Things to Do This Weekend in Brooklyn, NY

Your kid will try to live here. Free Thursdays 3-5pm. World's first children's museum.

145 Brooklyn Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213 · Wed-Sun 10am-5pm · Ages 0–10

Small enough that toddlers don't melt down. Sea lions, barn animals, nature theater.

450 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225 · Daily 10am-5pm (seasonal hours vary) · Ages 0+

Kids under 12 always free. Cherry blossoms in spring. Dipping pond year-round.

1000 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225 · Tue-Sun 10am-6pm (seasonal), closed Mon · Ages 0+

Splash pad named Best of NY by New York Magazine. Free. Summer only.

171 East Dr, Brooklyn, NY 11215 · Park open daily 5am-1am, splash pad 10:30am-6pm (seasonal)

Kids build a robot and take it home. Different project every session. Ages 2-14.

98 4th St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 · Schedule varies by class · Ages 2–14

40,000 sq ft: ziplines, laser tag, climbing walls, skating. 3 hours unlimited.

616 Scholes St, Brooklyn, NY 11237 · Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-9pm · Ages 3+

Climbing for kids 3+. They also do parents' night out -- you drop them off.

575 Degraw St, Brooklyn, NY 11217 · Mon-Fri 6am-11pm, Sat-Sun 8am-9pm · Ages 3+

Free to walk in. Secret doors, themed rooms, rotating installations. Also a toy store.

1 DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201 · Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 11am-7pm · Ages 0–12

1.3 miles of waterfront playgrounds. Jane's Carousel is $2. Skyline views are free.

334 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 · Daily 6am-1am

Free storytime, STEM workshops, craft programs. The building itself is Art Deco gold.

10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11238 · Mon-Thu 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 1pm-5pm

Coffee for you, playroom for them. Classes, sing-alongs, new-parent meetups.

1007 Church Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11218 · Mon-Fri 7am-5pm, Sat-Sun 8am-6pm · Ages 0–6

Free museum. Civil War, WWII shipbuilding, modern manufacturing -- all in one building.

63 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205 · Tue-Sat 12pm-6pm, Sun 12pm-6pm, closed Mon · Ages 5+

100+ food vendors. Free to enter. Kids run on the grass while you eat.

Breeze Hill, Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY 11225 · Sundays 11am-6pm, Apr-Oct

Vintage subway cars kids can climb in. In an actual decommissioned station. $10.

99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 · Thu-Sun 10am-4pm · Ages 3+

Free canoeing on the Gowanus Canal. Yes, really. Weekends, weather permitting.

165 2nd St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 · Weekends, spring through fall, weather permitting · Ages 5+

Free nature programs for kids. Birdwatching, pond exploration, nature walks.

101 East Dr, Brooklyn, NY 11225 · Sat-Sun 12-5pm (seasonal, Apr-Nov), select weekdays · Ages 0+

Tumbling, rock climbing, martial arts, dance -- all for kids. Drop-in open play available.

400 Carroll St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 · Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm · Ages 0–14

Waterfront playground with Manhattan views. Taco stand. Free.

300 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249 · Daily 6am-1am · Ages 0+

Free for kids under 19. Family Art Saturdays with hands-on workshops.

200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11238 · Wed-Sun 11am-6pm · Ages 0+

Outdoor roller rink on the waterfront. $10 with skate rental. Free admission days exist.

150 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 · Seasonal (May-Oct), hours vary · Ages 5+

Kids make things with real tools. STEAM workshops in a working industrial campus.

141 Flushing Ave, Building 280, Brooklyn, NY 11205 · Select weekends and school breaks, check schedule · Ages 6–14

Indoor playground for under-7s. Soft play, ball pit, slides. Walk-in or party.

1095 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226 · Mon-Sun 10am-6pm · Ages 0–7

Hand-carved marionette shows since 1980. $11 tickets. Ages 3-9.

