A Brief History of Pelham Bay

Pelham Bay's roots trace back to the mid-1600s, when Connecticut doctor Thomas Pell acquired over 9,000 acres from the Siwanoy Native Americans. This land encompassed parts of modern-day Westchester, City Island, and Pelham Bay itself. The area flourished into a residential haven in the 1920s, drawing European immigrants who shaped its diverse cultural landscape.Pelham Bay Today: A Cultural Melting Pot

Today, Pelham Bay is a testament to its diverse population, known for its welcoming atmosphere and strong community ties. It's also the last stop on the 6 train, a station famously featured in the classic 1974 film The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. 

Top Things to Do in Pelham Bay

Take multiple days to explore NYC's largest green space, Pelham Bay Park, featuring tennis and basketball courts; baseball fields; biking and hiking trails; and four different playgrounds

Tour the historic 19th-century Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, which hosts fun First Friday celebrations every month featuring live music, self-guided tours and light refreshments

Go fishing along 13 miles of coastline surrounding Pelham Bay Park

Hit the jungle gym, basketball hoops and game tables, or experience the Sensory Garden at the Playground for All Children, all part of the Aileen B. Ryan Recreational Complex

Hop on a horse at the Bronx Equestrian Center and go for a trail ride in Pelham Bay Park—kid too young? Pony rides are also available

Frolic on the beach or stroll the promenade at "Bronx Riviera" Orchard Beach

Learn about local wildlife from the Urban Park Rangers at the Pelham Bay Park Nature Center—it's a great location for seal spotting in winter and bird watching in spring

Get in touch with the great outdoors on the Kazimiroff and Siwanoy Nature Trails

Hop the FREE Bronx Seaside Trolley from the Pelham Bay 6 subway station to City Island the first Friday of every month

Hit the monkey bars in Colucci Playground, which also features basketball and handball courts, and baseball fields

Pop into regular storytimes for various ages, and arts and crafts at the Pelham Bay Library

Try the rainbow cookies, pastries and other Italian goodies at the locally owned Pelham Bake Shop

Enjoy a game of miniature golf at the Turtle Cove Golf Center

Take the tot for a no-tears haircut by the pros at The Kid's Kut

Enroll in kids' ballet, hip-hop, tumbling and other high-energy classes at the Fancy Feet Dance Studio

Introduce preschoolers to martial arts with the Little Dragons program at Pelham Bay Karate Academy

See traditional performances and storytelling at the annual Bronx Native American Festival in Pelham Bay Park every fall

Drop in to a kids' yoga class at Excel Yoga Dance & Fitness

Pick up educational toys, books and school supplies at Teacher's Stuff, Inc.

Family Friendly Eats in Pelham Bay

Head to casual Italian restaurant Lucca on Tuesday evenings when kids eat FREE

Chow down on all-you-can-eat sushi at Shangerila Restaurant

Kids prefer traditional diner food? Head to longtime family favorite George's Restaurant, which has a massive menu

Enjoy rides, delicious food, music and more at the annual St. Theresa's Feastival held every July

Get fresh baked bread, doughnuts and other carb-heavy treats at Zeppieri & Sons Italian Bakery founded back in 1968

Indulge in authentic Italian ices and other desserts at Teresa's Gourmet Italian Ices