Things to Do with Kids in Brooklyn

The world's first children's museum, with hands-on exhibits for kids ages birth to 10. Features a water play area, block building zone, art studio, and sensory-rich galleries. Free admission for children under 1. Free every Thursday from 3-5pm and every third Thursday from 3-7pm.

An intimate, kid-friendly zoo operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society. Features a Discovery Trail, barn and domestic animals area, sea lion pool, and a nature theater. Small enough for toddlers to enjoy without getting overwhelmed. All tickets must be booked online in advance.

A 52-acre urban garden with a dedicated Children's Garden — the first of its kind in the world. Kids can explore a dipping pond, musical instruments, and touch-and-feel sensory activities. The Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden and Cherry Esplanade are beautiful for family walks. Children under 12 are always free.

Prospect Park has multiple free playgrounds and the LeFrak Center Splash Pad, named Best of New York by New York Magazine. The splash pad is free for children 12 and under, open daily 10:30am-6pm from Memorial Day through mid-September. Other top playgrounds include Harmony Playground, Vanderbilt Playground, and the Imagination Playground.

Hands-on STEAM classes where kids ages 2-14 build whimsical robots they take home. Each session features a different robot project using motors, circuits, and recycled materials. Drop-in classes, birthday parties, and camps available. A unique creative experience that blends engineering with art.

A massive 40,000 square foot indoor adventure park with ziplines, ropes courses, climbing walls, laser tag, paintball, obstacle courses, roller skating, and slides. Three hours of unlimited activities included with admission. Great for kids, teens, and families looking for active entertainment on rainy days or weekends.

A family-friendly rock climbing gym with youth programs for kids ages 3 and up. Offers after-school classes, weekend programs, summer and school-break camps, birthday parties, and parents' night out events. Minimum climbing age is 5 for drop-in, and youth programs start at age 3. Day passes available for families.

An interactive play space and toy store with themed experiences, a cafe, theater, and hands-on stations. CAMP combines retail with free interactive play — kids can explore themed rooms, do arts and crafts, and engage with rotating installations. A great rainy-day option in Downtown Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Bridge Park stretches 1.3 miles along the waterfront and features multiple destination playgrounds. Pier 6 has a massive water-play lab and sand village. Pier 5 has sports fields. The park also offers a pop-up pool in summer, Jane's Carousel (tickets $2), and stunning Manhattan skyline views. All playgrounds are free.

Brooklyn's main library offers free storytime sessions, craft programs, STEM workshops, and a dedicated children's reading room. All Brooklyn Public Library branches run free kids programming year-round, from baby lap-sit to teen maker labs. The Grand Army Plaza building itself is an Art Deco landmark worth visiting.

A family-friendly cafe with an adjacent playroom for young kids. Offers children's classes including construction workshops, sing-alongs, yoga sessions, and new-parent meetups. Parents can relax with coffee and food while kids play. Free Wi-Fi and a welcoming atmosphere for families with toddlers.

A free museum and visitor center showcasing the 200+ year history of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Interactive exhibits cover the Yard's role in the Civil War, WWII shipbuilding, and its current transformation into a hub for manufacturing and innovation. Walking tours of the Navy Yard are also available. Great for school-age kids interested in history and engineering.

America's largest weekly open-air food market, held Sundays in Prospect Park from April through October. Over 100 local food vendors with options for every palate and dietary need. Free to enter and walk around — just pay for food. Kids love the variety and the open grassy setting for running around between bites.