Boerum Hill with 20,000 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
- The Craft Studio for parties, camps, classes and more for art loving kids.
- Clayhouse Brooklyn is a pottery studio in Cobble Hill that is the sister studio of The Painted Pot. They offer classes for kids including wheel pottery classes, handbuilding classes, and summer camps. After-school classes have options for School pick-up (PS29, PS261, PS32, PS58, Brooklyn New School, Mary McDowell, Brooklyn Heights Montessori School, & Success Academy Cobble Hill) and late pick-up. ClayHouse also offers special workshops, family classes, and more. Ages: 6 and up (9 and up for pottery wheel classes).
- Books are Magic is a well curated indie bookstore staffed by folks who are very generous with their knowledge and passion for books.
- Golfzon Social Brooklyn is the ultimate sports and entertainment hub, featuring 65 TVs, 16 cutting-edge golf and game simulators, a full-size shuffleboard, and a VIP room with karaoke for groups up to 10. Whether you’re here for happy hour, a bite with friends, lessons, leagues, or a round of golf, it’s the perfect place to play and hang. Located at 15 Hoyt Street between Fulton and Livingston, take the elevator or stairs down to access the location.
- The best playground is at PS 261 which is open to the public…it features a garden, turf and separate section for younger kids.
- P.S. 38 at 450 Pacific Street has a newish playground and the schoolyard is open seven days per week for neighbors to enjoy. Items include a jungle gym, a pre-k playground, basketball courts, turf field and outdoor classroom space.
Best drop-in indoor fun in Brooklyn by neighborhood here.
Kid-friendly restaurants:
- 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 as well as sandwiches, salads and soups
- Piccola Cucina Casa This Sicilian restaurant on Nevins Street offers a seasonal menu that showcases Italian culinary diversity: from grilled octopus from Puglia to schnitzel Milanese from Lombardy. The restaurant’s atmosphere blends rustic Italian charm with a welcoming Brooklyn vibe, with both indoor and outdoor seating
- Mia’s Bakery at 139 Smith Street
- Bobbi’s Italian Beef on Smith (Chicago hot dogs and sandwiches)
Our overview of kid-friendly restaurants in Brooklyn by neighborhood here.
Spots for a date night out:
Grand Army Bar | Grand Army in Boerum Hill specializes in cocktails and seafood. It’s an intimate space with a little fireplace. There’s tons of seating at the bar, with some cozy tables as well. Try a seafood tower, or come for oyster happy hours on weekdays from 5-7pm and on weekends from 2-4pm.
Rucola | Rucola is a small neighborhood Italian restaurant known for its seasonal, farm-to-table dishes and warm, welcoming atmosphere. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the menu offers a variety of flavorful pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and light antipasti.
Our overview of romantic restaurants in Brooklyn by neighborhood here.
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 and Smith Street are home to some of Brooklyn’s most tasteful home goods and clothing shops. Be sure to hit up Michael’s for arts supplies and Misha & Puff at 349 Atlantic for kids clothing and many more
- Public neighborhood gardens: The North Pacific Playground and Garden, Hoyt Street Garden, David Foulke Memorial Garden and the Wyckoff Bond Garden
Schools in Boerum Hill:
- Public schools: District 15 PS 261 and PS 38 are Boerum Hill’s zoned elementary schools
- Success Academy Charter School
- Preschools and daycares: The Learning Experience, Open House Nursery School, Ladybug Daycare and Preschool, Brooklyn Heights Montessori School, Regina’s Daycare and Pollitos Daycare
For more information about schools, download our school guides here.
Affording Boerum Hill:
- The average two bedroom rent per month in 2024 was $
- The median condo sale in 2024 was $1.5M
Downsides of Boerum Hill:
- Lack of parks and green spaces
- The F train at Bergen Street is crowded
- The reconstruction of the jail on Atlantic Avenue has been affecting and will affect quality of life by noise, illegally parked cars and traffic until 2029
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.
Updated: March 2025
