Most of my Fort Greene readers know that I am huge fans of the local Beer Garden Der Schwarze Kölener. The owners and the staff have always been so child friendly, and especially in the long winter months it’s a great place to take your little ones, meet some fellow parents, and grab a beer – of course!
Ho, Ho, Ho, Bring me a Bitburger!
Well this Sunday, December 5th, they are giving us one more reason to love them: Santa is coming to the Beer Garden! From 3-5 pm Nikolaus (aka Santa Claus) will stop by with his big bag of presents. Recommended age 3-6 years, but younger kids are encourage to come and soak up the festive atmosphere. I suggest you swing by, take some pictures, and relax!
FYI, as far as grub for the kiddos go, Cameron always loved the pretzel plate with cheese and pickle, and the chicken sausage is always a toddler crowd favorite.
Der Schwarze Kölner is located at 710 Fulton Street, Fort Greene/Brooklyn. Even if you can’t make it this Sunday to see Santa, stop by some other time and enjoy some Babies and Beer!
Recently Cameron and I went to explore a playground that I had been hearing so many great things about. It’s the South Oxford Park, located on South Oxford Street at Atlantic Commons (Between Hanson Place and Atlantic Ave). Although it sounds off the beaten path, it’s just down the street from Music Together and the Beer Garden Der Schwarze Kölner – so really you’ve most likely been right near it, and never knew! Well, weather this park is near you – or not, it is most definitely worth the trek.
Half of the park is a huge AstroTurf field – although quite sunny, it’s a nice open place for the kids to play. We brought bubbles and some balls. Cam had fun exploring the space. It almost feels a little suburban there, with the Atlantic Commons town homes surrounding you, and not a whole lot of street traffic to speak of. The park also has some tennis courts, which I hear are much less busy than the ones at Fort Greene Park.
Down a path you will see large cattails that look like sculpture, but they actually form a water feature that I’ve been told is pretty great. Unfortunately, it’s not on quite yet, but should be after Memorial Day. Past the sprinklers is a nice little playground. It’s got a great slide that ends close to the ground – perfect for Cameron’s daredevil head first sliding technique since there’s no big drop off at the end. The ground also has rubber padding. Although the playground is better for kids a little older than my little guy (17 months) he navigated it just fine, and found many fun things to explore. This is certainly a playground we can grow into – and believe me, we will be back, many, many times!
I am so fortunate to know a lot of moms who share with me their ideas and advice. This post is based in their experiences, as well as information gained from the Fort Greene Babies Yahoo Group and Parents Around the Hill (PATH). I haven’t checked out all these places myself – so I can’t speak to every one of them personally – but my mom friends haven’t steered me wrong yet. The reason I have decided to post about them before being able to check them all out is I am guessing that a lot of you are starting to feel a little desperate with all this snow and cold weather – I know I am! So here are some ideas of places to take your baby in the Fort Greene / Clinton Hill area:
The Booklyn Flea – The Flea has moved indoors for the winter months. It’s new home is at One Hanson Place on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5pm. The Flea is on the main floor and lower level. According to one mom, the lower level has food options, and the upper level is where the sales go on. She said the lower level is a great place to take kids and let them roam around, and that there is space for strollers. So if you are looking for a weekend activity – check out the indoor Flea!
Story time at Greenlight Bookstore – Greenlight Bookstore is located at 686 Fulton Street and has a free story time on Saturday mornings at 10:30 AM. Check it out for more weekend fun.
Playgroup at Brooklyn Junior – Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon there is a free playgroup at Brooklyn Junior (150 Clinton Ave – corner of Myrtle) from 3:15-6. Please email info@brooklynjunior.com if you would like to go. Children of all ages are welcome.
The Clinton Hill Library – Not only does Clinton Hill Library (380 Washington Ave) have a great and free Reading for Babies program on Tuesdays at 10:45 and 11:30, but I’ve also been told it’s a great place to take your kid to let them roam around even when no scheduled activities are going on.
Chuck E Cheese – Now this one, I never would have thought of! Last Thursday a few of us were hanging out at Der Schwarze Kölner and one of the moms said that she had just been at Chuck E Cheese with her baby (he is an early walker). She said that it was her nanny who had originally suggested it, and although she was skeptical – it turned out to be a great place for him to roam around, and it was free (since they aren’t playing any games). Chuck E. Cheese is located in the Atlantic Terminal Mall.
Der Schwarze Kölner aka the Beer Garden – As I mentioned above I’ve been going to the Beer Garden (710 Fulton Street) with Cameron and some other moms + babies. It is a great winter option – and they are so welcoming and nice! Read more about Der Schwarze Kölner at this other post I wrote a few days ago.
If you have other ideas to share, please leave a comment!
The first time my moms group went to Der Schwarze Kölner (the Beer Garden on Fulton) one of the moms brought along her Touch and Feel baby flash cards. The babies were really loving them – and I was also impressed. They are made of thick cardboard, and use real pictures, which I prefer over illustrations. And, as the name implies they also have textures that baby can touch.
Lots of options for your little one
I ordered Cameron some from Amazon right away. For him I got the “First Words” set, and the “Animals” sets.
Here's what they look like
They also come in Colors and Shapes, Numbers and Counting, and Things That Go. All of these have great reviews on Amazon, so I don’t think you can go wrong!
I am pretty sensitive about bringing Cameron to a bar… after all, there are plenty of people who aren’t on board with the idea, and I don’t want to be one of “those moms” who are getting dirty looks from across the room… but so many moms had told me that Der Schwarze Kölner (710 Fulton Street, Fort Greene/Brooklyn) was really child friendly, and my bi weekly playgroup needed a place to go. So last Thursday afternoon, that’s where we ended up. And thank goodness we did!
Beers for the moms
Snack time for the babies
We descended upon Der Schwarze Kölner at 4, just as they opened. As I walked in, the place smelled of just being cleaned, and was totally empty. The wait staff was extremely welcoming, and gave my group a big area in the corner. There was plenty of area of stroller parking. I brought a few toys for the kids to play with, and so did the other moms. The moms had beers, the babies had brats (Cameron practically housed an entire one by himself) and some cheddar bunnies. It was a total success! I have to admit I’m not 100% on board for taking Cameron out to a bar in the evening (besides, it’s way past his bedtime) but in the afternoon when no one else is there? I don’t see the harm in taking advantage of a great, clean space… while the moms can hang out, and the babies have fun too.
I am so excited – Mom’s Night Out is almost here! And after the weekend (or lack there of) that I had, I am in need of a night out, and a few cocktails. Here are the details:
When: Wednesday October 7 at 7:30pm
Where: Olea – 171 Lafayette Ave, possibly moving to the Beir Garden – 710 Fulton St
Mom's Night Out!
So remind your husband, book the babysitter, or whatever you have to do…. And hopefully I will see you there!
I know this mommy could sure use a night off and out!
Beer, but no babies!
If you are free this Wednesday night (or can wrangle your husband or other babysitter-type) join some Fort Greene and Clinton Hill mommies at the new Bier Garden Der Schwarze Kölner at 710 Fulton St starting at 8pm. Full details of the event can be found on PATH (Parents around the Hill) who organized the event. I didn’t make it to Mom’s Night Off and Out #1, but I am really hoping to be there for this one!
Check out Parents Around the Hill for more great stuff!
