Try one of these family friendly activities -- You might end up having just as much fun as the kids!
1. New York Aquarium
Photo © Kim Navarre, TheGirlsNY
Surf Ave & West 8th St, Coney Island
(718) 220-5100
Ever fed a shark? Watched a walrus eat? Kids can do these things and more at the New York Aquarium in Coney Island. Featuring over 8,000 animals, the aquarium sits on 14 acres of seaside property and offers many educational exhibits and events geared towards children.
(718) 220-5100
Ever fed a shark? Watched a walrus eat? Kids can do these things and more at the New York Aquarium in Coney Island. Featuring over 8,000 animals, the aquarium sits on 14 acres of seaside property and offers many educational exhibits and events geared towards children.
2. Brooklyn Children's Museum
Photo courtesy Brooklyn Children's Museum
145 Brooklyn Ave at St Marks Ave
(718) 735-4400
Founded in 1899, the Brooklyn Children's Museum was the first museum ever created solely for children. A rooftop terrace, hands-on exhibits, and 27,000 objects in its permanent collection make visiting the museum an educational experience for kids and adults alike.
(718) 735-4400
Founded in 1899, the Brooklyn Children's Museum was the first museum ever created solely for children. A rooftop terrace, hands-on exhibits, and 27,000 objects in its permanent collection make visiting the museum an educational experience for kids and adults alike.
3. Prospect Park Zoo
Photo © Kim Navarre, TheGirlsNY
Flatbush Ave near Ocean Ave, Prospect Park
(718) 399-7339
Animal loving kids shouldn't miss the Prospect Park Zoo. The zoo, which houses almost 400 different species and an interactive Discovery Center, is an educational -- and fun -- destination for everyone. Save an entire day for the outing, as you'll also want to try out the nearby Prospect Park Carousel and, in the winter, the park's ice skating rink.
(718) 399-7339
Animal loving kids shouldn't miss the Prospect Park Zoo. The zoo, which houses almost 400 different species and an interactive Discovery Center, is an educational -- and fun -- destination for everyone. Save an entire day for the outing, as you'll also want to try out the nearby Prospect Park Carousel and, in the winter, the park's ice skating rink.
4. Central Library
Grand Army Plaza(718) 230-2100
This main branch of the Brooklyn Public Library offers far more than just books. Besides a large collection of children's books, games, DVDs, and comics, the Central Library also offers an array of activities for kids of all ages. From the library's "Babies and Books" program aimed at infants to its storytimes for toddlers, karaoke for tweens, and knitting classes for kids and teens, there's sure to be something fun for everyone.
5. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Photo © Barbara Alper courtesy Brooklyn Botanic Garden
1000 Washington Ave
(718) 623-7200
With 52 acres to explore, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden gives kids an invaluable look at nature. In the hands-on Children's Garden, kids learn everything there is to know about gardening and can even tend their own small crops. The Garden offers special programs for children ages three through thirteen.
(718) 623-7200
With 52 acres to explore, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden gives kids an invaluable look at nature. In the hands-on Children's Garden, kids learn everything there is to know about gardening and can even tend their own small crops. The Garden offers special programs for children ages three through thirteen.
6. Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co.
372 5th Ave(718) 499-9884
Part superhero supply store (think capes and x-ray vision in a bottle) and part tutoring center, the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. combines learning with fun. A secret wall opens up to a writing center in the back of the store, where kids ages six through eighteen can get help with their homework and work on their writing skills.
7. Coney Island
Photo by Kristen Goode
What kids wouldn't love to spend a day at the beach? Swim in the ocean, walk along the boardwalk, or play a game of beach volleyball. Coney Island is also home to Astroland, New York City's largest amusement park. Ride the historic Cyclone roller coaster and play with bumper cars -- Just don't forget to try a famous "Nathan's" hot dog afterwards.
8. Lefferts Historic House
Photo courtesy Prospect Park Alliance
Flatbush Ave at Ocean Ave, Prospect Park
(718) 789-2822
This historic house sits in the middle of Prospect Park and boasts a working garden, interactive pre-Colonial exhibits, and ongoing educational programs. Learn how early settlers farmed and made their own clothes, or cook like an 18th century chef. Birthday party packages available.
(718) 789-2822
This historic house sits in the middle of Prospect Park and boasts a working garden, interactive pre-Colonial exhibits, and ongoing educational programs. Learn how early settlers farmed and made their own clothes, or cook like an 18th century chef. Birthday party packages available.
9. Brooklyn Family Theatre
1012 8th Ave at 10th St(718) 989-2449
There's no need to go to Broadway for theater that kids will love. The Brooklyn Family Theatre presents musicals for audiences of all ages. The casts usually include adult actors and local children, and auditions are always open to the public. If you have a budding thespian in the family, this could be his or her big break!
10. Fun Restaurants
Photo by Kristen Goode
Pit Stop - 127 Columbia St - (718) 875-4664
Atlantic Chip Shop - 129 Atlantic Ave - (718) 855-7774
Two Boots - 514 2nd St - (718) 499-3253
It's rare to find a restaurant in Brooklyn that doesn't cater to kids, but a few stand out from the rest. At Pit Stop, the racing decor alone wows kids. The place gets bonus points for having a special menu for "junior racers" and toys in its back garden. If you're in the mood for fish and chips, head over to the Atlantic Chip Shop before 6:30pm, and make the most of its family special -- Eat before 6:30pm, and you get 20% off of the total bill. Pizza fans should try Two Boots in Park Slope, where crayons at the table allow little ones to get creative while waiting for dinner.
Atlantic Chip Shop - 129 Atlantic Ave - (718) 855-7774
Two Boots - 514 2nd St - (718) 499-3253
It's rare to find a restaurant in Brooklyn that doesn't cater to kids, but a few stand out from the rest. At Pit Stop, the racing decor alone wows kids. The place gets bonus points for having a special menu for "junior racers" and toys in its back garden. If you're in the mood for fish and chips, head over to the Atlantic Chip Shop before 6:30pm, and make the most of its family special -- Eat before 6:30pm, and you get 20% off of the total bill. Pizza fans should try Two Boots in Park Slope, where crayons at the table allow little ones to get creative while waiting for dinner.
