Boerum Hill with 12,000 residents and three commercial districts, Smith Street, Court Street & Atlantic Avenue, is part of the trifecta of neighborhoods sometimes known as Bococa (Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens). It is easily accessible by a number of train lines and nestled in the middle of several other neighborhoods including Fort Greene and Cobble Hill. Boerum Hill is distinct in its’ rich history and many independent small businesses, both newcomers and those generations old.
Kid-friendly institutions:
- NY Transit Museum
- Brooklyn Robot Foundry and Painted Pot for after school programs/camps
- Books are Magic is a well curated indie bookstore staffed by folks who are very generous with their knowledge and passion for books
- Invisible Dog is a spacious art gallery and event space often featuring kid-friendly content and shows
- The best playground is at PS 261 which is open to the public…it features a garden, turf and separate section for younger kids
Kid-friendly restaurants:
- Building on Bond…casual American fare on (you guessed it…Bond St!)
- Ki Sushi on Smith Street has approachable and well made sushi
- French Louie on Atlantic Avenue has a great kids menu that will keep the kids happy while adults enjoy thoughtfully prepared dishes (don’t miss the fantastic back patio)
- Numero 28 Pizza on Bergen Street features a family friendly menu, patient staff and even a TV that is typically showing Mickey Mouse in black & white
- One Girl Cookies on Dean Street for all of your birthday cake & other sweets needs
What you should not miss in Boerum Hill:
- Meandering up and down the side streets to experience the history of the neighborhood
- Shopping….Atlantic Avenue is home to some of Brooklyn’s most tasteful home goods and clothing shops. On Court and Smith Streets be sure to hit up Stinky Brooklyn, Tara 21, Bird, Regular Visitors, Modern Anthology and many more
Schools in Boerum Hill:
- Public schools: District 15 PS 261 is Boerum Hill’s zoned elementary school
- Preschools: Open House Nursery School and Brooklyn Heights Montessori School (many kids attend preschools in Cobble Hill or other surrounding neighborhoods, more information here)
- Daycares: Regina’s Daycare and Pollitos Daycare
Affording Boerum Hill:
Downsides of Boerum Hill:
- The F train at Bergen Street is super crowded
- Lots of folks are buying and gut renovating brownstones so there are the side effects of that like dumpsters, construction fencing, etc…
This guide has been contributed by Dawn Casale founder of One Girl Cookies, Boerum Hill resident since 2004 and mom of two children. One Girl Cookies planted its roots in Boerum Hill in 2005. The cafe sits on a tree lined block of Dean Street and is a quaint spot where, on any day, you can spot families and friends sharing stories and sweets with each other. Over the years they have provided countless birthday cakes, whoopie pies, breakfast pastries and iced coffees (with coffee cubes!) to the community.
