I’m always looking for fun, free ways to keep the kids entertained, and this list of activities in New York City, particularly Brooklyn, has so many great options! It’s wonderful that there are so many events happening around the Eid al-Fitr school holiday, making it a perfect long weekend for families. I’ll be looking through this to plan some outings for Emma and Sofia.
Arts and Culture Events
There’s a fantastic range of art and cultural events suitable for different ages. For instance, the Brooklyn Museum hosts a Teen Night called ‘Solid Gold’ on Friday, March 28th, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM. It’s completely free and open to ages 13-19, focusing on art, activism, mental health, and wellness. They’ll have art-making, performances, and more inspired by an exhibition on gold. It sounds like a great way for older kids like Sofia to explore creativity and connect with peers.
If you have younger children, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum offers ‘Community Access Thursdays’ from 2 PM to 5 PM. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore exhibits, including the ‘Totally Tots’ area, ‘World Brooklyn’ miniature shops, and the ‘NEST’ climber. They also have a family art studio called ‘ColorLab’ and ‘Animal Encounters’ where kids can see fascinating creatures like turtles, lizards, and snakes. It’s a whole afternoon of discovery and play.
For those interested in literature and storytelling, the Brooklyn Public Library branches are hosting numerous events. You can find ‘After School Movie’ sessions, like ‘Princess and the Frog’ at Greenpoint Library and ‘Inside Out’ at Brooklyn Heights Library. These are typically rated G or PG and are a relaxed way to end a school day. There are also specific storytimes for different age groups, such as ‘Tiny Storytime’ at Books Are Magic for babies aged 6-36 months, and ‘Babies and Books’ or ‘Toddler Time’ at Time Out Market in DUMBO, partnering with Adams Street Library.
The Central Library in Prospect Heights is a hub for events. On Saturday, March 29th, there’s ‘African Storytelling Reimagined’ with Ada Ari, author of ‘The Spider’s Thin Legs,’ which includes learning a Ghanaian dance and cultural facts. They also have an ‘Anime Club’ for ages 12+ on Wednesdays from 4 PM to 5 PM, where teens can draw, chat, and enjoy snacks while discussing anime and manga.
For a unique experience, the New York Transit Museum in Boerum Hill offers ‘New York Transit Museum Highlights Tour’ on Saturdays at 1:15 PM. It’s a great way to learn about the history of the subway system and explore vintage train cars. This sounds like something Emma, at six, might find really exciting with the old trains.
Good to Know: Many library events, like storytimes and movie screenings, are free and often do not require registration, but it’s always a good idea to check the specific branch’s schedule.
Outdoor Fun and Active Play
As spring begins, the city is bursting with outdoor activities. Prospect Park is a major focal point, with the Grand Opening of the Prospect Park Carousel on Friday, March 28th, from 12 PM to 5 PM. A ride costs $3, and it features beautiful carved animals. They are also celebrating Eid al-Fitr school holiday at the Carousel on Monday, March 31st, with rides from 12 PM to 5 PM.
Brooklyn Bridge Park also has exciting returns, including roller skating at Pier 2. The Grand Re-Opening Skate Party is happening on Friday, March 28th, from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Admission is free, though skate rentals are $8. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the waterfront views while being active.
For younger children, the ‘In My Toddler Era Playgroup’ at Private Picassos in Clinton Hill runs on Thursdays from 10 AM to 12 PM for ages 1.5–3. The studio transforms into a play area with a mini ball pit, sensory bins, blocks, and more. This is perfect for letting little ones explore and burn energy in a safe environment.
Governors Island is opening ‘The Yard Adventure Playground’ for the season on Saturday, March 29th, and Sunday, March 30th, from 12 PM to 4 PM. There’s a suggested donation of $5 per child, and closed-toe shoes are required for safety, along with signing a waiver.
Luna Park in Coney Island is also kicking off its opening weekend from Saturday, March 29th, to Monday, March 31st. They are offering free admission and discounted rides. They even have a special promotion for the first 98 guests to ride the Cyclone for free with an egg cream. It sounds like a classic amusement park experience that families might love.
💡 Quick Tips
- Check the weather before heading to outdoor events and dress in layers.
- Many park locations have food vendors, but bringing snacks and water is always a good idea.
- For places like Luna Park, consider purchasing ride passes in advance to save time.
Early Childhood and Family Bonding
There are so many wonderful opportunities for parents and little ones to connect. ‘Free Zumbini Mommy & Me Class’ at Little Scholars in Downtown Brooklyn on Tuesday, March 25th, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, is specifically designed for ages 0-3. It involves singing, dancing, playing instruments, and encouraging emotional expression. Babywearing is welcome, which makes participation much easier for moms.
Music seems to be a big theme, with ‘Free Music Shows with Hopalong Andrew’ happening weekly at Whole Foods in Gowanus at 10 AM on Tuesdays. ‘Bilingual Birdies in Spanish’ is another interactive music session at Time Out Market in DUMBO on Tuesday, March 25th, from 10 AM to 11 AM, great for introducing little ones to a new language through songs and puppets. Miss Jaclyn with her new band ‘Jaclyn and the Jemstones’ offers an engaging musical experience at Central Library on Tuesday, March 25th, at 10:30 AM.
For new parents, the ‘Fourth Trimester Support Group’ at The Canopy in Williamsburg on Tuesday, March 25th, from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, offers a safe space to share experiences and get practical tips. Similarly, the ‘New Mom Meet Up’ at Fontainhas in DUMBO happens weekly on Tuesdays from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM for cozy chai and connection.
