This week’s roundup of free kid-friendly activities includes the annual sand sculpting competition in Coney Island, Seaport Kids x Summer Bash at The Seaport, an end-of-summer party in Brooklyn Bridge Park with music and food from African Chop House, and so many outdoor movies in our neighborhoods. If you haven’t made the trip to Governors Island yet this summer, this is the week to go! There are tons of events happening on the island, including a meet & greet with sheep, insect light trapping at dusk, the OtherWorlds Fair designed and run by public high school students, the House Fest celebration hosted by Governor Island Arts, a pop-up FAD Market, a vintage VW car show, and pollinator walk at the Bee Conservancy.
Free Admission Days @ Pier 2 Roller Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Sunday, August 18 | 10am-12pm
Pier 2 Roller Rink offers free admission hours on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays. Roller skate with amazing views of the Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan! Skate rental is $8 per person.
Move and Groove Mondays at Atlantic Terminal Mall | Downtown Brooklyn
Monday, August 12 | 6:30-7:30pm
Music With Corey is a fun, immersive, educational music experience curated by renowned kids music instructor, Corey J. Feldman. We will freeze dance, we’ll play the guessing game, and we’ll even do some magic! Corey’s music performances are perfect for kids ages 0-6+ with familiar songs, family-friendly covers, and a host of originals (find his album on Spotify!). Corey does classes, pods, lessons, and parties, but it’s always a party when you join Music With Corey.
Brooklyn City Blues: Crafting Stories with Glass Mosaics @ UrbanGlass | Downtown Brooklyn
Tuesday, August 13 | 2-5pm
Join UrbanGlass for an afternoon of community and mosaics designed and led by their fabulous high school interns from the Bloomberg Arts Internship – Rosally & Brianna! This drop-in workshop will cover the basics of mosaics, getting comfortable with the tools used in the process, and general do’s and don’ts that you can apply to future projects. Participants will work together to complete a mosaic inspired by the Brooklyn skyline, which will be proudly displayed within the studio once finished!
Comics Book Drawing Class with Mr. Nick at Red Hook Interim Library | Red Hook
Come to the brand new Red Hook Interim Library on Van Brunt St. to learn something new or indulge your love of drawing this summer. You will be drawing and learning about art from Mr. Nick. Topics such as how to make comic books, cartoons, and graphic novels will be covered. Mr. Nick is a professional artist who has created and published his own series of comic books. Don’t miss out. Beginners are always welcome! All supplies will be provided.
Kids Create: Minecraft and Mindfulness at Adams Street Library | DUMBO
Calling all fans of Minecraft! Come to the library to have some fun and play (while learning about mindfulness!) by engaging in: Minecraft Jokes!, Minecraft Mazes, Minecraft Movement games, Minecraft Board Game, and Minecraft Spot It Themed Game.
RECESS @ Industry City | Sunset Park
Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday | 5-9pm | Through Labor Day
Come join us for an evening of chill vibes and chilled cocktails at Courtyard 1/2. Enjoy music from local DJs for free every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5-9pm all summer long.
Sheep Meet & Greet | Governors Island
Tuesday, August 13 | 5pm
Join Friends of Tivoli Lake Preserve and Farm and the Trust for Governors Island’s horticulture team for a special sheep meet and greet on Governors Island. Head to Hammock Grove to learn about all that it takes to manage a flock of sheep and control invasive plant species through regenerative land principles. Sketchbooks and other drawing materials encouraged for group art activities with the flock! You’ll also have the opportunity to handle wool fresh from the farm (donation-based). No registration required. Please meet at Liggett Terrace promptly at 3PM.
Insect Light Trapping | Governors Island
Tuesday, August 13 (Rescheduled from August 6) | 7:30-9:30pm | Register here
Join the Governors Island Nature program for a special nighttime community science activity contributing to the ecological knowledge of the Island! Light trapping is an effective way to learn about and identify insects that are not as active during the day. By using ultraviolet light in a non-lit area, we will be able to attract night-flying insects, including moths and beetles, to a lightweight sheet, where we can observe specimens and collect data using the iNaturalist app.
