Brooklyn is packed with FREE kid-friendly events this September, from street festivals to dance parties to back-to-school celebrations. Highlights include the DUMBO Disco dance party under the Archway, Summer Saturdays at Atlantic Terminal Mall, FamChella on 5th Avenue in Bay Ridge, DUMBO Family Games on car-free Washington Street and a Back-to-School Party on Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights. Families can also catch a circus in Brooklyn Bridge Park, explore vintage vehicles at the New York Transit Museum’s Bus Festival, climb aboard trucks and vehicles on Myrtle Avenue, and more!
1. Flotsam River Circus in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Friday, September 12 | 6-7pm | FREE | Brooklyn Bridge Park
The Flotsam River Circus will bring its circus show to Pebble Beach at Brooklyn Bridge Park. The troupe—featuring musicians, puppeteers, and other performers—has been making its way from Buffalo to New York City, giving free shows along the way from their ramshackle raft.
2. DUMBO DISCO
Friday, September 12 | 6-9pm | FREE | RSVP here | DUMBO
Get ready to move with DJ Marc Bars spinning hip hop, pop and global grooves at this high-energy outdoor dance party. Plus, food and drinks for sale and free kids activities. Best for ages 5 – 95! Come dance with us at the first DUMBO Disco!
3. Touch a Truck on Myrtle AvenueÂ
Saturday, September 13 | 10am-2pm | FREE | Fort Greene
During this year’s Touch A Truck event, kids can explore and climb aboard trucks and vehicles, including fire trucks, emergency vehicles, and buses. The event also includes arts and crafts, face painting, balloon twisting, music, book giveaways from Brooklyn Book Bodega, and NYC Ghostbusters’ signature slime lab activity.
4. Summer Saturdays at Atlantic Terminal Mall
Saturday, September 13 | 11am-1pm | Ages 0-12 | FREE | Downtown Brooklyn
Join Brooklyn Bridge Parents and Atlantic Terminal Mall for Summer Saturdays with free water play, kids activities, giveaways and more fun for ages 0-12 on the Atlantic Terminal Mall Plaza. Come out to play, cool off and make friends! Rain date: Sunday, September 14.
5. FamChella on Car-Free Fifth Avenue
Saturday, September 13 | 4-7pm | FREE | RSVP here | Bay RidgeÂ
Join Brooklyn Bridge Parents and the 5th Avenue BID for FAMChella, a FREE family-friendly block party inspired by the fun and flair of Coachella. We’re turning the car-free stretch of 5th Avenue from 68th to 81st Street into a lively festival zone filled with free kids activities including a bouncy house, arts & crafts, LEGO play, water fun, DIY bedazzled headbands, and more! Local restaurants will be serving up tasty bites, and the whole neighborhood is invited to celebrate an unforgettable afternoon of family fun.
6. DUMBO Family Games
Sundays, 11am-1pm | September & October | Ages 1-8 | FREE | RSVP here | DUMBO
Sunday Family Games on car-free Washington Street are back in Speptember: a great way to play, meet neighbors and enjoy an epic view! Free Legos, crafts and a rotating roster of activities for kiddos aged 1 to 8 every Sunday from 11am to 1pm in September and October (weather permitting). Curated by the DUMBO Business Improvement District x Brooklyn Bridge Parents and supported by Leaf Medical & Leaf Dental in DUMBO.
7. Back to School Party on Car-Free Montague Street
Sunday, September 14 | 12-4pm | FREE | RSVP here | Brooklyn Heights
Join Brooklyn Bridge Parents for our annual Back to School Party during Open Streets on Montague Street, with 25 free kids activities, dance party and bubble show. We will have games, arts & crafts, soccer, face painting, a dance party, building activities, obstacle course, a Lububu meet and greet, and Pokemon trading—kids should bring their own Pokemon cards to trade!
8. Brooklyn Americana Festival in the DUMBO Archway
Friday, September 19 starting 6pm & Saturday, September 20 starting 5pm | FREE | DUMBO
The 11th annual Brooklyn Americana Festival will bring 10 bands to the DUMBO Archway, plus more acts around the borough. The festival will also take place at Jalopy Theatre on the Columbia Street Waterfront on Thursday, September 18, Superfine in DUMBO on Saturday & Sunday, September 20 & 21, plus evening shows at 68 Jay St Bar in DUMBO and Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook.
9. Brooklyn Book Festival Children’s Day
Saturday, September 20 | 10am-4pm | FREE | Downtown Brooklyn
Join for Brooklyn Book Festival’s annual Children’s Day at Borough Hall, featuring a Picture Book Stage, Young Reader’s Stage, Performance Stage, Workshop Room and a dedicated Makers & Creators area. Families will enjoy a full day of readings, workshops, performances, book signings, and art projects with favorite authors and illustrators.
10. New York Transit Museum Bus Festival
Sunday September 21 | 10:00am-3:30pm | FREE | Brooklyn Bridge Park
The New York Transit Museum’s Bus Festival is returning to Emily Warren Roebling Plaza! Kids of all ages are invited to climb aboard historic buses from NYC’s fleet, enjoy hands-on activities for all ages, and take pictures with vintage vehicles.
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Updated: September 9, 2025. Main Image: Back to School Party on Car-Free Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights.
