If you are looking for adventure-filled things to do in brooklyn with kids, then this blog will surely help you out in deciding your trip. Brooklyn is a great place to visit with your kids. You'll find a variety of activities to enjoy, including exploring different neighborhoods and visiting some of the best libraries. Some of these are classic Brooklyn experiences that everyone should try at least once.
Whether you're a tourist or a local, or looking to explore things to do in New York as a first-timer, this blog will help you out in many ways. There is a list of the coolest things to do in brooklyn. First, do your homework and then make a bucket list of things to do in nyc with kids.
But first, decide where to stay in Brooklyn? It is known for its diverse neighborhoods, like Williamsburg, DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), Park Slope, Coney Island, Brooklyn Heights, Bushwick, and Red Hook.
Top Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Brooklyn
1. Brooklyn Children’s Museum
There is a list of adventurous places to see in Brooklyn and if you are looking for some amazing ideas and things to do in brooklyn this weekend. Then go to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. It’s one of the amazing places for kids’ activities in Brooklyn. It’s geared towards ages 6 months to 10 years old, with three floors of hands-on exhibits and both indoor and outdoor play spaces. There’s a Totally Tots area with a large pretend play village that highlights the cultures of Brooklyn. You can shop at an international market, eat at a pizzeria, and so much more. On the weekend there are movies at the museum. Also, in the winter, you can go ice skating at ArtRink. It’s easily accessible by train, bus, and car.
2. New York Transit Museum
The New York Transit Museum is a must-do for children and adults. It’s one of the coolest museums in NYC and if you are planning adventurous things to do in nyc, then this is your go-to place. It’s located in an old subway station. This is a fun place to bring kids who love trains and buses. You can check out an entire room full of model trains. Walk through exhibits and learn about the history of the MTA. It’s fun to see old subway tokens and how the subway signs have changed over the years.
3. Brooklyn Museum
If you are searching for ideas on what things to do with kids in brooklyn, then take them to the Brooklyn Museum. This is Brooklyn’s premier art museum, covering ancient to modern art from across the world. They’re also known for hosting some really impressive rotating exhibits by some of the biggest names in the art world. There’s American art, art from Asia and the Middle East, religious galleries, and abstract modern exhibits. You can book special tours of the museum that include arts and crafts for kids as young as 12 months.
4. Shows At BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music)
There are several fun things to do in brooklyn, and one of them is a visit to BAM (the Brooklyn Academy of Music and Arts). You can see movies and classic stage plays, see a ballet, or attend the opera at BAM. They also offer a variety of art and education programs for both K-12 and young adults. The academy works closely with a board of local parents to structure seasonal programs throughout the year. They include a lineup of concerts, block parties, and a film festival. There are also workshops and talks with filmmakers, so it’s perfect for kids interested in movie-making. So, if you want unique things to do in nyc with your kids, then this Academy will cater to you.
5. Puppetworks In Park Slope Brooklyn
Going to Puppetworks in Park Slope is one of the best things to do in brooklyn and natives have a special story about seeing shows there. With shows that run about 45 minutes to an hour long, it’s a great way to expose kids under 10 to puppetry. So, if you are looking for some weird things to do in nyc then this is your ultimate activity. You can see a variety of classic performances at Puppetworks, like Cinderella, The Magic Flute, and Rumpelstilskin. Tickets are affordable and the theater is open to the public for 2 show times on the weekends.
6. Visit A Brooklyn Playground
When you’re looking for fun places for kids in NYC, a playground never fails and it is considered to be one of the free things to do in brooklyn ny. There are over 2000 parks across the city, and Brooklyn is home to some of the best playgrounds of all time, with lots of shade trees, boundary gates, and a separate splash pad is a plus because there will be a hassle to chase a wet kid.
And if you are looking for the best parks in brooklyn, then there are several parks in brooklyn where you and your kids can have fun and enjoy the best walks in brooklyn.
JJ Byrne Playground at Washington Park in South Slope has multiple jungle gyms for different ages, two splash pads, and teaching gardens.
Owl’s Head Park Playground in Bay Ridge has tons of hilly paths overlooking the bay. You can go for a jog and allow to play your kids on the wooden playground in the shade.
If you have toddlers, Toy Park in Cobble Hill is a must with tons of shade trees and the most adorable toddler-sized equipment.
There’s also Sunset Park Playground that’s set on a hill with amazing views of the city. The playground is always hopping and there are public pools in the park.
7. Industry City
Going to Industry City is always considered to be one of the best things to do in New York. The old industrial buildings in Sunset Park have become a community hub and continue to grow and expand. Now, you can go shopping, eat at the food court with all types of cuisine, and eat at the best restaurants in brooklyn. They also have tons of events that take place and multiple courtyards, that even have outdoor firepits if you are looking for crazy things to do in brooklyn at night, then Industry City is waiting for you.
One of the coolest things to do in Brooklyn with kids is taking pictures in the painted industrial elevators. It’s located at the Industry City Food Hall, where there are quite a few dining options. Getting dessert at One Girl Cookies and getting ramen and Takoyaki from the Japan Village market would be highly recommended.
8. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Just south of the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and Brooklyn Heights, there is a Brooklyn Bridge Park. With 85 acres of waterfront recreational areas, the park offers some of the best things to do in Brooklyn with kids. There are outdoor spaces, community events, watersports, and more.
