Seems every Brooklyn parent I know has been buzzing about the opening of Pier 6 in the fabulous Brooklyn Bridge Park — and I think almost every single one of them made it there this past weekend. We did, too, and here’s what we found. Plus a few tips on getting the most out of your visit.
What it is:
Pier 6 is the newest addition to Brooklyn Bridge Park, a sprawling expanse on the East River that includes Pier 1 (a promenade and small playground) and Empire-Fulton Ferry (currently closed for expansion, this area includes the warehouses that line Water Street — and it will eventually be the home of Jane’s Carousel, a restored beauty dating from 1922.)
Pier 6 adds 7 acres of new park and a 1.6 acre destination playground. The playground features swings for every age, meaning babies to young daredevils ready to swing out and up on giant rope swings. There are also super-tall slides — one in an impressive wooden tee-pee — that shoot into a vast sandbox. And an awesome (big!) water-play area, climbing structures, and a promenade with views of lower Manhattan.
Still to come: a concession area with roof deck, volleyball courts, and a dog run.
Where it is:
At the end of Atlantic Avenue, right on the water.
What we thought of the place:
Major, major hit! We’ll be back often this summer.
Tips on making the trip:
- It is a huge playground, but, as previously mentioned, every parent in Brooklyn is headed this way, so crowds could become an issue. If possible, visit during off-hours (ie: not Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5pm) to avoid having to scan for your kid in the masses. We went on a Friday afternoon and it was manageable — I hear the weekend was a madhouse. I think a late-afternoon trip with dinner after (more on that momentarily) would be perfect.
- There are beautiful city views and breezes from the water, but there isn’t really any shade — make sure to pack hats and sunscreen if you do go in the heat of the day.
- Try an early dinner at the new Mexican spot 5 Burro Cafe nearby on Columbia Street — the large outdoor area with shaded picnic tables looks perfect for family dining (we stopped to peek in). And there are margaritas.
See you there!
More Shiny Brite Reviews:
Melisa
Shiny Brite 
Another reason to get ourselves to NY soon!
Come on, we’re ready for you!
I haven’t been yet, maybe this weekend. I do fear the crowds – and quite honestly, the sun. Looks really amazing though.
Paula
p.s.
So glad to hear you liked SATC2! I’m anxious to see it, and am keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll like it.
It is an amazing space, but we were there around 4 in the afternoon and I was feeling like it was a lot of sun — don’t think I’d be heading there at noon on a Saturday.
I thought you ad hoc moms were anti-SATC…? Maybe that’s Tonya? I can’t promise you it’s great, but it was most definitely enjoyable. And, oh, the CLOTHES! Have fun!
Thanks for this great post! I’m also a Brooklyn mom and my son is 2 1/2 years old and loves, loves, LOVES all playground action. I’m also afraid of crowds, but I’ll check it out on a Friday afternoon!
PS: The fashion in SATC2, one word: AMAZING!