Brooklyn is expensive — there’s no way around it. But when it comes to keeping kids entertained, you really don’t need to spend a fortune. Over the years, we’ve found so many amazing free and low-cost activities that our kids love. Here are our favorites.

Completely Free

1. Prospect Park

Our number one go-to. The playgrounds (there are several!), the lake, the Long Meadow for running and kite-flying, the Ravine trail for a nature walk that feels like you’ve left the city entirely. We go almost every weekend.

2. Brooklyn Public Library Story Time

Our local branch does free story time for different age groups throughout the week. It’s a great way to socialize and build a reading habit. Plus, the library itself is a wonderful resource — free books, movies, and even museum passes you can borrow.

3. DUMBO Waterfront

The views of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge are incredible, and the playground at Pier 6 is one of the best in the borough. Pack a picnic and you’ve got a free afternoon outing.

4. Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Free Days)

The garden offers free admission on certain days (check their website). It’s beautiful in every season, and kids love the Children’s Garden and the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden.

5. Community Events

Brooklyn has free festivals, outdoor movies, and concerts throughout the warmer months. Celebrate Brooklyn! at Prospect Park Bandshell is a summer highlight.

Low-Cost Options ($5–$15)

6. Brooklyn Children’s Museum ($13/person)

One of the best children’s museums in the city. Interactive exhibits, water play, and cultural programming. Worth every penny. They also offer free admission on certain afternoons — check their schedule.

7. Brooklyn Museum (Pay What You Wish)

The suggested admission is $16, but it’s actually pay-what-you-wish. We’ve taken the kids for $5 total and spent hours exploring. The Egyptian galleries are always a hit.

8. Ice Skating at LeFrak Center ($9–$11)

In winter, this is our favorite family activity. Skate rentals are included in the price, and the rink in Prospect Park is beautiful.

9. Cooking Classes at Local Spots

Several Brooklyn businesses offer kids’ cooking classes for $10–$15. It’s a fun way to teach life skills and try new foods (especially helpful for allergy families — you control the ingredients).

10. Brooklyn Boulders – Kids’ Climb

Indoor rock climbing is a great rainy-day activity. They offer introductory sessions for kids at reasonable prices, and it’s a fantastic workout disguised as fun.

Tips for Budget-Friendly Fun

• Pack snacks and water — buying food on outings adds up fast
• Check for free days — at museums and attractions (most have them!)
• Use your library card — many Brooklyn libraries offer free passes to museums and cultural institutions
• Join local parent groups — Facebook groups and Nextdoor are great for finding free events
• Rotate between favorites — kids love repetition, and having 5–6 go-to spots means you never run out of ideas

The Bottom Line

You don’t need expensive classes, theme parks, or elaborate outings to create amazing memories. Some of our best family days have cost absolutely nothing. Brooklyn has so much to offer — you just have to know where to look.

The organic debate is one of those topics that can make any parent feel guilty. You want to give your kids the best, but organic everything would double our grocery bill. So I did what any overthinking Brooklyn mom would do — I researched it deeply and came up with a system.

The Short Answer

Organic is worth it for some things, but not everything. The key is knowing where pesticide residue is highest and making strategic choices.

Where I Buy Organic (The “Dirty Dozen”)

Every year, the Environmental Working Group publishes a list of produce with the most pesticide residue. For these, I always buy organic:

Strawberries — consistently the most contaminated

Spinach

Apples

Grapes

Peaches

Celery

The rest of the dirty dozen too, when budget allows.

Where I Skip Organic (The “Clean Fifteen”)

These have the lowest pesticide residue, so conventional is fine:

Avocados — thick skin protects the fruit

Sweet corn

Pineapple

Onions

Frozen peas

Mangoes

The Price Difference Is Real

Here’s what I tracked over a month at our local stores:

For the items where I buy organic, it adds about $30–$40/month to our grocery bill. For us, that’s a trade-off worth making.

Beyond Produce

For dairy and eggs, I do buy organic. The difference in how the animals are raised matters to me, and the kids drink a lot of milk (well, oat milk in our case). For packaged snacks, I look at the ingredients list more than the organic label. “Organic” cookies are still cookies.

