This week is bursting with fall festivals, Halloween fun, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, and kid-friendly activities during the school holidays of Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Diwali. Highlights include the Labubu Pumpkin Fest at City Point, DUMBO Family Games on car-free Washington Street, Open House NY Weekend with behind-the-scenes tours citywide, including FDNY Open Houses, Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Harvest Festival, and live music and circus performances on Montague Open Streets in Brooklyn Heights. Also on the lineup: Fall Festival at Marsha P. Johnson State Park, Play in the Square at Domino Park, the Newkirk Ave. Fall Festival in Flatbush, Cooper Park Block Party in East Williamsburg, and Fall Fest at Brooklyn Grange in Sunset Park.
MONDAY (Indigenous Peoples’ Day School Holiday)
Halloween Costume Drive at St. Ann & the Holy Trinity | Brooklyn Heights
Through Tuesday, October 14 | Drop off Monday – Friday, 8am-5pm
This fall, The Service Collective will once again accept new or gently used Halloween costumes (any size, any age) to benefit Safe Horizon. Drop off at St. Ann’s anytime between 8am-5pm on weekdays from September 29 through October 14. Costumes will be delivered to kids affected by domestic violence, ensuring they have a happy Halloween!
Indigenous People’s Day School Holiday | Prospect Park
Monday, October 13 | 10am-5pm
Enjoy family friendly programming in Prospect Park on the school holiday for Indigenous People’s Day.
- Leaf Litter | 10–3 pm | Discover what’s hiding beneath the forest floor through this hands-on activity.
- Animal Encounter | 1–2 pm | Meet the Audubon Center’s animals with Alliance Naturalists.
- Tree ID Walk | 2–3 pm | Learn why and when trees shed leaves and take part in citizen science.
- ReImagine Lefferts Open Hours | 12–4 pm | Explore indoor/outdoor exhibits, activities, and workshops at Lefferts Historic House.
- Carousel Rides | 12–5 pm | $3 per ride, $13 for 5
Jane’s Carousel | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Monday, October 13 | 11am-5:50pm | $3 rides
Usually closed on Mondays, Jane’s Carousel will be open on Monday, October 13 for Indigenous Peoples’ Day!
Free Admission Days @ Pier 2 Roller Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Mondays | 3:30-6:00pm
The Pier 2 Roller Rink in Brooklyn Bridge Park 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.
TUESDAY
Free Music Show with Hopalong Andrew at Whole Foods | Gowanus
Tuesdays | 10am
Hopalong Andrew’s weekly shows at Whole Foods are FREE! Make sure to double check in his Instagram the morning of to make sure class has not been cancelled for any reason.
Free Story Time at Private Picassos | Clinton Hill
Tuesdays | 11am-12pm | For babies and toddlers
Private Picassos Founder Valeen Bhat will read a favorite kid’s book in our cozy reading nook – perfect for babies and toddlers. Hang out after for toys and exploring all of the books we have at our studio.
Pre-K Storytime: Cast Your Vote! at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Tuesday, October 14 | 3:30-4:00pm
Democracy is a parenting issue! At this unique Storytime, kids will vote for their favorite activities and learn about voting and elections. Parents and caregivers will get a chance to register to vote and receive non-partisan election information. Families can enter to win a copy of Go Vote, Baby! by Nancy R. Lambert and Anne Passchier.
Kids Garden Club at Greenpoint Library | Greenpoint
Tuesday, October 14 | 3:30-4:15pm | Registration encouraged
Our final kids Kids Garden Club meeting of this growing season! This week we will be harvesting our radish & lettuce plants, and preparing & sampling other fall vegetables from our roof top garden.
Step-by-Step Diwali Mini Zine at Leonard Library | Williamsburg
Tuesday, October 14 | 3:30-4:30pm | Ages 2-10 | Ages 3-12
Join Geshu Sugandh (Ms. Geshu)—local children’s book author and creator of BrooklynBiharn, a bilingual English-Hindi storytelling studio—for a hands-on Diwali celebration! Create and color your own Step-by-Step Diwali mini zine exploring five simple ways to honor the Festival of Lights.
