Life's Tiny Miracles

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NYC For Kids: Summer Lovin’ in Dumbo, Brooklyn

by 38 Comments

The Grand Old Dame

Dumbo (short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is a waterfront, charming little town, adjacent to Brooklyn Bridge. With its cool artsy vibes and cobble-stoned street, this former industrial neighborhood is filled with lots of family attractions, including the sprawling Brooklyn Bridge Park, adorable children’s boutiques, family-friendly cafes.

 Can you spot the 2 NYC Icons?

Here is our list of 7 recommended things to do in Dumbo, Brooklyn for a great day out.

1.  Hop on the East River Ferry for a scenic boat ride across

 East River Ferry – Fast and Fun

We use the East River Ferry to bring us to DUMBO so we can walk back to Manhattan via the Brooklyn Bridge. It was a fast (30min), clean and economical ride at only USD$4 per adult (Kids travel free). We purchased the ferry tickets online that morning itself via the East River Ferry app, took the public bus to the terminal at E 34th St. to board the ferry. It’s such an inexpensive and enjoyable way to see the NYC Skyline as we cruise under the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge and the Williamsburg Bridge. Highly recommended!

East River Ferry Terminal at Midtown
East 35th Street at F.D.R. Drive
Phone: (800) 533-3779
Check Ferry Schedule here

2. Get a shake at Shake Shack

We love Shake Shack!
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One cannot visit NYC and not try Shake Shack (the famed burger chain with the cult following). We arrived at Dumbo before 11am so happily tumbled into this newly opened, week-old Shake Shack outlet. Their peanut-butter shake and Smoke-shack burgers are seriously to-die-for!  If only they would bring Shake Shack to Singapore…

ShakeShack Dumbo
1 Old Fulton Street
(Corner of Water Street)
Under the Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Open daily, from 11am – 11pm

3. Brave the long lines and enjoy a hearty Italian pizza from Grimaldi’s

 It’s not everyday you find a Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria
 Yummy Italian Pizza!

Grimaldi’s is a staple NYC tourist attraction. The pizzas here are not fancy or pretentious but definitely Italian – thin crust and bursting with flavours in every bite.  The menu is really simple. Either you order a small or a large pie (pizza), select whatever toppings you want and that’s it. We ordered a large mozzarela and basil pizza with sausage and extra sun dried tomatos toppings for lunch and left the place feeling very satisfied.  Happy to have this great NYC bucket-list checkoff.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria Dumbo
1 Front Street Brooklyn
Under the Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (718) 858-4300

Open daily from 11:30am to 10:45 pm
Tip: Cash only!

4. Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and take snaps of lower Manhattan

 The Brooklyn Bridge is 147 years old!
Start from Brooklyn and walk back to NYC…
 Happy to be about…
A mandatory shot on Brooklyn Bridge against the Lower Manhattan skyline
#Funforfree NYC – Walk the Brooklyn Bridge!

We regretted devoting only half a day for Dumbo when it had so much to offer. If we had more time, we’ll definitely love to visit these other sites:

5. Bring your tot to the Pier 1 playground at the Brooklyn Bridge Park

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Pier 1 is the largest of the park piers and includes large lawns, a playground at the northern edge, a waterfront promenade and a series of tree-lined pathways. When it comes to panoramic views of lower Manhattan, Pier 1 is the place to be. Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll, sinking into a good book or looking out at the harbor, this outstanding open space provides scenery to spare.

Pier 1 Playground
Brooklyn Bridge Park
334 Furman St (Cranberry)
Brooklyn, NY 11201

6.  Go for a spin on Jane’s Carousel

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Set between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, the glass pavilion encasing Jane’s Carousel designed by French Architect Jean Nouvel is a magnificent and unforgettable way to enjoy the beautifully restored 1922 historic carousel as a family.

Jane’s Carousel
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Dock St, New York, NY 11201
Phone: (718) 222-2502
Open 11am – 7pm, Closed Tuesdays

7. Indulge in a sweet treat at Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory

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The Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory offers simple, pure and delicious ice cream made without eggs or preservatives. All of its ice cream, and its hot fudge, is freshly made in small batches. The ice-cream here are creamy-yet-light and very old-fashioned. There are eight flavors (including chocolate, vanilla, butter pecan, and strawberry) to choose from.

Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory
The Corners of Old Fulton and Water Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201 
Phone: (718) 246-3963
Open daily 12 pm – 10pm
Tip: Cash Only!

Dana’s summer lovin’ oufits are lovingly sponsored by Pumpkin Patch Singapore. They are light and comfy, cheery and stylish – perfect for that summer vacation or that long awaited family holiday.  I especially like their wide range of matching accessories for both boys and girls. Check out their new launches and end of season sales on their FB page!

Pretty in Pumpkin Patch!

Special Summer Giveaway!

The generous folks at Pumpkin Patch SG is sponsoring TWO PrincessDanaDiaries readers a SGD50 shopping voucher each! To participate, simply follow the steps here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to readers residing in Singapore and ends midnight of Sunday 10 August 2014. The lucky winners will be notified by email. All the best!

Comments

  6. Celyn Huang
    Celyn11&hotmail.com

    I wanna bring my kids to Hongkong Disneyland because they love Mickey Mouse and the Princess and hope to meet them in person.

