Itinerary: Fun-filled day at The Battery Park

As a Jersey City mom, I’m always on the hunt for fun weekend adventures with my son, Jayden. At 4, he’s curious, energetic, and always ready to climb something or jump into a sandbox. Last weekend, we planned a little “mommy and son” day across the river in Lower Manhattan, and let me just say—it did not disappoint.

So if you’re wondering how to turn an ordinary day into a little urban adventure full of playgrounds, art, and maybe even a spinning fish ride, keep reading. This one’s for the memory books!

How to get there from Jersey City

There are a couple of easy and stroller-friendly ways to get into Manhattan from Jersey City:

• PATH Train to World Trade Center

  We took the PATH train ($2.75 each way). The World Trade Center PATH station is completely stroller-friendly and pops you right into the heart of all the action.

• NY Waterway Ferry

  If you’re up for a scenic route, the NY Waterway Ferry from Hoboken or Exchange Place is a great choice ($7.50 each way for adults, kids under 5 ride free!). It's especially fun if your little one loves boats. You can check their schedule here.

Things to check out there

Rockefeller Playground

Our first stop? Rockefeller Park Playground—and oh my goodness, Jayden was in heaven. The floor is this soft, bouncy material, perfect for jumping, tumbling, and pretending the ground is lava (a current favorite game).

There are tons of ladders and nets for climbing, a couple of huge sand pits, and a splash area with adorable elephant statues that spray water—super refreshing on warm days. One of Jayden’s favorite parts? A charming, old-school merry-go-round powered by… parents! (Yes, I had to give it a few spins, and my arms definitely felt it later 😅.)

We packed a picnic and ate on one of the shady benches nearby. The park is surrounded by a peaceful duck pond, basketball courts, and rolling green lawns. It’s honestly a little paradise in the city.

Teardrop Park

Just a block away is the nature-inspired Teardrop Park, and it felt like stumbling into a hidden forest. This two-acre green space is beautifully landscaped with rocks, water features, and trees—so different from your average playground.

Jayden was mesmerized by the giant metal slide (apparently one of the longest in the city!), and I loved the peaceful vibe. There are also sandboxes, shady corners to sit and read, and even a stunning “Ice Wall” featuring beautiful artwork. It’s the kind of place that sparks a kid’s imagination.

Oculus

Before heading further downtown, we made a quick stop inside the Oculus. Jayden stood in awe of the soaring, wing-like architecture—“Mom, it looks like a spaceship!” he whispered. Designed to look like a dove taking flight, it’s a beautiful blend of meaning and art. We peeked up through the skylights to spot the Freedom Tower above, and it was one of those quiet, reflective moments that reminded me how special this city really is.

One World Trade Center:

If your kid is into heights and views, don’t miss the One World Observatory. We didn’t go up this time (saving it for when Jayden’s a bit older), but it’s definitely on our list. The idea of seeing the whole city from up above the clouds? Dreamy.

Brookfield Place:

We wandered into Brookfield Place next, mostly because I wanted a coffee and Jayden needed to cool down. The Winter Garden Atrium is stunning, with tall palm trees and a view of the Hudson River. We browsed some of the shops, then sat and listened to live music playing in the lobby. Around the holidays, they host a free performance of The Nutcracker by the New York Theatre Ballet—so magical! Definitely coming back for that.

Seaglass Carousel

To end the day with something truly magical, we walked over to Battery Park to ride the Seaglass Carousel. And wow. Instead of horses, you ride inside glowing, color-shifting giant fish, as if you’re underwater. Jayden chose the biggest one he could find and we spun around with lights and music that made it feel like we were floating through the ocean.

It’s $6 a ticket, and 100% worth it. You can check out the Seaglass Carousel website for more details.