Exciting new amenities for families have recently opened—or are on the way—throughout our neighborhoods! Highlights include a new Brooklyn Basketball Academy location in Vinegar Hill, a trampoline park arriving in Bay Ridge, new Pixie Pods dance studios in Downtown Brooklyn and Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Aveda Institute’s new campus in DUMBO, brand-new daycares opening in Downtown Brooklyn and Williamsburg, the stunning new Pier 1 pavilion at Brooklyn Bridge Park, the reopening of a playground in Bay Ridge, and the long-anticipated reopening of the Bedford Library in Bed-Stuy.
Even more family-friendly additions are coming soon: a third Space Club location is in the works in Vinegar Hill, a newly redesigned playground is debuting at Pier 5, and plans are in motion for a future recreation center in Brooklyn Bridge Park—share your ideas by filling out the community survey here!
But first, a few neighborhood closures to be aware of:
- Guidepost Montessori is closing their Brooklyn Heights location in June. The school is 212 Hicks Street, and offered a preschool program (ages 2 to 6 years), as well as an elementary program (6 to 12 years). Their Williamsburg location will continue to offer toddler and preschool programs, serving 12 months to 6 years, with a Spanish immersion for 3-6-year-olds.
- The Craft Studio in Boerum Hill closed its doors on April 19. They continue to offer their craft activities to go, which can travel to any home or space, including parks and other venues. They will continue to operate out of their studios in TriBeCa and the Upper East Side.
Brooklyn Basketball Academy | New location in Vinegar Hill | NOW OPEN
Brooklyn Basketball Academy has expanded to Vinegar Hill with a new location at 306 Water Street. The facility has a 50ft x 80ft court with hardwood floors, six height-adjustable hoops, and locker rooms. BBA’s skills training and development programs are currently in session for the spring, from April 7 – June 30 ($625 for the season). See the full schedule for 2nd grade up to 9th grade here. The court is also available for rent by the hour, or for a half-day or full-day.
Aveda Institute | DUMBO | NOW OPEN
Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute has relocated its New York flagship campus from SoHo to Brooklyn. The institute on the ground floor level at 20 Jay Street features hair salon, retail area, treatment area and more. The Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute is an educational institution offering comprehensive programs in cosmetology, esthiology, and massage therapy. Guest services include hair cuts ($30), blow-outs ($30), facials ($48 for 60 min), waxing, color treatments and more at reduced pricing by supervised students in training. They even have a blow-out membership! The DUMBO location is open Monday to Saturday, book a treatment here, and learn more here!
Pixie Pods | New location in Downtown Brooklyn NOW OPEN | New location in Prospect Lefferts Gardens opening Summer 2025
Pixie Pods, the mobile dance and acrobatics studio for children 2-9, has two new locations opening this season: at Atlantic Terminal Mall and Discovery Kids in Prospect Lefferts Gardens. The Downtown Brooklyn location will offer School Break Camps, a 10-week Summer Camp, and Pixie Night Out every Friday night. Pixie Pods has also taken over the Discovery Kids space for the full summer, as the center will not be running their own summer camp this year. Pixie Pods Summer Camp on Rogers Avenue will be for ages 3-6, from 9am-4pm (extended day until 6pm), with a new theme every week and Friday performances. Offering gender-inclusive and engaging classes, Pixie Pods focuses on creative dance, hip-hop, and tumbling. The program is designed to nurture confidence, coordination, and creativity in a supportive, non-competitive environment.
Walt Whitman Pop Up Library | Fort Greene | NOW OPEN
The Brooklyn Public Library has launched a Walt Whitman Pop Up Library at 240 Nassau Street, hosted in a 3,000 square foot space donated by Alloy Development (240 Nassau Street, home of the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club) while the original branch undergoes renovations. Open Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 1:45pm through June, the pop-up offers books, library card sign-ups, reference help, and a variety of programs; see all upcoming events here.
Bedford Library | Bed Stuy | NOW REOPENED
The Bedford branch of the Brooklyn Public Library reopened on April 24 after a four-year closure for a $2.4 million renovation. Bedford, located at 496 Franklin Avenue, has the distinction of being the oldest branch in the system, dating back to 1897. This most recent renovation included a new modern HVAC system, LED lighting, an improved elevator, new floors and windows, plus new shrubs, flowers and fresh grass outside. Get a peek of the space here!
Pier 1 Pavilion | Brooklyn Bridge Park | NOW OPEN
Brooklyn Bridge Park’s new pavilion and entryway at Pier 1 was unveiled just in time for the park’s 15th Anniversary. The pavilion is fully accessible with both stairs and staircases, and has a striking oculus in the center. The pavilion also has elevated seating with a view of bridges, park, and skyline, as well as the park’s first private family and gender-neutral bathrooms. There are also water fountains, and a soon-to-open bakery, Breads Bakery, which will offer bread, pastries, sandwiches, and salads.
