Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids in Brooklyn
Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids in Brooklyn
1. Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Hands-on discovery—from the splashy Totally Tots play zone to World Brooklyn’s kid-sized shops—invites little explorers to touch, build, climb, and create.
✓ Why Go:
Purpose-built for children, it blends culture, science, and play so siblings of different ages stay engaged in the same space.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings outside school breaks for fewer crowds; winter afternoons are great for an indoor energy burn.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve timed tickets on weekends and bring a change of clothes for water play in warmer months.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents praise the immersive exhibits and friendly staff; toddlers to early grade-schoolers leave grinning and tired.
2. Prospect Park Zoo
A compact, stroller-friendly zoo featuring sea lion feedings, red pandas, and the immersive Discovery Trail through woodland habitats.
✓ Why Go:
Big-animal thrills without the big-city overwhelm—easy to navigate, easy on little legs, and right inside Prospect Park.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Spring and fall for active animals; arrive by opening to snag front-row views at the sea lion pool.
✓ Insider Tip:
Combine with a picnic or playground time at nearby Prospect Park’s Harmony Playground to extend the outing.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families love the manageable size and up-close encounters, calling it a low-stress, high-smile day.
3. Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Stroll cherry-lined paths, explore the Discovery Garden designed for kids, and find shady lawns perfect for snack breaks.
✓ Why Go:
Nature immersion in the city—children engage all five senses and learn through dig-in, hands-on stations.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
April–May for cherry blossoms; October for fall color; weekday mornings are calmest for strollers.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter via 990 Washington Ave for quick access to the Discovery Garden; pack a blanket for family lounging.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors rave about the serene atmosphere and kid-friendly signage that turns wandering into discovery.
4. New York Aquarium
Meet sharks in a sweeping tunnel, watch sea lions splash, and explore hands-on marine science by the Coney Island boardwalk.
✓ Why Go:
It’s ocean awe with indoor and outdoor exhibits—great in any weather and magical paired with a beach stroll.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive at opening year-round; summer late afternoons are cooler and less crowded.
✓ Insider Tip:
Catch a feeding or training session, then walk a few minutes to the beach for sand play.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families highlight the thrilling shark tunnel and easy stroller access as day-makers.
5. Luna Park Coney Island
Classic seaside amusements with kiddie coasters, gentle carousels, and midway games set beside the Atlantic.
✓ Why Go:
There’s something for every height—thrills for teens and mellow rides for minis—plus cotton candy and beach vibes.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through early fall; arrive within the first hour of opening to ride with minimal waits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Measure kids at the entrance and plan a route by height requirements to maximize ride time.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents applaud the nostalgia and variety; kids cheer the colorful rides and boardwalk snacks.
6. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Miles of waterfront lawns, inventive playgrounds, and skyline views across multiple piers create an outdoor wonderland.
✓ Why Go:
Kids can swing, slide, splash, and scooter while adults soak up postcard views of Lower Manhattan and the bridges.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring to early fall; mornings for playgrounds and golden-hour picnics for photos.
✓ Insider Tip:
Aim for Pier 6’s playgrounds and Pier 2’s recreation courts; bring towels for water features in summer.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families call it a must-do for free, high-quality play with unbeatable scenery.
7. LeFrak Center at Lakeside
Seasonal hub for ice skating in winter, roller skating and splash pads in summer, all beside Prospect Park Lake.
✓ Why Go:
An all-ages activity anchor where rentals, lessons, and open space make trying something new stress-free.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Winter evenings for twinkle-light skating; summer mornings for cooler temps and open rink time.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the schedule for beginner sessions and bring a change of socks for little skaters.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the smooth facilities and family-forward staff who keep first-timers comfortable.
8. Domino Park
A riverside playground inspired by the former sugar refinery, with huge slides, fog misters, and a safe, fenced layout.
✓ Why Go:
It turns industrial history into imaginative play and offers wide-open lawn for snacks with skyline views.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon for shade and breeze; summer weekends fill up fast—arrive early.
✓ Insider Tip:
Refuel at on-site Tacocina and bring water-friendly shoes for the splash features.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents praise the thoughtful design and cleanliness; kids ask to go back the next day.
9. New York Transit Museum
Housed in a decommissioned subway station, the museum lets kids climb aboard vintage trains and pretend to drive buses.
✓ Why Go:
It’s real New York history they can touch—perfect for vehicle-obsessed kids and curious parents alike.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays or early weekends; plan 60–90 minutes for train car exploration and photo ops.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a tap-enabled MetroCard or OMNY card to demo turnstiles and make it a transit-themed day.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families rave about the nostalgia factor and interactive exhibits that keep children engaged.
10. Brooklyn Museum
A world-class collection with family guides, stroller-friendly galleries, and frequent hands-on art-making programs.
✓ Why Go:
Art meets accessibility—kids connect with ancient Egypt, contemporary installations, and creative workshops under one roof.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend mornings for family programs; rainy days for an easy indoor cultural fix.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check for family activity totes at the welcome desk and use the sculpture garden for wiggle breaks.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors highlight welcoming staff and spacious galleries that make museum time enjoyable for kids.
