This morning, my partner texted me frantically, unable to locate her membership card for the Staten Island Children’s Museum, which she planned to visit with our kids. Later, she sent me a picture of our 7-month-old at a museum, chewing on a filthy toy—what a silly little guy! I responded, teasing my son for his antics and asking which museum they ended up at, knowing she probably never found that card.
The truth is, it didn’t really matter. Instead, they headed to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. As I suspected, my partner had only found her card for the science museum in Queens, which is essentially a children’s museum anyway. Meanwhile, my son keeps asking to revisit the Museum of Natural History for the fifth time or the NY Transit Museum for the 50th. And let’s not forget the science museum in New Jersey we visited when we saw R2D2! Every one of these places is less than an hour from our Brooklyn home.
Her choices were virtually endless. Just this past weekend, we took a ferry to Governor’s Island so my 5-year-old could enjoy the new slide park. After that, we returned and relaxed at Brooklyn Bridge Park. On our way home, we had to drag my son away from the three playgrounds we passed on our walk back to the apartment.
This variety is exactly why we love living in the city. A few years ago, we left for the same reasons many others do: high living costs, limited space, and crowds. But after a year and a half away, we returned to find those issues still present. Yes, city living is pricey, and buying a house here might be a distant dream. We tried to downsize and moved to Raleigh, which is called a city but lacks a centralized downtown and decent public transport, making it feel less urban. I’m not criticizing Raleigh—we have great friends there and enjoy visiting—but despite our desire for more space and lower costs, it just wasn’t the right fit.
Both my partner and I grew up in less urban environments. I hail from suburban Connecticut, while she’s from rural Pennsylvania. Raising our kids in a bustling city like New York was not something I ever envisioned. I do have my worries, like the fact that they’ll likely take the subway to high school instead of enjoying dirt bike rides down wooded trails. Still, every experience is a trade-off; for everything they might miss, they’ll gain something invaluable in return.
We may lack a large yard (though we’re grateful for the small patch we have), but there’s an abundance of parks and green spaces nearby. While our living area may be limited, space is overrated, and everything we need is within easy reach. From countless parks and museums to a diverse array of food options, my kids will have a wealth of experiences as they grow up.
The culture and diversity offered by the city are unmatched, and its convenience is irreplaceable. At this point, the thought of returning to a small town or suburb feels completely out of the question. If you’re interested in learning more about the journey of parenthood and topics like home insemination, feel free to check out this post on home insemination kits. It’s an excellent read for anyone exploring fertility options. Additionally, for more insights on pregnancy, Healthline provides valuable resources, and for couples navigating their fertility journey, Make a Mom is a trusted authority.
In summary, raising kids in New York City presents its challenges, but the unlimited opportunities for cultural and educational experiences far outweigh the drawbacks. The vibrancy and convenience of urban life enrich our family’s journey, making it a place I can’t imagine leaving.