Cumbe Dance | Fort Greene Park
Wednesday, August 14 | 10-11am | RSVP here
Join us at monument plaza for dance workshops hosted by us in partnership with the Cumbe Center for African and Diaspora Dance! This week is Traditional Guinean Dance class with Shaneeka Nicholson. No prior dance experience needed. This event is family-friendly, and kids are encouraged to join us. All ages are welcome.
Cadman Park Storytime | Brooklyn Heights
Wednesday, August 14 | 10:30-11am | Ages 0-5
Free Admission at New York Aquarium | Coney Island
Every Wednesday | 3-6pm | Reserve tickets here; free tickets are made available at 3pm the Monday before
Take advantage of free admission hours at the New York Aquarium in Coney Island, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. The aquarium’s Aquatheater is now reopened after renovations, and the sea lions and their trainers are performing once again! Check out the interactive “Sea Lion Celebration: Sea Lions in the Big City.” Daily schedules here. There’s so much to do while you’re in Coney Island; check out our guide to planning a day trip to Coney Island this summer! Note that advance timed tickets are required; the Wednesday Afternoon Ticket Store will open on Monday at 3:00 pm for that Wednesday’s reservations. Do not come to the aquarium without a reserved ticket! There’s a maximum of 4 tickets per order.
Community Heroes Meet and Greet | Fort Greene Park
Wednesday, August 14 | 5:30-8pm | RSVP here
Join us for the Community Heroes Meet and Greet at the Community Heroes Banners in Fort Greene Park at St Edwards St. and Willoughby St. along the fence next to the Brooklyn Hospital Center. View the Community Heroes banners alongside the Community Heroes community! This informal gathering will introduce the 2024 Heroes, youth writers, and photographers.
Outdoor Movies | Various Locations
- Wednesday, August 14: Three Promises in Brooklyn Commons Park, Downtown Brooklyn | There will also be a Q&A with filmmaker following the film.
- Wednesday, August 14: Summer of Soul (2021) in Valentino Pier Park, Red Hook | PG-13
- Thursday, August 15: Past Lives (2023) in Fort Greene Park PG-13
- Thursday, August 15: Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) in Brooklyn Bridge Park | RATED R: Material may be inappropriate for children
- Thursday, August 15: Notorious (2009) in Jitu Weusi Plaza, Clinton Hill | RATED R: Material may be inappropriate for children
- Saturday, August 17: Bob Marley: One Love (2024) in Brower Park, Crown Heights | PG-13 | There will also be a performance by Lila Iké.
- Sunday, August 18: Wizard of Oz (1939) | at Habana Outpost, Fort Greene | G
Stroller Walk at Prospect Park Audubon Center | Prospect Park
Thursday, August 15 | 10am-12pm | RSVP here
Calling all parents and caregivers with children! Join a Prospect Park Alliance Naturalist at the Prospect Park Audubon Center for a leisurely stroll along Prospect Park’s waterways. Embrace the sound of streams and songs of birds. Enjoy fragrant flowers and explore the towering trees of Brooklyn’s Backyard. Please note that this walk leaves promptly at 10 am from the Prospect Park Audubon Center.
Saturday, August 17 & Sunday, August 18 | 10am-1pm
Join Prospect Park Alliance for nature education programs on Thursdays and Fridays at the Prospect Park Audubon Center, the first urban Audubon Center in the nation. Programming includes:
- Nature Around Us: Enjoy different seasonal discovery stations and nature themed activities that will introduce you to the plants, insects and animals that call the park home. The Lake and Lullwater are home to many plants and animals. Help us to test the water quality and investigate pond samples that are filled with living organisms.
- Animal Encounter: Join Alliance Naturalists in learning more about the animals in the Audubon Center’s collection.
- Family Bird Walk: Prospect Park is a stopping point for hundreds of bird species each year! Join us as we search for these amazing creatures and other nature around the park. Binoculars and bird guides are provided.
