No-car Adventures with Toddlers in The Heights

Hey there, fellow parents!

If you're anything like me, you're always on the lookout for new and exciting places to explore with your little ones, especially those spots that are easily accessible and toddler-approved. Well, let me tell you, The Heights in Jersey City has quickly become one of our favorite stomping grounds!

Just last week, my little whirlwind, Leo (who's 2 going on 12!), and I embarked on another mini-adventure, and I wanted to share our perfect Heights itinerary with all of you. It's amazing how much fun you can pack into a morning!

Arrival by Light Rail: Smooth Sailing!

One of the best things about The Heights is how easy it is to get to. We hopped on the Light Rail from downtown, and the ride itself is part of the fun for Leo – he loves watching the world go by! We got off at the 9th Street Station. It’s super convenient, with ramps and elevators for strollers, making it a breeze to navigate with a toddler in tow.

From Light Rail to Park: A Short Stroll!

Our first stop, without fail, is always Riverview-Fisk Park.

From the 9th Street Light Rail station, it’s about a 0.4-mile walk up to the park, which usually takes us about 8-10 minutes with Leo's little legs and a few "look at that!" stops. This park is a gem! Not only does it have incredible panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River (hello, photo ops!), but it also boasts a fantastic playground. There are swings, slides, and climbing structures perfect for different age groups. Leo loves the smaller slides and digging in the sandpit. It’s a great spot to let them burn off some energy and make new little friends. Plus, there's plenty of open space for them to run around safely.

Lunchtime Delights: Bread and Salt

After a good hour of playground fun, tummies were rumbling! We headed over to Bread and Salt, a fantastic spot known for its incredible Roman-style pizza and pastries.

From Riverview-Fisk Park, Bread and Salt is just around the corner, taking us roughly 4 minutes through the park. The atmosphere is lively and casual, and the pizza slices are perfect for sharing (or for Leo to devour most of!). They have high chairs, and the communal table setup can be fun for little ones. Leo is a huge fan of their plain cheese pizza, and I love trying whatever seasonal focaccia they have.

Mama Needs Coffee (and a Treat for Leo!): Lil Dove Cafe

No outing is complete without a coffee stop for me! We walked a few blocks down to Lil Dove Cafe before heading to the light rail station.

From Bread and Salt, it’s about a 0.4 mile walk, which is usually just 8 minutes – perfect for when you need that caffeine fix ASAP! This place has such a lovely, airy vibe with beautiful murals. They have delicious coffee (a much-needed pick-me-up!), and they always have a great selection of pastries and treats. Leo usually gets a small cookie or a banana bread slice, and it’s the perfect way to refuel before heading home. There’s usually enough space to park the stroller, and the bright windows make it a pleasant spot to sit and watch the world go by.

And there you have it – a perfect morning spent exploring The Heights with my favorite little companion! It's a neighborhood that truly has something for everyone, and I highly recommend adding it to your family's adventure list. The walkable distances make it so manageable even with a little one!

Mom tip: Definitely peek at the light rail schedule before you head out. If you just miss a train, the wait for the next one can feel like an eternity with a toddler!