Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn
If you've covered the traditional spots and are ready for something a little far out, head to Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. Lined with one-of-a-kind boutiques, this street is the place to find that jewel-colored kurta for the sister who's impossible to shop for, or a wooden truck to replace your son's busted Hot Wheels monster. Start at the Atlantic Shopping Center at Fourth Avenue, and meander south to Smith Street (which is also worth exploring, if you have time). Afterward, get a buttercream cupcake at Downtown Atlantic and head to the New York Transit Museum, on the corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street. Tucked away in an old subway station, it shows kids how New York's underground system was built—and they can play driver in the child-size trolley.
Restaurants
Bacchus Bistro
The French staff serves up steaming moules frites and chats with the local families.
409 Atlantic Ave., (718) 852-1572
Kids will have a hard time getting past the layers of buttercream-frosted cupcakes by the door, but there's a world of seared tuna and pressed sandwiches inside.
364 Atlantic Ave., (718) 852-9945
Shops
Layla
The owner, a former stylist, stocks the store with tunics, jewelry, and linens from India.
86 Hoyt St., (718) 222-1933; closed Mondays and Tuesdays and by appointment
Kids can play on fuzzy rugs while parents choose between perfect rosewood bowls and Staub teapots.
495 Atlantic Ave., (718) 625-8997
Chic garden accessories, delicate bird ornaments, seeds, and John Derian plates.
103 Hoyt St., (718) 797-3628
A mother of two girls (and a boy) opened this shop filled with chic, sweet designs for girls and tweens.
407 Atlantic Ave., (718) 643-2100; Private shopping hours available by appointment.
Felt stockings, Waldorf dolls, and hard-to-find wooden toys.
323 Atlantic Ave., (718) 522-3760
Clogs in every color imaginable.
433 Atlantic Ave., (718) 852-4929
Activities
New York Transit Museum
When attention spans for shopping start to wane, bring little ones to learn how the New York City subway system was built 100 years ago. Kids will love the interactive exhibits, and there are family workshops on Saturdays.
Boerum Pl. and Schermerhorn St., (718) 694-1600