Movies @ the Library: Encanto at Adams Street Library | DUMBO
Tuesday, October 14 | 3:30-5:30pm | Ages 2-10
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage month by watching Encanto with us at Adams Street Library.
Jack and Friends Presents: Rolie Polie Guacamole at Park Slope Library | Park Slope
Tuesday, October 14 | 4:00-4:45pm | Registration will open 24 hours in advance
Jon us for Jack and Friends series with Brooklyn kindie titans Rolie Polie Guacamole!
Hispanic Heritage Month Storytime at DeKalb Library | Bushwick
Tuesday, October 14 | 4:00-4:45pm | Ages 0-5
Join us at the Dekalb Library for an afternoon of songs and stories celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month! Each child will receive a giveaway book to keep.
Middle School Makerspace at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Tuesday, October 14 | 4:00-5:30pm
Middle School Makerspace is a weekly hands-on workshop where you are in charge of the ideas. A maker space is all about experimenting, designing, and building whether you’re into art, science, tech, or just like tinkering with cool stuff.
New Mom Meet Up at Fontainhas | DUMBO
Tuesdays | 4:30-6:00pm
Bring your baby to Fontainhas for some cozy chai and hangs with other new moms. Hosted every week by the new mom pop-up POST.
Ping Pong at the Commons | Downtown Brooklyn
Tuesdays | 5-7pm
Come for free ping pong in Brooklyn Commons, with DJ-Mike Doelo providing the soundtrack for each match! There will also be free lemonade and iced tea!
Jason Reynolds Discusses Coach with Jay Ellis at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Tuesday, October 14 | 6-8pm
Brooklyn Public Library and Greenlight Bookstore are proud to welcome Jason Reynolds, the 2020-2022 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and author of the new book Coach, the companion to his award-winning and New York Times bestselling Track series. Actor Jay Ellis (Insecure, Top Gun: Maverick, The Game) joins Reynolds for a conversation and audience Q&A, followed by a book signing.
Halloween Decor Creation at ARTUDIO | Greenpoint
Tuesday, October 14 | 6-9pm | RSVP here
Calling all creative goblins, ghosts and ghouls! Make this year’s McGhoulrick Park Halloween the spookiest yet by crafting outdoor decor – cardboard tombstones, creepy characters and painted banners and more!
Open Run 10-Year Anniversary Celebration: Brooklyn Bridge Park at Pier 6 | Brooklyn Heights
Tuesday, October 14 | 7-9pm
Join us in celebrating 10 years of Open Run! NYRR Open Run brings free, weekly community-led, approximately 3-mile runs to neighborhood parks across the greater New York City area. The program is free and open to runners and walkers of all ages, abilities, and experience levels.
Movies Under The Stars: The Adams Family (1991) at Dyker Beach Park | Dyker Heights
Tuesday, October 14 | 7-10pm | PG-13
Join for a Halloween-themed movie under the stars in Dyker Heights!
WEDNESDAY
Wednesday Wonders: Double Dutch Dreamz at Abolitionist Place | Downtown Brooklyn
Wednesdays | 3-4pm
Come to Abolitionist Place for a free jump rope program from The Double Dutch Dreamz.
Tween Time: Fall Crafts at Greenpoint Library | Greenpoint
Wednesday, October 15 | 3:00-4:30pm | Ages 9-12
Tweens, come hang out with other tweens for some fall-theme crafting at the library!
Free Admission at New York Aquarium | Coney Island
Wednesdays | 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 form 3-6pm on Wednesdays. Note that advance timed tickets are required (max of 4 per group); the Wednesday Afternoon Ticket Store will open on Monday at 3:00 pm for that Wednesday’s reservations.
Volunteer To Make & Package Hats for Cancer Patients at Bond Craft Studio | Gowanus
Wednesday, October 15 | 3:30-5:30pm | Ages 9+
Bond Craft Studio needs your help to spread love and comfort to those undergoing cancer treatments! Join for a meaningful volunteer workshop where we’ll be packaging crochet hats that have been donated and writing “Get Well” notes for patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NYC.
