This morning, my partner, Sarah, sent me a frantic text because she couldn’t locate her membership card for the Staten Island Children’s Museum. She wanted to take our little ones there. Later, I received a photo of our 7-month-old, Max, at a different museum, foolishly putting a grimy toy in his mouth. I couldn’t help but tease him for being a silly kid while also asking where they ended up, knowing she likely hadn’t found that card.
Turns out, she decided to visit the Brooklyn Children’s Museum instead. Initially, her plan was Staten Island, but she could only find the membership for the science museum in Queens, which, let’s be honest, is practically a children’s museum too. Meanwhile, Max was eager to return to the Museum of Natural History for the fifth time, or perhaps the NY Transit Museum for the 50th, or even the science museum in New Jersey where we spotted R2D2. Each of these options is conveniently less than an hour away from our Brooklyn home.
The choices are nearly endless.
Just last weekend, we hopped on a ferry to Governor’s Island so our 5-year-old, Leo, could enjoy the new slide park. After that, we returned and spent some time at Brooklyn Bridge Park. On our way home, we had to drag Leo away from the three playgrounds we passed near Prospect Park before returning to our apartment.
This variety is what draws us to the city.
A few years back, we left the urban hustle for the same reasons many do: high living costs, limited space, and crowded surroundings. But after a year and a half in the South, we returned to find those challenges still present. Yes, city living is pricey, and buying a home here is likely far off. We tried downsizing by relocating to Raleigh, which is labeled as a city, but it lacked a true downtown feel and robust public transport, making it seem less urban. I’m not criticizing Raleigh; we have dear friends there and enjoy our yearly visits. But despite our desire for more space and lower costs, it just didn’t suit us.
Both Sarah and I grew up in non-urban environments. I hail from suburban Connecticut, while she comes from rural Pennsylvania. The idea of raising kids in the heart of New York City was never on my radar, and I do have my concerns. For instance, the thought of them riding the subway to school is something I’m still getting used to, and it saddens me that they won’t have the chance to ride dirt bikes through forested trails. Yet, every situation comes with its trade-offs. What they may miss out on in one area, they gain in another.
While we may not have a sprawling yard (though we’re thankful for our small slice of outdoor space), the abundance of parks and green areas nearby more than makes up for it. Space may be limited, but it’s overrated. Everything we need is within easy reach, and that includes a vast array of parks, museums, and a culinary landscape that rivals an Epcot experience. There’s little my kids won’t have the chance to explore as they grow.
The cultural richness and diversity of the city are unparalleled. Its convenience is unmatched. At this point, the thought of moving back to a small town or suburb feels unrealistic.
In summary, while raising children in New York City comes with its own set of challenges, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. The city offers endless opportunities for exploration, learning, and cultural enrichment that are hard to replicate elsewhere.