New York City
Brooklyn Bridge
Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge - When the Brooklyn Bridge opened in 1883, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. It was an heroic engineering effort, and more than any other landmark in New York, the Brooklyn Bridge exudes "all things are possible."
Today there's a nice wide pedestrian walkway down the center, easy for strollers, and fenced on either side (no problems for parents with vertigo). To get onto the bridge from Manhattan, get off at the City Hall subway stop, and you'll see the entrance onto the bridge.
Once you get to the Brooklyn side, one way to return to Manhattan is the water taxi from Fulton Landing to Pier 16 at South Street Seaport (great views of the bridge looking up from the water.)
The Seaport - In the 19th century, this historical district was the Port of New York, ships coming and going from all over the world, loading and unloading cargoes in warehouses along the wharf. Today it's much quieter, but kids can run around creaky old ships and imagine New York in a different era.
Historic ships (Pier 16) -- Tall Ship Wavertree - Sailing ship that carried cargo in the late 19th century.
- Lightship Ambrose - This compact little red ship might not look important, but in the early 20th century, this lightship was a moving lighthouse, guiding ships into New York.
Harbor cruises - Take a boat cruise around New York Harbor. In the hour-long cruise, you'll see the sights - Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, and all the boat traffic on the East and Hudson Rivers. Pick up the boats at Pier 16, NY Water Taxi or Circle Line cruises.Imagination Playground (Front and John St.) - At Burling Slip, this spiffy playground has water play areas where kids can sandbag and dam up the "creek," assemble large foam building blocks into their own creations, play on rope climbing structures, all inspired by the shipping history of South Street Seaport.Pier 17 - Large enclosed mall with shops and restaurants, and outdoor dining. In nice weather, sit out on the deck chairs, watch the boats go by, and admire a really great view of the Brooklyn Bridge.
