Brooklyn has many things for families and kids to do, and during the spring and summer New York City has thousands of kid- and family-friendly activities that include arts and crafts, museum exhibitions, concerts, sports, nature walks in local parks, and many other outdoor activities. Here are some of today's activities in Brooklyn, from gardening to sports meets!
Chinese New Year Weekend - Brooklyn Children's Museum
February 07, 2010 - Brooklyn
The Museum's annual Chinese New Year Weekend celebration for families will feature an enriching variety of classic Museum programs, special activities filled with Chinese history, traditions, and more.
The Little Mermaid - Manhattan Children's Theatre
February 07, 2010 - Manhattan
Creatively brought to life by just two, very versatile actors, this fairy-tale exemplifies the value of love being more than skin-deep, and shows just how far one will go for the happiness of the ones they truly care for.
Olympic Medals And Games - Staten Island Children's Museum
February 07, 2010 - Staten Island
Make your own Olympic medal and compete in some Olympic-style games.
Early American Crafts & Games - Prospect Park Lefferts Historic House
February 07, 2010 - Brooklyn
Imagine yourself in the past; learn games, pastimes, and tasks that were common 150 years ago.
Science Power Hour - Prospect Park Audubon Center
February 07, 2010 - Brooklyn
Join a naturalist for cool science activities, featuring a new experiment every month.
Nature Crafts - Prospect Park Audubon Center
February 07, 2010 - Brooklyn
Teachers/Naturalists lead structured and engaging arts activities for children. Kids create toys, puppets, and more, using all-natural materials.
Arty Facts: 'Stories and Art' - Brooklyn Museum
February 07, 2010 - Brooklyn
An art-making class for children ages 4-7 with an adult companion. This month, participants will create captivating characters in fantasy scenarios after viewing highlighted artworks from the Museum's collection.
Sesame Street Live: When Elmo Grows Up - WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden
February 07, 2010 - Manhattan
A musical show-and-tell starring Elmo and his Sesame Street Live friends and their dreams about growing up and becoming forest rangers, cowboys, "weather monsters," and everything in between.
Sesame Street: A Celebration of 40 Years of Life on the Street - Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library
Through February 21, 2010 - Brooklyn
A free exhibition celebrating the 40th anniversary of the TV show "Sesame Street." Highlights include original show scripts and sheet music, behind-the-scenes photographs, and "Sesame Street" Muppets like Grover, Prairie Dawn, and Elmo.
Children's Sing-a-long - Tea Lounge
Through February 23, 2010 - Brooklyn
Sing-a-long for children and families every Tuesday.
Krik: Krak Storytelling & Songs - Nairobi's Knapsack
Through February 27, 2010 - Brooklyn
Children ages 3-6 will discover stories about Haiti, including its history and culture, and learn traditional Haitian songs. To register, email Regine at regine@haiticulturalx.org. Presented by the Haiti Cultural Exchange.
Celebrate Black History: Heritage, Culture and Traditions - Brooklyn Children's Museum
Through February 28, 2010 - Brooklyn
Highlights of this month-long celebration include cultural storytelling, movie-time, and exploring African heritage and the contributions of African and African-American leaders through a series of programs.
Visiting Exhibition: Crown Heights Neighbors - Brooklyn Children's Museum
Through February 28, 2010 - Brooklyn
Images from a photography contest reflect the architectural, cultural, and geographical diversity of central Brooklyn neighborhoods. The works from photographers ages 10-71 include compelling and captivating scenes from a barber shop, a block party picnic, a senior center, picturesque streets, and more.
EAF09 - Socrates Sculpture Park
Through March 08, 2010 - Long Island City
Celebrate the EAFO9: Emerging Artist Fellowship Exhibition, which features new works by the park's resident artists. Through March 8.
