Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids in Park Slope
Top Things to Do in New York City with Kids in Park Slope
1. Old Stone House
A reconstructed 1699 Dutch farmhouse turned museum anchors Washington Park, where kids can connect Revolutionary War history with present‑day play on the surrounding fields.
✓ Why Go:
It blends hands‑on history with outdoor space, making it easy to mix a quick exhibit visit with playground time and a picnic right in central Park Slope.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning on weekends for exhibits, or weekday afternoons when school groups have cleared and the adjacent fields are quieter.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair your visit with time at J.J. Byrne Playground next door; bring a ball—the turf fields behind the house are often open for casual play.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents appreciate the manageable size and neighborhood feel; kids like that “history class” ends with real playtime outside.
2. Puppetworks
A beloved marionette theater staging classic tales with handcrafted puppets in an intimate setting that keeps even toddlers engaged.
✓ Why Go:
It’s screen‑free storytelling with charm—perfect for first theater experiences and rainy‑day magic in the heart of Park Slope.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend matinees for families; arrive 15–20 minutes early to settle little ones and choose front‑row bench seats.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the schedule for shorter productions if you have preschoolers; bring cash for the small concession and souvenir puppets.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families call it “old‑school fun” that feels special and local, with performers who make kids feel part of the show.
3. Park Slope Library
This cozy Brooklyn Public Library branch offers picture‑book nooks, puzzles, and frequent storytimes that pull neighborhood families together.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a calm reset during a busy day and an easy way to plug into Park Slope’s kid‑centric community vibe.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning hours for toddler storytimes; late afternoons for quieter browsing between school dismissal and dinner.
✓ Insider Tip:
Snag a family restroom key at the desk and ask about free museum passes available with a library card.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents praise the friendly staff and thoughtfully curated children’s section; kids love the crafts that often follow readings.
4. Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co.
A whimsical “outfitter” for capes, masks, and bottled thunder that secretly supports kids’ writing programs run by 826NYC.
✓ Why Go:
Dress‑up meets do‑good: you shop for playful gear while funding creative workshops for local students.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend late mornings when the “secret door” to the writing center often opens for browsing families.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask staff to test the cape‑flight wind tunnel—camera‑ready laughs guaranteed.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors adore the clever humor and mission; kids leave grinning (and often caped).
5. Nitehawk Prospect Park
A dine‑in neighborhood cinema with comfy seats, reserved tickets, and family‑friendly matinees steps from Prospect Park.
✓ Why Go:
It turns a movie into a treat—no juggling snacks in the lobby—and offers an easy rain‑or‑shine plan before or after park time.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend morning and early afternoon screenings for younger kids; weekday matinees during school breaks.
✓ Insider Tip:
Choose aisle seats for quick exits with toddlers, and order milkshakes and fries early so they arrive before previews end.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents love the convenience and service; kids rave about dessert with their film.
6. Powerhouse on 8th
A neighborhood children’s bookstore known for staff picks, author visits, and a welcoming reading rug for the littlest browsers.
✓ Why Go:
It’s an inspiring stop to spark reading on vacation, with plenty of Brooklyn‑themed picture books to take home.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning on weekends for events; weekday afternoons for unhurried browsing after school hours start.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for age‑based recommendations; staff will build you a quick “vacation stack” tailored to your reader.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families appreciate the curated selection and gentle, no‑rush atmosphere.
7. Park Slope Armory YMCA
A historic armory turned community Y with a huge fieldhouse, family swim, and kids’ open‑gym times ideal for rainy days.
✓ Why Go:
Reliable indoor energy‑burn with baby changing areas and stroller‑friendly access—key for traveling families.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday on weekdays for the quietest pool and track; weekend mornings fill fast in winter.
✓ Insider Tip:
Call ahead to confirm open‑gym hours; day passes are often available even if you’re not a member.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors describe it as a lifesaver when the weather turns, praising the friendly staff and clean facilities.
8. Brooklyn Game Lab Park Slope
A community hub for tabletop gaming where coaches match kids with age‑appropriate board games and light role‑play sessions.
✓ Why Go:
It’s screen‑free strategy and social fun, great for mixed‑age siblings and budding game lovers.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons for drop‑ins; weekend mornings for intro‑level sessions that suit first‑timers.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about family passes so parents can jump into a cooperative game together.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families highlight the welcoming staff and the way shy kids warm up quickly over shared games.
9. Prospect Park Zoo
A compact, kid‑sized zoo featuring sea lions, red pandas, farm animals, and interactive exhibits inside Prospect Park.
✓ Why Go:
It’s manageable in 1–2 hours—perfect attention‑span friendly—and pairs easily with a picnic on the Long Meadow.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive at opening to catch active animals and lighter crowds; spring and fall offer the most comfortable temps.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a few quarters for the farm feed machines and plan to circle back for the sea lion training session.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Parents praise the stroller‑friendly paths and gentle pace; kids love the up‑close animal encounters.
10. LeFrak Center at Lakeside
A year‑round recreation hub in Prospect Park with ice skating in winter, roller skating and a splash pad in warm months.
✓ Why Go:
It’s an all‑ages, multi‑season anchor for active families right on Park Slope’s doorstep.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings in summer for the splash pad; late afternoon in winter for calmer ice sessions.
✓ Insider Tip:
Rent a balance skate aid for new skaters, and refuel at the on‑site cafe with park‑view tables.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the variety and scenery—kids ask to come back for “just one more lap.”