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at Viva Toro | Williamsburg
Wednesday, October 15 | 6-9pm
Stop by Viva Toro in Williamsburg for their annual Hispanic Heritage month community celebration!
4th Annual Halloween Acclamation at Calyer Triangle | Greenpoint
Wednesday, October 15 | 7pm
Come to the Calyer Triangle in Greenpoint—at the intersection of Franklin, Banker & Calyer—for a celebration of the Halloween season, with a. performance from Gawain and the Green Knight, a reading of Edgar Allan Poe’s horror classic “The Cask of Amontillado,” and a live pumpkin carving by local artist Iain Burke.
THURSDAY
Tot Time at Marsha P. Johnson State Park | Williamsburg
Thursdays | 10-11am | Ages 5 and under | RSVP here
This nature program for ages 5 and under in Marsha P. Johnson State Park is FREE! Supplies are provided on a first come, first serve basis.
Sing with Suzi in the Park at J.J. Byrne Playground | Park Slope
Thursdays | 10-11am | Ages 0-5
Beloved children’s musician Suzi Shelton returns for another season of FREE family fun! There will be giant bubbles by Park Slope Parents at 10am and a live family concert with Suzi Shelton & Friends from 10:15-11:00am.
Prospect Park Stroller Walk | Prospect Park
Thursdays | 10am-12pm | RSVP here
Calling all parents and caregivers with children! Join for a leisurely stroll along Prospect Park’s waterways.
Community Access Thursdays at Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Crown Heights
Thursdays | 2-5pm | Reserve here
Join during Community Access Thursdays, every Thursday afternoon from 2-5 pm! Explore some of our most-loved exhibits, including the new Mobilab Exhibit, which invites kids to build their own vehicles and put them to the test on ramps and tracks.
Open Hours at the Environmental Education Center | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Thursdays | 3-5pm | Note: There will not be Open Hours this Saturday, October 18; join for the Harvest Festival instead!
Visit the Environmental Education Center for Open Hours. Open Hours offer the opportunity for self-led investigation with guidance by expert educators to reveal the hidden stories found within and around Brooklyn Bridge Park. Explore our critter and fish tanks, a 10′ model of the Park, and enjoy custom arts, crafts, and reading materials which rotate on a monthly basis.
Nature Storytime at Environmental Education Center | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Thursday, October 16 | 3:00-3:30pm | Walk-ups only; first-come, first-served
Held on the third Thursday of every month (during Open Hours), librarians from the Adams Street Library lead for an exciting and engaging storytime session, along with singing and rhymes. Stick around after to check out all the animals and activities in the room during Open Hours!
Flex Olympics at Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Crown Heights
Thursday, October 16 | 3:30-4:15pm | RSVP here
Show off your moves at the monthly Flex Olympics dance workshop! Learn the basics of street dance, build your own style, and join fun dance challenges. Flex is a high-energy street dance born in Brooklyn in the 1990s and inspired by Jamaican dancehall. Workshops will run on the third Thursday of each month from October 2025 through April 2026.
After School Movie: Frankenweenie at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Thursday, October 16 | 3:30-5:00pm | Ages 5+ | PG
After School Movie at Brooklyn Heights Library! This week’s movie: Frankenweenie (2012). PG. Run time: 1 hour and 30 minutes. No registration required; attendance limited by room capacity.
Story Time at Fontainhas | DUMBO
Thursdays | 4:30-5:30pm
Come to Fontainhas every Thursday at 4:30pm for a free story time and singing! Open to all. Bring your little ones for a fun story, enjoy a glass of chai or wine, and meet other parents!
Astronomy for Teens at Greenpoint Library | Greenpoint
Thursday, October 16 | 6:00-7:30pm
This program is designed specifically for teenagers aged 13+, not for children or their parents. Teens, join facilitator Brian Levine to learn about space, the stars, and astronomy.
Movies Under the Stars: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) at Marine Park | Marine Park
Thursday, October 16 | 6:45-9:00pm | PG-13
Join for a spooky Halloween movie at Marine Park!