Private Picassos: Triangles, Squares and Circles, Oh My! - Still Hip
Through March 23, 2010 - Brooklyn
Young artists age 2-3 will explore shapes and color and strengthen their fine motor skills. By focusing on a specific color or theme each session, children will build their skills with drawing, collage, painting, and small-scale sculpture. Classes offered each Tuesday. Pre-registration required.
Private Picassos: Matisse, Monet and Me - Still Hip
Through March 23, 2010 - Brooklyn
Budding Picassos age 3-4 will get inspiration for their artwork by looking at the work of fine artists. Activities include Andy Goldsworthy-inspired nature sculptures, Kandinsky music painting, and Haring-inspired murals. Pre-registration required.
Kids' Yoga: 3-5 Year Olds - Bend & Bloom Yoga
Through March 23, 2010 - Brooklyn
Bend & Bloom’s imaginative yoga adventures and animated poses keep little yogis’ creativity and bodies flowing. Yoga sequences enhance children’s concentration skills, refine motor coordination, teach cooperative play, and sharpen listening skills. Classes run every Tuesday except February 16 due to NYC school recess.
Kids' Yoga: 5-7 Year Olds - Bend & Bloom Yoga
Through March 24, 2010 - Brooklyn
Integrates joyful yoga with creative self-expression using storytelling, music, and art. Yoga sequences develop strength, coordination, and body awareness and build self-confidence. Class takes place every Wednesday except February 17.
Young Rembrants Art Classes - Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA
Through March 24, 2010 - Brooklyn
Young Rembrandts is a comprehensive enrichment program that includes top-quality instructors, materials, and curriculum for little artists. Classes offered through March 24.
Kids' Yoga: 7-11 Year Olds - Bend & Bloom Yoga
Through March 25, 2010 - Brooklyn
This class takes Bend & Bloom’s signature fun-filled yoga to the next level by introducing spirited, flowing sequences, increasingly challenging balancing poses, and imaginative relaxation tools to nurture the growing independence of 7-11 year olds. Partner poses and team-building yoga games encourages healthy socialization and body image. Class runs every Thursday except February 18th.
Meet the Museum - Brooklyn Museum
Through March 25, 2010 - Brooklyn
Each Thursday (except February 18), kids ages 18 months to 3 years can sing songs, read stories, and explore the galleries. Their caregivers learn about the artworks in the galleries through discussions with a museum educator.
Tots Yoga - Bend & Bloom Yoga
Through March 27, 2010 - Brooklyn
You and your toddler can celebrate the wonders of mobility, communication, and independent exploration in this joyful class. Tot-centric poses improve motor coordination, cognitive development, and socialization while kids learn about the wonders of their body. This class is for walkers up to 3 year olds, with a parent or caregiver. Please note there will be no kids' classes on February 16, 19, or 20 due to NYC school recess.
Family Yoga: 3-7 Year Olds - Bend & Bloom Yoga
Through March 27, 2010 - Brooklyn
A lively yoga class for you and your child. Classes weave age appropriate poses with imaginative yoga adventures, art, and music. Partner poses and yoga games encourage parents and kids to work together. Class runs every Saturday except February 20.
Open Hours - Waterfront Museum
Through March 27, 2010 - Brooklyn
The museum is open to the public free of charge (donations requested). Visitors can view the "Showboat - 'Round the Bend!" exhibit on display on the walls of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Barge's deckhouse, which documents the history and development of the showboat as an indigenous and popular form of American entertainment.
Science Power Hour - Prospect Park Audubon Center
Through March 28, 2010 - Brooklyn
Join a naturalist for cool science activities every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, featuring a new experiment every month.
Nature Crafts - Prospect Park Audubon Center
Through March 28, 2010 - Brooklyn
Teachers/Naturalists lead structured and engaging arts activities for children. Kids create toys, puppets, and more, using all-natural materials.
