What’s Hot?

  • family enjoying the beach These Are the Best Beaches in Staten Island and NJ for Families

    Beach blankets, swimsuits, the ocean breeze, and more! Nothing says summer like a day (or night) at a Staten Island beach—or one in nearby New Jersey. Whether you like to lay on the sand, take a dip in the water, build sandcastles, or try your hand at boardwalk games, there’s something for everyone at our local beaches. Check out our round-up of Staten Island beach destinations—plus beaches in NYC and New Jersey—then head to the shore for some fun in the sun! If you’re looking to skip the sand, stop by a local sprinkler park or head to a nearby water park! Also, check out these new beaches opening in New York City! 4 Staten Island Beach Options 1. Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach Midland Beach and South Beach, Staten Island Features a 2.5-mile boardwalk, barbecue areas, playgrounds, basketball courts, soccer fields, baseball fields, and kayak and canoe launch sites.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Colby Zito (@thats.one.option) 2. Gateway National Recreation Area: Great Kills Park Great Kills, Staten Island This beach area has a multi-use path, fishing areas, a marina, and boat launch. Plus, ranger-led programs are offered throughout the year. 3. Wolfe’s Pond Park Beach Prince’s Bay, Staten Island A small and calm beach located on the Island’s South Shore, it features a beautiful water view, sandy shores, and picnic tables. 4. Cedar Grove Beach Oakwood, Staten Island Another small and tranquil beach on the Island’s South Shore, this one features playgrounds and lots of natural areas to explore.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by NYC Parks (@nycparks) 6 New Jersey Beaches Near Staten Island 1. Point Pleasant Point Pleasant Beach, NJ Features a sprawling beach, restaurants, a variety of exciting events, charity runs, walks and bike rides, Jenkinson’s amusement park rides and aquarium, live entertainment and more. 2. 7 Presidents Oceanfront Park Long Branch, NJ The 38-acre park includes a beach, playground, swimming, volleyball area, pavilion with snack bar, and outdoor showers and changing areas. There are also designated areas for surfing.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Monmouth County Park System (@moncountyparks) 3. Seaside Heights Seaside Heights, NJ Enjoy a beach, boardwalk, and rides and attractions at Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach Water Park. In addition to oceanfront activities, visitors can also go fishing, crabbing and boating on the bayside. 4. Ocean City Ocean City, NJ The Ocean City Boardwalk offers a variety of opportunities for family fun and entertainment. Stroll the boardwalk for shopping, dining and enjoying attractions and amusements such as mini golf, arcade games and more. Enjoy 8 miles of beach, whether you want to relax on the sand side or take a dip in the water.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ocean City, NJ (@oceancityvacation) 5. Sandy Hook Sandy Hook, NJ One of New Jersey’s most beautiful beaches, visitors can go fishing, birding, camping, boating, canoeing, take sightseeing tours, and eat at local seafood restaurants. 6. The Wildwoods Wildwood, NJ Features more than 100 rides and attractions including Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Waterparks, Ocean Oasis Waterpark & Beach Club, Splash Zone Water Park, and restaurants. 3 New York Beaches Near Staten Island 1. Coney Island Brooklyn, NY Amusement park rides for kids of all ages, games, food, beach, live entertainment, New York Aquarium, Ferris wheel, carousel, and more.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Marina Knobloch (@marina.kno) 2. Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk Queens, NY A year-round destination for locals along the Rockaway peninsula, it comes alive each summer from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. It features the city’s only legal surfing beach, a variety of concessions, playgrounds, and other activities. 3. Nautical Mile Freeport, Long Island A lively, waterside destination featuring great restaurants, shopping, fishing boats, mini golf and more. Read Next | This Is Where You Can Get Amazing Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas Wanna get family activities like this sent to you? Get our newsletters packed with ideas, events, and information for parents in Staten Island.