My Practical Advice

Use the Dirty Dozen as your guide — you don’t need to memorize it, just screenshot the list

Wash everything well — even organic produce should be rinsed

Frozen organic is often cheaper — than fresh organic and just as nutritious

Don’t feel guilty about conventional — fed is best, period

Shop at farmers markets — many small farms use organic practices but can’t afford the certification

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to go all-organic or skip it entirely. Find the middle ground that works for your family’s health and budget. No judgment here — we’re all doing our best.

When I had my first kid, everyone told me to “start saving for college right away.” I nodded, smiled, and then promptly felt overwhelmed by all the options. Now, with two kids, I’ve finally found an approach that works — and more importantly, one that doesn’t keep me up at night.

Our Saving Strategy

We keep it simple with three buckets:

1. 529 College Savings Plans

Each kid has a NY 529 plan. We auto-contribute $150/month per child. It’s not a huge amount, but compound growth over 15+ years makes a real difference. The tax advantages are a nice bonus too.

2. High-Yield Savings Account

We have a joint HYSA (currently earning ~4.5% APY) for short-to-medium-term goals — summer camps, activities, braces, or whatever pops up. We keep about $5,000 in here as a “kid fund.”

3. Our Own Emergency Fund

This isn’t technically “for the kids,” but having 3–4 months of expenses saved gives me peace of mind that we can handle surprises without derailing the kids’ savings.

How We Automate Everything

Automation is the secret weapon. On the 1st of every month:

• $300 goes to 529 plans (split between two kids)
• $200 goes to the HYSA kid fund
• We don’t think about it or touch it

What I’m NOT Doing

• Not investing in individual stocks for them — too stressful, too much effort
• Not obsessing over the “perfect” fund allocation — we picked a target-date fund in each 529 and left it alone
• Not comparing ourselves to other families — we save what we can, period

Gifts and Birthdays

Instead of more toys, we ask grandparents and family to contribute to the 529 plans. Most platforms make it easy to share a gift link. This has been a game-changer, especially around holidays.

The Math That Keeps Me Calm

$150/month per kid × 18 years, assuming ~7% average return = roughly $65,000 per child by the time they’re 18. That won’t cover everything, but it’s a solid foundation. And if they get scholarships or choose a different path, the 529 money can be rolled into a Roth IRA (thanks to recent rule changes).

My Advice to Other Parents

Start with whatever you can — even $25/month matters. Don’t wait for the “perfect” time or the “right” amount. Set it up once, automate it, and focus your energy on the things you can control today. Future you will be grateful.

Let’s talk about grocery budgets — specifically when half your cart is specialty allergy-friendly food that costs twice as much as the regular version. It’s a reality for our family, and I know it is for many of yours too.

Our Monthly Grocery Budget

For our family of four (two adults, two kids aged 4 and 7), we aim to spend $800–$900 per month on groceries. That includes all the allergy-friendly substitutes, fresh produce, and the occasional “treat yourself” splurge.

Where the Money Goes

Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Produce: — $200 (we buy a mix of organic and conventional)
• Proteins: — $180 (chicken, fish, eggs, beans)
• Allergy-friendly items: — $150 (sunflower seed butter, gluten-free snacks, specialty milks)
• Dairy & alternatives: — $80
• Pantry staples: — $100 (rice, pasta, oils, spices)
• Snacks & treats: — $90
• Miscellaneous: — $50–$100

Strategies That Save Us Money

1. Meal Planning (Non-Negotiable)

Every Sunday, I plan 5 dinners for the week. We eat leftovers or simple meals the other nights. This alone cut our food waste — and spending — by about 25%.

2. Buy Store-Brand When Possible

Trader Joe’s and Aldi have great allergy-friendly options at lower prices. Not everything needs to be name-brand.

3. Buy in Bulk — Selectively

Rice, oats, pasta, and canned goods we buy in bulk from Costco. But I’ve learned that buying bulk perishables just leads to waste for us.

4. Seasonal Produce

Buying fruits and veggies in season saves a lot. Berries in summer, apples in fall, root vegetables in winter. The farmers market at Grand Army Plaza is our Saturday ritual.

5. The Freezer Is Your Friend

I batch cook soups, sauces, and proteins and freeze them. This prevents the “I’m too tired to cook, let’s order takeout” trap that used to cost us $50+ per occasion.