Early American Crafts & Games - Prospect Park Lefferts Historic House
Through March 28, 2010 - Brooklyn
Imagine yourself in the past; learn games, pastimes, and tasks that were common 150 years ago. Every Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Arty Facts - Brooklyn Museum
Through March 28, 2010 - Brooklyn
Arty Facts, an art-making class for children ages 4-7 with an adult companion, invites families to explore works of art, enjoy a gallery activity, and make art in a 90-minute class each Sunday. Please do not bring siblings older than 7 or younger than 4. Participants are subject to the suggested museum admission.
Kids Art Classes - The Painted Cloud
Through March 28, 2010 - Brooklyn
Art classes for kids aged 18 months to 8 years. Morning and afterschool classes available, call for times.
Parent and Baby Yoga Class - Namaste Yoga of Kensington
Through March 30, 2010 - Brooklyn
Gentle flow yoga for parent and baby every Tuesday morning.
After-School Book Club - Historic Richmond Town
Through March 31, 2010 - Staten Island
Students in grades 4-7 meet on Wednesday afternoons in the Historical Museum to read and discuss selected books covering major periods in history. The collections and historic buildings of Historic Richmond Town will enhance the readers' experience of the time periods discussed.
Kids Yoga with Nicole - Namaste Yoga of Kensington
Through March 31, 2010 - Brooklyn
Beginners' yoga class for kids of all ages every Wednesday afternoon.
Jr, Knicks - Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA
Through April 10, 2010 - Brooklyn
Jr. Knicks is a 12-week basketball league sponsored by the New York Knicks and is open to all 7-18 year olds (all participants get equal play time). The first two weeks consist of clinic time, so all participants can learn the skills and rules of the game. The following 10 weeks consist of league play, including a championship tournament at the end of the league.
Art Classes - The Painted Cloud
Through April 16, 2010 - Brooklyn
Imaginative art classes that use high quality materials including recycled and found objects and vintage fabrics. Classes will foster a life-long love and appreciation of the arts and inspire creativity in children and their parents/caregivers. Ongoing weekly classes are available for children ages 3-5 and 4-8, including an afterschool program and homeschool classes.
The Drawings of Bronzino - Metropolitan Museum of Art
Through April 18, 2010 -
This exhibition is the first ever dedicated to Agnolo Bronzino (1503-1572), and will present nearly all the known drawings by, or attributed to, this leading Italian Mannerist artist, who was active primarily in Florence.
Saturday's Tots - Staten Island Children's Museum
Through April 24, 2010 - Staten Island
Enjoy some toddler time each Saturday by singing, creating, and sharing adventures with your little one.
Clay Day - Staten Island Children's Museum
Through April 28, 2010 - Staten Island
Kids can satisfy a "knead" by working with some air-dry clay and getting in touch with their tactile side each Wednesday afternoon.
Signature Power: Legends and Other Myths - Micro Museum
Through April 29, 2010 - Brooklyn
Visual Art Show for more than 25 artists, several interactive art works, media installations, and live music on the LUMIANO - a piano that lights up when it is played.
Tot's Time Plus - Staten Island Children's Museum
Through April 29, 2010 - Staten Island
Preschoolers create artwork, sing along, listen to stories, and visit exhibits each Tuesday and Thursday.
Paint Day - Staten Island Children's Museum
Through April 29, 2010 - Staten Island
Kids can free paint each Thursday afternoon.
Snoopy As the World War I Flying Ace - Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum
Through April 30, 2010 - Manhattan
The exhibit showcases Snoopy's imaginary journeys through the skies of Europe in his transformed doghouse—now a Sopwith Camel airplane—from the time he faced a deadly bout of influenza to sparring with the Flying Ace's archenemy, the Red Baron. Digital prints from the original drawings done by Schulz will be on display alongside a photograph of the artist.