FRIDAY
Open House NY Weekend | Citywide
Friday, October 17–Sunday, October 19 | Times vary | Select tours are free (others required $7 tickets)
Open House New York Weekend is an annual festival that opens more than 300 sites across the five boroughs for behind-the-scenes tours and special events. Tickets were released October 3 at 12pm on a first-come, first-served basis, though many locations are open for drop-in visits with no ticket required. Tours with drop-in availability and family-friendly programming include:
- Bike New York: Community Programming & Training Space | Sunset Park | Friday, October 17 | 11am-5pm
- Naval Cemetery Landscape | Brooklyn Navy Yard | Friday, October 17 | 12-4pm
- Exodus and Dance at Kingsborough Houses | Friday, October 17 | 2-6pm
- And more here!
Family Fridays at City League Coffee | Bay Ridge
Fridays | 9:30-10:30am
Every Friday, City League Coffee invites parents, grandparents, siblings, caregivers and their little ones to join us for a fun-filled exciting hour. Each week is designed to feature a different activity that fosters a sense of togetherness between neighbors.
Open Hours at the Environmental Education Center | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Fridays | 3-5pm | Note: There will not be Open Hours this Saturday, October 18; join for the Harvest Festival instead!
Visit the Environmental Education Center for Open Hours. Open Hours offer the opportunity for self-led investigation with guidance by expert educators to reveal the hidden stories found within and around Brooklyn Bridge Park. Explore our critter and fish tanks, a 10′ model of the Park, and enjoy custom arts, crafts, and reading materials which rotate on a monthly basis.
Live Music with MISTER G: An Aviva and Friends Event at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Friday, October 17 | 3:30-4:30pm | Register here
Come dance, sing, and celebrate with MISTER G (aka Ben Gundersheimer), a Latin GRAMMY Award-winning artist, author, and educator.
Free Admission Days @ Pier 2 Roller Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Fridays | 3:30-6:00pm
The Pier 2 Roller Rink in Brooklyn Bridge Park 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.
Autumn Evenings at Newtown Native Nursery at Kingsland Wildflowers | Greenpoint
Fridays | 4pm
Join every Friday from September 5 to October 17 to see the green roofs at Kingsland Wildflowers and explore (and purchase) plants from our Native Plant Nursery. This is a family-friendly event.
Spooky Welcome Party at KPL Dance Co. | Williamsburg
Friday, October 17 | 5:30pm
Join KPL Dance Co. for a spooky-themed celebration at the studio! There will be dancing, games, Halloween treats, photos, a costume parade, and more!
Movies Under the Stars: The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) at Sunset Park | Sunset Park
Friday, October 17 | 7:00-9:30pm
Join for a family-friendly Halloween movie in Sunset Park!
SATURDAY
Open House NY Weekend | Citywide
Friday, October 17–Sunday, October 19 | Times vary | Select tours are free (others required $7 tickets)
Open House New York Weekend is an annual festival that opens more than 300 sites across the five boroughs for behind-the-scenes tours and special events. Tickets were released October 3 at 12pm on a first-come, first-served basis, though many locations are open for drop-in visits with no ticket required. Tours with drop-in availability and family-friendly programming include:
- Wyckoff House Museum | East Flatbush | Saturday, October 18 | 11am-3pm
- WindScape Brooklyn | Sunset Park | Saturday, October 18 | 12-4pm
- New York Sign Museum at Noble Signs | East New York | Saturday, October 18 & Sunday, October 19 | 12-4pm
- Brooklyn Army Terminal | Sunset Park | Saturday, October 18 & Sunday, October 19 | 12-4pm
- Van Allen Fall Fest | Gowanus | Saturday, October 18 | 12-4pm
- Powerhouse Arts: Crafternoons and Studio Visits | Gowanus | Saturday, October 18 & Sunday, October 19 | 12-5pm
- Naval Cemetery Landscape | Brooklyn Navy Yard | Saturday, October 18 (12-7pm), Sunday, October 19 (12-4pm)
- 1914 Lehigh Valley Railroad Barge No. 79 | Red Hook | Saturday, October 18 | 1-5pm
- Mary A. Whalen Tanker Tour | Red Hook | Saturday, October 18 | 1-6pm
- And more here!
