The main building has 376 spacious and comfortably furnished guest rooms, including 21 suites, many with connecting rooms.  The newly constructed adjacent tower includes 280 additional modern guest rooms.  There’s a state-of-the-art fully equipped health club and a 75-foot lap pool.  The Archives, the hotel’s restaurant, features a diverse family-friendly menu drawn from Brooklyn’s culinary influences.  A unique exhibit of historical memorabilia and photos is beautifully displayed in glass cases, letting you take a peek into Brooklyn’s past.

Getting around the borough is not as easy as it seems because things are spread out, taxis are scarce (but available  by phone) and the public bus system is complex.  For fun tours exploring the best of Brooklyn, Gray Line New York takes you on the Brooklyn Loop via Gray Line Trolley, with hop-on hop-off service.

The Heart of Brooklyn (888/550-6972) runs a free Trolley between many of the area highlights on Saturdays, Sundays and all federal holidays from noon to 6pm. Another great value is the Brooklyn Pass (877/714-1999), which offers a bargain two-day pass for admission to Brooklyn’s top attractions.


Read through a list of things to do in Brooklyn, NY based on reviews from across the web at www.uptake.com.

Award-winning travel writers and photo journalists, Mel and Ronnie Greenberg are based in Woodland Hills, California. Their articles and columns (including travel with grandchildren, and intergenerational) cover local, national, and international destinations, and appear regularly on both coasts.