    I hope to win the pumpkin patch voucher because I like their clothing very much and hope to use the voucher to buy clothes for my kids.

    Reply

  7. Evelyn Hu
    [email protected]

    Our next ideal family vacation would be Hong Kong Disneyland! A place where fantasies comes alive for the young & the young at heart!

    I would love to win pumpkin patch vouchers so I could dress up my kids in chic & lovely clothings!love their clothes thats of great quality & style!

    Reply

  9. Shirley Yong
    [email protected]

    I used to go clothes crazy when Kristy was born, for about 2-3yrs in her life. I would buy and buy and buy. And so even when she was in childcare with uniform. It suddenly freaked me out that i have spent way too unnecessarily whej i started packing her clothes that have been outgrown.

    When Regan was born, i didnt even buy a single piece of clothes for him. Cos i was lucky enough to have 3 good friends passing me theirs. I guess boys are naturally less fussy and easily contented. But i choose to believe that he’s a great son and never complained that he is wearing hand-me-downs from his gorgor friends even though he is now 5yo and fully knows how to complain hahaha!

    His birthday is coming in Oct. Hope to get him a nice set of outfit for his party. Its more meaningful this way!

    Reply

  13. Name: Lim Wen Hwei
    Email Address: [email protected]

    My next ideal family vacation destination would be Gold Coast, Queensland. We can head out to the various attractions, sun tan and swim at the beach and visit the Theme parks!

    I like to shop at Pumpkin Patch as their clothes are comfy and stylish for my daughter. We absolutely will want to win the voucher! – for our long awaited family holiday. 🙂

    Reply

  15. I’d love to visit Finland.

    FINLAND FINLAND FINLAND!!! THE COUNTRY WHERE I WANT TO BEEEEE YER MOUNTAINS SO LOFTY YER TREETOPS SO TALL!!! FINLAND FINLAND FINLAND FINLAND HAS IT AAAAALL

    P.S. And I think Pumpkin Patch clothes are SUPER cute. I love their swimwear kids range for little boys.

    Reply

  16. I would love to visit Australia cos it’s known for being kids friendly! Will definitEly help ease our logistic challenges! And would love yo win the pumpkin patch to add more style and color to my kid’s w add robe!

    Reply

  17. I’m setting my sights on Taiwan! But not sure whether it’ll materialise.

    I like Pumpkin Patch’s dresses – pretty yet not too saccharine!

    Reply

  20. Our next family vacation is to hope to travel to USA to attend my cousin’s wedding in Nov. Trying to plan for it and make it happen.

    Love pumpkin patch clothes as it has many lovely designs for my 4 year old girl. I’m a shopaholic mom, so I will shop till drop for my girl.

    Julie Yeo
    [email protected]

    Reply

  21. FB Name: Ace Serene
    Email: [email protected]

    I will love to visit Taiwan and stay in one of their “Ming Su”. I like my kids to enjoy the countryside which is not found in Singapore. Love Pumpkin Patch outfits as they are colour candy and fun on kids, yet easy on my pockets.

    Reply

  22. I would love to bring Noah to the US to visit our friends there, especially since the new baby shares the same birthday as Noah.
    I love how stylish the Pumpkin Patch clothes are, and would love to dress Noah up in more of them.
    Adeline / [email protected]

    Reply

  25. I would like to bring the kids to San Francisco and visit the natural history museum, Boeing museum and go for the sticker factory and jelly bean factory tour!

    Pumpkin patch clothes are oh-so-stylish!

    Kathryn
    Kathrynng (at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply

  29. I would like to bring my kids to Hong Kong Disneyland. My kids will be superb excited to meet the characters up close and personal.

    PP had always been a part of my kids wardrobe. Love the vibrant color, design and good quality!

    Jennifer Yam
    [email protected]

    Reply

  32. Our next ideal family vacation will be to get around New Zealand in a caravan/motorhome.
    We did a short trip to Gold Coast in a motorhome and the kids love it!
    We didn’t have to worry about hotels, and it was really convenient with our own toilet and kitchen just behind our seats.
    My hubby and kids loved the breakfast I made every morning and we even spent a night at the carpark of a supermarket!

    We would like to get the Pumpkin Patch vouchers because my kids deserve trendy, cheery and comfy clothes!

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Wendy Tay
    [email protected]

    Reply

  34. We’re heading to Sydney next (in September) and we are all excited to take a break yet again! Can’t wait to enjoy the relaxed family time that we’ll be having.

    I would love to win the Pumpkin Patch vouchers to get some cool outfits and accessories so that we could spice up our holiday photos plus he has been growing very fast this past year, so we definitely need to do some shopping soon.

    Thanks and hope to be lucky 🙂

    Cheers

    Audrey Soo
    [email protected]

    Reply

  35. We are planning to go to Japan next as Sophie said she wants to go to all the Disneyland in the world. Hopefully the radiation threat is not so serious…
    Loving the beautiful designs that are suitable for all occasions from Pumpkin Patch.
    Name: Susan
    Email Address:[email protected]

    Reply

  37. Hope to bring my son to Taiwan next, after our Bali trip. Foresee lots of farm stays and nature and fun activities for him!

    Pumpkin Patch tees are so colourful, fun and most importantly, soft!

    Reply

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