NYRR Open Run Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Runs: Shore Road Park | Bay Ridge
Saturday, October 18 | 9am-12pm
Celebrate Hispanic/Latinx culture by wearing your home country’s colors. NYRR Open Run Brings free, 5K weekly community-led runs, to neighborhood parks across the greater New York City area. The program is free and open to runners and walkers of all ages, abilities, and experience levels. The course is three loops alongside Shore Road with stunning views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
Fort Greene Artisans Bazaar | Fort Greene Park
Saturdays | 9-4pm
Shop 30+ local designers, artisans, and makers along DeKalb Ave between South Oxford St and Washington Park every Saturday! Find up-cycled and boutique fashion, housewares, handmade jewelry, small batch apothecary, candles, accessories, local granola, and more!
Spooky Saturdays with Blippi at Chuck E. Cheese | Downtown Brooklyn
Saturdays in October | 10am-12pm | Free admission
This October, Chuck E. Cheese is hosting Spooky Saturdays with Blippi. Visit any Saturday morning before 12 pm to watch a different Blippi Halloween episode each week. Families can also download a Blippi-themed activity sheet to enjoy at home, and kids who come dressed as Blippi will receive bonus E-Tickets for games and prizes.
Introduction to Birdwatching Outings | Prospect Park
Saturdays | 10am-12pm | Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
Walks begin at the Prospect Park Audubon Center. No registration required. Children under 12 must be with an adult. Bring binoculars if available.
October Weekend Nature Exploration | Prospect Park
Saturday, October 18 | 10am-1pm
Join the Prospect Park Alliance for nature education programs on Saturdays and Sundays at the Prospect Park Audubon Center.
- Leaf Art | 10am–12pm | Create nature-inspired art while exploring tree leaves.
- Animal Encounter | 11am–12pm | Learn about the Audubon Center’s animals with Alliance Naturalists.
- Fall Nature Walk | 12–1 pm | Discover how insects and plants, like the Spotted Lanternfly, prepare for winter.
Anime Crew: Shoujo at Brower Park Library | Crown Heights
This club is designed for neurodiverse girls ages 9–12 who are interested in learning more about anime, but all are welcome! Participants will discover different anime genres. They’ll also learn how to design original characters, develop storyboards, and create short manga, with an emphasis on celebrating girls’ creativity and perspectives.
Books Are Magic Storytime with Esmé Shapiro & Kate Finney: Don’t Eat Me! | Brooklyn Heights
Saturday, October 18 | 11:00-11:30am | RSVP here
From award-winning illustrator Esmé Shapiro and debut talent Kate Finney comes the unforgettable story of Belladonna, a spunky, beautiful plant who must learn to survive—even though she can’t flee from those who want to devour her!
Farmyard Frolic at Red Hook Farms | Red Hook
Saturday, October 18 | 11am-2pm
Join for the first-annual Farmyard Frolic at Red Hook Farms, located across from IKEA! There will be plant walks for adults, scavenger hunts for kids, plus activity and resource tables from local partners.
Free Children’s Events at Dekalb Market Hall | Downtown Brooklyn
Saturdays | 11am-2pm
Every weekend, Dekalb Market Hall (downstairs at City Point) offers balloon animals, face painting, and more! Located in front of Osteria and Showroom Bakehouse.
FDNY Open Houses | Across Brooklyn
Saturday, October 18 & Sunday, October 19 | Times vary | See all Brooklyn Open Houses here!
On Saturday, October 18, and Sunday, October 19, the FDNY will host its annual citywide Open House program, with over 200 FDNY Firehouses and EMS Stations opening their doors to the public. Most Brooklyn stations will be open on Saturday. Take a tour of your local firehouse to view live demonstrations, learn fire and life safety tips. Kids can come in firefighter outfits! Expect long lines! More locations across NYC here.
