Kid-friendly walking tour of Washington Heights

9–10am
Start your day at L’fonda Family Restaurant (2023 Amsterdam Ave between 160th and 161st Sts, 917-521-1631), which dishes out traditional Dominican cuisine for breakfast, including plantains and papaya shakes.

10–11:30am
Morris-Jumel Mansion (65 Jumel Terr between 160th and 162nd Sts; 212-923-8008, morrisjumel.org. Wed–Sun 10am–4pm. $5, children under 12 free) served as George Washington’s headquarters for a time in 1776. Ask for Eye Spy cards to complement a self-guided tour; cropped photos encourage kids to take a closer look as they explore the home. Visit on Battle of Harlem Heights Day and children can also dress in colonial garb and try quill pens (Sept 17 11am–4pm. Free with admission).

11:30–12:30pm
Enter Highbridge Park at West 174th Street and Amsterdam Avenue and stroll along the ball fields to the 185-foot High Bridge Water Tower. The spot offers unparalleled views of the aqueduct’s Roman arches.

12:30–1:30pm
Snag an outdoor table at 181 Cabrini (854 W 181st St at Cabrini Blvd; 212 -923-2233, 181cabrini.com). Encourage kids to try local faves like the pulled pork sliders.

1:30–3pm
Cross over the pedestrian walkway at Riverside Drive just north of West 181st Street. Grab your tykes’ hands as you descend to Fort Washington Park (Henry Hudson Pkwy from 155th to 179th St); the path is steep and it’s shared with bicyclists. Join the Frisbee throwers and dog walkers in the shadow of Jeffrey’s Hook Lighthouse, better known as the Little Red Lighthouse of Hildegarde Swift’s cherished 1942 children’s book. The annual Little Red Lighthouse Festival (Sept 17 noon–4pm) brings food, crafts and music to the park.

3–4pm
Pick up Mexican conchas (sweet rolls) at Fort Washington Bakery (808 W 181st St between Fort Washington and Pinehurst Aves, 212-795-1891). Enjoy the treats at nearby Bennett Park (W 183rd St at Fort Washington Ave). Snap a picture of the kids on the rocky outcropping—it’s Manhattan’s highest point.

4–6pm
Continue your high-altitude exploration in Fort Tryon Park (Riverside Dr to Broadway between Dyckman and 192nd Sts), home of steep cliffs, rolling hills and the Cloisters (99 Margaret Corbin Dr; 212-923-3700, metmuseum.org/cloisters. Tue–Sun 9:30am–5:15pm. Suggested donation $25, children under 12 free). After viewing the museum’s medieval European art and architecture, families can spend time in the park’s Heather Garden.

6pm
Cap the day off at New Leaf Café (1 Margaret Corbin Dr; 212-568-5323, newleafrestaurant.com). Little ones will be intrigued by the building’s fairy tale look; parents will be happy to find that some of the entrées make use of locally grown ingredients.