39 Things To Do in Tribeca with Kids

One of New York City's original residential neighborhoods, it's no surprise Tribeca overflows with family-friendly things to do. Tribeca was initially settled back in the 1700s, and the area became a hub of industrial and commercial activity in the 1900s, but its heyday didn't last. By post-World War II, it was a ghost town with only a few hundred residents, and block after block of empty warehouses. Thanks to all of that affordable loft space, artists and bohemians flocked to Tribeca in the 1980s and by the 2000s it had been reinvented once again as one of Manhattan's most affluent and amenity-filled areas.

Today, this unique neighborhood is in high demand with families thanks to its great public schools, the beautiful waterfront Hudson River Park, thriving locally owned businesses, kid-friendly restaurants, and a funky downtown vibe. Here's a look at our favorite things to do in Tribeca with kids, including our favorite spots to eat, play, and shop.

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What Does Tribeca Stand For?

Tribeca, sometimes written TriBeCa, is an acronym for Triangle Below Canal Street. The name was coined in the 1970s by the community of artists who took up residence in the now-trendy neighborhood.

The area is roughly triangular, with the bottom tip cut off to form more of a quadrilateral shape. And, while the neighborhood has shifted a bit over the years, its general borders remain the same: Canal Street along the north, Vesey Street on the south, and Broadway and West Streets along the sides.

Best Things To Do in Tribeca with Kids

1. The Craft Studio

Participate in an array of different crafting projects and classes at The Craft Studio. It offers camps, classes, and birthday parties for "ages 18 months through 180 years old."

2. Playgarden

Experience one of NYC's most immaculate members-only indoor play spots, Playgarden. This 3,000-square-foot indoor play space was designed specifically for toddlers and includes opportunities to climb, slide, and run around. The space is open every day of the week.

3. Dance with Miss Rachel

Enroll in dance, piano, or singing lessons at Dance with Miss Rachel, a favorite of the Tribeca kids. Classes cater to kids as young as 10 weeks old and get even your smallest aspiring performers engaged in music.

4. Hopalong Andrew at Whole Foods Tribeca

Stop by Tribeca Whole Foods every Wednesday at 10am for a rocking performance by Hopalong Andrew, the beloved children's entertainer and musician.

5. Everafter and The West Side

Shop for irresistibly cool kids clothing at the California-inspired Everafter boutique. Next door is The West Side, with adult versions of the same comfortable, luxe styles.

6. Hashi Market

One of the newest additions to Tribeca, Hashi Market has two floors packed with Japanese goods kids go nuts for: The entire first floor is full of candy, snacks, and food, as well as Japanese meals prepared on the premises. Head to the second floor for home goods like hair care products, cleaning items, and more.

7. Manhattan Youth Downtown Community Center

Join neighborhood tot spot Manhattan Youth Downtown Community Center for access to its indoor pool and gym facilities, plus a ton of cool arts and athletic classes for everyone from toddlers to teens and adults.

8. Tribeca Performing Arts Center

Catch top-notch kids' theater at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center, the longest-running performance space in lower Manhattan. The center puts on shows for all ages, including children's musicals, dance numbers, and other fun tot theater treats.

9. Cricket's Candy Creations

Founded by chef, author, and educator Cricket Azima, Cricket's Candy Creations puts a sweet twist on children's crafts. The space lets you get crafty with candy and sweet treats featuring workshops, camps, and special events covering topics from edible slime to candy sushi and burgers—and everything in between.

10. Playing Mantis

Check out handmade toys, games, and crafts from all over the world at the ethereal Playing Mantis. The toy store carries toys made with natural materials and has a wonderful old-school feel.

11. Church Street School for Music and Art

Drop in for an open art session or sign up for classes at the esteemed Church Street School for Music and Art. The school also frequently hosts events like recitals, open-mic nights, and block parties.

12. Babesta

Shop from a carefully curated selection of trendy baby gear, toys, and apparel at Babesta. This cozy nabe shop has nearly two decades of experience helping families find the best baby gear, with top-notch customer service.

13. Balloon Saloon

Browse silly novelties and playthings at Balloon Saloon, a whimsical party goods and inflatable decor store.

14. Tribeca Language

Want your children to learn a new language? Tribeca Language is the top neighborhood spot for that, offering language classes in French, Spanish, Japanese, Arabic, and more. Using its specialized Qtalk method, these classes have kids speaking their target language within the first 10 minutes of class.

15. Imaginari

Bug out at Imaginari for an up close and personal look at the insect world through art. Walk through the interactive exhibit for plenty of photo-ops with giant praying mantises, butterflies, ladybugs, and other artworks from artists from NYC and around the world.

16. Beginners 2 Pro Batting Cage

Take your baseball, tee ball, or softball game to the next level at the Beginners 2 Pro private indoor batting cage. Sign up for expert-led classes or reserve the cage for batting practice.

17. Downtown Dance Factory

The Downtown Dance Factory believes dance is for everyone, and welcomes aspiring dancers of all ages, genders, and walks of life. Sign your tot up for a class, or join one yourself—a wide variety of dance styles are taught here, so you're sure to find something for every member of the family.

18. Cocoon

Hang out at Cocoon, a 18,000-square-foot exclusive members-only space for families. Tots can take an art class, learn to cook, relax in a reading nook with a book from the library, and explore, while the parents can make use of the Wi-Fi and workspace, or have a well-deserved cup of coffee.

19. Healthybaby

Healthybaby offers more than just sustainably-made baby goods for new parents—it's also a space to connect with other mothers in your community. Stop by with the littles to shop, take a class for new parents and their kids, or take a breather in the living room while your baby explores the enriching play space.