The Allergy Tax Is Real

I won’t sugarcoat it: allergy-friendly food costs more. A jar of SunButter is $7 vs. $3 for peanut butter. Oat milk is $5 vs. $3 for regular milk. Over a month, these small differences add up to $100–$150 extra.

My Advice

Don’t compare your grocery budget to families without allergy needs. It’s not the same game. Focus on finding your own balance between nutrition, safety, and affordability. And if you’re in Brooklyn, check out the Park Slope Food Coop — the prices are significantly better on specialty items.

Bottom Line

It’s possible to eat well, stay allergy-safe, and not go broke. It takes planning, but once you have a system, it becomes second nature.

I never thought I’d be the person writing a love letter to an air purifier. But here we are. After years of our son waking up congested and sneezy every morning, this one change made a dramatic difference.

The Problem

Every morning, our son would wake up stuffed up, sneezing, and rubbing his eyes. We thought it was just “how he is.” His allergist suggested that indoor allergens — dust mites, pet dander (we have a cat), and mold spores — might be the culprit, especially in our older Brooklyn apartment.

What We Tried First

 

Air Purifier #1: The Budget Option ($50)

A small desktop unit from Amazon. It had a basic filter and made a lot of noise. After a month, we noticed zero difference. Returned it.

Air Purifier #2: The Trendy One ($300)

A sleek-looking unit that was all over Instagram. It looked great in the room but the replacement filters were $80 every three months, and the air quality sensor seemed unreliable. Sold it on Facebook Marketplace.

Air Purifier #3: The One That Worked

We ended up with a HEPA-rated unit designed for rooms up to 400 sq ft (our son’s room is about 120 sq ft, so it’s overkill — and that’s the point). Key features:

• True HEPA H13 filter — captures 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns and larger
• Activated carbon pre-filter — for odors
• Quiet sleep mode — barely audible
• Filter replacement every 6–8 months — at ~$30

The Results

Within the first week, our son’s morning congestion noticeably improved. By week three, the sneezing fits were rare. He’s sleeping better, breathing easier, and waking up in a better mood (which means we all are).

What I Learned

Size matters — get a purifier rated for a room larger than your actual room

True HEPA vs. “HEPA-type” — there’s a big difference. Only true HEPA filters meet the standard

Run it 24/7 — we keep it on low during the day and sleep mode at night

Keep the door closed — the purifier can only clean the air in the room if the air stays in the room

Replace filters on schedule — a dirty filter is worse than no filter

Other Things That Helped

• Dust mite covers on mattress and pillows
• Washing bedding in hot water weekly
• Keeping the cat out of his bedroom (she was not thrilled)
• Vacuuming with a HEPA-filter vacuum twice a week

Worth the Investment?

Absolutely. The purifier cost about $200, and filters are ~$60/year. For the improvement in our son’s quality of life, it’s one of the best purchases we’ve made. If your kid has indoor allergy symptoms, I’d highly recommend trying one — just make sure you get a true HEPA unit.

Spring in Brooklyn is gorgeous — the cherry blossoms in Prospect Park, the longer days, the energy of the neighborhood coming alive. But if your kid has seasonal allergies, spring also means runny noses, itchy eyes, and a lot of tissues.

When Does Allergy Season Start in Brooklyn?

In our area, tree pollen usually starts ramping up in late February and peaks in April. Grass pollen follows in late spring and early summer. If your child starts sneezing right when the weather gets nice, pollen is likely the culprit.

Symptoms to Watch For

Runny or stuffy nose (clear mucus, not green)

Itchy, watery eyes

Sneezing fits, especially in the morning

Dark circles under the eyes (“allergic shiners”)

Mouth breathing or snoring at night

What’s Helped Us

1. Check Pollen Counts Daily

I use the Pollen.com app every morning. On high-count days, we limit outdoor time in the early morning when pollen is highest.

2. Shower After Outdoor Play

Pollen sticks to hair and clothes. A quick rinse after the playground makes a noticeable difference.

3. Keep Windows Closed

I know, it’s tempting to let the spring breeze in. But on high pollen days, we keep windows shut and run the air purifier instead.

4. Nasal Saline Rinse

Our allergist recommended a gentle saline spray before bed. It clears out pollen and helps our son breathe easier at night.

5. The Right Antihistamine

We use a daily children’s antihistamine during peak season (recommended by our allergist). Starting it before symptoms get bad is key.

