In Manhattan, many museums are open on New Year's Day. Generally, that's not the case in Brooklyn. Find out what's open, and what's closed in Brooklyn, today, New Year's Day!
Family-Friendly Things to Do on New Year's Day in Brooklyn
1. Make a Day of it in Coney Island
Coney Island's amusement park areas are closed, but you can combine two attractions here: The Coney Island Polar Bear Club dip into the Atlantic Ocean, which is an awesome, funny event, and a trip to the nearby NY Aquarium.
About The Polar Bear Club Swim: It's a huge party. Thousands of people come just to watch. It's free, but everyone is asked to make a modest donation; this event is fun, but it's also a fundraiser for the families of seriously ill children, too. Participants who wish to swim must register in advance (no last minute registration) and yes, there are security and medical personnel on site.
About the Polar Bear Club: As They Take a January 1 Dip in the Atlantic Ocean (Coney Island)
Afterwards, walk along the Coney Island Boardwalk to the NY Aquarium, which is open 365 days a year, to see the great exhibits.
2. Go to Prospect Park
In wintery weather, kids can sled, make snow forts and have snowball fights.
In balmy weather, it's a great place to try that new bike, skateboard or roller-blades from Christmas. Prospect Park's many playgrounds make for a fun outing with little ones. And the grassy areas, if not soggy, are excellent for a good old fashioned game of tag or catch.
And, the Prospect Park Zoo is open, all year. There's a little canteen here, and also indoor exhibits. Fun, educational and a wonderful family outing.
3. See New York City from the Brooklyn Bridge: Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Tips on How to Walk the Brooklyn BridgeIf your children can walk for 45 minutes without complaint, take them on a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. (But bundle up! It's breezy!) Even though there's construction that obscures some views, you can still spend a few moments identifying some New York City landmarks: the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor, lower Manhattan, the South Street Seaport, the Staten Island Ferry, the Williamsburg Bridge, the Chrysler Building, and of course Brooklyn itself.
4. Go to DUMBO to Ride Jane's Carousel
About Jane's CarouselOpened in 2012, Jane's Carousel is a beautifully restored historic carousel that kids of all ages love. It's enclosed inside a glass pavilion to protect against winds and inclement weather. If you're looking for a great photo op for your next holiday card, this just might be it.
5. Go Bowling in Williamsburg
Brooklyn Bowl, the well-known hybrid hipster bowling-alley-that-is-also-a-concert-venue, is open for bowling today. Be aware, however, that this youthful neighborhood won't wake up till midday on New Year's Day.
6. Go Ice Skating
The ice skating rink in Prospect Park is under renovation and won't reopen until autumn 2012. However, Aviator Sports (an indoor rink in Flatbush Avenue, just south of Belt Parkway, in Floyd Bennett Field,) is open, with holiday hours:- Sunday 1/1/2012 11 A.M. -10 P.M.
- Monday 1/2:11 A.M. - 10 P.M.
