9 upcoming events · 1 local studios
A quiet, residential stretch of Staten Island's North Shore, New Brighton sits just west of the St. George Ferry Terminal. That means Manhattan is a free 25-minute boat ride away on days you want a bigger outing. The terrain is hilly in spots, so expect a workout with a stroller on some blocks, but the area is generally manageable on foot. The biggest local draw for little kids is Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, an 83-acre campus right in the neighborhood. The grounds are free to walk, and the Staten Island Children's Museum and Staten Island Museum are both on-site, with toddler-friendly programming throughout the year. Skyline Playground is also in New Brighton, with a jungle gym, swings, and spray showers for warmer months, plus views of the Manhattan skyline from the hilltop. The neighborhood has a low-key, residential feel on weekends, more families-out-for-a-walk than crowds. NYC Parks runs programming here, and right now there are 4 upcoming events on the calendar worth checking out.