27 upcoming events · 1 local studios
On the southwestern tip of Staten Island, Richmond Valley is one of the borough's quietest corners. Mostly detached homes on generous lots, low-key strip malls along Amboy Road, and a lot of open sky. This is car country, plain and simple. Most families drive everywhere. Getting here without a car is possible via the Staten Island Railway's Richmond Valley stop or a bus along Hylan Boulevard, but don't expect to stroll to errands easily. For outdoor time, Long Pond Park sits right in the neighborhood, though it's a nature preserve with trails through woodland and wetland rather than a playground. It suits a toddler who can walk a bit more than it suits baby swing time. For a proper playground, drive a few minutes toward Tottenville or Prince's Bay, where South Shore parks have equipment and open space. The New York Public Library's Charleston branch, a few minutes away on Bricktown Way, is a genuine resource for little kids and runs regular programs. It's newer, well-equipped, and has a dedicated children's area. Programming through the Charleston library is one of the real anchors for young families on the South Shore, and it shows up on this calendar for good reason.