Lauren lives in New York City with her husband and son, Ryder (age 2). We asked her to share some of her favorite things to do in lower Manhattan.

 

There are a thousand things to do in New York City but if you’re looking to take a little bite of the Big Apple, Lauren suggests starting with her neighborhood – Battery Park City. From the park to the harbor and historic sights including the 9/11 Memorial, they are plenty of places to see and dine in lower Manhattan.

 

Elvez
One of the newest additions to downtown, and our only Mexican restaurant. We go at least once a month, usually more in the summertime because they have a huge outdoor sidewalk patio. It’s super family friendly, (they even have stroller parking)  and the space is MASSIVE by New York standards.  Great menu for kids and adults (and delicious margaritas to boot!)

 

Pier A
At 28,000-square ft, this spot has some of the best sunset and water views in Manhattan. Pier A was originally the headquarters of the New York Harbor Police back in the 1880s, and just recently reopened it’s doors as a a family friendly biergarten. Great raw bar items for adults, and a kids menu with all the faves (mac & cheese, sliders, and chicken fingers).

 

Bubbys Tribeca
The most delicious comfort food in all of the city (pies, meatloaf, and fried chicken are just a few of their specialties). Its a loud and boisterous atmosphere, and they have a great kids menu, but prepared to wait at least 10-20 mins if you go for weekend brunch!

 

Nelson A. Rockefeller Park
Located at the north end of Battery Park City, it features wide pet free lawn where to have a picnic and a fenced-in playground for kids. A duck pond, basketball and handball courts, free use of park games such as Frisbee, ping pong and billiard tables and the other needed equipment is available at the Parkhouse.  Public art pieces are also to be found as well as the public garden for children where they can grow their own vegetables and fruits.

 

Robert F Wagner Junior Park
One of our favorite spots to take our son in the summertime … they program it with Sunset Singing Circles, Drumming Circles and the River Blurs Concert series. A nice continuation after these activities would be to have a picnic at the lawn while watching the boats go by. Another option for the diner is Gigino restaurant’s Italian cuisine offer to be enjoyed on public roof deck.

 

Battery Park City NYPL
Like much of our neighborhood, the BPC Branch is New York Public Library’s first green LEED certified-branch in Manhattan. The space is an airy two story building that features separate reading areas for children, young adults, and adults, as well as three dozen computers in case adults need to log on for a quick work email!

 

Conrad New York
A beautiful and reasonably priced hotel option, with two great restaurants and a rooftop bar. Also has a movie theater INSIDE the hotel (Regal Cinemas) and is near Wall Street, the National 9/11 Memorial, Greenwich Village, Battery Park, New York Harbor and so much more.

 

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