    [more...]
  • Go strawberry picking near Staten Island. Where and When to Go Strawberry Picking Near Staten Island

    Where and When to Go Strawberry Picking Near Staten Island Strawberry picking and other kinds of berry picking is a staple of early summer. Spending the day in the warm sunshine, picking nature’s sweetest treats is the perfect family outing. Pick strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and more at one of these pick-your-own fruit farms near Staten Island. See below for a list of nearby pick-your-own farms in New Jersey and parts of New York, all of which are less than an hour and a half’s drive from Staten Island. **Always call ahead to confirm before you head out, as picking schedules often vary and may change due to weather and crop availability. Also, ask about special events. Fruit Picking Seasons in New Jersey and Upstate New York The dates below are approximate. Picking season varies depending on the locations of the farms and the weather conditions. Blackberries Early July through Early August. The best time to pick blackberries is from mid to late July. Blueberries Mid-June through mid-August. The best blueberry picking is from early July to early August. Cherries June. Cherries have a short season. The best time to pick them is roughly from June 10–June 25. Peaches Early July through mid-September. The height of peach season is from the middle to the end of July. Raspberries Early July through late July. The summer raspberry season is short. They’re best picked in the second and third weeks of July. Strawberries Mid-May through late June. The best time to pick strawberries in New Jersey is usually in early June. Pumpkins Mid-September through late October. The best time to pick pumpkins is just before Halloween, anytime from early to mid-October. Fruit & Strawberry Picking Farms Near Staten Island Alstede Farms 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ alstedefarms.com • 908-879-7189 Pick your own strawberries, red and black raspberries, blueberries, cut your own flowers and sunflowers, sweet corn, vegetables, peaches, blackberries. Battleview Orchards 91 Wemrock Rd, Freehold, NJ battlevieworchards.com • 732-462-0756 Pick your own strawberries, sour cherries, peaches, nectarines. Country store and a bakery on site with fresh local produce. Homemade apple cider available for purchase. Bonacorsi Family Farm 1137 Croton Rd., Flemington, NJ 662 Pittstown Rd. in Frenchtown, NJ bonacorsifamilyfarm.com • [email protected] Pick your own at 662 Pittstown Rd.: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and peas. Pick your own at 1137 Croton Rd.: a wide variety of apples (including granny smith) and grapes in the fall. There is also a farm stand stocked with seasonal fruits and vegetables grown on the farm. Califon Farm Market & Orchards 472 County Road Rt. 513 Califon, NJ melickstownfarm.com • 908-832-2905 Pick your own yellow and white peaches through September. On-site store with fresh produce and baked goods. There is also the Oldwick Farm Market located at 170 Oldwick Road. Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s 480 Hempstead Ave., Malverne, NY xroadsfarmliny.com • 516-881-7900 A small organic farm that is part of the Nassau Land Trust, a not-for-profit organization composed of a volunteer board of directors. The farm sells sweet corn, a variety of bedding and flowering plants, and vegetables. Demarest Farms 244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale, NJ demarestfarms.com • 201-666-0472 Pick your own peaches, apples, pumpkins. A local favorite, the farm has an on-site market that carries apple cider donuts, pies and other baked goods. Seasonal produce and flowers are also for sale. Donaldson Farms 358 Allen Rd., Hackettstown, NJ donaldsonfarms.net • 908-852-9122 Pick your own strawberries, raspberries, blackberries. Dates for Strawberry Harvest Weekends to be announced. Emery’s Organic Blueberry Farm 346 Long Swamp Road, New Egypt emerysfarm.com • 609-758-8514 Pick your own blueberries. Farmer’s market offers a variety of pastries, pies, and pre-picked blueberries. Giamarese Farm & Orchard 155 Fresh Ponds Rd., East Brunswick NJ giamaresefarm.com • 732-821-9494 Pick your own: strawberries, peas, peaches and more. Hillview Farms 223 Meyersville Road, Gillette Hillview-farms.com • 908-647-0957 Pick your own blueberries, peaches, flowers. Lee Turkey Farm 201 Hickory Corner Rd., East Windsor NJ leeturkeyfarm.com • 609-448-0629 Pick your own strawberries, cherries, apples, peaches, melons, nectarines, pears, blackberries, vegetables and more. Peterson Farm 438 Quakertown Rd., Flemington NJ petersonfarm.net • 908-782-1682 Pick your own strawberries. The farm also sells sweet corn and a variety of hays including orchard grass, Timothy, alfalfa and straw. Choose-and-cut Christmas trees available in December. Queens County Farm Museum 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, NY queensfarm.org • 718-347-3276 The farm museum has an on-site store that carries a unique selection of items for the home and garden, including Queens Farm products, locally made gifts, books and more. Farm-fresh eggs are also for sale Wednesday-Sunday on a first-come, first-serve basis. Schaefer Farms 1051 County Route 523, Flemington, NJ schaeferfarms.com • 908-782-2705 Pick your own blackberries and raspberries. Open Farm stand with homegrown sweet corn, a variety of vegetables, and Nutrena Feeds. Farm-grown eggs, flowers, candles, milk, butter, and cheese are also available. Snyder’s Farm 586 South Middlebush Rd., Somerset NJ snyders-farm.com • 732-496-0441 Pick your own strawberries, blueberries. Specca Farms 870 Jacksonville Mt. Holly Rd., Bordentown, NJ speccafarms.com • 609-267-4445 Pick your own strawberries, broccoli rabe, spinach, lettuce, broccoli and more. Stults Farm 146 Cranbury Neck Rd., Cranbury, NJ stultsfarm.com • 609-799-2523 Sign up for email alerts on the website to be notified when different fruits become available for pick your own. Terhune Orchards 330 Cold Soil Rd., Princeton NJ terhuneorchards.com • 609-924-2310 Pick your own strawberries, asparagus, blueberries, blackberries, apple varieties, pumpkins. Farm store open daily, farm winery open weekends. Von Thun Farms 519 Ridge Rd., South Brunswick NJ VonThunFarms.com Another location is at 438 route 57 West in Washington, NJ. Von Thun’s has two farms in NJ, each with activities and on-site farm markets that sell its delicious varieties of produce. Both locations let you pick berries, and they host Strawberry Festivals. Wemrock Orchard 100 Wemrock Rd., Freehold, NJ wemrockorchard.com • 732-431-2668 Pick your own strawberries. Read Next | This Is Where You Can Get Amazing Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas Updated May 16, 2023 Wanna read more stuff like this? Get our newsletters packed with ideas, [more…]

