Top Family-Friendly Things to Do in Brooklyn: A Complete Guide
Brooklyn Bridge after Sunset
New York’s Brooklyn is an ever-growing, multicultural neighborhood, where families with kids will find lots to see and do. You can also take one of the many tours, leaving from Brooklyn. Downtown Brooklyn hosts family-friendly events for all to enjoy and Central Park in Manhattan with no fewer than 21 children's playgrounds.
We’ve researched the area to compile a list of fun things for the entire family to do in Brooklyn. Plan your vacation before you leave with our guide to Brooklyn vacation adventures.
Prospect Park
Discover the Wonder of Prospect Park
Managed by a non-profit organization, the Prospect Park Alliance, Prospect Park is Brooklyn's answer to Central Park. Located in leafy Park Slope, the park boasts loads of activities to entertain children of all ages. It has a zoo, a carousel, a playground, and ample space for children to play and families to picnic and enjoy the fresh air.
Prospect Park Zoo houses a broad collection of animals from sea lions to alpacas and red pandas to baboons. The kids will love it. They can interact with touch tables and information kiosks and participate in fun and informative activities.
From the zoo, move to the historic Prospect Park Carousel, built in 1912. Pop into the Audubon Center to meet the insects and reptiles that live there and expand your environmental education. Support the Prospect Park Alliance by taking the children roller skating, riding the bumper cars, and hiring bikes for the entire family at the park. It's a great way for the children to burn off energy.
See the Manhattan Bridge from a different perspective. Take the bikes and hop onto the East River ferry. Children under 44 inches in height can travel for free with a paying adult. Tickets are valid for 120 minutes from the start of the trip.
The Brooklyn Children's Museum
Explore the Brooklyn Children's Museum
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum in Crown Heights has the honor of being the world’s first children's museum as it was opened in 1899. Interactive exhibits help children through activities. The exhibitions cover diverse subjects like natural history, culture, and art.
The kids will love ‘‘World Brooklyn’’. It consists of scaled models of Brooklyn’s communities. Children can go to a bakery, a grocery store, and shops showcasing products supporting different cultural groups. The museum hosts daily classes and demonstrations.
Coney Island Astroland
Enjoy the Thrills of Coney Island
Coney Island amusement park - Fun for young and old
Coney Island is famous for its amusement parks, beach, and boardwalk. Luna Park has 36 amusement rides for children of almost any age. The Cyclone, a famous roller coaster, is not to be missed. Younger children may prefer tamer rides like carousels and children’s roller coasters.
If you’re done with all the fun rides, go down to the shore, build sandcastles, or swim. Sandy Coney Island Beach is great for building sandcastles, swimming, and sunbathing. The boardwalk hosts various shops, stalls, and kid-friendly restaurants. Fill up on delicious hot dogs, ice cream, or sugary cotton candy.
The New York Aquarium on the boardwalk is also well worth a visit. It’s the oldest aquarium in the city, founded in 1896. It moved to its current location in 1957. The aquarium is home to over 300 species of marine life, including rays, sharks, sharks, and penguins.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Year-Round Indoor & Outdoor Exhibits NYC
Take a Stroll Through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an oasis of tranquility in the bustling Brooklyn area. The many gardens and exhibits offer children insights into the beauty of the natural world. The Discovery Garden offers children interactive displays to learn through touch and feel.
If you’re in Brooklyn in March, look out for the Cherry Blossom Festival at the gardens The botanic gardens also host family programs and workshops, inviting children to participate in planting and other natural crafts.
Domino Park Turns Water Show: New York City's Game-Changing Development
Have Fun at Domino Park
Domino Park in Williamsburg on the East River waterfront is relatively new and particularly suited to a family picnic. Children can splash around and have fun in the park amenities, including playgrounds, a water play area, and several sports fields. The playground once formed part of the Domino Sugar Factory and contains play equipment with an industrial theme.
Domino Park is close to the water so the stunning skyline views. The park offers a full schedule of fun-packed special events, including movie night and fitness classes.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Explore the Magic of Brooklyn Bridge Park
Take a tranquil break away from busy downtown Brooklyn at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Brooklyn Bridge Park on the eastern bank of the East River spans 85 acres and includes a mix of playgrounds and sports fields. The historic Jane’s Carousel in the park was constructed in 1922 and is the oldest carousel in America. It is in the glass pavilion to protect it from the elements.
There are also plenty of outdoor activities to keep you fit, from kayaking to boating and fitness classes. Depending on the season, tourists can also watch movies and concerts in the open-air theater.
Skyline NYC on a rainy day
Rainy Day Fun
It's bound to rain sometime while you're on vacation in Brooklyn. Plan some rainy day fun and keep the kids busy even on the most miserable days. A trip to Industry City should fit the bill. Filled with shops and restaurants, IC offers family-friendly fun to keep the family entertained. The center houses art exhibitions, sports grounds, and small shops and boutiques. Its full schedule of upcoming events includes crafts classes, storytelling, and games for all ages.
The New York Transit Museum is another option for a rainy day. Located in Brooklyn Heights, the museum in a subway station, houses classic subway trains and buses. The exhibits are beautifully restored. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. If you have toddlers, a foldup stroller is your best option as access is via two flights of stairs. Dress warmly on cold days. There is no climate control in the subway station
Fun Activities for the Entire Family
Brooklyn is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities and destinations. From the natural beauty of Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to the excitement of Coney Island and Domino Park, there are so many playgrounds in NYC to captivate your children's interest and keep them busy. Whether you're exploring museums, enjoying outdoor adventures, or engaging in creative activities, Brooklyn offers endless opportunities for family fun.
Pack your bags, grab the kids, and set out on an unforgettable adventure in one of New York City's most dynamic boroughs.
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Discover hidden gems and local favorites with our guides to non-touristy things to do in NYC and Brooklyn. Instead of hitting the usual crowded spots, explore charming neighborhoods, cultural hotspots, and unique dining spots for a true taste of the city. Uncover the best-kept secrets and experience the unique charm of New York City and Brooklyn just like a local.