During Governor Cuomo's State of the State speech on Wednesday, the politician proposed a brand new subway line connecting Lower Manhattan and Red Hook. If the plans go through that will make taking advantage of the buzzworthy river-side Brooklyn neighborhood so much easier.
While the nabe is currently accessible by ferry (which is awesome in the warm, sunny weather) and by bus (great for people already nearby), families can look forward to much easier travel and faster commuter times with a designated subway stop.
Here's five fantastic, noteworthy Red Hook spots we'd be much more likely to visit if there was a subway.
Ikea
For some families, traveling via the screaming yellow water taxi from Pier 11 to the Red Hook Ikea is not only a rite of passage but also on their person 101 things to do with kids in New York before they grow up list. But what about when it's snowing outside and you desperately need affordable, colorful kitchen utensils or a new rug? While you take care of furnishing the apartment your potty trained little one can enjoy free supervised play at the store's Småland. It's a win-win.
Up your weekend brunch game, or bring your kids to an early happy hour (we won't judge), at this massive three-story Maryland-style crab shack. Not only does it has delicious seafood, but it also boasts some family fun everyone can enjoy with its lawn games, including a small putt-putt course, corn hole and shuffleboard.
Dessert galore
Reward your kids for good behavior with some of the most tasty treats around. There's artisanal gelato and ice cream at Dulce Brooklyn, sweet and slightly sour pies at Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pies, and all sorts of pastries, cakes and goodies at Baked.
Hop aboard the 1914 Lehigh Valley Barge, a historic vessel turned museum, for special tours, interesting facts about New York's maritime history, live performances, art exhibits and more.
Does your little one have a passion for arts and crafts? This independent shop is overflowing with yarn, fabric, spools of thread and other supplies. The store also hosts special classes for kids eager to learn skills like knitting.
Interested in other fun adventures? Journey through the city's five boroughs to discover the best kids' playgrounds across NYC, plan a family day trip from NYC and check out New York's best family attractions.