Visit Brooklyn Children’s Museum’s STEM Makerspace: Nature’s Engineers | Crown Heights
Thursday, August 15 | 2-5pm
Brooklyn Children’s Museum has a new natural science-inspired makerspace, and you can visit it for FREE during Amazon Free Hours on Thursday afternoons! Nature’s Engineers is designed for children to learn from nature and engage in hands-on STEM activities, fostering creativity and critical thinking. Learn more here!
Community Paint Day at Atlantic Terminal Mall | Downtown Brooklyn
Thursday, August 15 | 3-5pm
This event is part of Brooklyn’s Org’s “Show Brooklyn Some Love” awareness campaign launched this summer encouraging Brooklynites to become active, engaged backers of grassroots organizations driving social change right in their own backyards. The 400-square-foot mural will be painted on the street-level facade of Atlantic Terminal Mall next to Party City. Groundswell artist-in-residence Carlos Mateu and a group of youth artists developed the mural’s design, which was unveiled to the public at a design share event earlier this summer. Let’s come together to create something beautiful for our community! No experience necessary, just bring your creativity and enthusiasm. Supplies will be provided, so just show up ready to paint and have a great time with your neighbors.
Nature Storytime at Environmental Education Center | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Thursday, August 15 | 3-3:30pm
Join for Nature Storytime at the Environmental Education Center! Held at 3:00 PM on the third Thursday of every month (during Open Hours). Librarians from Brooklyn Public Library Adams Street location lead for an exciting and engaging storytime session, along with singing and rhymes. Each month they select a book to pair with the Education Center’s monthly nature theme. Stick around after to check out all the animals and activities in the room during Open Hours! Storytime is typically about a half hour long. Walk-ups only; we do our utmost to accommodate as many walk-ups as space allows.
Storytime in the Park | Fort Greene Park
Thursday, August 15 | 4-4:45pm
Sing, read, and play with librarians from Brooklyn Public Library! Have fun hearing great picture books read aloud and playing with other children during this program featuring guest musical artists from Urban Stages. For children of all ages and their caregivers. Storytime in the Park will be located at the bottom of the monument stairs in Fort Greene Park’s northwest corner. In case of extreme heat or inclement weather, the program will be held at Walt Whitman Library, 93 St. Edwards St., Brooklyn, NY 11205.
Gotham Gymnastics Grand Opening | Gowanus
Thursday, August 15 | 5-7pm | Register here
Gotham Gymnastics is opening up a new location (316 Douglass Street) adjacent to their original location at 315 Douglass Street in Gowanus. The brand new 11,000-square-foot gym includes state-of-the-art equipment including vaults, bars, beams, full-size spring floors, foam pits, in-ground trampolines, TumbleTraks, ropes, rings, climbing walls, and more. Join for Gotham 316’s grand opening on Thursday, August 15, from 5-7pm, with free open gym, raffles, giveaways, and a bounce house! This event is open to the public. Register your free open gym time here; 18 months – 18 years are welcome; 18 months – 3 year olds must be accompanied by an adult. If you register for classes at the Grand Opening, you will receive a free gift from the Pro Shop!
Live at the Archway: Queerchella & Melanie Hope Greenberg | DUMBO
Thursday, August 15 | Doors at 5pm | Music at 6pm | RSVP here
Live at the Archway is an annual series of free concerts and visual art in the unique setting of the Dumbo Archway. Queerchella is a monthly LGBTQ festival that celebrates inclusivity but also amplifies the voices and experiences of queer artists.. The brainchild of Kiernan and Price Troche, the festival curates an entertaining lineup and revel in an evening of queer art. Live at the Archway line up to be announced. Melanie Hope Greenberg brings her love of mermaids and all things Coney Island to the Art Wall.
Weekend events on Governors Island
Friday, August 16 – Monday, August 19
It’s a great summer weekend to take the ferry to Governors Island, with so many events happening at once! Highlights include:
- House Fest 2024 | Friday, August 16 – Monday, August 19 | Click here for the full schedule of programs | A creative celebration of the seasonal Organizations in Residence in Nolan Park and Colonels Row, House Fest will feature free dance and music performances, outdoor installations, interactive workshops, open studios, panel discussions, and more.