338 6th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215 · Sat-Sun 12:30pm and 2:30pm · Ages 3–9

$2 a ride. 53 hand-carved horses. Been here since 1912.

Flatbush Ave & Empire Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11225 · Thu-Sun 12-5pm (seasonal), daily in summer · Ages 0+

Old-fashioned ice cream sundaes in a 1920s pharmacy. Kids think they time-traveled.

513 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 · Daily 12-10pm · Ages 0+

Eleven hard courts at the Parade Ground managed by the Prospect Park Alliance. During the outdoor season (May through October), eight courts are available to NYC Parks tennis permit holders. During the indoor season (late October through early May), all 11 courts are covered by a bubble and available for hourly rental. Single-play passes are available for those without a seasonal permit.

50 Parkside Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226 · Daily 7am-11pm (seasonal hours vary)

Five full courts on Pier 2 overlooking the East River and Manhattan skyline. Two covered courts for light rain. Free, first-come first-served. Constant pickup games on weekends and summer evenings.

150 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 · Daily 6am-11pm

Three regulation-sized sand volleyball courts at Pier 6 with views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. Free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis when leagues are not scheduled. Bring your own ball and net -- posts are installed. Popular for pickup games on summer weekends.

Atlantic Ave & Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 · Daily 6am-11pm

Free Olympic-sized outdoor pool on the Greenpoint-Williamsburg border. Open daily in summer, closed 3-4pm for cleaning. Busy days may limit swim time or use return bracelets. Just show up.

776 Lorimer St, Brooklyn, NY 11222 · Daily 11am-3pm, 4pm-7pm (summer only, closed 3-4pm for cleaning)

NYC Parks rec center with indoor pool, fitness equipment, basketball gym. Seasonal programming includes boxing, dance, youth sports. $25/year membership (reduced for seniors and youth).

155 Bay St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 · Mon-Fri 6am-8:30pm, Sat 8am-10pm

Climbing gym in Gowanus with bouldering walls, fitness area, yoga, sauna. Day pass covers everything. No membership required. $15 Fridays. Shoe rental available. Short walk from Union St (R) and Carroll St (F/G).

575 Degraw St, Brooklyn, NY 11217 · Mon-Fri 6am-10pm, Sat-Sun 8am-8pm

Ice skating November through March, roller skating and splash pad in warmer months. Covered and uncovered rinks connected. Skate rental available. Free Monday afternoon skating for kids in winter.

171 East Dr, Brooklyn, NY 11225 · Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Fri evening 7pm-10pm, Sat 9am-6pm & 7pm-10pm, Sun 9am-6pm (seasonal)

Competitive pickup basketball. Well-maintained full courts, plus handball courts and a playground. Free. Draws serious players on summer evenings and weekends. Near the G train.

753 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205 · Daily 6am-dusk

3.35-mile car-free paved loop around Prospect Park. Rolling hills, Long Meadow and Prospect Lake views. Home course for the Brooklyn Half Marathon. Free, just show up.

Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11238 · Daily, open 24 hours

Soccer fields at the Parade Ground next to Prospect Park, grass and synthetic turf. Free for pickup under 20 people; groups of 20+ need an NYC Parks permit. Also baseball diamonds and cricket pitches.

Coney Island Ave & Parkside Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226 · Daily dawn to dusk

Synthetic turf field on the Williamsburg waterfront. Soccer, football, lacrosse, rugby, ultimate frisbee. Free for casual play; organized games need an NYC Parks permit. Lighted until 10:15pm.

86 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249 · Daily 9am-10:15pm

Six public hard courts in Fort Greene Park, available to NYC Parks tennis permit holders. The seasonal permit is $100 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $10 for youth. Single-play passes are $15. Courts are first-come, first-served and popular for casual play on weekday mornings. A short walk from the G train at Fulton St.

