Planning to visit Brooklyn with kids? Well, this borough is brimming with affordable and fun US family vacation ideas. The ever-vibrant borough has been booming with creativity over the past decade and boasts a bustling art scene that tourists will love exploring.
But there are plenty of things that kids will enjoy apart from art, including seasonal events, museum exhibits, exciting shows, and concerts. Brooklyn is home to incredible playgrounds, iconic attractions, family-friendly restaurants, tours, and excursions to enjoy. Families will definitely be spoiled for choice in this hippy borough. Here are some fun things to do with kids in Brooklyn, New York City.
10 Stroll Along The Famous Brooklyn Bridge
Often considered the most iconic bridge in the world, Brooklyn Bridge is incredibly breathtaking, and strolling through it is one of the most fun things tourists can do with kids in the borough. This is one of the best places to enjoy the view of the New York City skyline and guarantees a remarkable experience.
Travelers can walk the bride from either the Brooklyn side or the Manhattan side. But starting from the Brooklyn side is more interesting as one gets an opportunity of marveling at the Manhattan skyline as they stroll. There are plenty of photography opportunities here, and families will definitely shine on Instagram.
- Best time to walk across the bridge: Early on weekends (between 9:00 am – 10:00 am) to avoid crowds
9 Enjoy The Amazing Exhibits At Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Founded in 1899, Brooklyn Children’s Museum is one of the oldest museums in the United States and has been enticing families for many years. Being one of the top attractions in Brooklyn, New York City, for families, it is a perfect option for kids aged between 6 months and 10 years old. Boasting three floors, children will enjoy the multiple hands-on exhibits.
The museum comes with indoor and outdoor play areas for kids, including a Totally Tots space specifically designed for the youngest visitors. The paradise has nine separate sensory play areas with impressive features, including music, sand, blocks, and water, among others. Other exciting exhibits include Jurassic Mini-Golf, Neighborhood Nature, and the NEST.
- Year founded: 1899
Located in the Crown Heights neighborhood, Brooklyn Children's Museum is the first children's museum in the US. Some believe it is also the world's first.
8 Take A Brooklyn Street Art Walking Tour
Taking two hours to complete, Brooklyn Street Art Walking Tour allows families to explore the vibrant art scene of this borough. The tour takes vacationers through the Bushwick neighborhood, allowing them to marvel at the beauty and diversity of urban street art.
One will stroll through numerous murals and intricate designs along the streets as one learn how talented artists turn something simple into an incredibly stunning piece of art. Throughout the tour, families will also learn about the graffiti artists and their contribution to the well-being of the area.
- Tour: Brooklyn Street Art Walking Tour
- Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: $32
7 Have Fun At Pier 6 Playgrounds
Brooklyn Bridge Park is one of the best and most affordable US family vacations and comes with a lot to experience. Here, kids will enjoy exploring multiple playgrounds that come in different sizes and features. Apart from the playgrounds, amenities to find here include beautiful plantings, volleyball courts, and concessionaires.
One can choose to climb up the steps and slide their way down at Slide Mountain, have fun in one of the sandboxes in Sandbox Village, or have memorable adventures at Swing Valley. From this pier, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of New York Harbor.
- Entrance fee to Brooklyn Bridge Park: Free
Planning to drive to Brooklyn Bridge Park? Well, parking here is very limited. For this reason, families coming here should rely on public transportation. The park is accessible via ferry, bus, and subway.
6 Soak In The Beautiful Scenery Of Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Dating back to 1910, Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of the oldest gardens in the US, and visiting is among the best activities in Brooklyn for kids. Covering a space of 52 acres, this beautiful paradise is home to over 14,000 species of plants spread over 15 different gardens.
This gorgeous display of plants makes this a perfect spot to stroll with a baby, especially in Spring, when over 2200 cherry blossoms bloom. Outside of Japan, Brooklyn Botanic Garden boasts some of the most spectacular cherry blossoms in the world. Kids will enjoy spending time at the Discovery Garden, which houses incredible habitats.
- Hours of operation: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm (Tuesdays through Fridays); 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (Saturdays & Sundays)
5 Travel Back In Time At New York Transit Museum
Founded in 1976, New York Transit Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of mass transportation with the public, including the laborers who helped in building the tunnels more than a century ago.
The museum is among the best family attractions in Brooklyn, New York City; it boasts an incredible underground location in a historic subway station from 1936 in the downtown area of Brooklyn, making it a hidden gem but a perfect retreat for enthusiasts of buses and trains. The museum is brimming with beautiful model trains that kids can see.
- Opening hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (Thursdays to Sundays)
- Cost of entrance: $10 for adults, $5 for kids aged 2-17 & seniors aged 65+
Families will need to make reservations to visit the New York Transit Museum.
4 See Animals At Prospect Park Zoo
Also known as Brooklyn Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo is one of the best things to do with children in Brooklyn and of the bucket-list things to do in New York City in summer. It offers exhibitions and programs that are perfect for the young ones. The zoo is home to multiple species of animals, including the red pandas, the elusive Pallas's cat.
One of the top things to do here is stroll through the Discovery Trail to see the beautiful animals and enjoy a bit of birdwatching. Another top spot not to miss is the Hall of Animals, which hosts dart frogs, mongooses, and some of the smallest wildlife species.
A visit to Prospect Park Zoo can't be complete without exploring Barn and Garden, which is home-friendly, gentle creatures that tourists can enjoy interacting with.
- Opening hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
3 Explore Under The Sea At The New York Aquarium
One of the oldest aquariums that are still in operation, New Aquarium is one of the top places to visit with kids in Brooklyn. Home to incredible sea creatures like rays, sharks, sea otters, jellyfish, and octopus, it is one of the aquariums in the US with incredible exhibits.
At the Playquarium, kids can see a kelp forest, a sandy shore, and a coral reef. They can also enjoy transforming into whales or even sharks as they explore the exhibit. Other exhibits not missing here include Aquatheater, Sea Cliffs, Conservation Hall, and Spineless.
- Opening hours: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Cost: $18 for up to three hours; $40 for more than 4 hours
2 Ride The Famous Cyclone Rollercoaster
Situated in Luna Park in Coney Island, Cyclone Rollercoaster dates back to 1927 and is recognized for its historical significance. It is among the best things to do with kids in Brooklyn for those seeking total thrills.
Remodeled in 1937, this gorgeous rollercoaster has been the inspiration for many thrilling rides across the globe. It is an excellent option for families visiting Brooklyn with older kids who may need some adrenaline rush.
- Year built and opened: 1927
Please note that some of the rollercoaster height requirements mean only teens and older kids are allowed to ride.
1 Catch Incredible Performances At On Stage At Kingsborough
On Stage at Kingsborough is one of the most impressive entertainment venues for families in Brooklyn. It is located on the campus of Kingsborough Community College, in the lobby of the M. Goldstein Performing Arts Center.
The performing arts center is dedicated to offering world-class music, dance, theater, and family performances to entertain vacationers of all ages. Kids will have fantastic moments at the M. Goldstein Performing Arts Center, thanks to the engaging stories and fun shows.