    [more...]
  • kids bounce house Summer Fairs, Festivals, Food & Fun on Staten Island

    With so many fairs, festivals, parades, parties and strolls on Staten Island this summer, your kids will gladly put down their tablets and phones and join in the excitement! Here’s where to find the fun in Staten Island! Staten Island Fairs and Festivals, Food and Fun Movies Under the Stars  Watch a free family-friendly flick under the stars. Check the dates on the Staten Island Parent calendar.  2023 Staten Island Mall Carnival June 1-2, 5-11pm; June 3-4, 12-11pm; June 5-9, 5-11pm; June 10-11, 12-11pm Staten Island Mall • 2655 Richmond Ave. This annual family event features a variety of fun activities, including rides, games, carnival food and more. Figment Festival June 3, 10am-10pm; June 4, 10am-6pm Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden • 1000 Richmond Terr. Figment is a free participatory arts event that celebrates creativity by challenging artists and participants to find new ways to create, share, and dream. Green Neighbor Family Day June 3, 12-3pm Olmsted-Beil House Park • 4515 Hylan Blvd. Join Friends of Olmsted-Beil House for a free afternoon of nature-inspired arts and crafts activities, storytelling, games and more.   SunriseWALKS – Staten Island  June 4, 9am-5pm Staten Island University Hospital Community Park • 75 Richmond Terr. Give summer back to kids with cancer in our community by joining Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island at a walk and family carnival. 8th Annual New Drop Car & Jeep Show June 4, 9am-2pm New Drop High School • 465 New Dorp Ln. Check out so many makes and models of cars, and enjoy live music, a vendor market and more. Proceeds support the New Dorp High School Football Team.  Food Truck Festival at the Mount June 9, 6-10pm; June 10, 12-10pm; June 11, 12-8pm Catholic Charities Staten Island • 6541 Hylan Blvd. This huge family event features live music on stage, beer and sangria garden, rides for kids, and an amazing lineup of food trucks on the island.  World Oceans Day at the Zoo June 11, 11am-2pm Staten Island Zoo • 614 Broadway Learn all about the ocean and its amazing aquatic residents at this fun event. Cottage Row Curiosities  June 17, July 15, Aug. 19, Sept. 16, Oct. 21, 11am-4pm Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden • 1000 Richmond Terr. Speaking of Staten Island fairs and festivals, don’t overlook Cottage Row Curiosities! Go shopping at this community artisan market featuring over 50 Staten Island vendors. Enjoy music, entertainment, food and more. Juneteenth Freedom Festival June 17, 11am-6pm Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden • 1000 Richmond Terr. Enjoy this celebration that features live musical performances, historical readings and other fun activities. Learn about the history, and experience the culture and contributions of the African American community while enjoying the surroundings of Snug Harbor. Juneteenth Celebration  June 18, 11am-5pm Historic Richmond Town • 441 Clarke Ave. Celebrate Juneteenth at this event that will feature special programs including demonstrations of hearth cooking, discussions of social history and historical reenactment. 14th Annual Polish Festival June 18, 12-8pm Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden • 1000 Richmond Terr. Get acquainted with Polish culture, music, traditions and more at this fun festival. Enjoy live performances by singers and dance groups representing traditional music and dance. Traditional cuisine is served throughout the day including kielbasa, pierogi, golabki (stuffed cabbage), baked goods, and Polish beer. Kids activities include face painting, bounce houses and more. Independence Day Weekend July 1-2, 10am-4pm Historic Richmond Town • 441 Clarke Ave. Celebrate the founding of the American republic at Historic Richmond Town with crafts, activities, homemade treats, and more. Travis 4th of July Parade July 4,12pm Independence Park • Victory Blvd. and Glen Street Ceremony starts at noon at Independence Park in Travis (Corner of Victory Blvd. and Glen Street).  During the ceremony, dignitaries and honored guests, including the Grand Marshal, will be recognized. Step off is at 12:30pm at Showplace Entertainment Center.  Maker Park Radio’s 6 Year Anniversary Music and Arts Fest July 8, 6-10pm Maker Park at Front and Thompson Streets Enjoy music, food options, art and maker vendors, beverages and more at Maker Park Radio’s anniversary event. Richmond County Fair Sept. 2-4, 12-8pm Historic Richmond Town • 441 Clarke Ave. It’s that time of year again! Celebrate the best of Staten Island with fun food, music and so much more at the famous Richmond County Fair. Revolutionary War Living History Saturday June 10, 10am-5pm Historic Richmond Town • 441 Clarke Ave. Step back in time to experience the American Revolution as it happened in Richmond County. Historians will be on site demonstrating military drills, weapons and historic skills. Hear stories about soldiers and civilians as you learn about life during the American Revolution in New York. Open Village  Wednesdays through Sundays, 11am-5pm through Oct. 1 Historic Richmond Town • 441 Clarke Ave. Step back in time and experience the open village at Historic Richmond Town. The open air museum is alive with living history, demonstrated by costumed historical interpreters in structures throughout the campus. Summer Nights Vendor Market July 7, 3-8pm Empire Outlets • 55 Richmond Terr. Shop, eat and listen to music at this fun vendors market hosted by Created for You Artists Market. EO Backyard Games Daily, 10am-8pm through Oct. 31 Empire Outlets • 55 Richmond Terr. Head to this summer-time event series to play Jenga, Cornhole, Connect Four and lounge in Adirondack chairs. This article was updated on May 28, 2023. Wanna read more stuff like this? Get our newsletters packed with ideas, events, and information for parents in Staten Island.