When to See a Doctor

If over-the-counter solutions aren’t cutting it, or if symptoms are affecting sleep and school performance, it’s time to see a pediatric allergist. They can do skin testing to identify specific triggers and discuss options like immunotherapy.

Brooklyn-Specific Tips

Prospect Park — is beautiful but a pollen hotspot — time your visits for late afternoon

Farmers markets — are great but dusty — bring sunglasses for your kiddo

Indoor play spaces — like Brooklyn Children’s Museum are lifesavers on bad pollen days

Spring allergies are manageable. It takes some planning, but your kid can still enjoy everything Brooklyn has to offer.

Packing a nut-free lunch every single day can feel like a creative challenge you never signed up for. But after years of doing this, I’ve found meals my kids actually look forward to — and that keep them safe at school.

Why Nut-Free Matters

Even if your child doesn’t have a nut allergy, many schools are nut-free zones. And if your child does have an allergy, you know the stakes. Cross-contamination is real, and reading labels becomes second nature.

1. Sunflower Seed Butter & Jam Roll-Ups

Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter (we love SunButter). Spread it on a whole wheat tortilla with jam, roll it up, and slice into pinwheels. My kids call these “sushi sandwiches.”

Pro tip: Add sliced banana inside for extra nutrition.

2. Turkey & Cheese Kabobs

Thread cubes of turkey, cheddar cheese, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes onto short skewers (or pretzel sticks for younger kids). It’s fun to eat and packs well.

3. Pasta Salad with Veggies

Cook rotini pasta, toss with olive oil, diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon. Add some shredded chicken if you want extra protein. This one tastes great cold.

4. Homemade Pizza Lunchable

Mini whole wheat pitas, marinara sauce in a small container, shredded mozzarella, and pepperoni slices. Let them build their own mini pizzas. It’s interactive and always a hit.

5. Veggie Quesadilla Strips

Fill a tortilla with cheese, black beans, and finely diced bell peppers. Cook on a skillet until crispy, then cut into strips. These are easy to grab and eat.

Packing Tips

• Ice packs are non-negotiable — food safety matters
• Bento boxes — make portions look fun and organized
• Involve your kids — in choosing — they’re more likely to eat what they picked
• Batch prep on Sundays — wash and chop veggies, cook proteins ahead

Final Thought

The key to nut-free lunches is finding 5–7 rotations your kid actually likes and cycling through them. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel every day. Keep it simple, keep it safe, and don’t stress the Pinterest-perfect lunchbox.

If you’re a parent dealing with your child’s eczema, I want you to know: I see you. The sleepless nights, the constant moisturizing, the guilt when nothing seems to work. We’ve been there.

The Early Days

When our son was about six months old, we noticed dry, red patches on his cheeks and behind his knees. Our pediatrician said it was “probably just eczema” and recommended an over-the-counter cream. That was the beginning of a two-year journey that tested our patience and broke our hearts more times than I can count.

What Didn’t Work

We tried everything. Expensive organic creams, oatmeal baths three times a day, elimination diets, essential oils (yes, I went there), and even a few products recommended by well-meaning strangers at the playground. Some helped temporarily, but nothing stuck.

The Turning Point

Our dermatologist finally suggested a structured approach:

Wet wrap therapy — after baths — this was a game-changer

Fragrance-free everything — laundry detergent, soap, lotion, all of it

Short, lukewarm baths — instead of long hot ones

Prescription-strength moisturizer — applied within 3 minutes of bath time

Identifying triggers — for us, it was dust mites and certain fabrics

Our Current Routine

Every night before bed, we do a quick lukewarm bath (5–7 minutes), pat dry gently, and immediately apply a thick layer of CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. On flare-up days, we add the wet wrap therapy. We also switched all his bedding to 100% cotton and got dust mite covers for his mattress and pillows.

What I Wish I’d Known

Don’t wait to see a specialist. Our pediatrician was great, but a pediatric dermatologist understood the nuances so much better. Also, eczema is not just a skin issue — it’s connected to allergies, gut health, and even emotional well-being. Treating the whole picture matters.

The Bottom Line

Our son’s skin isn’t perfect, and we still have flare-ups. But they’re manageable now, and he sleeps through the night. That alone feels like a miracle. If you’re in the thick of it, keep trying different approaches and don’t be afraid to push for a referral. You know your child best.