This morning, my partner sent me a frantic text looking for the membership card to the Staten Island Children’s Museum, where she planned to take our kids. A little later, I received a photo of our 7-month-old at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, cheerfully chewing on a toy that looked like it had seen better days. I couldn’t help but chuckle and tease him, asking which museum they ended up at since I was sure she’d misplaced her card.
In the end, the exact destination didn’t matter. They had a great time at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum instead, which was just one of many options available to us. My son, meanwhile, has been itching to revisit the Museum of Natural History for the fifth time or perhaps the New York Transit Museum for the fiftieth, or even the science museum in New Jersey where we once saw R2D2. Each of these fantastic places is under an hour away from our Brooklyn home.
The array of choices we have is astonishing. Just this past weekend, we hopped on a ferry to Governor’s Island so my 5-year-old could enjoy the new slide park. Afterward, we strolled through Brooklyn Bridge Park before heading home, only to be met with the challenge of dragging my son away from the playgrounds we passed in Prospect Park.
This variety of experiences is what makes living in the city so appealing. A few years back, we took a detour and spent some time away from the hustle and bustle, lured by the promise of lower living costs and more space. We settled in a seemingly urban area of Raleigh, only to find it lacked the vibrant energy and accessibility we craved. While we enjoyed our visits and cherished friendships there, it became clear that suburban life wasn’t for us.
Both my partner and I hail from quieter backgrounds; I grew up in suburban Connecticut and she in rural Pennsylvania. The bustling life of New York City is a far cry from our childhoods, and I never imagined I’d raise my kids in such an environment. Admittedly, I have my reservations. The thought of them taking the subway to high school is something I’m still adjusting to, and I do miss the idea of them racing dirt bikes down wooded trails. But every choice comes with its trade-offs.
Sure, our yard is tiny—thankfully we have a small patch of green—but we’re surrounded by parks and greenery that more than suffice. While we might not have sprawling spaces, we benefit from easy access to everything we could possibly need. From diverse parks and museums to an incredible array of food options, my children have a wealth of experiences awaiting them.
The richness of culture and diversity in the city are unparalleled, and the convenience is unmatched. The idea of moving back to a small town or suburb is just unimaginable to me. For those interested in starting their own family journey, check out this post on home insemination to learn more about your options.
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In summary, while living in New York City comes with its challenges, the endless opportunities for exploration and growth make it an unbeatable place to raise children. The vibrancy, culture, and access to experiences are invaluable, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.