- Beam Center’s OtherWorlds Fair | Saturday, August 17, 10am-4:30pm | This brand-new free festival on Governors Island is designed and run by NYC public high school students. OtherWorlds Fair offers people of all ages hands-on workshops, exhibits and performances in Fashion, Food, Storytelling, Design and Music that showcase the joyous fusion of cultures, identities and creative visions of today’s New York City teenagers. Registration required; workshops for adults and kids 7 and up.
- FAD Market Pop-Up| Saturday, August 17 & Sunday, August 18, 11am to 5pm | Featuring a rotating lineup of over 40 of the city’s emerging makers, designers, artists, and small businesses, visitors can expect to find handcrafted jewelry, art, apparel, bath and body care, tableware, home furnishings, artisanal packaged food, and more.
- Gridlock on Governors Island| Sunday, August 18, 10am | VW Gridlock, the epic vintage Volkswagen show, returns to Governors Island August 18! 75 unique, vintage Volkswagens from across the years will be parked at Picnic Point all day for visitors to enjoy. Free and open to all.
- Pollinator Walk at The Bee Conservancy | Sunday, August 18, 2pm | Join for our monthly Pollinator Walk! With an experienced guide, you will learn about and hunt for New York City’s pollinators and the habitats that support them. Come relax, observe, and explore nature through the lens of pollinators—and contribute to scientific research in the process!
Myrtle Avenue Summer Nights | Clinton Hill
Join us on August 16, 5-8pm for an evening of music, activities & specials! Enjoy FREE live music performances by Rome Neal’s Banana Puddin’ Jazz, Jem Bleu & DJ Del. Numerous activities for kids and adults along Myrtle Avenue, including double dutch with the Elite BKLYN Jumpers, dog portraits by TobyWorldNYC, The Chalk Walk outdoor art event for kids with staff from The Emerson, Tarot with Ana x Green in BKLYN, tarot with the.oracle_sona, caricature drawing with Derick Cross, face painting, balloon twisting, and a paper crafts workshop with Canary Swords. And there’s more — enjoy specials and activations from your favorite local businesses. Specials include free knife sharpening (limit 1 per family) at Indulge Kitchen Supplies, food and drink deals at Castro’s Restaurant, and wine tastings from Corkscrew Wines & Spirits, Gnarly Vines & Tipsy. Follow on Instagram for more updates!
Vanderbilt Open Streets | Prospect Heights
Friday, August 16, 5-10pm | Saturday, August 17, 12-10pm | Sunday, August 18, 12-5pm
Vanderbilt Avenue’s Open Streets program features activities and performances for the community. Stay up to date on their Instagram to see what live music performances and other programming is coming this weekend! This week includes:
-
Saturday, August 17 | 5-9pm | Outdoor Salsa with DJ Joe Gonzalez | Join us for an electrifying evening of salsa dancing under the stars on Vanderbilt Avenue! Every 3rd Saturday until September, we invite you to immerse yourself in the rhythms of Latin music at our outdoor Salsa events from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.
Live Salsa Music @ Sahadi’s | Industry City | Sunset Park
Every Friday | 6:30-9:30pm
Come join us at Sahadi’s for an unforgettable evening of summer Salsa music. Cuarteto Guataca plays high energy acoustic Son Cubano and Salsa with an old school sound, making people dance in clubs, parks and streets of NYC since 2012. See all upcoming salsa nights here.
Weekly Friday Night Fireworks | Coney Island
Every Friday | Fireworks begin at 9:45pm
Head to the Coney Island boardwalk to catch weekly fireworks kicking off on the Summer Solstice! Arrive early for a trip to neighboring Luna Park, New York Aquarium, or a Brooklyn Cyclones game at Maimonides Park. Check out our summer guide to visiting Coney Island here!
