$20 Playdate: Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

Things to Do

Spend an afternoon exploring this South Brooklyn nabe.

By Stephanie Abrahams

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Gold Coast Delicatessen
Photograph: Lindsay Maclean Taylor70.fw.goldcoastdeli03_0.jpg1734571
Harbor Defense Museum
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Narrows Botanical Garden
Photograph: Lindsay Maclean Taylor70.fw.narrowsbotanical04_0.jpg1734613

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Gold Coast Delicatessen

Photograph: Lindsay Maclean Taylor

Start with a free tour of The Harbor Defense Museum (enter at Fort Hamilton Pkwy and 101st St; 718-630-4349, harbordefensemuseum.com) on Fort Hamilton. The U.S. military base dates back to 1776, but it’s still in use today (parents: Be sure to bring a valid ID with you). Kids get a peek into the city’s military history—yes, there was a Battle of Brooklyn—by checking out uniforms and artillery from the Revolutionary War through World War II. Don’t miss the 19th-century canon: Educators are on hand to teach visitors how to load and fire it.

Afterward, take little history buffs to the Narrows Botanical Gardens (Shore Rd between Bay Ridge Ave and 72nd St; 718-748-9848, narrowsbg.org). The 4.5-acre dollop of parkland is the perfect destination for an autumn stroll. Stop by the babbling brook to see turtles sunning themselves, then head to the Redwood Grove to gawk at the 100-foot-tall trees. (The gardens’ much-anticipated Harvest Festival takes place on October 16. Tots can decorate pumpkins, get their faces painted and parade their pets in a canine costume contest.)

Cap off the afternoon at the Gold Coast Delicatessen (8530 Third Ave between 85th and 86th Sts, 718-238-8020). The restaurant, which opened in July, is already a neighborhood favorite thanks to its modern take on classic grub and stroller-friendly dining room. Two shareable pizza bagels will just set you back $12.

The breakdown
Entertainment $0
Food $12
Total $12

Comments

Amen ! To the comment above. The parks here on shore are so well maintained and owls head park as well. The little cupcake shoppe is a great place. If it's a nice day taking along a scooter, bike or just a stroll along the water and seeing the Verrazano or the NY city skyline is great. If you are lucky you will get to see some great cruise ships pass. There are great places along 3rd ave that are kid friendly.

By Anonymous (not verified) on 11/05/2011 at 12:38 pm

What, did you drive through Bay Ridge for this review? For a neighborhood MADE for children, you couldn't have picked 3 more boring destinations. This area has been known primarily for its parks and restaurants for ages. A pizza bagel, really? Come on. If you actually are starting down at the Fort, take your kids for a light lunch at Paneantico, and then to the Little Cupcake Shoppe for dessert on 93rd street. Then head about 4 blocks toward the water for miles of continuous park right by the water on Shore Road. You'll hit several clean and well-managed playgrounds as you make your way to the gardens, and right afterward you can end your trip by sightseeing the Manhattan skyline and the New York Harbor on the Veteran's Memorial Pier. A bagel. Lord.

By PJ (not verified) on 10/10/2011 at 8:24 am

really? "just" $12.00?? for a bagel pizza.

By Anonymous (not verified) on 10/01/2011 at 8:36 pm

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