$20 Playdate: Chelsea Market

20 Playdate Chelsea Market

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  Photograph: Beth Levendis72.fw.chelseamarket20.jpg1922171
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  Chelsea Markets during halloween;

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  Fat Witch Bakery

  Photograph: Saleena Fortunato72.fw.fatchwitchbrownies008.jpg1922193
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  Posman Books

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  Ronnybrook Dairy

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Photograph: Beth Levendis

Home to more than 30 cafés and shops, Chelsea Market is the perfect place to keep little ones entertained on dreary winter days. Start at the Ninth Avenue entrance to the block-long building (75 Ninth Ave between 15th and 16th Sts). There kids can check out walls lined with tins and photographs that pay homage to the space’s early days—the building housed the Nabisco factory in the early 20th century. (Young foodies will be intrigued to learn that the Oreo was invented here in 1912.) As you make your way down the long, tunnel-like corridor, point out quirky architectural details like the original factory floors and the winding, exposed-brick walls. Stop at the waterfall in the center of the market; kids can throw in a coin as they watch the water magically change color (read: illuminated lights).

Continue down the hall to Posman Books (212-627-0304, posmanbooks.com) to explore the children’s section; there’s also a free storytime at 4pm on Tuesdays and Sundays. Next stop: Fat Witch Bakery (888-419-4824, fatwitch.com). Let kids choose their favorite Original Witch (brownie) or Blonde Witch (blondie); three treats will only set you back $9. Then pop into Ronnybrook Dairy (212-741-6455, ronnybrook.com) across the hall for a shareable quart of low-fat chocolate milk ($4.75) to accompany the sugary goodness.

The breakdown

Entertainment $0
Food $13.75
Total $13.75