Manhattan holdouts with kids are a stubborn breed. We suffer smaller apartments, less closet space, no outdoor space, no food co-op, fewer family-friendly restaurants, you name it. And for what? Well … we live in Manhattan. It isn’t easy—there seems to be a Brooklyn conspiracy (beyond real estate) to magnetically attract all New York families. Weekend after weekend, for instance, the borough’s family-centric events outshine their Manhattan counterparts. Families that don’t dwell there even make the trek to take in the offerings. This weekend is no exception. No matter what hood you wander through, there’s something for everyone. In Dumbo, check out the Art Under the Bridge Festival, then roll up your sleeves and bake or just taste the goods at the fifth annual Bubby’s Brooklyn Pie Social (it benefits two public schools, one in Brooklyn, the other back in Tribeca). Also in Dumbo, New Yorker writer Susan Orlean reads from her kiddie book, Lazy Little Loafers, at the PowerHouse Arena. Over at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, it’s the annual Chile Pepper Fiesta, with circus performers, a pepper-inspired tattoo parlor, and music performed by Pete Seeger, his grandson Tao Rodriguez-Seeger, and bluesman Guy Davis. In Park Slope, the Brooklyn Arts Exchange throws a family fest with concerts (Bari Koral Family Band performs), activities, and improv. In East Flatbush, the very cool Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum (the oldest Dutch house in the city) hosts its annual apple festival with cider pressing, crafts, music, and more. All of this asks the question: Does Marty Markowitz have a secret Office of Tempting Parents?
Art Under the Bridge Festival: 9/26, 7 to 9 p.m.; 9/27 and 9/28, noon to 9 p.m. Empire–Fulton Ferry State/Brooklyn Bridge Park, 23 New Dock St., nr. Water St. (dumboartscenter.org/festival.html); free. Fifth Annual Brooklyn Pie Social: 9/28, noon to 3 p.m. Bubby’s Dumbo, 1 Main St., nr. Plymouth St. (718-222-0666 or bubbys.com); bakers, $10–15; tasters, $25 for five tastes. Susan Orlean at the PowerHouse Arena: 9/28, 4 to 5 p.m. 37 Main St., nr. Water St. (718-666-3049 or powerhousebooks.com); free. Chile Pepper Fiesta: 9/27, noon to 6 p.m. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 900 Washington Ave., at Eastern Pkwy. (718-623-7200 or bbg.org); adults, $8; children under 12, free. Brooklyn’s Best Family Fest: 9/27, 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 421 Fifth Ave, nr. 8th St. (718-832-0018 or bax.org); adults, $12; children, $8; family pass, $45. Wyckoff Farmhouse Annual Apple Festival: 9/27, noon to 4 p.m. 5816 Clarendon Rd., nr. Ralph Ave. (718-629-5400 or wyckoffassociation.org); free.