Renovation of Picnic House Restrooms | Prospect Park | NOW OPEN
The Prospect Park Alliance has completed a restoration project of the Picnic House restrooms, which is part of their larger mission to improve visitor experience. These types of improvements are normally undertaken by the City, but Prospect Park Alliance has used private funding to fast-track similar projects in the park over the past four years, including new bathrooms at Harmony Playground. More projects to come in 2025!
Diva Dance | New location in Downtown Brooklyn | NOW OPEN
Diva Dance is a women-owned business offering adult dance choreography classes & parties in Brooklyn. Classes already take place at studios in Park Slope and Flatbush, and now Diva Dance is expanding to Brooklyn Ballet in Downtown Brooklyn, located at 160 Schermerhorn Street. You can opt for a drop-in class, class packs, or purchase a membership. Plus, Diva Dance is now offering birthday parties for teens and kids! Send a DM to @divadancebklyn on Instagram to inquire about pricing and packages.
Hoops Klub | Fort Greene | NOW OPEN
Hoops Klub, a new indoor basketball hub for children is opening on April 7 at 28 Cumberland Street near the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The facility run by Hoops Academy will offer programs for ages 4 to 14, including lessons, in-house leagues and games, afterschool programs, travel teams, girls-only teams, camps and summer camps. The facility has a full-sized 100 x 50 feet indoor court, bleaches, locker area, audio system, large LEDs, and more.
Slope Comics & Collectibles | Park Slope | NOW OPEN
The team behind Little Things Toy Store has opened a comic book shop in the space formerly occupied by Jackrabbit Sports, at 151 7th Avenue, between Garfield and Carroll. Stop in for comics, graphic novels, figurines, trading cards, and more.
Birdhouse | Williamsburg | NOW OPEN
Birdhouse is a new child care “microcenter” (capped at 12 children) opening in Williamsburg this spring. The daycare is located in a former residential townhouse at 117 Ainslie Street. They offer full-day child care and early learning for 2s, 3s, and 4s, blending play-based learning with inspiration from Reggio Emilia and Conscious Discipline. The daycare’s Head of Education and Lead Teacher is Chazz Lewis, an early childhood education influencer with 1.5M followers. The center is open Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm, and offer 2, 3, or 5 days with flexible pick-up and drop-off. Students get breakfast, family-style lunch, and an afternoon snack. They also have a private backyard space! Birdhouse is accepting enrollment for Spring and Summer 2025 and the 2025-26 school year starting in September.
Russell Pederson Playground | Bay Ridge | NOW REOPENED
After a recent $5.4 million renovation, this Bay Ridge playground has reopened to the public. There are brand new climbing structures, swings for both big and little kids, slides, monkey bars and more.
Little Explorers Play House | Midwood | NOW OPEN
Little Explorers Play House is now open in Midwood! This brand-new Montessori play space is designed for ages 0-6, emphasizing hands-on, child-centered learning. They offer 75-minute open play sessions for $30 (includes 1 adult, additional adults are $5). You can also book unlimited all-day play for $38, or get a 5-session Open Play package for $140 or a 10-session Open Play package for $270. They also offer Mommy & Me sessions with music class and free play, starting at $40 for 75 minutes. Learn more about their birthday party packages here!
We Rock the Spectrum | Midwood | NOW OPEN
Another new indoor play space in the neighborhood of Midwood, We Rock the Spectrum is a new sensory gym designed for children of all abilities to play, grow, and thrive together. This inclusive indoor playground features dedicated areas for both toddlers and older kids, with activities that support the development of fine and gross motor skills. Highlights include a zip line, indoor trampoline, jungle gym, and a wide variety of sensory-friendly toys. For moments when a break is needed, a calming room is available to help kids self-regulate in a peaceful environment. The facility also includes a party room available for private rental. Open Play is available for all ages at $24.99 per child for two hours. The gym is open Sunday through Thursday from 10am-6pm, Fridays from 10am-3pm, and closed Saturdays.
Launch Trampoline Park | New location in Bay Ridge | Opening early May
Launch’s grand opening is set for early May—stay tuned here for an exact opening date! The family entertainment center will have airtrack basketball, an arcade, battle beam, dodgeball, dunk basketball, an indoor playground, VR experiences, slides, trampoline courts, bouldering walls, and more! The new location will be at 531 86th Street in Bay Ridge. The center will also have a restaurant, and will host birthday parties for kids. Book online or call 718.593.4204 for parties and events!