Harvest Festival | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Saturday, October 18 | 11am-3pm
Brooklyn Bridge Park’s annual Harvest Festival will celebrate the changing of the season, with lots of family-friendly activities, including arts and crafts, live music, lawn games, our signature pumpkin patch, and more!
Brooklyn Stories & Art with Author-Illustrator Nat Cardozofor Brooklyn History | Brooklyn Heights
Saturday, October 18 | 11:30am-1:00pm
Join author-illustrator Nat Cardozo for a special storytime reading of Origin: An illuminating look at Indigenous peoples and their connection to the natural world! Families will take part in a hands-on art activity to create self-portraits.
Poplar Street Garden Pumpkin Party | Brooklyn Heights
Saturday, October 18 | 12-3pm | Email po**********@***il.com to RSVP and reserve a pumpkin (while supplies last!)
Join the Poplar Street Community Garden for their annual Pumpkin Party, with pumpkin decorating, Halloween crafts, treats, and harvesting of end-of-season herbs. RSVP to reserve a pumpkin at po**********@***il.com.
Pop Up Audubon: Fall Conservation Action at Concert Grove Pavilion | Prospect Park
Saturday, October 18 | 12-4pm
Join for pop-up nature education activities at the Concert Grove Pavillion and help support our fall migratory birds in the process! Design your own colorful autumn leaf window cling. All materials provided — family-friendly and free to participate! This activity takes approximately 20 minutes.
Pop Up Audubon: Tree Appreciation Month at Nethermead Arches | Prospect Park
Saturday, October 18 | 12-4pm
Join Prospect Park Alliance for pop-up nature education activities at the Nethermead Arches! Have you ever wondered what lives beneath your feet on the forest floor? Explore the hidden world of leaf litter. Through hands-on observation, you’ll uncover insects, decomposers, and other small creatures that play a big role in keeping the ecosystem healthy.
GAME-A-PALOOZA at Hana House | Downtown Brooklyn
Saturday, October 18 | 12-5pm | $5
Check out Game-A-Palooza, the city’s biannual indie game showcase, coming to Hana House in Downtown Brooklyn this October. Attendees can play and experience over 50 games from local developers.
Open House NY: Annual Open House at Brooklyn Navy Yard | Brooklyn Navy Yard
Saturday, October 18 | 12-5pm | RSVP here
Join for a behind-the-scenes look at the Brooklyn Navy Yard! Explore the Yard up close and check out dozens of the dynamic businesses that call our campus home, take part in hands-on demos and exclusive tours, and more.
Forest of Feelings at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Saturday, October 18 | 1-2pm
In this “Forest of Feelings” program, participants will sing, move, and explore a colorful world full of animals, numbers, colors, and more. Through simple yoga poses, mindfulness, and playful learning, kids will celebrate all kinds of feelings and discover that every emotion belongs.
Music for Autism Presents: In-Person Concert with Double Bassist Nina Bernat & Pianist Umi Garrett at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Saturday, October 18 | 1-2pm
Join us for an autism-friendly, interactive, sensory-friendly concert!
Cooper Park Block Party | East Williamsburg
Saturday, October 18 | 1-4pm
Enjoy fun fall activities at this year’s Cooper Park Block Party! There will be a screen-printing station, a raffle, music and a neighborly gathering over apple cider, doughnuts, coffee, on Sharon Street! Free and open to all.
ARTMobile @ Sunset Park | Sunset Park
Saturday, October 18 | 1-4pm
ARTMobile is a mobile, outdoor art studio located in Sunset Park, arts programs for all ages! We provide materials, but bring your own if you want to upcycle!
Bargemusic at The Boathouse at Pier 5 | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Saturdays | 2pm
After presenting concerts for nearly 50 years in a floating concert hall at Pier 1, Bargemusic has relocated their chamber music concerts to the Boathouse at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 5. All concerts are free!
NARS Free Family Workshop at Sunset Park Library | Sunset Park
Saturday, October 18 | 2-4pm | Ages 4-8
Led by teaching artist Cynthia Reynolds, this Free Family Workshop is designed to engage families with children 4-8 years old in creative, hands-on art activities.
