Chinatown

Photo: Beth Levendis

Columbus Park

Photo: Beth Levendis

Okay, we know. The street vendors that line Canal Street are aggressive, and walking around with a stroller isn’t always easy, but there’s something about this ethnic enclave—perhaps it’s the gift shops with $2 plastic toys—that children adore. Yet beyond the hectic bustle and the, well, crap, there’s genuine character to be found in Chinatown. It’s one of NYC’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods, and it’s a mecca for authentic Asian cuisine (we can smell the soy sauce and ginger now). Get there by subway; among the myriad options are the J, M, Z, N, Q, R, W and 6 trains to Canal Street.

Must-stops
Take a tour of Doyers Street (between Pell St and Chatham Sq), a tucked-away road with a pronounced curve—tweens may recognize it from movies like Spider-Man. At Chatham Square, snap photos of the Kim Lau Memorial Arch; it was built to commemorate Chinese-Americans who lost their lives in World War II. The Mahayana Buddhist Temple (133 Canal St at Bowery) houses a huge golden Buddha. Young visitors can donate $1 and pick a fortune from the basket in the main lobby. Kids ages five to 12 participate in art projects, like paper folding, during hour-long craft sessions on Saturday afternoons at the Museum of Chinese in the Americas (70 Mulberry St at Bayard St, 212-619-4785; e-mail info@moca-nyc.org to reserve a spot).

Tea-riffic

Photo: Beth Levendis

Good eats
If you only have time for one meal, make it dim sum. The Golden Unicorn (18 East Broadway at Catherine St, 212-941-0911) is known for its sample-size, mix-and-match Cantonese dishes—perfect for little hands. Shrimp dumplings, spring rolls and egg custard tarts are all served à la carte ($2–$10). Barbecue lovers should try Big Wong (67 Mott St between Bayard and Canal Sts, 212-964-0540) for roast pork, roast duck and BBQ spare ribs ($4 with rice). The eatery also specializes in congee (rice porridge). If the kids crave a snack, visit grab-and-go food stop Tasty Dumpling (54 Mulberry St between Bayard and Worth Sts, 212-349-0070); $1 buys you an order of five homemade dumplings (either steamed or fried). Stop by Fay Da Bakery (83 Mott St at Canal St, 212-791-3884) for an oversize almond cookie or a sweet-and-savory roast pork bun. Seating is limited, but there’s standing room at the counter.

Pearl River Mart

Photo: Beth Levendis

Unique shops
The tiny Ting’s Gift Shop (18 Doyers St at Pell St, 212-962-1081) is one of Chinatown’s oldest businesses—its antique charm sets it apart from the competition. Kids can purchase a toy mask for a mere $3. Hello Kitty fans should head to Iki Iki Gift Shop (2 Mott St at Chatham Sq, 212-732-6405) for the latest Sanrio goods. Pick up flavored tofu, hot sauce, specialty noodles and other Asian groceries at Kam Man Food Products (200 Canal St at Mulberry St, 212-571-0330).

Fay Da Bakery

Photo: Beth Levendis

What local families do
Neighborhood resident David Chan brings his five-year-old niece and six-year-old nephew to DeSalvio Playground at the corner of Spring and Mulberry Streets. “It’s smaller than popular Columbus Park, but it’s a nice, safe place for the kids to run around in,” he says. Another spot children adore: Aji Ichiban (188 Lafayette St between Broome and Grand Sts, 212-219-4010), a Hong Kong–based candy shop that offers Thai coconut-milk candy, flavored jerky and even dried seafood. Our recommendation: Try one of the many free samples before making your purchase.

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