Little Scholars Childcare Center | New location in Downtown Brooklyn | Opening in May
Little Scholars Childcare Center is opening a brand-new location at 345 Adams Street in Downtown Brooklyn this spring! With nurturing Infant Care, engaging Toddler programs, and inspiring Preschool and Extended Care options for children aged 3 months to 5 years, this center is designed to help young minds thrive. The curriculum supports physical, emotional, linguistic, and cognitive development for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Hours are 8am to 6pm. Little Scholars offers open enrollment, and prospective families will tour the facility and participate in a family interview. For more details or to schedule a visit, call 718.925.4921 or email he**@***************yc.com. And don’t miss Family Day at Little Scholars Childcare Center x Brooklyn Bridge Parents on Saturday, May 3 from 10am to 1pm (with optional tours from 1 to 3pm). Families with children 0 to 5 years old are invited for a free day of play, with a bouncy house, arts & crafts, music and puppet shows, selfies with princess Cinderella and the ultimate paper party for kids! Get to see the new facility opening this spring, play and make new friends! Free RSVP here.
Carreau Club | Governors Island | Courts Reopening May 17
Try out the French boules sport pétanque on Governors Island! Carreau Club’s outdoor courts are reopening for the season on May 17. The courts are located on King Ave, not far from Yankee Pier. Open Fridays-Sundays 12-5pm through the summer. Alongside the courts, you’ll also find an outdoor beer garden featuring craft beer, wine, bottled cocktails, sandwiches, and chips.
New Pier 5 Playground | Brooklyn Bridge Park | Opening Spring 2025
A new playground for ages 2 to 12 is coming to Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 5, and is slated to open in Spring 2025. The play area will include a canopy for shade and sun protection, and there will be all-new play equipment. Stay tuned on Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Instagram for updates.
Walt Whitman Park Water Sprinklers | Brooklyn Heights | Reopening end of May 2025
After being out of service for multiple summers, the water sprinklers at Walt Whitman Park, located across from Cadman Plaza, will be back in use this summer! The sprinkler system was causing flooding in the basement of the Eastern District Courthouse next door, but repairs are finished and the sprinklers will turn back on by the end of May.
Club Pilates | New location in Downtown Brooklyn | Opening Late Spring 2025
A new Club Pilates is coming to 562 State Street in Downtown Brooklyn in late spring 2025! Club Pilates specializes in reformer-based group Pilates classes designed for all levels and fitness backgrounds. Classes are complemented by TriggerPoint, TRX®, springboard, EXO-Chair and other equipment designed to build strength, mobility and stability. Club Pilates even offers teen classes for ages 14-19, where young adults will learn to use the Reformer, Springboard, and more. See all class programming here. Memberships range from $159 to $359 per month, and for a limited time, they are offering 20% off select memberships. Click here to join! Club Pilates will be open 7 days per week, with classes as early as 6:30am and as late as 8pm.
CityPickle Pickleball Courts | DUMBO | Opening in 2025
CityPickle plans to open 11 outdoor pickleball courts at Anchorage Plaza this year. In June 2024, NYC Parks Department selected the proposal for the Anchorage Plaza site, which borders DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights and Downtown Brooklyn. The winning concept includes 12 pickleball courts, park spaces, and more amenities. Anchorage Plaza has been closed to the public for over 10 years and has been used as a parking lot and storage lot for the Department of Transportation. More information coming soon!
Nike Store | Atlantic Center Mall in Downtown Brooklyn | Opening Summer 2025
Nike is opening a new sporting goods store at the Atlantic Center Mall! The store is slated to open in Summer 2025. Stay posted for more details!
Hey Clay Pottery Studio & Gowanus Marketplace | Gowanus | Opening Summer 2025
A new grocery store and pottery studio are coming to a new two-building development 420 Carroll, which has brought 360 homes to Gowanus. Gowanus Marketplace will offer a wide variety of local and organic foods, sandwiches, salads, freshly squeezed juice, smoothies, and a full cafe. Hey Clay pottery studio will offer classes and memberships for new and seasoned potters. They plan to offer kids programming at some point, but will only have adult offerings at the outset. 420 Carroll recently launched its affordable housing lottery; for more information, click here. Located on the Gowanus waterfront, the development will include a 21-story tower and an adjacent 16-story tower connected by a subterranean tunnel so residents can access amenities in both buildings. Residents will have access to “The Shop,” Domain’s third location offering 14,000 square feet of coworking and affordable art studios, a lounge, multiple outdoor greenspaces including a public plaza, a fully-equipped fitness center, a children’s playroom, onsite bike storage, and the MyDomain suite of resident services offered at all Domain properties. Read more here!
