Since moving to Park Slope, Brooklyn in 2019 we have had the opportunity to explore the neighborhood, which is known for its Victorian townhomes, access to Prospect Park and family feel, in depth with our two little ones. Not only is Park Slope extremely liveable for growing families, it’s charming to visit with no shortage of options in the neighborhood. Below, find our favorite spots.
Best Restaurants To Go to With Kids
Being as family friendly as it is, 5pm dinner seatings are the hot ticket in town and it’s very common to see strollers lined up outside of restaurants in the hood. Here’s where we go back to time and time again.
Ottava: Neoplitan personal pizzas, an amazing burger and other entrees make this Italian restaurant our family favorite. We are here at least once a week, and often go to their neighboring bar, St. Eve’s, for drinks with friends. Ottava also has a great brunch.
Pasta Louise: Awesome ambiance, family friendly and good food. Is this the best Italian food you’ll ever have? No. But is it welcoming to kids and still great? You betya. We celebrate all of my toddler’s birthdays and special occassions here as he says it’s his favorite restaurant.
Greenwood Park: This is technically in neighboring Windsor Terrace, but walking distance. This beer garden restaurant is casual and has great bar food, big screens for watching games and loads of kids runnign around. We especially love it on sunny weekends and around Halloween when they have a pumpkin patch and you can paint your pumkins.
Bar Toto: Casual Italian bistro with great panninis, burgers, salads and other comfort foods. We love the patio.
Zatar: Great Middle Eastern food and excellent brunch. We also love their coffee.Also, it’s BYOB, which is a plus!
Old Stone House: More upscale in Northern Park Slope. It’s right next to playgrounf JJ Byrne, which is a plus. We typically put our name down for brunch and then play at the park for 45 minutes or so until we get the text that our table is ready. Classic food that always satisfies.
Best Family Activities
Prospect Park: This Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park is our backyard and we are in it daily. (Olmsted also designed Central Park and Green-wood Cemetery, another family favorite). This massive greenspace is a park lover’s heaven — it has so many different playgrounds and splash pads, a carousel, trails for running and biking, a dog beach and so much more. Grab a cup of coffee or pastry at Winner in the Park and go exploring.
Prospect Park Zoo: This small but mighty zoo is housed within Prospect Park near the carousel and is a fun way to spend the day. We especially love the Sea Lion show.
Botanic Gardens: The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens is such a neighborhood gem. I used to bring my son on Wednesdays and Fridays for toddler time (a free three-hour program where the kids can dig in the dirt, plant flowers, do crafts and other amazing activities). We never tire from checking out the Gardens, and have a family membership. We especially love their spring Cherry Blossoms and their rose garden in June.
Greenwood Cemetery: Technically in Windsor Terrace, this Olmsted-designed Victorian cemetery is one of my favorite places. Iyt’s tree-lined and rambling with views of the Statue of liberty. It’s home to deceased celebritieis, poets, authors and other people of note. Their programming is top notch, causing my family to call it the “party cemetewry.” They do a giant day of the dead party, host whiskey tastings, movie screenings, concerts and more. They also do stroller tours, which I am a huge fan of.
JJ Byrne Playground: A wonderful, if not super crowded, playground in the north slope that is perfect for kids of all ages.
LeFrak Center for ice skating in the winter/splash pad in the summer: Housed in Prospect Park, the LeFeank center has an amazing ice rink (and iceskating with Santa and Mrs. Claus!) and an enormous splash pad in the summer that we spend SO MUCH time at.