If you’re planning a family trip and wondering what to do in Brooklyn with kids, I’ve got you covered. I’m a parent who has spent countless weekends visiting this borough with my own children, and I know how hard it can be to find activities that work for every age.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 27 tried-and-tested spots, from free parks and playgrounds to museums, food stops, and waterfront fun. You’ll find options for every season, every budget, and every age group.
Whether it’s a rainy winter day or a warm summer afternoon, Brooklyn always delivers for families.
Why Brooklyn is Perfect for a Family Trip
Brooklyn has something for every family, no matter the age, season, or budget.
Getting here is easy. The subway, NYC Ferry, or a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge puts you in the borough in under 30 minutes from Manhattan.
Cold days are covered with indoor spots like the Brooklyn Children’s Museum and New York Transit Museum, many offering free or discounted entry.
Brooklyn Bridge Park covers outdoor fun with playgrounds, a carousel, kayaking, and waterfront views all in one place.
Food and shopping are a bonus. DUMBO alone has enough pizza spots, dessert shops, and food halls to fill a full afternoon.
27 Things to Do in Brooklyn With Kids
Here are 27 of the best activities for families visiting Brooklyn, covering museums, parks, food, and more.
1. Visit Historic Trains at the New York Transit Museum
The New York Transit Museum sits inside a real decommissioned subway station in Brooklyn Heights. Kids can walk through vintage subway cars dating back to the early 1900s, sit in old seats, and try hands-on exhibits like working a bus door or sitting in a driver’s seat.
Plan to spend at least 90 minutes here.
2. Try Sensory Exhibits at the Museum of Food and Drink
The Museum of Food and Drink, known as MOFAD, teaches kids where food comes from through taste and smell stations, games, and storytelling. Kids leave knowing more about how flavor works and how food travels from farms to tables.
The exhibits work well for a wide range of ages.
3. Visit the Environmental Education Center
Part of Prospect Park, the Environmental Education Center offers hands-on activities around geology, ecosystems, and sustainability. It runs public family hours and seasonal programs throughout the year, so checking the schedule ahead helps.
Admission is free or low cost, making it a solid budget-friendly stop.
4. Ride Jane’s Carousel
Jane’s Carousel is a restored 1922 carousel inside a glass pavilion on the DUMBO waterfront. Kids ride hand-painted horses with views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge, and Manhattan skyline.
Hours vary by season, so check the website before visiting.
5. Play at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park runs along the waterfront with open lawns, smooth paths, picnic areas, and space for kids to run freely. You can spend hours here without spending a dollar.
It is one of the best free spots for families in all of New York City.
6. Visit the Main Street Playground and Playscape
Located near the entrance to Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO, this playground has nautical-themed climbing structures, slides, and shaded seating for parents. It sits within walking distance of the carousel, waterfront, and several food options.
It makes an easy addition to any DUMBO day.
7. Skip Stones at Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach is a quiet shoreline spot tucked inside Brooklyn Bridge Park. Kids can skip stones, build small structures, and watch the water at their own pace.
The views of both bridges and the lower Manhattan skyline make it a great spot for relaxed family photos.
8. Let Kids Splash at the Pier 6 Playground
The Pier 6 Playground has water play areas, sand, swings, and climbing structures for different age groups. Shaded seating and nearby changing facilities make it comfortable for parents too.
Arrive early on weekends to get a good spot near the water play area.
9. Go Free Kayaking in Summer Near Pier 2
Brooklyn Bridge Park offers free beginner kayaking sessions near Pier 2 during summer. Life vests are provided, and no experience is needed.
Sessions run on weekend mornings and some weekday evenings, so checking the park’s website for the current schedule is a good idea.
10. Try Outdoor Roller Skating at Pier 2
Pier 2 has a seasonal outdoor roller skating area with on-site rentals and open sessions throughout the week. It is a relaxed setting for first-time skaters.
The river and bridge views make the whole experience feel a little more special.
11. Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge walk works well for kids aged five and up. Informational plaques along the pedestrian walkway cover the bridge’s history and construction, making it a natural learning moment.
The walk takes about 30 to 45 minutes one way at a relaxed pace.
12. Take Photos on Washington Street, DUMBO
Washington Street offers one of the most iconic views in New York City, with the Manhattan Bridge framed perfectly at the end of the cobblestone road. Early weekday mornings are the least crowded for photos.
Late afternoon light also works well if you can time your visit.
13. Browse Books at Powerhouse Arena
Powerhouse Arena is an independent bookstore in DUMBO with a solid kids’ section, graphic novels, and New York City photography books. It is a comfortable, browsable space where kids can take their time.
A book from here makes a more meaningful souvenir than most tourist shop finds.
14. Shop and Stroll at Empire Stores
Empire Stores is a converted historic warehouse right on the DUMBO waterfront, with shops, restaurants, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge. The walkways connect directly to Brooklyn Bridge Park, making it easy to combine with other nearby stops.
The space is stroller-friendly and relaxed on weekends.
15. Visit the Brooklyn Flea
The Brooklyn Flea runs on weekends with vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, collectibles, and food vendors. Older kids and teens tend to enjoy browsing independently here.