Newkirk Ave Fall Festival | Flatbush
Saturday, October 18 | 2-8pm
Join for a Fall Festival on Newkirk Ave. in Flatbush, between Marlborough Rd. and Coney Island Ave. There will be a bounce house, arts and crafts, giveaways, street games, community resources, plus snacks outdoor screening at 6:15pm. Vote for your movie selection: Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, or Addams Family Values.
Saturday, October 18 | 2-10pm
5th Avenue will be car-free from Union to 4th Street from 2-10pm. Join Drag Story Hour NYC for ages 3 and up at 2:30pm! There will also be live music by Funk Slope from 3-5pm between Garfield and Carroll. This week, highlights include:
- Michael Hunter | 2-4 PM @ 1st Street
- Jim Greene Jazz Combo | 3-5 PM @ Carroll Street
- The FUMOS | 3 -5 PM @ 3rd Street
- Lynn Gentry | 4-6 PM @ 1st Street
- Kids Storytelling by Drag Artists for Expression | 3PM @ President Street
- All Ages Sidewalk Chalk Contest | 3 PM – 5 PM @ 2nd Street
- All Ages Circus Fun by Big Easy Imaginarium | 3-6 PM @ 2nd Street
Family Improv at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Saturday, October 18 | 3-4pm
Join Urban Stages for some theatrical family fun! Improvise together to create plots and characters and so much more.
Mookntaka’s Friends and Follies | Governors Island
Saturday, October 18 | 3-7pm
As a part of Governors Island’s final Third Saturday of 2025, Mookntaka’s Friends and Follies are back at Governors Island! Join for a dazzling light installation by Brooklyn-based artist Jarid Blue, which will transforms bodies, objects, and spaces through projected light. Plus, Third Saturdays are full of special indoor and outdoor activities and public programs. And at 6:30pm, join for a Monster Parade!
SUNDAY
Labubu Pumpkin Fest at City Point | Downtown Brooklyn
Sunday, October 19 | 11am-1pm | Ages 2-10 | RSVP here
City Point and Brooklyn Bridge Parents kick off the spooky season with pumpkin decorating, fall crafts and Labubu meet and greet. Costumes encouraged! Best for ages 2 to 10. The free event will take place at City Point on the ground floor level next to Rumi. Highlights include: pumpkin decorating (take home a pumpkin while supplies last), selfies with Labubus, fall crafts, and balloon twisting.
DUMBO Family Games | DUMBO
Sundays, 11am-1pm | Through October 26 | Ages 1-8 | RSVP here
Sunday Family Games on car-free Washington Street are a great way to play, meet neighbors and enjoy an epic view! There will be legos, crafts and a rotating roster of activities for kiddos aged 1 to 8. Curated by the DUMBO Business Improvement District x Brooklyn Bridge Parents and supported by Leaf Medical & Leaf Dental in DUMBO.
FDNY Open Houses | Across Brooklyn
Saturday, October 18 & Sunday, October 19 | Times vary | See all Brooklyn Open Houses here!
On Saturday, October 18, and Sunday, October 19, the FDNY will host its annual citywide Open House program, with over 200 FDNY Firehouses and EMS Stations opening their doors to the public. Most Brooklyn stations will be open on Saturday. Take a tour of your local firehouse to view live demonstrations, learn fire and life safety tips. Kids can come in firefighter outfits! Expect long lines! More locations across NYC here.
Open House NY Weekend | Citywide
Friday, October 17–Sunday, October 19 | Times vary | Select tours are free (others required $7 tickets)
Open House New York Weekend is an annual festival that opens more than 300 sites across the five boroughs for behind-the-scenes tours and special events. Tickets were released October 3 at 12pm on a first-come, first-served basis, though many locations are open for drop-in visits with no ticket required. Tours with drop-in availability and family-friendly programming include:
- Brooklyn Grange | Sunset Park | Sunday, October 19 | 10am-3pm
- Brooklyn Glass | Gowanus | Sunday, October 19 | 11am-4pm
- New York Sign Museum at Noble Signs | East New York | Sunday, October 19 | 12-4pm
- Brooklyn Army Terminal | Sunset Park | Sunday, October 19 | 12-4pm
- Street Lab Office and Warehouse | Columbia St. Waterfront District | Sunday, October 19 | 12-4pm
- Naval Cemetery Landscape | Brooklyn Navy Yard | Sunday, October 19 | 12-4pm
- Carroll Hall Garden Tour | Bushwick | Sunday, October 19 | 12-4pm
- Powerhouse Arts: Crafternoons and Studio Visits | Gowanus | Sunday, October 19 | 12-5pm
- And more here!
