Looking for a week of family fun as March wraps up? I’ve been sifting through a lot of local listings, and it seems like there’s a fantastic mix of activities happening soon in New York City, especially with the Eid al-Fitr school holiday kicking off. From amusement parks to quiet story times, I’m seeing great options for families with young children.
Exciting Spring Openings and Celebrations
It’s wonderful to see Luna Park on Coney Island opening its doors for the season. I found out their Opening Weekend runs through Monday, March 31, with free admission and discounted rides. They’re even introducing new arcade games and expanding seating at their restaurant, Salt & Sizzle. This sounds like a classic start to spring for many families! It’s good to know that after this opening weekend, the park will be open daily during Spring Break (April 11-20) and then every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until Memorial Day weekend, before going to a full daily schedule for the summer.
For families looking for community and a chance to give back, there’s an Embroidery for a Good Cause event at Bond Craft Studio in Gowanus. This is happening on Monday, March 31, and Thursday, April 3, from 10 am to 12 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm, respectively. It’s for ages 10 and up, and no embroidery experience is needed. The goal is to hand-embroider burp cloths for baby gift baskets that will be donated to new moms in shelters. I think activities like this are so valuable for teaching kids about compassion and making a difference.
Good to Know: The Embroidery for a Good Cause event is open to adults and children aged 10 and older, making it a nice intergenerational activity.
Also celebrating Eid al-Fitr, there’s a special event at the Prospect Park Carousel on Monday, March 31, from 12 pm to 5 pm. A ride on the historical 1912 carousel costs $3, offering a simple yet memorable way to mark the holiday for younger children.
Active Fun and Creative Play
If you’re looking for some active fun, the Pier 2 Roller Rink in Brooklyn Bridge Park is back for the season. I noticed they have free admission hours on Mondays (3:30-6:00 pm), Fridays (3:30-6:00 pm), and Sundays (10:00 am-12:00 pm). Skate rentals are $8 per person. Skating with views of the Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan sounds like a wonderful experience!
💡 Quick Tips
- Check skate rental availability in advance, especially during peak times.
- Wear comfortable clothing that allows for movement.
- Consider bringing your own skates if you have them and prefer them, though rental is an option.
For the little ones, a Free Zumbini Mommy & Me Class is happening at Little Scholars in Downtown Brooklyn on Tuesday, April 1, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. This class is for ages 0-3 and focuses on singing, dancing, playing instruments, and exploring emotions. Babywearing is welcome, which I find so helpful for keeping little ones engaged and close.
Story time seems to be a popular activity throughout the week. Books Are Magic in Brooklyn Heights and Cobble Hill hosts Tiny Storytime for babies aged 6-36 months on Tuesdays at 11 am (Smith Street location) and Thursdays at 11 am (Montague Street location). Private Picassos in Clinton Hill offers a free story time on Tuesdays at 11 am and select Saturdays at 10 am, perfect for babies and toddlers, followed by coloring and free play.
Community and Support for New Parents
New parents can find support at The Canopy in Williamsburg with their weekly Fourth Trimester Support Group. This free group meets on Tuesdays from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, offering a safe space to share experiences and gain practical tips. It’s great to know that resources like this are available, especially during the postpartum period.
For parents and little ones interested in climate action, the Brooklyn Heights Library is hosting a Climate Justice Storytime and Puppet Show on Tuesday, April 1, from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm, for ages 0-7. Esther Crow uses puppets, music, and storybooks to teach children about sustainability. I think making complex topics like climate change accessible and empowering for young children is so important.
Another gathering for new moms is the New Mom Meet Up at Fontainhas in DUMBO, held every Tuesday from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm. It sounds like a relaxed way to connect over chai, with or without a baby bump. This type of casual meeting is often exactly what new parents need for connection and support.
Cultural and Educational Experiences
The Brooklyn Heights Library also has an Eid celebration for tweens and teens on Tuesday, April 1, from 4 pm to 5 pm, in the Game Room, featuring henna. Over at the Clinton Hill Library, Moozika! returns for an interactive musical fun session for ages 0-5 on Tuesday, April 1, from 4 pm to 5 pm, using songs, puppets, and dancing scarves.
Wednesday brings an African Dancing and Folktales Workshop at Pacific Library in Park Slope. Musical Storytime with Jono Songs is happening at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Carroll Gardens on Wednesdays from 10:45 am to 11:20 am, offering interactive concerts for the whole family. My daughter Emma often enjoys these kinds of musical sessions.
💡 Quick Tips
- Arrive a few minutes early for interactive music sessions to get settled.
- Check age recommendations for specific classes or workshops.
- Be prepared for active participation and fun!
Free admission at the New York Aquarium in Coney Island is available on Wednesdays from 3 pm to 6 pm, but you need to reserve timed tickets by 3 pm the Monday before. This is a fantastic way to explore marine life without the full admission cost. I’m always trying to find these kinds of value days for families.
For older kids, the Adams Street Library offers an Anime and Manga Sampler on Wednesdays from 4 pm to 5 pm for grades 4-12, where they can chat about series and create fan art. Meanwhile, the KoKo Lot in Greenwood Heights has Spring Drop-in Days on Wednesday, April 2, from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm, for ages 5-12, allowing kids to engage in creative building with various materials and tools.
