37 Best Things To Do in Greenpoint, Brooklyn with Kids

Greenpoint, Brooklyn is situated on the northernmost border of the borough and provides a delightful mix of old and new, trendy and vintage, traditional and hipster. While Greenpoint, Brooklyn has a large, established Polish community, newer restaurants, shops, and businesses are popping up and adding to the diverse and lively community. Artists and entrepreneurs have long been drawn to Greenpoint, Brooklyn for its creative vibe and its proximity to Williamsburg and Manhattan. So, you'll find traditional Polish restaurants next to art galleries, trendy boutiques, and upscale eateries.

Families flock to Greenpoint, Brooklyn for its cheaper rents, impressive green spaces, and lots of kid-friendly businesses and activities. Greenpoint lives up to its name with a number of well-kept green spaces like Monsignor McGolrick park, and the 35-acre McCarren Park, which spills over into Williamsburg and the revitalized East River waterfront. To help you get the most out of Greenpoint, Brooklyn we've rounded up the top 37 things to do in Greenpoint with kids. Find more fun neighborhoods to explore in our New York City Kids Neighborhood Guide.

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For our purposes, our geographical boundaries are the East River to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and North14th Street to Newton Creek. You can take the G subway line to Nassau or Greenpoint Avenue, or the NYC Ferry, which docks at India Street.

Top Places to Play in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

1. Monsignor McGolrick Playground

Monsignor McGolrick Playground is a low-key romping spot with swings, spray showers, and climbing structures for kids and plenty of shade under large trees to relax.

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PLAY Kids offers after-school programming and enrichment for school-aged kids. Photo courtesy of PLAY Kids

2. PLAY Kids

Drop the kids off after school for playtime, enrichment activities, and art, science, and language classes at PLAY Kids.

3. Play Lab

Little siblings can head next door to the Play Lab, an eco-friendly, Montessori-inspired play space for kids ages 9 months to 7 years from the same ownership team. Kids can also sign up for music, gym, and language classes.

4. American Playground

Kids can play handball and basketball at American Playground, which also has spray showers and play structures.

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WNYC Transmitter Park offers stunning East River Views and plenty of greenery. Photo by Julienne Schaer/NYC & Company

5. WNYC Transmitter Park

Stroll the waterfront at WNYC Transmitter Park where you can also fish, play at the playground, and enjoy the great views.

6. Vincent V. Abate Playground

Run around, shoot hoops, or get wet in the spray showers at this McCarren Park playground.

7. Greenpoint Playground

The Greenpoint Playground is a medium-sized playground perfect for toddlers, with swing sets and climbers, plus great views of Manhattan.

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The spacious McCarren Park Pool draws a crowd during summer's heat. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks

Top Free Things To Do in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

8. McCarren Park Pool

Beat the heat and take a dip in the McCarren Park Pool in the summer months. It's one of our favorite swimming pools citywide.

9. India Street Murals

Search for the colorful murals throughout the neighborhood, all sponsored by North Brooklyn Public Art Coalition.

10. Newtown Creek Nature Walk

Stroll this enchanting trail, which opens up a long-inaccessible industrial shoreline to pedestrians and illustrates how native plants can thrive even in an urban environment.

11. WORD Bookstores

Peruse the stacks at Word Bookstore or catch a family-friendly event.

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The Greenpoint Public Library and Environmental Center offers tons of family-friendly programming that goes way beyond your usual library story time. Photo by the author

12. Greenpoint Library

Check out the Environmental Center at the recently renovated Greenpoint Library and stay for story time.

13. Greenpoint Toys

Peruse aisles of toys for toddlers to teens at this local shop, which has been in business for more than three decades.

14. Kingsland Wild Flowers

Bask in this innovative urban rooftop garden of flowers and plants, which is open during public events and by appointment.

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Puppetsburg stages interactive shows at The Wild in the heart of Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Photo courtesy of the venue

Best Family-Friendly Activities in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

15. Puppetsburg

Dance and sing along during weekly interactive Puppetsburg shows for babies and toddlers at The Wild.

16. Eagle Street Rooftop Farm

Visit a real working urban farm with bees, chickens, rabbits, and an amazing view of Manhattan.

17. McCarren Park Greenmarket

Score fresh veggies, fruits, and baked goods at this weekly Saturday greenmarket in McCarren Park. It operates year-round!

18. Parachute Brooklyn

Buy, sell, and trade kids' clothes at this local shop.

19. Children's Halloween Parade and Party

Put on your best costume for the annual children's Halloween parade and party.

20. Sunshine Laundromat

Learn to play pinball at this one-of-a-kind combo arcade and laundromat.

21. Greenpoint YMCA

Enroll in a family fitness class at the Greenpoint YMCA, or take advantage of its other programming and school break camps.

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A trip to Brooklyn Bowl offers hours of entertainment for all ages. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Bowl

22. Brooklyn Bowl

Take the kids bowling and see live music, including kids' shows from Rock n Roll Playhouse.

23. Greenpoint Gallery

See the unique art exhibits by emerging artists at the Greenpoint Gallery, which also offers community youth programs.

24. Sit Still Salon

With calming decor, kid-friendly music, games, and toys, kids have a blast getting their hair cut here.

25. Edamama Cute Cuts and More

More than just another neighborhood salon, Edamama also has the largest selection of children's books in the neighborhood and hosts tons of community-minded classes and events.

26. The Wild

This is the go-to shop for baby gear, products, and maternity wear. The store also holds parenting and music classes and events.

27. Town Square

This community-minded organization offers tons of family-friendly activities all year long, including its annual Easter egg hunt and party, greencycle swaps, and SummerStARZ outdoor movies.

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Paulie Gee's pizza is a neighborhood staple. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

Best Family-Friendly Greenpoint Restaurants

28. Paulie Gee's

Get pizza at the popular Paulie Gee's, which even offers vegan options fresh from its wood-fired oven.

29. Karczma Polish Restaurant

Immerse yourself in Polish cuisine and culture at this local restaurant complete with traditional folk music and costumed servers.

30. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

Taste unique ice cream flavors, like Marionberry Cheesecake, Earl Gray Tea, or Brown Sugar Cookie Dough at the neighborhood outpost of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream.

31. Pierozek

Choose from a variety of handmade pierogies and traditional Polish dishes at this local gem.

32. Five Leaves

This shabby-chic bistro serves New American fare with an Australian twist. Kids especially love the ricotta pancakes.

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Peter Pan Donuts & Pastry Shop sells classic yeast confections. Photo courtesy of the shop

33. Peter Pan Donuts & Pastry Shop

Bite into one of the best doughnuts in NYC at Peter Pan Donuts & Pastry Shop, a neighborhood mainstay for 60 years.

34. Di An Di

My kids really enjoyed the pho at this hot spot, which specializes in modern Vietnamese dishes. The light airy space is filled with plants for a cozy vibe.

35. Frankel's

This deli is the go-to spot for bagels, Jewish sandwiches, and prepared foods.

36. Syrena Bakery

Stock up on babkas or choose from a selection of Polish pastries, rolls, and other baked goods at Syrena Bakery.

37. Acre

The bento box lunches are perfect for kids to share at this Japanese cafe, shop, and restaurant with spacious indoor and outdoor dining.

A version of this piece was published in 2012.