Kids’ Workshops: Mini-Treehouse at Lowe’s | Gowanus
Embark on a magical journey into the treetops with our Mini-Treehouse workshop! Guided by our expert instructors, your mini-DIYers imagination will soar as they learn basic carpentry skills and construct a tiny abode. Whether it’s a cozy fairy hideaway, a secret clubhouse for their collection, or a lookout tower for Mr. Mouse, the Mini-Treehouse is sure to become a cherished memory. Join us for a day of building, bonding, and making memories that will last a lifetime among the leaves and branches! Bring your mini-DIYer into Lowe’s at one of the select time slots. We look forward to building with you and your little ones!
Back To School Bash | Brooklyn Navy Yard
Saturday, August 17 | 10am-1pm | Free tickets here
Join the Brooklyn Navy Yard for a Back To School Bash featuring family resources, free health screenings, DIY folder design, food, music, a scavenger hunt, and surprise raffles.
Seaport Kids x Summer Bash | The Seaport
Saturday, August 17 | 11am-1pm | Best for kids 0-10
Summer crafts. Balloon twisting. Basketball entertainment. The sky’s the limit for imagination-fueled crafts at the upcoming Seaport Kids x Summer Bash. The Seaport is partnering with local family-event curators Mommy Poppins and Brooklyn Bridge Parents to bring neighborhood kids 2 hours of unleashed creativity and interactive fun. Bring bathing suits for water play, and your imagination for summer beach crafts and a LEGO table.
Basketball performance by 3 Time Guinness Record Holder Jack Ryan by will be held at 11:15am, 12:00pm, and 12:30pm. Optional free RSVP for the Fest here.
Storytime at The Center for Fiction Bookstore | Fort Greene
Saturday, August 17 | 12pm
Join us every Saturday at noon for Story Time at The Center for Fiction Bookstore, where each week we read from some of our favorite books for young people! Led by our booksellers, this is a free community event open to people of all ages.
Young Naturalists | Fort Greene Park
Saturday, August 17 | 12-1pm
Young Naturalists is a youth-led program for kids ages 5-13 to share and grow their knowledge about the world around them using Fort Greene Park as their open lab. Held biweekly from 12-1 p.m., with sessions ranging from bird identification and recycling minigames, to sharing all sorts of knowledge with one another, kids can expect to participate in hands-on activities and experiments and learn from their fellow Young Naturalists. Sessions are free to attend! Simply meet the Youth Leader of the day, at the Visitors Center and enjoy a youth-led session.
Hoyt Open Streets Splish Splash Saturdays | Boerum Hill
Saturday, August 17 | 12-3pm
Our August Open Streets Events: Splish Splash Saturdays! Come by Hoyt between State and Atlantic on Saturday, August 17th from 12 PM to 3 PM as we legally open the fire hydrant with a spray cap! Wear your swimsuit and water shoes and cool off on these hot summer days. Water toys will be provided—kids and dogs welcome!
NYSoM Back to School Bonanza 2024 at Bushwick Playground | Bushwick
In anticipation of the upcoming school year of 2024, NYSoM presents Back to School Bonanza 2023 on Sat Aug 17 from 2 pm-4 pm at Bushwick Playground in Bushwick NYSoM will be distributing sets of School Supplies. (There will be limited sets of school supplies and supplies will be distributed first come, first served.) Appearances by Iron Man and Batman! Take pics with Iron Man and Batman and take part in various themed activities.
18th Annual Fort Greene Farragut Oldtimers Day | Commodore Barry Park
Saturday, August 17 | 2-8pm
Fort Greene Farragut Oldtimers presents The 18th Annual Fort Greene Farragut Oldtimers Day. Join us for food family and fun. Sounds by KYME and DJ Disciple.
Bindlestiff Family Cirkus’ Flatbed Follies Summer Series | Bed Stuy & Kensington
Saturday, August 17 | Times TBD (Check website for updates!)