Weekend Wonders and Maker Markets
Thursdays offer a variety of activities. In DUMBO, there’s “In My Toddler Era” playgroup at Private Picassos for ages 1.5–3 (10 am-12 pm) with a mini ball pit, sensory bins, and more. Prospect Park has a Stroller Walk with a Naturalist every Thursday from 10 am to 12 pm, perfect for exploring the park’s waterways and nature.
Community Access Thursdays at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum offer free admission from 2 pm to 5 pm, featuring exhibits like Totally Tots and the NEST climber. Environmental Education Center in Brooklyn Bridge Park has open hours on Thursdays and Fridays from 3 pm to 5 pm, and Saturdays from 1 pm to 5 pm, with interactive exhibits and expert educators.
As the weekend approaches, Friday brings the return of storytime at Jane’s Carousel in DUMBO, on April 4th from 10:15 am to 10:45 am, before the carousel opens to the public. Teen Reset at Brooklyn Heights Library on Friday, April 4, from 4 pm to 5 pm, offers a chance to relax with a therapy dog. For teens aged 13-19, the Central Library in Prospect Heights is hosting a Teen Takeover – Jeopardy Jam and Wing Fest on Friday, April 4, from 4 pm to 6 pm.
Saturdays are packed with opportunities. You can volunteer at the Next Step Community Church Food Pantry in Boerum Hill from 8 am to 11 am for ages 8 and up, or support new moms from 9 am to 12 pm on the first Saturday of each month. There are family-friendly bird walks in Brooklyn Bridge Park and introduction to birdwatching outings in Prospect Park both starting at 10 am.
Good to Know: Many of the Saturday morning nature programs are free and cater to a range of age groups, often with specific recommendations for younger children to be accompanied by an adult.
Dekalb Market Hall in Downtown Brooklyn offers free children’s events every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 12 pm, including balloon twisting and magic shows. Art on Fences at 4th Street Plaza in Park Slope is a community art project on Saturday, April 5, from 10 am to 12 pm. The Dodge YMCA Summer Camp Open House is on Saturday, April 5, from 10 am to 1 pm. Prospect Park Audubon Center has its Spring Opening with nature activities, bird encounters, and bird walks on Saturday, April 5, from 10 am to 1 pm. For book lovers, Books Are Magic hosts a storytime with Christopher Silas Neal on Saturday, April 5, at 11 am.
BABYTOPIA at Atlantic Terminal Mall in Downtown Brooklyn on Saturday, April 5, from 11 am to 2 pm, is geared towards parents-to-be and little ones up to 5 years old, featuring various businesses, services, and free activities like performances and a play area. The FAD Market at Empire Stores in DUMBO runs on Saturday, April 5, and Sunday, April 6, showcasing local makers and artists. Smorgasburg opens its season in Williamsburg (Saturdays) and Prospect Park (Sundays) starting April 5/6, offering a wide array of food vendors.
I also found that the New York Transit Museum is offering highlights tours on Saturday, April 5, from 1:15 pm to 2:15 pm, which sounds like a fun way to explore the history of the subway. Over in Bushwick, the 8th Annual Easter Egg Hunt & Festival is at Maria Hernandez Park on Saturday, April 5, at 2 pm. Read With a Therapy Dog at Central Library on Saturday, April 5, from 2 pm to 3 pm, is a great program for kids aged 5-12 to build confidence.
💡 Quick Tips
- Check the specific times for each event, as many run concurrently.
- Look for kid-specific activities, especially for the younger age groups.
- Factor in travel time between locations if planning multiple stops in one day.
Bargemusic is offering free chamber music concerts at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse on Saturday, April 5, and Sunday, April 6, at 2 pm and 4 pm, with stunning river views. On Sunday, April 6, the BQ Flea opens in Williamsburg from 10 am to 5 pm, featuring vintage and handmade goods. The Urban Park Rangers are leading a Monuments of Prospect Park Tour on Sunday, April 6, from 10 am to 11 am.
For families with younger kids, the Little Brunch Club Kick-Off Party at Randolph x Brooklyn Bridge Parents in DUMBO on Sunday, April 6, from 11 am to 2 pm, sounds promising with free activities and a family dance party. Cherry Tree Heaven in Marine Park on Sunday, April 6, from 12 pm to 1 pm, offers a discussion about the park’s Yoshino cherry trees. Barcade in Williamsburg hosts a Family Day on the first Sunday of each month from 12 pm to 5 pm, for ages 10+, where you can enjoy arcade games.
Sunday Storytime at PowerHouse at Industry City in Sunset Park is at 1 pm each Sunday. The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music Celebrates Holi! in Prospect Park on Sunday, April 6, from 1 pm to 2:30 pm, with a free concert and the option to purchase color powder to join in the traditional throwing of colors. Finally, The Met Orchestra Chamber Ensemble performs at Central Library on Sunday, April 6, from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm, featuring classical music.
It feels like a packed week with so many things to choose from. I’m always looking for ways to make family outings easy and enjoyable, and this calendar has some great options for exploring different parts of the city and engaging with fun, creative, and educational activities. If you’re planning a trip to the city and want more ideas, our full New York City guide has even more fantastic things to do.
This selection of events truly shows the diversity of family offerings in New York City, from outdoor adventures to community gatherings and cultural celebrations. I hope this helps you discover some wonderful new experiences.