I know how important it is to also have opportunities for kids to learn and explore. The ‘Atmospheric Science Demo’ at Crown Heights Library on Monday, March 24th, from 4 PM to 5 PM, sounds really engaging. They talk about air and water and even let you take home a small plant. Also, ‘Carnivorous Plants for Kids!’ at the same library on Tuesday, March 25th, for ages 6+, where children can learn about and interact with fascinating plant species, sounds incredibly interesting for curious minds.
It’s also lovely to see events focused on celebrations. The ‘Eid and Ramadan Celebration’ at BumbleBeesRus in Sunset Park on Friday, March 28th, from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM, for ages 0-4, includes arts and crafts, a read-aloud, and snacks. This sounds like a perfect way to honor the holiday with young children.
For the teens, beyond the museum events, there are specific programs like ‘Video Games for Teens’ at Crown Heights Library on Tuesday, March 25th, from 6 PM to 7 PM, for ages 11-20, and ‘Teen Time: Read Banned Books Club’ at Brooklyn Heights Library on Wednesday, March 26th, from 4 PM to 5 PM. These offer great opportunities for teen social interaction and engagement with specific interests.
💡 Quick Tips
- Arrive a little early for popular classes like Zumbini to complete any necessary waivers.
- Check age recommendations carefully for programs to ensure the best fit for your child.
- Some events require advance registration, so mark your calendars early.
Educational and Special Interest Activities
The schedule is packed with educational opportunities that go beyond traditional learning. For instance, the ‘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. It’s a great place to explore critter tanks and learn about the park’s ecosystem through self-led investigations and provided materials.
The ‘Teen Tech Center @ The Annex’ in DUMBO is hosting ‘Interactive Environmental STEM Workshops’ on Thursdays from 4 PM to 5:15 PM for ages 13-19. The focus is on STEM skills, energy generation, and climate advocacy, with this week’s topic being ‘Climate Advocacy Campaign.’ These workshops sound like they could spark a real interest in science and environmental issues.
For very young learners, the ‘Environmental STEM Workshops’ at the Teen Tech Center in DUMBO are a great lead-in, but for the littlest ones, ‘Storytime at Jane’s Carousel’ on Friday, March 28th, from 10:15 AM to 10:45 AM, offers a chance to sing songs and read books in the beautiful carousel space before it officially opens for the day. This is a lovely, low-key activity.
There are also creative workshops like ‘Make Your Own Spin Drum’ at Time Out Market in DUMBO on Thursday, March 27th, from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. It’s a free event for ages 4+ where you listen to a story and then create your own musical instrument. ‘Mixed Media Adventure’ at Creatively Wild in DUMBO on Friday, March 28th, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, offers a hands-on art experience with acrylic painting and collage materials, perfect for more advanced young artists.
The ‘K-5 Poetry Workshop’ at the Poetry Society of America in Boerum Hill on Saturday, March 29th, from 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM, is a structured creative writing session for elementary schoolers. It costs $5 and is designed by experienced educators.
For children aged 5-13, the ‘Young Naturalists: Cyanotypes Plant Prints’ workshop in Fort Greene Park on Saturday, March 29th, from 12 PM to 1 PM, is an outdoor, art-focused session. Participants collect natural items to create sun prints, learning about the environment around them through hands-on activities.
On Saturday, March 29th, there’s also ‘Transgender Day of Visibility at Marsha P. Johnson State Park’ from 1 PM to 3 PM. This event includes watercolor painting, making flower crowns, and a poetry slam, all focused on celebrating and honoring the Trans community and Marsha P. Johnson. It’s free and open to all ages, with materials provided.
Good to Know: Many science and art workshops have age restrictions, so double-check them to make sure they are a good fit for your children.
Community and Celebratory Events
This period highlights several community and celebratory events, especially leading up to and following Eid al-Fitr. The ‘Teen Night: Solid Gold’ at the Brooklyn Museum on Friday, March 28th, is not only an art event but also a community gathering for teens to express themselves. For younger kids, there’s the ‘Eid and Ramadan Celebration’ at BumbleBeesRus on Friday, March 28th, offering a fun, festive atmosphere.
The ‘Free Children’s Events at Dekalb Market Hall’ on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 12 PM include balloon twisting and magic shows, which are always a hit with younger children. It’s a lively spot with plenty of food options nearby for a family outing.
For those looking to give back, the ‘Serve at Community Food Pantry’ in Boerum Hill on Saturdays from 8 AM to 11 AM is an opportunity for families with children aged 8 and up to volunteer together. It’s a meaningful way to spend a Saturday morning.
The ‘Clothing Swap + Open Play’ at Radio Star in Greenpoint on Sunday, March 30th, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, organized by The Mommy Archives and PJ Library, is a fantastic way to refresh wardrobes sustainably while children enjoy open play. It’s a practical event that also fosters community connection among parents.
On Monday, March 31st, there’s ‘Embroidery for a Good Cause’ at Bond Craft Studio in Gowanus from 10 AM to 12 PM, for ages 10+. Participants will embroider burp cloths for new mothers in shelters, which are then included in gift baskets. It’s a heartwarming activity where participants can create something handmade and helpful.
Lastly, for a taste of classic Brooklyn fun, the ‘Grand Re-Opening Skate Party at Pier 2 Roller Rink’ provides a classic recreational experience with stunning views. With free admission and skate rentals available, it’s an accessible way for families to enjoy an active afternoon by the water.
I’ve been looking into fun ways to spend our upcoming weekend, and this list has been incredibly helpful. Even though I can’t take Emma and Sofia to all of these specific events as described, seeing the variety of activities available in New York City makes me excited to plan future trips. There are so many engaging options designed for families, from creative arts to outdoor adventures and educational programs, ensuring there’s something to capture every child’s interest.
