Explore Brooklyn: Brooklyn Bridge
Trip Tips
- This is one of few New York City adventures that's free!
- Plan to take your expedition across the bridge between April-October. It can get cool quite the rest of the year.
- The bridge is a mile long and takes 25-45 minutes to walk.
- Most children above one year of age will be fascinated by a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, but some children might be bothered by the noise.
- Bring a stroller. The trip across the bridge is about a mile, which is a little far for most young children to walk.
- Pedestrians walk on the south side, bikes on the north.
Suggestions for your adventure
- hat with chin strap (so it doesn't blow away)
- sunblock
- snacks
- water
- binoculars
- a book to share
Food is not available on the bridge. There are benches available for picnicking, but it is a bit windy. Here are some nearby options:
In Brooklyn:
Bubby's
A very kid friendly restaurant serving soups, salads, sandwiches, and home-cooked classics. Children's menu is available.
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
Often voted as NYC's best pizza.
In Manhattan:
South Street Seaport
A short walk from the Brooklyn Bridge. The Seaport has a food court as well as many take out or sit down restaurants.
In Brooklyn:
Bubby's
A very kid friendly restaurant serving soups, salads, sandwiches, and home-cooked classics. Children's menu is available.
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
Often voted as NYC's best pizza.
In Manhattan:
South Street Seaport
A short walk from the Brooklyn Bridge. The Seaport has a food court as well as many take out or sit down restaurants.
- On the Subway: Take the 4 or 5 subway to Brooklyn Br/City Hall or the R or W to City Hall to start your trip from the Manhattan side. On the train, talk to your child about the Brooklyn Bridge and ask your child what she thinks she might see.
- The Bridge Begins: Begin your trek across the Brooklyn Bridge. Make sure to stop and look at the cars, boats, and other bridges. Check out the view of Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Statue of Liberty, and the Harbor.
- Snack Time: You may want to stop for a snack on one of the park benches midway on the bridge.
- Bye-Bye Bridge: Complete your walk on the Brooklyn side.
- Visit Brooklyn Bridge Park: Walk over to the Brooklyn Bridge Park to have some fun in the boat/river themed playground. Make sure to show children the bridge they just walked across.
- Lunch at Bubby's: Enjoy a well-earned lunch at this child-friendly eatery.
- Home again: Take the train or bus back home for a well-deserved nap.
Necessities and getting around…
Some of the entrances to the Brooklyn Bridge have stairs, but most of the entry points use ramps.There are no bathroom facilities on the bridge.