5 Reasons We Love Williamsburg

By Casey Heely February 12, 2016

Williamsburg is a budding locale for families. Even if you’re not from the neighborhood, there is plenty to do in the ‘Burg for you and your brood. From yearly festivals to the famous McCarren Park and pool, Williamsburg is a great place to spend the day as a family. Here are 5 reasons we can’t get enough of Williamsburg.

Parks and Playgrounds in Williamsburg

There is no shortage of places to take the family for some outdoor fun in this Brooklyn neighborhood. Visit McCarren Park for some baseball, bocce, soccer, and kickball. During the warmer months, don’t neglect to visit their pool which is free for children 18 and younger. If it’s a playground you’re looking for, be sure to visit either the Jaime Campiz Playground or William Sheridan Playground for climbing and swings. The gardens at Campiz and checker and chess tables at William Sheridan make these playgrounds extra special.

Art in Williamsburg

Check out some of Williamsburg’s notable graffiti art on either a self-guided or instructional tour. At the Williamsburg Art and Historical Center, local, national, and international artists are featured, whether they are emerging or established, to showcase a wide variety of art. The building itself is also a historical landmark worth visiting. Kids can bring out their inner artist by taking classes at The Painted Cloud, where all art programs include unstructured time for kids to play, socialize, and engage in activities of their choice.

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Food in Williamsburg

Make sure to find time to fill your stomachs at some of Williamsburg’s most notable eateries. Diner is a restaurant set in a rehabbed 1926 dining car that boasts an ever changing daily menu. It is the parent restaurant of Marlow + Sons, which, with its expanded menu, is a great place for café like fare, drinks, and small plates. La Nonna Ristorante + Bar is the second installment from the owners of La Nonna Pizzeria and is known for its traditional Italian food with a unique twist. If comfort food is what you’re looking for, try DuMont Burger, which is known for its burgers (obviously) as well as mac and cheese and fried pickles, which can be eaten in-house or delivered to your door.

Shopping in Williamsburg

During the warmer months, the Williamsburg Greenmarket is open on Thursdays to provide fresh, locally grown vegetables and fruit, along with events and family friendly activities. At Williamsburg Flea you can visit 150 vendors rain or shine. Brooklyn Industries is an upcycling store that not only sells repurposed antiques but has seasonal window displays and a mural that changes regularly. Shopping for the kids? Put Allegria Boutique and WeeBabe on your list. Allegria sells clothing, accessories, décor, and toys for children ages newborn to 6. WeeBaby is the place for baby and toddler essentials and has a staff that is happy to educate parents on the best products for their kids. Flying Squirrel is also a unique store for children’s goods, and features locally made products and a second-hand department where parents can trade gently used clothing, books, and toys.

Williamsburg's Annual Fairs and Festivals

The diverse ethnicities and cultures in Williamsburg provide many fun activities for families throughout the year. In January, the Three Kings Day Parade involves colorful puppets, dancing, live camels, and traditional Puerto Rican food and music. Celebrate Purim at Chabad of North Brooklyn, where kids can dress up and enjoy balloons, carnival games, crafts, a buffet lunch, and purim DJ music. The Our Lady of Mount Caramel Giglio Feast in July has taken place for over 100 years and celebrates a part of South Italian history with specialty food and games. For July and August, SummerStarz at East River State Park hosts free, live musical performances and a family-friendly screening at sunset every Thursday. Similarly, Summerscreen is Brooklyn’s free film and concert series in McCarren Park held every Wednesday in July and August. In the fall, be sure to attend Pumpkin Day at McCarren Park where kids can pick their own pumpkin and go home with a trick-or-treat bag with supplies to decorate their pumpkin and a craft to make at home.

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