Located in the northwest section of the Bronx, Riverdale has long been a home for people looking to escape the eCity. Once settled with stately vacation houses of wealthy New Yorkers, the neighborhood transformed into a kind of suburb when commuting by train became possible. Today, Riverdale is highly prized for its historic houses as well as its prestigious private schools like Fieldston, Horace Mann and Riverdale Country School—known as the “Hill Schools” to some. The suburbs in the city feeling continues with relatively quiet enclaves of chain stores, shopping centers and upscale high-rises mixed in with nature-filled oases, old-school family-friendly restaurants, charming children’s boutiques, synagogues and historic churches.

Here are our top things to do with kids in Riverdale:

  1. Work on a nature-inspired Family Art Project at Wave Hill on the weekends
  2. Hiking, biking and swimming is just some of the fun on tap in the 1146-acre Van Cortland Park
  3. Step into the 18th century at the Van Cortland House Museum, the oldest home in the Bronx
  4. Wander the nature trails in Riverdale Park, where the forest is the same as it was in pre-colonial times
  5. Play basketball, baseball, football or soccer in Seton Park
  6. Enjoy high-end seasonal dishes at the rustic Riverdale Garden, which also offers a kid’s menu
  7. Beat on drums and strum guitars with your tots at Big Apple Music Together
  8. Choose from athletics, arts or culture classes at the Riverdale Y
  9. See a lovely elevated view of the Spuyten Duyvil Creek at Spuyten Duyvil Shorefront Park
  10. Enjoy weekly toddler and baby storytimes at the Riverdale Library
  11. Hit popular local play spot Paul’s Playground in Henry Hudson Park
  12. Explore the thought provoking works at Elisa Contemporary Art, Riverdale’s only modern art gallery
  13. Celebrating the Hudson River at the annual Riverdale RiverFest in June, featuring boat rides, show boats, live music and family entertainment
  14. Grade schoolers can audition for a part in one of Riverdale Children’s Theater’s family musicals
  15. Catch a show at the Riverdale Rising Stars Performing Arts Conservatory, which offers professional theatrical training to talented local kids
  16. School-age kids can practice their Reading Aloud skills every week at the Spuyten Duyvil Library
  17. Work on some serious painting, sculpting, drawing or sewing projects at the Hudson River Arts Workshop
  18. Take horseback riding lessons at Riverdale Equestrian Centre
  19. Pick up the latest Marvel and DC titles and also browse the wide selection of classics at Magnum Comics & Cards
  20. Chow down on chocolate rugelach, hamantashen, babka and other Jewish treats at kosher bakery Mother’s Bake Shop
  21. Discover the neighborhood’s vibrant arts scene at the annual Riverdale Festival of the Arts
  22. Share one of Riverdale Diner‘s massive family meals
  23. Meet other local parents with infants by joining the Riverdale,Baby! forum
  24. Sit on a bench right at the edge of the Hudson River at the Riverdale Waterfront Promenade and Fishing Access Site.