When you plan to visit, it’s recommended that you check Brooklyn Bridge Park’s website for closures and some fun facts about the brooklyn bridge. The park is split up into 7 different sections, including the 6 piers at the southern end. There’s Jane’s Carousel, Pebble Beach, the Empire Shops, and the Fulton Ferry on the northern side. That side also has Main Street Playground and Dog Run. And Pier 1 under the Brooklyn Bridge has a variety of great places to eat like The River Café, Shake Shack, and Ample Hills Creamery. Pier 2 through 6 offer all sorts of different experiences, including, amazing views of NYC, sports parks, sprawling green lawns, and outdoor dining. So, there are lots of things to do near brooklyn bridge.
9. Jane’s Carousel
Jane’s Carousel is at Empire Fulton Ferry in Brooklyn Bridge Park and is worth exploring with kids. It’s a lot of fun for everyone to pick which horse they want to ride! There are mobile and stationary horses, as well as classic chariot seats. When the carousel starts, you can sit back and enjoy the classic music and views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, lower Manhattan, and the 19th-century factories behind the park.
10. Prospect Park
You can visit this family-friendly park on any day and you’ll see people celebrating their children’s birthday parties, families jogging, full playgrounds, kid-friendly events, and even sledding in the winter is going in full swing. On Prospect Park West there’s the Bandshell that hosts free summer concerts, so if you are looking for things to do in nyc at night then consider visiting Prospect Park in Brooklyn and make your trip a memorable one.
There is a famous Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket over there. This farmer’s market is held on Saturday mornings throughout the year. It will be the best brunch spot in brooklyn because vendors are selling fresh bread and other goods to kids. We love to grab stuff for breakfast and have a picnic on the green lawn in the park.
11. Ice Skating at LeFrak Center
Ice skating is one of the craziest activities you can do with your kids in Brooklyn. It’s located near Ocean Avenue, overlooking the eastern shore of Prospect Park Lake. There is a covered rink and an uncovered rink, both connected to each other. Next to the rinks is the Bluestone Café, which seems to be the best coffee shop in brooklyn where you can warm up with a bite to eat or a coffee or hot chocolate. For kids under 4 feet, you can rent the most adorable penguin-shaped skate gear as well.
12. Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a beautiful place to visit, located between the Brooklyn Museum and the northeastern corner of Prospect Park. It's a great spot for families with various gardens and events all year round. The cherry blossom festival in May is especially popular, where you can have a picnic under the pink blossoming trees.
During summer, you can enjoy movies on the lawn, and during winter, you can witness a light installation show called Lightscape. You will find beautiful archways and lanes to explore and take pictures of.
13. Visit An Indoor Playplace
If you are new to the East Coast and have kids, you will quickly notice that there are indoor play places everywhere. Check out one of the drop-in play places across Brooklyn, like Fairytale Island in Bay Ridge. This location is for kids up to 7 years old. There are jungle gyms, sand pits, and areas for toddlers.
If you're looking for a quieter space with a minimalist design, check out Good Day Play Café in South Slope. There's a café where you can watch your kids play. It's perfect for kids up to 6 years old.
If you're in Williamsburg, Twinkle Play Space is a magical wonderland full of over-the-top pretend play areas.
Kids N Action in Borough Park is best for both older and younger kids. The place has bumper cars, arcades, and climbing nets for older kids.
14. Brooklyn Public Library
If you are looking for something to do with your kids in New York City, check out the Brooklyn Public Library. They have a variety of branches with different activities for children throughout the week. The Central Branch is located in a beautiful old building and has a cozy children's room with a great selection of books and plenty of space. The garden out back is also a lovely spot to visit. You might recognize the bronze statue of Knuffle Bunny from the children's book set in Park Slope. The Brooklyn Heights Branch is also a great choice with a warm and inviting children's floor. There are toys and art throughout the space, as well as different story times and art classes for kids of all ages.
15. Go To the Beach
Brooklyn has some great beaches besides Coney Island. If you want fun-filled activities for your children and prefer a quieter beach, then you can walk east from Coney Island to Brighton Beach.
Manhattan Beach is another option if you drive down Oriental Boulevard toward Kingsborough Community College. It's smaller and more suitable for children, with facilities like grills, picnic tables, and a playground.
Plum Beach at the beginning of the Gateway National Recreation Area is also a good choice for little kids. It's located among the reeds and has a calm pebble beach in a cove where the water is super shallow and calm.
Rockaway Beach is an excellent option. It's open to the Atlantic Ocean, so the waves can be choppier, but it has a wide boardwalk along its entire length.
16. Food scene at Brooklyn
Brooklyn has a dynamic and diverse food scene, you can find authentic dishes from countries around the world, including Italian, Mexican, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Chinese, and more.
Brooklyn is famous for its food markets, like Smorgasburg, which is a popular outdoor food market with a focus on local and artisanal vendors, and DeKalb Market Hall, an indoor food hall with a diverse selection of eateries.
There is a trend of rooftop restaurants in brooklyn, where customers can enjoy their food in open air with a cool atmosphere. Also, you can search for vegan restaurants in brooklyn, as if you have any dietary restrictions.
If you are looking for some eateries with kids accompanying you, then you can also search for the best pizza in brooklyn New York, as pizza is the best comfort food and is famous for kids as well.
Neighborhoods like Williamsburg and Bushwick are known for their hipster cafés and coffee shops. These places often serve specialty coffee, unique pastries, and bagels. So, if you are looking for bagel shops in brooklyn ny, then search at Neighborhoods like Williamsburg and Bushwick.
