Illustration: by Graham Roumieu
How difficult can it be to gather 25 kindergarten children and their caregivers in Prospect Park on a Saturday afternoon? Actually, it’s pretty difficult. We spoke to parents, entertainers and park staff and asked them for advice.
It’s worth going farther afield to find parks with better amenities. You’ll want at least an open grassy area, some shade, a table and a restroom nearby. “There’s a hill between the Parkside entrance to Prospect Park and the ice skating rink that’s perfect for kids’ parties because of the restrooms near the rink,” says Jennifer McClelland-Smith, a mom from Brooklyn. Rebecca McMackin, the former head of Brooklyn Bridge Park’s horticulture department, recommends Pier 3 for the maze and its reliably empty lawn. (Just note that you’ll have to walk to Pier 2 for a restroom.) Nellie Laskow, a mom from Queens, likes the North Lawn in Astoria Park, where there’s shade under the Hell Gate Bridge on hot days. She also likes Randalls Island and Roosevelt Island — The latter is especially true of the big hill above the FDR Hope Memorial. “It’s a little walk, but it feels secret and special,” says Laskow. And as the ultimate option, Lauren Smith Brody, a mother of two, recommends Turtle Pond below the Great Lawn in Central Park, “because it’s easy to keep an eye on the kids since there’s the pond’s edge on one side and the Great Lawn path on the other.” Plus, you’ll have Belvedere Castle in the background of your photos, and the kids love the turtles.
Pier 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park has a huge covered area with tables, and St. Mary’s Playground in Carroll Gardens is under the F/G tracks, which offers convenient shelter from the rain and sun, according to Elisa Pupko, founder of Treasure Trunk Theater, a children’s theater program. But beware: St. Mary’s has no restroom.
Illustration: by Graham Roumieu
If you’re expecting more than 20 people, you’ll need a special permit from the Parks Department to see if anyone else is planning a party at the same time or if the area will be closed off. Apply for your permit at least 30 days in advance at nyceventpermits.nyc.gov/parks (it only takes a few minutes).
On caterer and mother of two Jessica Meter’s list of must-bring items are paper towels, scissors, matches, hand sanitizer, baby wipes, trash bags, toilet paper and tablecloths. And don’t forget something to weigh down the tablecloth and a vessel heavier than a paper cup to hold the silverware together.
“It’s better to have something that you can do successfully than to overdo it,” says Anne McTernan, the parks department’s director of citywide special events. Erin Boyle, mother of three and co-author of Making things, suggests making beaded friendship bracelets and handing out watercolor travel kits for elementary school children. Laskow likes “toys that bring the community of kids together, like bubble machines and stomp rockets.”
A talented performer can add structure to the party and keep the kids from wandering around. McClelland-Smith once hired Joe Magic Man: “He made the kids laugh and involved the birthday child in the show, which was fun for everyone.”
Illustration: by Graham Roumieu
Brooklyn mom Marisa LaScala recommends having a morning bagel party. “During that time, from 10 a.m. to noon, the park isn’t as crowded or hot,” she says. Plus, parents will thank you for not eating all day.
Many pizza places can’t easily handle large, last-minute orders through an app, says Leah Wiseman Fink, co-owner of Williamsburg Pizza. She suggests meeting the delivery person at the entrance to a park and having another parent help you carry the food.
LaScala says, “Parents are likely to bring their siblings – and they’ll want to bring their own treats.”
