Lower East Side

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Photographs: Beth Levendis

9am
Start the day with a squishy, custard-filled bun from Grand 1 Bakery (295 Grand St, 212-334-6968).

9:15–10:45am
Morning snack in tow, head a few blocks west to Sara D. Roosevelt Park and the newly renovated Hester Street Playground (Hester St between Chrystie and Forsyth Sts). Grab a bench and watch your tykes clamber up the bungee-cord web. A spiral slide, tire swings and sprinklers round out the offerings.

10:45–11:30am
Venture north by walking up Orchard Street, where the neighborhood's old-world vibe lingers in well-worn storefronts evocative of the 'hood's past as a garment-industry hub. Pop into 88 Orchard (88 Orchard St, 212-228-8880) for fresh-squeezed lemonade. A few blocks over is Kossar's Bialys (367 Grand St, 877-424-2597, kossarsbialys.com); introduce your brood to the doughy treat with a mound of glossy onions in the middle.

11:30–1pm
Half a block up, look for the throng of history buffs outside the Lower East Side Tenement Museum (108 Orchard St, 212-982-8420), waiting to embark on a tour of the cramped homes where late-19th- and early-20th-century families once dwelled. The hour-long Confino Family Living History Program, featuring a costumed interpreter playing a 14-year-old Sephardic Greek girl, is suitable for kids ages five and up. Sift through NYC-themed tchotchkes at the shop afterward.

1–2:30pm
You'll likely be tuckered out from an active morning, so take some time to lunch at Falai Panetteria (79 Clinton St, 212-777-8956, falainyc.com)—a nighttime hipster hangout that's perfect for families during the day. Try the meatballs with tomato ragù, or good-for-you whole-wheat veggie lasagna. Kids will like the warm, plump bombolone—Italian doughnuts oozing chocolate—for dessert.

2:30–3pm
No child will let you pass Economy Candy (108 Rivington St, 800-352-4544, economycandy.com) without wandering in—nor should she. Stock up on Pixy Stix and chocolate-covered graham crackers, and maybe cart home a jumbo Pez dispenser.

3–4pm
Pick up a quirky toy at myplasticheartnyc (210 Forsyth St, 646-290-6866, myplasticheartnyc.com). It'll keep junior busy on the ride home.

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