Staten Island is very easy to get to. There is a ferry service to get the island. The ferry service is fairly reliable and free. The terminals are being reconstructed and will look even better in the future. There are concession stands and seats for those to miss the ferry. Don’t worry if you do, theres another one in half an hour.
My neighborhood is called New Springville and the easiest way to get is to take the S61/S91 bus.
Immediately in the area are two sites for two types of people. The first one is the Staten Island Mall. Inside is shopping and fun for those who like it. There are many stores for any need. Bookstores, game stores, and of course clothes and shoe stores. And for the little kids, Santa’s in town early and theres a train for them to ride. If you get hungry don’t forget to try one of the various restaurants in or around the mall or even the food court.
For the people who are more of the outdoors type, the is the Greenbelt path. It is rock path in a forest for people to just walk,jog,run, bike ride in nature. Come to see nature or just come to work out. Spanning several blocks, it takes at least an hour to get to and from and with multiple paths, be sure not to get lost.
If you take the train from the ferry (there’s only on line) then make sure to stop at Jim 
Hanley’s Universe. This comic books store has anything you want to get your child for the holidays. From actions figures to trading cards and of course, comic books. The staff is friendly and very helpful. If you can’t find something in the store, they can call their Manhattan branch for you.
To get back to the ferry, depending on your location, you can take the S61/91 or the train back to the ferry. Back at the ferry, you take the same procedure as you did coming in. But on this side, be sure to take a look at the fish tanks given to the terminal courtesy of the Staten Island Zoo.