NY Kids Club | New location in Gowanus/Park Slope | Opening September 2025
NY Kids Club and NY Preschool has signed a lease for 3,700 square feet at 655 Union Street, a mixed-use development on the border of Gowanus and Park Slope. This will become the new flagship location of NY Kids Club, relocating from 5th Avenue in Park Slope. There will be two classrooms, a sensory play gym with a 15-foot rock climbing wall and 20-foot trampoline, and spaces for families to gather. Enrollment is now open for NY Preschool and after school programming for the 2025-2026 school year, and enrollment for fall classes and programs will open in May 2025. The center is on track to open in September for the new school year.
Green-Wood Welcome Center | Green-Wood Cemetery | Opening Spring 2026
A new Welcome Center is coming to Green-Wood Cemetery in Spring 2026. The facility will be a community space for public programs, a mini-museum, a setting for research and education, and more. It will be located right across the street from the Main Entrance at 25th Street and Fifth Avenue, and will combine the restored Victorian-era Weir Greenhouse with a new building and serve as a central hub. It will have a visitor welcome area, classroom for 3K-12th Grade, a restored historic greenhouse space, two exhibition galleries, a Center for Research, storage for archival documents, restrooms, and staff offices. All will be welcome, and admission is free.
Brooklyn Prospect High School | New location in Downtown Brooklyn | Opening September 2026
Beginning in the Fall of 2026, Brooklyn Prospect High School currently located in Windsor Terrace will relocate to a custom-designed facility at 181 Livingston Street at the Wheeler Building in Downtown Brooklyn. Brooklyn Prospect is a K-12 charter school network with IB program in Brooklyn enrolling students by lottery. The new high school facility with capacity for 1,200 students will feature cutting-edge science laboratories, an NBA-sized gymnasium, a professional-grade performing and visual arts facilities, diverse and specialized course offerings providing students with greater academic choices, and community gathering spaces designed to nurture connection, collaboration, and school spirit. Learn more here!
Life Time | New location in Downtown Brooklyn | Opening in second half of 2026
Life Time athletic club is coming to Brooklyn Tower at 9 Dekalb Avenue in the second half of 2026. This will be the largest location in Brooklyn, at 80,000 square feet, spanning 7 levels. There will be a rooftop pool with an outdoor bar, an indoor lap pool, sauna, cold plunge, spa, cafe, and cowering spaces. The gym will offer studio classes, personal training, chiropractic services, and strength training facilities.
NY Liberty Basketball Practice Facility | Greenpoint | Opening 2027
The reigning WNBA Champion New York Liberty announced that the team will build an $80-million-dollar state-of-the-art practice facility, spanning 75,000 square-feet in Greenpoint. Projected to open in 2027 with construction costs will be fully-funded by the Liberty’s ownership group. There will be a new locker room concept, indoor practice courts and an outdoor court, roof deck dining area, training rooms, and recovery and spa amenities. The Liberty are committed to growing their Brooklyn Basketball program for young players, and this new facility will be able to host clinics and camps for the next generation of girls and boys. Read more here!
New Recreation Center | Brooklyn Bridge Park | Fill out community survey here!
Brooklyn Bridge Park is formalizing plans for a new recreation center under the Manhattan Bridge in the former dog run and climbing gym space, located at Adams and Plymouth Street in DUMBO. The new center could potentially include a public pool with free swimming lessons and lifeguard training, tennis courts, public restrooms, basketball court, indoor summer camp and other amenities. Find out more about the project here. Community planning—including a survey—has just begun, and funding is not yet secured, so this low-fee sports center would probably not open within the next five years. The survey is open until end of May 2025, fill it out here.
Space Club | New location in Vinegar Hill | Opening date TBA
Space Club, the popular sensory play space in Greenpoint and Fort Greene, will open a 3rd location in Vinegar Hill at 50 Gold Street (and Plymouth Street). Opening date has yet to be announced, stay tuned!
Goddard School | New location in Greenpoint | Opening date TBA
The Goddard School, an early childhood education private school, has signed a lease for a 10,172 square foot space on the ground floor of Tower 77 in Greenpoint. This will be the first Brooklyn campus for school, which already has six locations across New York City and 600 locations across the country. The school serves infants as young as 6 weeks and up to age 6. Goddard is known for play-based curriculum that focuses on fostering social, emotional, and cognitive growth in a nurturing environment. With so much high-rise development along the Greenpoint waterfront, there is a need for more schools in the neighborhood. More details to come about an opening date, enrollment, and program specifics.
Kids United Park Slope | Park Slope | Opening date TBA
A new indoor development soccer program for ages 1.5 to 8 is coming to Park Slope, at 555 4th Avenue. Kids will be divided into age groups: ages 1-3 and 4-8. Kids United will offer 7 educational programs, with 45-minute classes led by certified coaches, and flexible membership options. Lock in a discounted rate now by contacting them at 646.598.1585 or at pa*******@********ed.com. Stay tuned for an opening date on their Instagram.
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Updated: May 7, 2025. Main Image: Launch Trampoline Park in Bay Ridge.
