Cheap and easy playdates for kids in NYC

I went to Kensington Stables today, May 22, 2011, and it was TERRIBLE! Don't go, and find another stable to visit as it's about an hour on the train from Manhattan. City Island/Pelham Park/ Van Cortlandt Park and stables in Queens are probably better options for the distance and experience! When I called early this morning, the man who answered said that pony rides were given from 10 a.m. until sunset. Excited, we set out on the F train. When we arrived, we were made to wait for about 30 minutes since no one was available. In the meantime, we were invited to look at the horses. We did, and one of the heavy boards that made up one of the horse pens was dry-rotted, and fell off and landed on my foot. I have bloody scrapes along the top of my foot now. Argh. Furthermore, not only did some of the horses look unhealthy, but when the Asian woman who said she was the manager returned from a private lesson in Prospect Park she was less than pleased to conduct a pony ride for my son. She didn’t even say hello! In the TOK article, taking a photo was suggested. The manager, who led the pony, Morris, walked quickly without stopping. When I asked if we could stop to take a snapshot of my son, she stopped for literally 20 seconds, and when I tried to get my camera into position, she announced that she was too busy to wait and said she had to get going and led the horse away mid-shot. According to the article, the pony ride is two blocks out and two blocks back. After the attempted photo op -- taken at one block's length, the manager turned us around to head back to the stable. I informed her that I was there because of the TOK article, and that her demeanor was not as welcoming as the article indicated the place would be. She said she didn't know what article I was talking about. However, only after I mentioned that I didn't think I would recommend the place to other families did she then lead the horse for another block. Please reconsider going to this "stable." The horses do not look very well-treated, and the tone of the place was unpleasant for a first experience. Oh, and do not look at the horses inside lest you experience a more serious injury as the place has a huge sign posted stating that it does not carry insurance. For $3, you get what you pay for. The sad thing is, we were willing to pay much more for a wonderful excursion. On a lighter note, the restaurant, Brooklyn Commune, made for a great experience. The food was fresh and delicious. Additionally, the owner and staff were fantastic. On our way back from the stable, we wanted to get a snack for the train ride back. Alas, Brooklyn Commune was closed unexpectedly for the afternoon. However, the Crossroads Cafe farther down the same street was wonderful, too!