There’s nothing like record breaking heat in early April to get you excited about summer. . . longer days, sandals, ice cream, etc. etc. And Prospect Heights has many fine summertime offerings – both with and without air conditioning. Admit it, you were complaining about the heat just a little bit this past week weren’t you? When unseasonably warm weather pays us another visit, this guide will have you ready:
Underhill Playground:
http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/historical_signs/hs_historical_sign.php?id=12574
Underhill Avenue at Prospect Place
The sprinklers are a godsend when the temperature goes up, and this playground is conveniently located across the street from a bodega that boasts a pretty fabulous selection of balloons for all your water balloon making needs.
Blue Marble Brooklyn and NY City Explorers Play Space
http://www.bluemarbleicecream.com/
http://www.nycityexplorers.com/
186 Underhill Avenue between St. John’s at Sterling
After an afternoon of sprinkler frolicking and/or water balloon tossing, walk one quick block to Blue Marble for a root beer float or ginger beer float if that’s more your style. In addition to all manner of ice cream, Blue Marble has coffee, bagels and pastries from Blue Sky. If you are desperate for AC (hey, we’re not judging), stick around, and play at the New York Explorers play space conveniently located in the back of blue marble. $10.00 per family, per day – yes, that means you can leave and come back!
Brooklyn Public Library
http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/
The main branch of the public library has a variety of ongoing activities from ages birth to teens. My daughter is a big fan of “story and play” their program for newborns to kids up to age five. Turns out the library has awesome toys. Who knew? Also feel free to grab a stack of books and kick back in the AC, or sign up for a computer and play some of their educational games. The Open Book café is operated by the same folks who own Barrio and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner on the plaza.
Joyce Bake Shop
http://www.joycebakeshop.com/
A relaxing respite from relentless heat, their ruby slipper ice tea is the perfect drink for a walk to the park or the botanic garden. Joyce has a fantastic selection of pastries including everything from fancy tarts and cheesecakes to your basic oatmeal cookie, and the house made cheese straws are a massive hit with the toddlers of Prospect Heights.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden
http://www.bbg.org/
Lounging on the stretch of perfectly manicured green grass makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into an EM Forster novel. We’re a lucky lot having such a place in our own back yard – or should I say in lieu of a back yard? Just keep in mind that you can’t bring food or a blanket, and if you do, you WILL get busted. If you want to eat, visit the Terrace café. My toddler miraculously will actually eat their pasta salad. Also, be sure to check out the members picnic night schedule, where you CAN eat on the lawn without getting the boot.
The Brooklyn Museum
http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/
What kid doesn’t want to look at mummies? The Brooklyn Museum is a perfect escape on a hot summer day. The Egyptian exhibit is one of the best of its kind, and the museum regularly offers the “arty facts” program for kids featuring a guided tour and activity, as well as Target First Saturdays featuring free movies, music and more.
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Paula Balzer: a Brooklyn based literary agent and co-founder of the blog www.adhocmom.com, the blog for freelance and part-time working moms.