Locations change seasonally, so checking the schedule online before you go is important.
16. Watch Outdoor Movies at Movies With a View
Movies With a View is a free outdoor movie series held Thursday evenings in summer at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Families bring blankets and snacks to watch films with the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop.
Arriving early to claim a good spot is part of the experience.
17. Eat Around the City at Time Out Market New York
Time Out Market New York is a large food hall in DUMBO with options ranging from pizza and burgers to tacos and dumplings. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, including a rooftop with bridge views.
It is one of the easiest spots for families where everyone can find something they want to eat.
18. Visit Animals at the Prospect Park Zoo
The Prospect Park Zoo is compact and easy to walk with young children. It features a Discovery Trail, indoor animal halls with red pandas and sea lions, and daily feeding demonstrations.
Checking the feeding schedule when you arrive helps you catch the best moments.
19. Visit Art and History at the Brooklyn Museum
The Brooklyn Museum is one of the largest art museums in the country, with an Egyptian collection that tends to capture kids’ attention quickly. The Visible Storage section and Beaux-Arts Court are also worth seeing.
Family-focused exhibits and programming run throughout the year.
20. Learn Local History at the Lefferts Historic House Museum
Located inside Prospect Park, this museum covers early Brooklyn history, including the lives of enslaved people who lived and worked on the property. Guided tours and family programs bring the history to life through storytelling.
Admission is free, making it an easy add-on to any Prospect Park visit.
21. Play and Create at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is the world’s first children’s museum and remains one of the best spots for young kids in New York City. The AirMaze, kid-size city, and dedicated toddler spaces keep children of all ages busy.
The manageable size makes it less overwhelming than larger museums.
22. Warm Up Inside the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is worth visiting in any season. The desert and tropical conservatories stay warm year-round and house plants that often surprise kids with their size and variety.
Spring cherry blossom season is especially popular with families.
23. Eat Classic Pizza at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
Grimaldi’s is a Brooklyn institution with coal-fired, thin-crust pizza in a casual, lively setting. The simple, high-quality sauce and cheese tend to work well with kids who prefer classic flavors.
Lines can form on weekends, but the wait is usually short.
24. Try Another Famous Pie at Juliana’s Pizza
Juliana’s sits just around the corner from Grimaldi’s and is another strong pizza option in DUMBO. The menu is straightforward and kid-friendly, with a thin, coal-oven crust that is hard to replicate elsewhere.
It is a short walk from the waterfront and easy to fit into any DUMBO afternoon.
25. Treat Kids to Dessert at Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory
The Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory keeps things simple with classic flavors and ice cream sodas near the waterfront. Grab a cone and find a bench along the water to enjoy it.
It is a low-cost, easy way to end a full day in Brooklyn Bridge Park on a good note.
26. Grab Pastries at Almondine Bakery
Almondine is a French-style bakery in DUMBO that opens early and makes a great first stop before a day of visiting. The croissants are some of the best in Brooklyn, and the doughnuts sell out fast on weekends.
Even selective eaters tend to find something they like here.
27. Visit the Chocolate Shop of Jacques Torres
Jacques Torres in DUMBO sells chocolate treats, truffles, and seasonal sweets, with a hot chocolate that kids tend to remember long after the trip. Gift-packaged options make it easy to bring something home.
Prices are higher than a typical candy shop, but the quality is worth it.
Helpful Tips for Visiting Brooklyn With Kids
A little planning makes a big difference when visiting Brooklyn with children. Keep these tips in mind before you go.
- Plan indoor stops for winter days. The Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, and New York Transit Museum are all solid cold-weather options.
- Check for free admission days. Many museums offer free or reduced entry on certain days, so looking ahead can save you money.
- Visit outdoor spots in late spring through early fall. This is the best time for kayaking, roller skating, waterfront play, and free outdoor movies.
- Take the subway to get around. The A, C, 2, 3, F, and G trains all stop near the main family-friendly areas in Brooklyn.
- Wear comfortable shoes. DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, and Prospect Park attractions are mostly walkable, but you will cover a lot of ground.
Conclusion
Brooklyn really does have it all for families. I have taken my kids to so many of these spots over the years and every single time, they leave happy and already asking when we can go back.
From pizza on the waterfront to hands-on museum exhibits and free days in the park, there is always something that works no matter the season or budget. I hope this guide takes the guesswork out of planning your trip.
If you found it helpful, share it with another parent who could use it and leave a comment below with your favorite things to do in Brooklyn with kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free things to do in Brooklyn with kids?
Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pebble Beach, Lefferts Historic House Museum, and free kayaking at Pier 2 are all free. Many museums also have free admission days.
Is Brooklyn safe to visit with young children?
Yes. DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, and Prospect Park are safe, well-trafficked neighborhoods with good facilities for families.
How many days do you need to see Brooklyn with kids?
Two days is ideal. One for DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park, and one for the Prospect Park area.
What is the best neighborhood in Brooklyn for families?
DUMBO for waterfront activities and food. Prospect Park if you prefer open green space and museums.
Are strollers easy to use in Brooklyn?
Most areas are stroller-friendly. Cobblestone streets in DUMBO can be bumpy, so a sturdy stroller works best.