    [more...]
  • two children wearing baseball caps Sunrise Day Camp Staten Island

    WALK FOR A CAUSE! Join SunriseWALKS on Sunday, June 4, to raise money for Sunrise Day Camp! CLICK HERE for more information.  Nothing is more devastating for a parent than their child’s diagnosis of cancer. Aside from the heartache of watching a youngster endure treatment, parents are concerned about the effects of the illness on siblings. It turns the entire family’s world upside down in ways never before imagined. In an effort to provide a positive summer experience, the JCC of Staten island will rent space at Staten Island Academy, Todt Hill, and utilize the facilities at the school for the Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp, a dedicated day camp for children with cancer and their siblings, provided completely free of charge. Orit Lender, CEO of the JCC, said, “Childhood should be a time for playdates, adventures outside in the sun, toothless grins, and scraped knees. But for too many children and their families, a pediatric cancer diagnosis changes everything. That’s why our Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island is so important. This free camp for children with cancer and their siblings gives our campers the gift of a magical summer that every child deserves to experience. Days at Sunrise are filled with friends, games, songs, and fun—the perfect antidote to long, lonely days at home and in the hospital. There’s nothing better than the smiles we see at Sunrise Day Camp because we know how much our campers have been through at such a young age. We are grateful to all the generous donors and sponsors who make camp a reality for these children by supporting us every year.” About half of the children who attend Sunrise Day Camp have cancer. The other half are their siblings, whose lives are so often altered by the disease. No friends over to the house because of impaired immune systems, no ‘equal’ treatment because so much of a family’s resources (emotional, financial, time, etc) are dominated by the health/medical needs of the patient. The camp recognizes the need for fun in all the children’s lives. Providing memorable summers on Staten Island since 2016 for children ages 3½–16, the camp brings the simple pleasures of childhood back to children struggling with cancer, changing months of loneliness and isolation into summers filled with sunshine, laughter and happiness. And because Sunrise is a day camp, it does all this while allowing the children to continue their medical treatment and enjoy the comfort and safety of their own homes at night. “Each day at Sunrise Day Camp, we’re spreading sunshine to kids who have been through the unimaginable,” David Lutzker, incoming Director of Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island, said. “But so often, we find that it’s really our campers—and the smiles and the laughter they share—who shine the most.” Staten Island Academy has a 12-acre campus, which provides enough space for Sunrise campers to take part in activities both indoors and out. “It has been an absolute pleasure to welcome Sunrise Day Camp to their new home at Staten Island Academy,” Eileen Corigliano, Staten Island Academy’s assistant head of school, said. “Nothing beats seeing the children’s smiling faces as they enjoy all that our beautiful campus has to offer. It is such a powerful experience to have Staten Island organizations join together and share their resources to support children, especially during this difficult time in their lives. Staten Island Academy students have the privilege of working with Sunrise and their children and it has been a rewarding experience. I am hopeful that this becomes a lifelong partnership for Sunrise and Staten Island Academy.” Additionally, the camp operates with enhanced safety protocols in place to minimize the potential of COVID-19 transmission at camp. Still, a virtual camp option is available for those families who may prefer or need distance camping. Sunrise Day Camp is operated by the JCC of Staten Island and is a program of the Sunrise Association, which has locations locally and worldwide. Sunrise Day Camps are in locations including Atlanta, Baltimore, Long Island, Pearl River, Israel, and of course, Staten Island. This year, camp runs June 29-Aug. 10. Unlike similar sleep-away camps that are offered for only 1-2 weeks, Sunrise allows children in active treatment to continue with their home doctors, while attending camp each day. This unique concept allows children the comfort of sleeping in their own beds each night – a comfort not only for the campers, but for their parents as well. Parents have peace of mind when their children attend Sunrise. All activities at camp are designed with special features to best accommodate chronically ill children, with medical personnel always available to provide expert care if needed. The flexible and individualized camp schedule allows for children to attend the program when they are able to do so, whether for the entire summer or a day or two. The goal is to provide the campers with a typical, predictable summer in a world filled with uncertainties and situations which no child nor family should ever have to face. How Do Parents Enroll Their Child? Parents can enroll their child online or by calling 718-475-5119. Children must be referred/given clearance by their oncologist or hospital. The camp welcomes children primarily from Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan and central or northern New Jersey. Children are picked up at their homes and home hospitals and returned there at the end of the camp day. They attend as they can…the whole summer, a few weeks, a day…whatever works for them and their physical health and treatment schedule. How Is Sunrise Day Camp Staten Island Different From The Other JCC Camp At Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds? Actually, it isn’t very different at all. It has the same kinds of activities like sports, arts and crafts, swimming, music, and much more. Of course it will have well-trained and caring staff. What does make it different is that there are high energy levels and lower energy levels of the activities based on how a child is feeling. There is more medical personnel. But to the child…NO difference and [more…]

