Perfect for Families to Explore at Their Own Pace, the Adventure is FREE

and Runs MAY 27 Through Labor Day

 WHAT:    This summer, families are invited to celebrate Jewish immigrant history and culture with The Great Lower East Side Scavenger Hunt, a free, interactive adventure presented by PJ Library.

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, participants can take a self-led journey through the historic Lower East Side to explore iconic neighborhood spots, uncover stories of Jewish heritage and its lasting influence on NYC, and search for PJ Library books hidden in the windows or interiors of nine unique locations on the LES.

“The LES, and NYC in general, has been forever changed by the Jewish immigrant experience,” says Meara Ashtivker, Director of PJ Library New York. “This scavenger hunt is in recognition of (or maybe appreciation for) the generation that came before us.”

To start your quest, simply head to PJLibrary.org/NYCScavengerHunt. There, parents will find two maps to view, download, or print. One is a digital map meant for parents to use to navigate their families to the nine locations in the scavenger hunt. Parents are encouraged to design a route that takes into account the unique needs and interests of their family.

The second is a kid-friendly printable visual with information about each LES location and a PJ Library pointer (or fun fact). Plus, at each stop, families will discover a PJ Library book that connects to the site’s immigrant past. As kids find the books, they can mark them on their map. Snap a photo of the completed map and DM a photo to @pjlibraryinnewyork on Instagram for a chance to be featured and win PJ Library merch!

This scavenger hunt offers families an exciting way to explore NYC’s historic Lower East Side, taste traditional Jewish foods, visit cultural institutions, and connect with stories of immigration and resilience—all while enjoying PJ Library’s celebrated children’s books.

 WHEN: May 27 through Labor Day 2025

WHERE:

Participating locations on the Lower East Side include (with book titles):

• Yonah Schimmel’s Knish Bakery—137 East Houston Street

The Knish War on Rivington Street
Written by Joanne Oppenheim and Illustrated by Jon Davis

• Katz’s Delicatessen—205 East Houston Street

Ellie’s Deli: Wishing on Matzo Ball Soup!
Written by Lisa Greenwald and Illustrated by Galia Bernstein

• Economy Candy—108 Rivington Street

The Chocolate King
Written by Michael Leventhal and Illustrated by Laura Catalaan

• Davidovich Bakery Shop—79 Clinton Street

Bagels from Benny
Written by Aubrey Davis and Illustrated by Dusan Petricic

• Tenement Museum—103 Orchard Street

What Zeesie Saw on Delancey Street
Written by Elsa Okon Rael and Illustrated by Marjorie Priceman

• The Pickle Guys—357 Grand Street

All-of-a-Kind Family
Written by Sydney Taylor and Illustrated by Helen John

• Museum at Eldridge Street—12 Eldridge Street (Show scavenger hunt map for $5 off admission)

When Zaydeh Danced on Eldridge Street
Written by Elsa Okon Rael and Illustrated by Marjorie Priceman

• Buddha Bodai Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant—5 Mott Street

Chicken Soup, Chicken Soup
Written by Pamela Mayer and Illustrated by Deborah Melmon

• Bonus Stop: The Center for Jewish History—15 West 16th Street

       Emma’s Poem: The Voice of the Statue of Liberty
Written by Linda Glaser and Illustrated by Claire A. Nivola

New York Jewish Parenting Guide