Bindlestiff Family Cirkus’ Flatbed Follies is an outdoor mobile venue that brings the performing arts into the streets. Developed in response to COVID, Flatbed Follies instantly became a vehicle offering joy and wonder to a recovering world. Performances take place upon innovative parade float stages modified to present circus acts. There is even a calliope wagon providing authentic circus music. This weekend’s shows in Brooklyn shows include:
- Saturday, August 17, Time TBD: Decatur Open Street, Stuyvesant Heights
- Saturday, August 17, Time TBD: Kensington Plaza
32nd Annual Coney Island Sandsculpting Competition | Coney Island
Saturday, August 17 | 12pm-4pm
Bring your friends and family for a fun-filled day at the beach with live entertainment, giveaways, and more! Don’t miss out on the chance to see talented artists showcase their skills in this unique competition. Competition begins at 12pm and solo, adult group and family group winners will be announced at 4pm.
VW vintage Volkswagen show | Governors Island
Sunday, August 18 | 10 am to 4 pm
VW Gridlock, the epic vintage Volkswagen show, returns to Governors Island August 18! 75 unique, vintage Volkswagens from across the years will be parked at Picnic Point all day for visitors to enjoy. Free and open to all.
Community Health Awareness and Family Reunion Day of Fun at Lefferts Historic House | Prospect Park
Sunday, August 18 | 10:30am-8pm | RSVP here
Join Prospect Park Alliance, James Frazier, DJ T-Groove, Mehala Isadora Miller (MIM) Foundation, Amarachi, 500 Men Making a Difference, The Dow Twins and the Bonello Foundation for a celebratory day of music, fashion, wellness and togetherness in Prospect Park. This Community Health Awareness event is a time for gathering and community awareness through speakers, resources, workshops and more. Attendees can enjoy music from New York City’s top DJs, a fashion review, special guest speakers, health and wellness screenings and fitness workshops, refreshments, children’s activities and more.
Brooklyn Pop-Up Market | Brooklyn Museum
Sunday, August 18 | 10:30am-5:30pm
Stop by our market to shop one-of-a-kind, handmade items from local artisans. This weekly event features more than 35 vendors offering artwork, jewelry, fashion, home and apothecary goods, and more. This event is free and takes place outdoors (rain location: Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Pavilion, 1st Floor).
Storytime & Crafting w/ Jodi Levine & Margaret McCartney: Mousetown at Books Are Magic | Brooklyn Heights
Welcome to Mousetown! In this inventive craft book, kids follow Mouse through his day in Mousetown, from getting ready to traveling to work, closing shop, grocery shopping, party prep, and throwing a surprise party for his friend Ginger. There are over 30 activities throughout the book that use recycled materials to recreate the story’s scenes so kids can follow along or make new stories set in Mousetown with Mouse and friends. Join authors Jodi Levine and Margaret McCartney for a special craft-filled storytime at Books Are Magic!
DUMBO Family Games on Car-Free Washington Street | DUMBO
Sunday, August 18 | 11am-1pm | Washington Street from Front Street to Water Street
Join every Sunday on car-free Washington Street for free kids activities and a community hang! Curated by the DUMBO BID x Brooklyn Bridge Parents and supported by Leaf Medical & Leaf Dental in DUMBO.
Soul Sundays at Atlantic Terminal Mall | Downtown Brooklyn
Sunday, August 18 | 1-4pm
POSTPONED: This event has been reschuled for Sunday, September 8 due to forecasted rain
Sunday, August 18 | 3-9pm | RSVP here
Join Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy for diaspora sounds and delicious food selections curated by African Chop House. Ma Cherie and Jam Central (of Lovers Rock) and Mohogany will be spinning Studio One, Dancehall, afrobeats, and amapiano all afternoon. Enjoy food selections for sale, curated by African Chop House including Makina Cafe (Ethiopian) and Gold Coast. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and more for sale at our Bar by Fornino. Bring a blanket to relax on the lawn, and soak in the summer vibes. This event is free and all-ages; RSVP on our website to let us know you’re coming and get event updates!
Updated: August 17, 2024. Main Image: Seaport Kids x Summer Bash.