    [more...]
  • kid playing in sprinkler Staten Island Sprinklers and Spray Shower Parks

    Just because the weather is heating up doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of opportunities for kids to have fun outside. On hot days, make sure to splash around at a spray shower in a park or playground near you. In general, spray showers operate on days when the temperature hits 80 degrees or higher, so you can cool down while having a blast! For more info click here. Christopher J. Igneri Playground Schmidts La., Manor Rd. and Laguardia Ave. Clove Lakes Park Forest Ave., Victory Blvd., bet. Clove Rd. and Brookside Ave., Royal Oak Rd. De Matti Playground Tompkins Ave., bet. Chestnut St. and Shaughnessy La. Dongan Playground Mason Ave. bet. Buel Ave. and Dongan Hills Ave. Dugan Playground Mill Road to Weed Avenue bet. Tysens Lane and Isernia Avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk And Beach Ft. Wadsworth To Miller Field, Fr. Capodanno Blvd. Great Kills Veterans Playground Hillcrest Avenue Greencroft Playground Greencroft Ave. bet. Ainsworth Ave. and Redgrave Ave. Jennifer’s Playground Jules Dr., Elson Ct., Regis Dr. Levy Playground Jewett and Castleton Avenues Lt. Lia Playground Wall St. bet. St Marks Pl. and Belmont Pl. Lopez Playground Palma Dr. bet. Targee St. and Oder Ave. Gen. Douglas Macarthur Park Dongan Hills Ave. and Jefferson St. Mahoney Playground Beechwood Ave., Crescent Ave. and Jersey St. Markham Playground Willowbrook Pkwy., Forest Ave. to Houston St. Mcdonald Playground Forest Ave., Myrtle Ave., Broadway, N. Burgher Ave. Midland Playground Midland Ave., Mason Ave. Old Town Playground Parkinson Ave. at Kramer St. Prescott Playground Edith Ave. at Irvington St. Rev. Dr. Maggie Howard Playground Tompkins Avenue, Broad Street, Hill Street Schmul Park Wild Ave., Pearson St., Melvin Ave. Silver Lake Park Victory Blvd., Clove Rd., Forest Ave. Skyline Playground Arnold St. to Prospect Ave. bet. Harvard Ave and Clyde Pl. Terrace Playground Foote Avenue, Howard Avenue, Martha Street, Clove Road White Playground High St., Lyman Ave., Bay St. and Summer St. Wolfe’s Pond Park Holton Ave., Chisolm St., Luten Ave., Arbutus Ave. and Raritan Bay Updated 6/26/23 Read Next | This Is Everything You Need to Find an Amazing Summer Camp Program in Staten Island

    [more...]
  • public swimming pools on staten island 7 Free Public Pools on Staten Island Your Family Will Enjoy

