New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [285]
Lefferts Historic House (718/789–2822 | Free | Apr. and May, Sat. and Sun. noon–5; June and Sept., Thurs.–Sun. noon–5; July and Aug., Thurs.–Sun. noon–6; Oct., Thurs.–Sun. noon–4; Nov. and Dec., and Feb. and Mar., Sat. and Sun. noon–4) is a Dutch Colonial farmhouse built in 1783 and moved to Prospect Park in 1918. Rooms of the historic house-museum are furnished with antiques and reproductions from the 1820s, when the house was last redecorated. The museum hosts all kinds of activities for kids; call for information.
Climb aboard a giraffe or sit inside a dragon-pulled chariot at the immaculately restored Prospect Park Carousel, handcrafted in 1912 by master carver Charles Carmel. | 718/282–7789 | $2 per ride | Apr.–June, Sept., and Oct., Thurs.–Sun. noon–5; July–Labor Day, Thurs.–Sun. noon–6.
Small and friendly, Prospect Park Zoo is perfect for those children who may be overwhelmed by the city’s larger animal sanctuaries. Of the 400 inhabitants and 125 species, kids seem to be especially fond of the sea lions and the red pandas. An outdoor discovery trail has a simulated prairie-dog burrow, a duck pond, and kangaroos and wallabies in habitat. Be aware that there are no cafés, only vending machines. | 450 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Heights | 11225 | 718/399–7339 | www.prospectparkzoo.com | $8 | Apr.–Oct., weekdays 10–5, weekends 10–5:30; Nov.–Mar., daily 10–4:30; last ticket 30 mins before closing | Subway: 2, 3 to Eastern Pkwy.; B, Q to Prospect Park.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH: Brooklyn Children’s Museum.
A mile east of Grand Army Plaza is the oldest children’s museum in the world, now housed in a sparkling Rafael Viñoly–designed “green” building. Here kids can trek through natural habitats found in the city, run a bakery, create African-patterned fabric, and even become DJs, mixing the rhythms of the outdoors to make music. | 145 Brooklyn Ave., at St. Marks Ave., Crown Heights | 11213 | 718/735–4400 | www.brooklynkids.org | $7.50 | Tues.–Sun. 10–5 | Subway: C to Kingston–Throop Aves.; 3 to Kingston Ave., A, C to Nostrand Ave.
WHERE TO EAT IN PROSPECT PARK/PROSPECT HEIGHTS/PARK SLOPE
al di là.
$$ | ITALIAN | This northern Italian hot spot has been consistently packed since it first opened in 1998, and it’s easy to understand why: affordable prices, a relaxed and charming environment, and simple yet soulfully comforting cuisine such as the red beet ravioli swimming in butter and poppy seeds. The no-reservations policy ensures that the place always has a buzz around it from waiting patrons. | 248 5th Ave., at Carroll St., Park Slope | 11215 | 718/783–4565 | www.aldilatrattoria.com | Reservations not accepted | MC, V | No lunch Tues. | Subway: F to 15th St.–Prospect Park; R to Union St.
applewood.
$$ | NEW AMERICAN | Do the math: lavish devotion to seasonal ingredients + supporting local farmers + relaxed service in a pretty pale-yellow dining room + simple flavors layered in interesting ways = one thing—an amazing restaurant. The menu changes constantly; recent highlights have included a sautéed North Carolina wreckfish with tomato-okra stew, parsnips, and mixed greens. | 501 11th St., at 7th Ave. Park Slope | 11215 | 718/788–1810 | www.applewoodny.com | D, MC, V | Closed Mon. No lunch Tues.–Fri. | Subway: F to 7th Ave.
Franny’s.
$ | PIZZA | Though many swear by Grimaldi’s for the borough’s best pie (or the two Brooklyn newcomers: Roberta’s in Bushwick and Lucali in Carroll Gardens), this Park Slope pizza upstart has developed quite a following of its own. The crisp, thin-crust pizzas run the gamut, from a “naked” pie with olive oil and salt to their justly famous clam-and-garlic iteration. Many of the toppings are