136 DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217 · Daily 7am-8pm (seasonal)

Full YMCA in downtown Brooklyn. 25-yard indoor pool, gym, basketball court, 130+ group fitness classes per week (yoga, Pilates, bootcamp, TRX, water aerobics). Membership required, no day passes for classes. Non-member swim drop-in $30.

225 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201 · Mon-Fri 5:30am-10pm, Sat-Sun 7am-6pm

Drop-in yoga studio in Carroll Gardens, open seven days, no membership required. Vinyasa, yin, restorative, meditation. Student/teacher/military discount. All levels.

185 Sackett St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 · Daily 7am-8:30pm

NYC Parks rec center with indoor pool, gym, fitness room, and a large seasonal outdoor pool that's free in summer. $150/year for adults, free for youth under 24. Good youth sports and swim lesson programming.

43rd St & 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11232 · Mon-Fri 6:30am-9pm, Sat 8am-5pm

Six outdoor handball courts at Pier 2, free, first-come first-served. East River and Manhattan skyline behind you. Next to the basketball courts, roller rink, and bocce courts.

150 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 · Daily 6am-11pm

Climbing gym in Bushwick with bouldering, rope climbing, yoga, fitness. Day pass $35, first-timer package includes a lesson. Monthly $139. Less crowded than Williamsburg and Gowanus spots.

199 Cook St, Brooklyn, NY 11206 · Mon-Fri 7am-11pm, Sat-Sun 8am-10pm

A 400-meter running track at the Red Hook Recreation Center, free and open to the public during open hours. The track shares the facility with soccer and football fields. Less crowded than Prospect Park for runners who want a consistent surface and measured distance. Adjacent to the rec center pool and gym.

155 Bay St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 · Daily 6am-dusk

Two bocce courts at Pier 2, free and open to the public. Bring your own bocce set or borrow one from the Pier 2 sports equipment shed (available on a first-come, first-served basis). A surprisingly social activity on the waterfront -- regulars show up on summer evenings and weekend afternoons.

150 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 · Daily 6am-11pm

Free outdoor basketball courts and a dog run at the intersection of Ocean Parkway and Beverly Road. The courts are well-maintained and get reliable pickup runs on weekday evenings. Less competitive than the Bed-Stuy and DUMBO courts -- a good option for casual players in south Brooklyn.

Ocean Pkwy & Beverly Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11218 · Daily dawn to dusk

Outdoor roller skating rink on Pier 2 with Manhattan skyline views. May through October. $10 with rental, $6 with your own skates. Some free days in summer. DJ nights on weekends.

150 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 · Seasonal (May-Oct), hours vary

Six public hard courts in Midwood, available to NYC Parks tennis permit holders. A quieter alternative to the Fort Greene and Prospect Park courts. Seasonal permit $100 for adults, $20 for seniors, $10 for youth. Single-play passes $15. First-come, first-served.

700 E 17th St, Brooklyn, NY 11230 · Daily 7am-8pm (seasonal)

Dedicated pickleball courts at the Parade Ground in Prospect Park, part of the Parks Department's expansion of the sport across the city. Free for permit holders ($15 single-play). The courts are newer and the lines are clear. Pickup games on weekday mornings draw a regular crowd of all ages.

Parade Ground, Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226 · Daily dawn to dusk (seasonal)

A full-service YMCA with an indoor pool, full gym, basketball court, and group fitness classes including yoga, spin, and water aerobics. Monthly membership required -- no single-visit day passes. Financial assistance available for those who qualify. A solid option for East Brooklyn residents.

570 Jamaica Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11208 · Mon-Fri 5:30am-10pm, Sat-Sun 7am-6pm

New rec center in East New York with indoor pool, gym, fitness rooms, and community programming. $150/year adults, free for youth under 24.

1910 Linden Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11207 · Mon-Fri 6am-9pm, Sat 8am-5pm

$22 drop-in. Year-round indoor rink at Floyd Bennett Field. One of the few rinks in NYC that never closes for the season.

