PJ Library New York Launches The Great Lower East Side Scavenger Hunt
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 New York.
Now 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 eight unique locations on the Lower East Side.
To start your quest, simply head to PJLibrary.org/NYCScavengerHunt. There, parents will find two maps to view, download, or print. One is meant for parents to use to navigate their families to the eight 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 Lowe East Side 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 a PJ Library beach bag!
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.
Participating locations in the Lower East Side include:
Yonah Schimmel’s Knish Bakery – 137 East Houston Street
Katz’s Delicatessen – 205 East Houston Street
Economy Candy – 108 Rivington Street
Davidovich Bakery Shop – 79 Clinton Street
Tenement Museum – 103 Orchard Street
The Pickle Guys – 357 Grand Street
Museum at Eldridge Street – 12 Eldridge Street (Show scavenger hunt map for $5 off admission)
Buddha Bodai Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant – 5 Mott Street
Bonus Stop: The Center for Jewish History – 15 West 16th Street
PJ Library inspires joyful Jewish experiences by sending free storybooks and activities to families with children ages 0-12 and offering ways to connect with community. The program was founded in 2005 by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) and, with the support of generous donors and partners, now distributes books in seven languages to more than 650,000 children in over 40 countries every month. The PJ Library family experience is built around the monthly storybooks and also includes family-focused holiday guides and other free gifts. Anyone who visits PJ Library’s website can hear original storytelling podcasts and explore a vast collection of Jewish parenting resources. The program welcomes families across the diversity of Jewish life. Learn more or sign up for monthly children’s books at pjlibrary.org.