Esplanade, Battery Park City

The Esplanade is a massive walk through the park at Battery Park City. This is one of the biggest pedestrian walks through unadulterated grass in the lower part of the city. It's a really beautiful stretch of park with just about anything you would want. There is a view of the statue of liberty, restaurants and cafes, tennis courts, a marina, a biking path, a fountain. It's gorgeous and filled with activities. There are also condos and a little bit of shopping just beyond the esplanade which makes it kind of its own little community.
The Esplanade is beautiful and I think it's great for families but it's a little out of the way from social activities and getting in and out of the area is a bit of a pain. You can't like to try a lot of new restaurants or bars with ease if you live around here. And, it's a bit dead during the winter so you just have to get it for all it's worth while it's nice out.