3159 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11234 · Daily 9am-8pm (public skate times vary -- call ahead)

Bowling + live music + Blue Ribbon fried chicken. Family Bowl on weekends is free entry.

61 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249 · Daily, hours vary by event

Brooklyn's Bowery Ballroom. 650 capacity. Good sound, two bars, balcony.

66 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249 · Show nights, doors typically 7-8pm

Oldest performing arts center in America. Student rush $25. Next Wave Festival is the big draw.

30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217 · Box office Mon-Sat 12pm-6pm, show times vary

Free under 19. First Saturdays: free admission 5-11pm with DJs and gallery talks.

200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11238 · Wed-Sun 11am-6pm, closed Mon-Tue

The original dine-in cinema. Cocktails and food at your seat. Williamsburg location.

136 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249 · Daily, showtimes vary

Strict no-talking, no-texting. They actually enforce it. House of Wax bar downstairs.

445 Albee Square West, Brooklyn, NY 11201 · Daily, showtimes vary

1920s warehouse. Comedy, podcast tapings, live music, themed dance parties. $10-30.

149 7th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215 · Show nights, doors typically 7-8pm

Free concerts, free gallery, free film screenings. Also runs Celebrate Brooklyn! in Prospect Park.

647 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217 · Gallery Tue-Sat 11am-6pm, building 8am-10pm daily

Brunch screenings on weekends. Midnight movies. Bigger than the Williamsburg location.

188 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215 · Daily, showtimes vary

100+ vendors on the Williamsburg waterfront. Free entry. Manhattan skyline as backdrop.

90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249 · Saturdays 11am-6pm, Apr-Oct

Open a fake washing machine door. Pinball bar behind it. Only licensed laundromat bar in NYC.

860 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222 · Daily 7am-10pm (laundromat), bar hours vary

Free museum night with DJs, gallery talks, and a cash bar. Arrive early -- big crowds.

200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11238 · First Saturday of select months, 5pm-11pm

Free museum in a Civil War-era building. Bus tours of the active Navy Yard also available.

63 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205 · Tue-Sun 12pm-6pm, closed Mon

1,800 capacity. No bad sightline. The Bowery Presents books it. Williamsburg.

319 Frost St, Brooklyn, NY 11222 · Show nights, doors typically 7-8pm

No drink minimum. Table service. Touring headliners and local favorites. Brooklyn's busiest comedy room.

487 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217 · Show nights, check schedule

Improv classes and shows in Williamsburg. The comedy school Brooklyn was missing.

338 Maujer St, Brooklyn, NY 11206 · Show nights, check schedule

Baroque burlesque. Acrobatics, opera, cocktails. Unlike anything else in NYC.

505 Carroll St, Brooklyn, NY 11215 · Show nights, check schedule

Folk, bluegrass, old-time, sea shanties. 70 seats. Also teaches banjo.

315 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 · Show nights, check schedule

In a decommissioned 1936 subway station. Vintage subway cars you can sit in. $10.

99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 · Thu-Sun 10am-4pm

Free outdoor concerts all summer. Major acts. Prospect Park Bandshell.

Prospect Park Bandshell, 9th St & Prospect Park W, Brooklyn, NY 11215 · Summer evenings, typically 7:30pm, Jun-Aug

Record store with a 250-capacity venue in the back. Free in-store performances.

64 N 9th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249 · Mon-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-8pm, show times vary

80,000 sq ft. Indoor and outdoor stages. Brooklyn's biggest electronic music complex.

140 Stewart Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237 · Event nights, check schedule

DIY comedy in Williamsburg. $5-10. The kind of room where future headliners get reps.

246 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211 · Show nights, check schedule

Free art exhibitions, concerts, science talks in a 25,000 sq ft iron works building.

159 Pioneer St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 · Wed-Sun 12-6pm, Second Sundays 12-6pm

170-seat new music venue. Classical, electronic, experimental. Acoustically perfect.

80 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249 · Show nights, check schedule