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Riverdale with Kids: 25+ Things to Do for NYC Families

6/4/12 - By Sonia Gonzalez

Located in the northwest section of the Bronx, Riverdale has long been a home for people looking to escape the city. Once settled with stately vacation houses of wealthy New Yorkers, the neighborhood transformed into a kind of suburb when commuting by train became possible. Today, Riverdale is highly prized for its historic houses as well as its prestigious private schools like Fieldston, Horace Mann and Riverdale Country School—known as the "Hill Schools" to some. The suburbs in the city feeling continues with relatively quiet enclaves of chain stores, shopping centers and upscale high-rises mixed in with nature-filled oases, old-school family-friendly restaurants, charming children's boutiques, synagogues and historic churches.

In June, we’ll be focusing on everything Riverdale has to offer residents and visitors. We will be including all of the northwest Bronx in our coverage from West 254th Street to Edsall Avenue, from the Hudson River to Broadway, which includes Spuyten Duyvil, Marble Hill and Kingsbridge.

Here are our top things to do with kids in Riverdale.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Note: While the neighborhood is accessible by subway and Metro-North, like the suburbs, it's sprawling enough that you can't just get off the train and walk wherever you want to go from there. So plan ahead to hit the places of interest to your family.

  1. Work on a nature-inspired Family Art Project at Wave Hill on the weekends—admission to the grounds is free until noon on Saturdays
  2. Hiking, biking and swimming is just some of the fun on tap in the 1146-acre Van Cortlandt Park
  3. Step into the 18th century at the Van Cortlandt House Museum, the oldest home in the Bronx
  4. Wander the nature trails in Riverdale Park, where the forest is the same as it was in pre-colonial times
  5. Play basketball, baseball, football or soccer in Seton Park
  6. Enjoy high-end seasonal dishes at the rustic Riverdale Garden, which also offers a kids' menu
  7. Beat on drums and strum guitars with your tots at Big Apple Music Together
  8. Choose from athletics, arts or culture classes at the Riverdale Y
  9. See a lovely elevated view of the Spuyten Duyvil Creek at Spuyten Duyvil Shorefront Park
  10. Enjoy weekly toddler and baby storytimes at the Riverdale Library
  11. Hit popular local play spot Paul's Playground in Henry Hudson Park
  12. Explore the thought provoking works at Elisa Contemporary Art, Riverdale's only modern art gallery
  13. Celebrating the Hudson River at the annual Riverdale RiverFest in June, featuring boat rides, show boats, live music and family entertainment
  14. Grade schoolers can audition for a part in one of Riverdale Children’s Theatre's family musicals
  15. Catch a show at the Riverdale Rising Stars Performing Arts Conservatory, which offers professional theatrical training to talented local kids
  16. School-age kids can practice their Reading Aloud skills every week at the Spuyten Duyvil Library
  17. Work on some serious painting, sculpting, drawing or sewing projects at the Hudson River Arts Workshop
  18. Take horseback riding lessons at Riverdale Equestrian Centre
  19. Learn how to swim at the Whitehall Club with Aquabilities with Jennifer
  20. Pick up the latest Marvel and DC titles and also browse the wide selection of classics at Magnum Comics & Cards
  21. Peruse one jam-packed aisle of toys at local pharmacy DJ Drugs
  22. Chow down on chocolate rugelach, hamantashen, babka and other Jewish treats at kosher bakery Mother’s Bake Shop, which only accepts cash
  23. Share one of Riverdale Diner's massive family meals
  24. Meet other local parents with infants by joining the Riverdale, Baby! forum
  25. Sit on a bench right at the edge of the Hudson River at the Riverdale Waterfront Promenade and Fishing Access Site
  26. Try the signature treat at Lloyd's Carrot Cake, made from all natural ingredients including huge carrots
  27. Grab a nosh at Rolen Bagels except on Saturdays when the shop's closed for Shabbat

  28.  

Read all of our posts about Riverdale.

Places featured in this article:

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Wave Hill
West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471

Van Cortlandt House Museum
, Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, NY 10471

Elisa Contemporary Art
5622 Mosholu Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471

Riverdale Park
Palisade Avenue and W 254th Street, Bronx, NY 10471

Seton Park
Independence Avenue and W 232nd Street , Bronx, NY 10463

Riverdale Garden
4576 Manhattan College Pkwy, Bronx, NY 10471

Big Apple Music Together
237th Street and Independence Avenue, Riverdale Jewish Center, Bronx, NY 10463

Riverdale Y
5625 Arlington Avenue , Bronx, NY 10471

Spuyten Duyvil Shorefront Park
Edsall Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463

Riverdale Library
5540 Mosholu Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471

Paul's Playground
Kappock Street and Independence Avenue, Henry Hudson Park, Bronx, NY 10463

Riverdale RiverFest
6301 Riverdale Avenue, College of Mount St. Vincent, Bronx, NY 10471

RIverdale Children's Theatre
660 West 237 Street, Riverdale Academy , Bronx, NY 10463

Riverdale Rising Stars
5625 Arlington Avenue, Riverdale Y, Bronx, NY 10471

Spuyten Duyvil Library
650 West 235th Street, Bronx, NY 10463

Hudson River Arts Workshop
5355 Henry Hudson Parkway, Bronx, NY 10471

Riverdale Equestrian Centre
254th Street and Broadway, Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, NY 10471

Aquabilities With Jennifer
3333 Henry Hudson Parkway, The Whitehall Club, Bronx, NY 10463

DJ Drugs
3741 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463

Mother's Bake Shop
548 W 235th Street, Bronx, NY 10463

Riverdale Festival of the Arts
Johnson Avenue at 235th Street , Bronx, NY 10463

Riverdale Diner
3657 Kingsbridge Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463

Riverdale Waterfront Promenade and Fishing Access Site
254th Street and Pallisade Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471

Lloyd's Carrot Cake
6087 Broadway, Bronx, NY 10471

Rolen Bagels
3601 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463
Best Of Lists Visitors Guide Preschoolers Kids Tweens & teens Riverdale Bronx New York City

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