Fun Free Things to Do in Tribeca with Kids

20. Pier 25 Sports

Explore the attraction-filled Pier 25, which boasts an awesome playground, a mini-golf course, a skate park, and beach volleyball.

21. Pier 26 Science Playground

This brand-new playground on Pier 26 invites visitors to discover the rich marine life of the Hudson River. The 4,000-square-foot Science Playground teaches kids about the local wildlife and fish anatomy through custom play spaces, including two massive hollow sturgeons kids can climb around and inside. Don't miss the fish egg climbing structures, shrimp sculptures, and a riverbed design complete with sprinklers.

22. Washington Market Park

Nestled in the heart of family-friendly Tribeca, Washington Market Park, is a great place for kids to run amok on its giant play structures and grassy lawn. The park might be on the small side, but it's packed with fun features like a gazebo, a community garden, a little free library, a butterfly garden, and public art. The park also hosts many kid-friendly events like kid-friendly summer concerts, Christmas parties, an uber-popular pumpkin carving contest, plus nature days and movie nights.

23. Hudson River Greenway

Stroll, cycle, or rollerblade the Hudson River Greenway, a car-free getaway for active families. Don't forget to pause and take in the views of the Hudson River at the Tribeca portion of this Manhattan-long greenway.

24. Duane Park

Wind down at Duane Park, one of the city's oldest green spaces. Relax among the patch of nature or enjoy one of the frequent family events, from live music performances to nature-themed activities.

25. The Ghostbusters Firehouse

Pose for a pic outside FDNY's Hook and Ladder Company No. 8, the location was used as the Ghostbusters' headquarters in the classic '80s comedy. If you're lucky, you'll get a peek at all the memorabilia displayed inside and even wind up on the station's unofficial Ghostbusters-themed Instagram page. Just remember: It's a working firehouse, so always be respectful and allow the firefighters to do their jobs.

26. Hudson Park Library

Settle down with a good book at the Hudson Park Library, or stop by for one of the many free family events. Toddlers will love the Little Movers Storytime, while older family members can take part in a huge number of other activities like crochet classes, poetry nights, and more—all for FREE!

27. Attend a Festival

If you're visiting in the spring, check out Taste of Tribeca, a food fest that benefits local public schools. The world-famous Tribeca Film Festival, held every June, always has some family-friendly gems.

28. The Oculus

Visit The Oculus to marvel at its architecture from the outside, which is designed to look like a child's hand releasing a dove, then hit the shops and restaurants on the inside. Don't forget to pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial across the street (technically just outside Tribeca's borders, but still a must-visit for any New Yorker or visitor).

Family-Friendly Tribeca Restaurants and Bakeries

29. Billy's Bakery

Head over to Billy's Bakery for a delicious red velvet cupcake or other sweet treat, or splurge and treat the fam to the bakery's beloved Icebox Cake. All pastries are baked on-site for a fresh, homemade taste with every bite.

30. Gunbae

Have a real Korean barbecue experience at Gunbae right on Murray Street. Kids love the small plates and fried chicken wings while adults can make a night of it at the bar and karaoke rooms. And while the meat is absolutely delectable, there are also vegetarian and gluten-free options on the menu.

31. Duane Park Patisserie

Pick up a magic cupcake, or another sweet or savory pastry at Duane Park Patisserie, where French, German, and Austrian treats abound. Then, devour it at the bakery's namesake park!

32. Takahachi Bakery

Sample some amazing Japanese sweets at Takahachi Bakery, from the classic melon bun to matcha cream bread. Its milk bread is sublime!

33. Bubby's

Chow down on plates of comfort food and scrumptious pies at Bubby's, a community favorite in operation since 1990. Stop by for a taste of home and baked goods like grandma makes them.

34. Serafina

Dine on some yummy thin-crust pizza and made-from-scratch pasta at the Italian restaurant, Serefina. And if you visit in the warmer months, opt for their outdoor rooftop dining for an elevated experience (literally!).

Where to Stay in Tribeca with Kids

35. The Frederick Hotel

Head The Frederick Hotel, the city's longest-operating hotel, for surprisingly affordable accommodations that don't skimp on style and comfort. The hotel's family-friendly vibe extends to your furry companions: Dogs under 40 pounds are welcome (for an additional cleaning fee), and you can even book a VIP experience for your pup, which includes a dog bowl, toy, and other goodies. Bonus: The hotel's in-house restaurant is none other than the area favorite Serafina, mentioned earlier, and it delivers right to your room!

36. The Roxy Hotel New York

Step into the past at The Roxy, a mid-century-modern style boutique hotel that has some of the most beautiful rooms we've ever seen. Don't miss out on The Roxy's weekend brunch, where you can chow down on luxurious eggs and smoked salmon while you enjoy a live jazz performance.

37. Smyth Tribeca Hotel

Book a suite at the Smyth Tribeca and you'll be minutes away from delicious restaurants, waterfront parks, and other family experiences.

38. The Greenwich Hotel

This spot by NYC native Robert De Niro is a luxurious place to stay, with a price tag to match. The Greenwich Hotel is well worth every penny, though, with a wonderful pool (kids are welcome from 7-10am) and plenty of amenities for every member of the family. Adults can enjoy a relaxing experience at Shibui Spa, while kids are often treated with personalized gifts like baked goods from the on-site Locanda Verde.

39. The Four Seasons

The Four Seasons Tribeca hotel is located in the bottom, right-most corner of the neighborhood, just moments away from City Hall Park and the 911 Memorial. It's one of the most kid-friendly options in the area, featuring kid-centric amenities like child-sized robes, specialty cookies, picture books, and more. The concierge can also help you plan a family-friendly itinerary and even baby-proof your room, so give them a heads up if you're traveling with kids!

Originally published in 2018. Yuliya Geikhman contributed additional reporting. 

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