    There are seven free outdoor public pools in Staten Island, and they open for the season on June 29. Olympic- and intermediate-sized pools remain open until Sunday, Sept. 10. Mini pools will close on Labor Day. Pool hours are from 11am-7pm daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3-4pm. But before you pack your swim towels, apply sunscreen and head to the pool for an afternoon of family fun this summer, there are a few things you need to know. What To Know Before Swimming In A Public Pool On Staten Island NYC Parks has some requirements and suggestions for families who want to swim at one of the public pools on Staten Island: All visitors must wear swimsuits to enter the pool area. If you want to cover up to protect your skin from the sun, you’ll need to bring a plain white shirt or hat. Shirts with colors on them aren’t allowed on pool decks. Forget or run out of your sunscreen? No worries! All public pools provide free sunscreen. Bring a sturdy lock (they’re required to enter) to keep your valuables safe in lockers. Don’t bring food, glass bottles, electronic devices, or newspapers to the pool, and leave valuables (like jewelry and credit cards) at home. Leave the pool floats at home. Babies and toddlers can use swim diapers in the pools. While you may find a spot to park your stroller, it’s at your own risk, so you’ll have to keep an eye on it. RELATED: The Top 10 Parks for Families on Staten Island These Are The Free Pools in Staten Island For Families 1. Faber Pool Faber Pool and Park, Faber Street and Richmond Terrace 718-816-5259 Pools On-Site: Intermediate Pool Wheelchair Accessible Located by the Staten Island waterfront, this outdoor pool includes a park with playgrounds, basketball courts and a skate park. 2. General Douglas Pool General Douglas MacArthur Park, Jefferson Street and Seaver Avenue 718-987-9800 Pools On-Site: Mini Pool Named after General Douglas MacArthur, the park was developed as part of the General Charles W. Berry Houses public housing project. In addition to the mini pool, the park has baseball fields, basketball courts and handball courts. Want to cool off without going swimming? The park also has spray showers for kids to run through. 3. Lyons Pool Pier 6 and Victory Boulevard 718-816-9571 Pools On-Site: Olympic Pool Wheelchair Accessible This aquatic facility is a swimmer’s delight, whether you’re a trained athlete, recreational swimmer or just want to relax in the water. 4. Maggie Howard Pool Rev. Dr. Maggie Howard Playground, Tompkins Avenue, between Hill and Broad Streets 718-448-5969 Pools On-Site: Mini Pool  This pool is named after Stapleton community activist and senior pastor of Stapleton UAME, the oldest African-American church on Staten Island. In addition to the pool, the park has playgrounds, baseball fields, basketball and handball courts, and spray showers on-site. 5. PS 46 Playground Pool Old Town Playground, Parkinson Avenue and Kramer Street 718-448-8694 Pools On-Site: Mini Pool The site of this mini pool includes the Old Town Playground. Visitors can use baseball fields, basketball and handball courts, and spray showers when they’re not splashing around in the pool. 6. Tottenville Pool Hylan Boulevard and Joline Avenue 718-356-8242 Pools On-Site: Intermediate Pool, Wading Pool Wheelchair Accessible There are two pools at this site. One is 60 feet wide, 75 feet long and 3 1/2 feet deep. The smaller “kiddie pool” is a 24-foot square that’s 1 1/2 feet deep.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by NYC Parks (@nycparks) 7. West Brighton Pool CPL. Thompson Park, Henderson Avenue, between Broadway and Chappel Street 718-816-5019 Pools On-Site: Intermediate Pool, Wading Pool Wheelchair Accessible There are two pools at this site. Plus, the park has baseball, soccer, and football fields, a playground, and running tracks. Updated 6/26/23 Read Next | Learn about All the Best Pre-school or Daycare Centers on Staten Island   Wanna read more stuff like this? Get our newsletters packed with ideas, events, and information for parents in Staten Island.

    [more...]

Activities and Events