SoHo Kids
Establishment
neighborhood
Sweet William (Closed)
85 Kenmare St., Soho
While its name might suggest that this shop traffics in frothy pastel pink and blue onesies, the colorful shelves suggest otherwise. Sweet William focuses on small, lesser known labels—Molo, Bobo Choses, boy + girl—that are, in their words, environmentally and ethically responsible. It’s all equal parts chic and adorable, from mohair cardigans and fox-emblazoned backpacks, to metallic lace-ups and psychedelic rabbit sweatshirts. In addition to clothing, they offer plenty of wooden toys from archival brands like Persephere & Trylon, as well as colorful Rouxrou blankets. There's a second location in Brooklyn, as well as an outpost in Los Angeles.
MAKIÉ
109 Thompson St., SoHo
Perfect little cashmere cardigans and sweater dresses, slouchy tunic tops, and floral printed camisoles are typical of the Parisian-inflected kids clothing here. Prices are steep, making this a good option for a special gift.
Citibabes (Closed)
52 Mercer St., Soho
Located in Soho, this club for families offers a 1,500-square-foot indoor playspace, an adult gym, a gourmet café, and a space for birthday parties and family events, all under one roof. With an excellent staff of child minders, they make it easy for moms to hit the gym while the kiddos play.
Children’s Museum of the Arts
103 Charlton St., West Soho
CMAM is one of those spots that doesn’t hold any punches: Here, kids are introduced to heady tropes in contemporary art from portraiture, to process, to language, through kid-accessible exhibits featuring works by Ed Ruscha, Jenny Holzer, and more. In addition, their classes and after school programs are some of the best in the city. Check the website for the day's activity, as many are free and offsite.
Bit’z Kids
73 W. Houston St., Soho
This under-the-radar Japanese brand puts out all sorts of cool and totally quirky prints and graphics that are both great and at times hilarious. (I.e., the tag in your toddler's pineapple-printed shorts might read: Big Goals Every Day.) The other big appeal is the cut: The pants and jeans in particular are good for skinnier, harder-to-fit babies and kids. There's also a location in the Financial District and on the Upper West Side.
Bit’z Kids (Closed)
73 W. Houston St., Soho
This under-the-radar Japanese brand puts out all sorts of cool and totally quirky prints and graphics that are both great and at times hilarious. (I.e., the tag in your toddler's pineapple-printed shorts might read: Big Goals Every Day.) The other big appeal is the cut: The pants and jeans, in particular, are good for skinnier, harder-to-fit babies and kids. There's also a location in Soho and on the Upper West Side.