It was last fall when Cookies, the kids department store in the Fulton Mall, first appeared on my radar. I was at Camel Park and I noticed one of Cameron’s friends had a super cute new coat and pair of jeans. I made a comment to the mom about the outfit, and she told me she got it at Cookies – and it was really affordable! She went on to tell me that Cookies had an amazing selection not only had a HUGE selection of clothes for kids of all ages, but also lots and lots of toys.
It really is a Department Store for Kids!
Then, this spring when a local dad was looking for a Fisher Price walker for his daughter, but didn’t want for it to wait to come from Amazon, I suggested he check out Cookies or Target. Well, Target didn’t have it – but Cookies did. He also commented on the great selection of everything for Children that they carried.
Recently I was over in the Fulton Mall and I was able to check it out for myself. I have to admit, since I wasn’t there to shop my visit was short lived as Cameron was really excited and wanted to buy every toy – but if you are looking for something for your little one, weather it’s new fall clothes, back to school supplies, or maybe a last minute birthday present for a friend, think Cookies! Cookies is located at 510 Fulton Street, just off of Flatbush, in the Fulton Mall. You can also check out the Cookies Website to get a better sense of what they sell.
Posted from New York, New York, United States.
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.
UPDATE! – I just added some pictures I took today of the store, check the bottom of the post to see what the kids section looks like!
If you haven’t heard there’s exciting news for us Fort Greene / Clinton Hill residents – we’re finally getting a bookstore – and one that promises to have a decent Children’s Book section too! The store is called Greenlight Bookstore, and is located at 686 Fulton Street (on the corner of South Portland) in Fort Greene. Next Saturday (10/24) they are having an story time for kids of all ages at 10:00 AM.
Library Lion
Brooklynite Michelle Knudsen, author of the bestseller Library Lion, will read from her picture book, and will then sign copies of her books, which Greenlight Bookstore will have for sale. Book-related treats and prizes will be handed out to the kids. Of course, this event is FREE! I think it’s a great sign that the opening festivities for Greenlight Bookstore includes a children’s event – hopefully it will be a wonderful resource for mommies, babies, and kids alike!
Update: My hubby, Cameron and I stopped in the bookstore today after lunch at 67 Burger and before a birthday party. It was so nice! Really light, airy, and open. And the Children’s section was GREAT! It had books for all ages of kids. I am really excited to have it in the neighborhood. I took a few pictures of the kids section to share with you all
Looking for a place to show off that super cute Halloween costume you picked up for your little one? Habana Outpost is having a Halloween party on the 31st. Here are the details:
Free Habana Halloween Kid’s Party!
October 31st from 12- 6pm
Bring your little monsters and ghouls down for our free Habana Halloween party. Candy, games, crafts, prizes and more!
Monster Bash Dance Contest with DJ Juice E: 4- 6pm
Costume Contest @ 5pm
Where : Habana Outpost
757 Fulton Street (Corner of South Portland ) Brooklyn NY
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!