Visiting Exhibition: Tales from the Land of Gullah - Brooklyn Children's Museum
Through May 02, 2010 - Brooklyn
Step into the world of the Gullah people - West African slaves brought to plantations on isolated islands off the coast of Georgia and South Carolina in the 17th century - and discover how they held on to their songs, stories, and customs. Find out about the common nursery rhymes like "Michael, Row Your Boat Ashore" the Gullah gave to American culture, learn to tell Gullah time, go fish netting with a Gullah fisherman, cook a Gullah meal, and more.
Park Slope/Gowanus Indoor Winter Farmers Market - The Old American Can Factory
Through May 23, 2010 - Brooklyn
Farmers and food artisans will sell locally grown, handmade food and locally designed art and wares, including products such as stained glass panels, functional pottery, wearable fine art, and woven glass sculptures.
The Lion King - Minskoff Theatre
Through May 30, 2010 - Manhattan
See the Tony-award winning show based on Disney's classic story.
Mary Poppins - New Amsterdam Theatre
Through May 30, 2010 - Manhattan
See the magical Broadway version of the classic film.
Last Day of the Myrtle Avenue El: Photographs by Theresa King - New York Transit Museum
Through July 31, 2010 - Brooklyn
A personal exhibition by photographer Theresa King that captures a nostalgic moment in time and the essence of riding on wood-elevated cars.
Tibetan Portrait exhibit - Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art
Through December 05, 2010 - Staten Island
Photographic portraits of Tibetan people by renowned contemporary artist Phil Borges are featured. Families can view interactive displays focusing on aspects of traditional Tibetan culture, including a map of Tibet’s changing borders, a moveable display of Himalayan Mountains, audio recordings of mantra chanting, and a hands-on display of Tibetan prayer wheels.
Permanent Exhibition: Totally Tots - Brooklyn Children's Museum
Through December 31, 2010 - Brooklyn
Children 5 and under enter a whimsical world where kids are in charge. They can splash in the stream, put on a play, build bridges with blocks, create a collage, make music, and more.
Permanent Exhibition: Collections Central - Brooklyn Children's Museum
Through December 31, 2010 - Brooklyn
Children can discover treasures from the Museum's collection and find out the stories they have to tell. They can pilot a boat down the Amazon, reconstruct a shattered bowl like an archeologist, discover patterns in objects, and use touch alone to identify mystery objects.
Permanent Exhibition: Neighborhood Nature - Brooklyn Children's Museum
Through December 31, 2010 - Brooklyn
Take a trek through natural habitats found in the midst of the city, from woodland fields to ocean tide pools. See what a fish sees inside a pond, harvest play vegetables in the community garden, meet live reptiles, and discover who lives under an oceanside dock.
Permanent Exhibition: World Brooklyn - Brooklyn Children's Museum
Through December 31, 2010 - Brooklyn
Stroll down a street in Brooklyn...and journey around the globe. Kids can design a carnival costume for the West Indian Day Parade, make a pizza in an Italian restaurant, ring up groceries at an international grocery, and dance in the Chinese New Year parade.
Exhibit: The Triborough Bridge: Robert Moses and the Automobile Age - New York Transit Museum
Through December 31, 2010 - Brooklyn
This exhibition focuses on the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, built to connect three boroughs and accommodate New York's burgeoning auto traffic. Kid-friendly pictures and diagrams explain the operation and maintenance of bridges to the littlest engineers. Information and artifacts in the exhibition highlight RFK's election as New York Senator and his 1968 campaign for President.
Guest Cars - New York Transit Museum
Through December 31, 2010 - Brooklyn
Guest cars highlight vintage and current vehicles that are not part of the museum's permanent exhibit. Included are the Long Island Rail Road vintage caboose, on loan from the National Railway Historical Society, and a pair of cars from one of the last money trains.
Body Parts: Ancient Egyptian Fragments and Amulets - Brooklyn Museum
Through October 02, 2011 - Brooklyn
Features 35 objects that represent individual body parts in ancient Egyptian art from the Brooklyn Museum's collection, many of which will be displayed for the first time.