Free Admission Days @ Pier 2 Roller Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Sundays | 10am-12pm
The Pier 2 Roller Rink in Brooklyn Bridge Park 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.
Fall Fest at Brooklyn Grange | Sunset Park
Sunday, October 19 | 10am-3pm
Join for Brooklyn Grange’s Fall Fest at their Sunset Park location, with tours, food by chef Naomi Santos of Cena, harvest stands, autumnal fun activities, hot cider, yoga & more!
Play in the Square at Domino Park | Williamsburg
Sunday, October 19 | 10:30am-1:15pm | RSVP here
Play in the Square returns to Domino Square featuring family-friendly activities and performances. Twice monthly, bring the family to Domino Square for a fun-filled Sunday morning, featuring programming by local, talented children’s performers and educators. On October 19, the event will be held on the Main Lawn (S 1st Entrance):
- 10:30-11:15am | Storytime Yoga with Artful Souls & Wellness
- 12:30-1:15pm | Rockin’ Sing-alongs with Ari the Sing-along Guy
Lisa Brown, creator of the hugely popular The Airport Book and The Hospital Book, breaks down the big prospect of moving to a new home in this engaging picture book primer.
Free Children’s Events at Dekalb Market Hall | Downtown Brooklyn
Sundays | 11am-2pm
Every weekend, Dekalb Market Hall (downstairs at City Point) offers balloon animals, face painting, and more! Located in front of Osteria and Showroom Bakehouse.
Montague Open Streets | Brooklyn Heights
Sunday, October 19 | 11am-5pm
Montague Street from Clinton to Hicks will be car-free, with live music, compost giveaway, a blood drive, and a circus performances from Bindlestiff Family Cirkus! Highlights include:
- 11am–5pm | Blood Drive | Sign up here to donate!
- 12-1pm | Hillary Powell Music | Brooklyn singer-songwriter Hillary Powell blends Folk and Americana storytelling, drawing comparisons to Nanci Griffith, Kacey Musgraves, and Patty Griffin. Catch her before she goes on tour again.
- 12–3pm | Compost Giveaway | Sign up here to pick up two (2) free 40-lb. bags of compost.
- 1pm | Bindlestiff Family Cirkus | A family-friendly variety show with acrobats, jugglers, clowns, and contortionists.
- 3pm | JAW Band | Catch them before they hit Madison Square Garden.
Fall Festival at Marsha P. Johnson State Park | Williamsburg
Sunday, October 19 | 12-4pm
Join for a day of fall fun at at Marsha P. Johnson State Park on the Williamsburg waterfront. There will be pumpkin painting, a puppet show, face painting, games, a fall maze, a guided bird, a guided history walk, and live music from Fogo Azul, and more!
Pop Up Audubon: Fall Conservation Action at Concert Grove Pavilion | Prospect Park
Sunday, October 19 | 12-4pm
Join for pop-up nature education activities at the Concert Grove Pavillion and help support our fall migratory birds in the process! Design your own colorful autumn leaf window cling. All materials provided — family-friendly and free to participate! This activity takes approximately 20 minutes.
Pop Up Audubon: Tree Appreciation Month at Nethermead Arches | Prospect Park
Sunday, October 19 | 12-4pm
Join Prospect Park Alliance for pop-up nature education activities at the Nethermead Arches! Have you ever wondered what lives beneath your feet on the forest floor? Explore the hidden world of leaf litter. Through hands-on observation, you’ll uncover insects, decomposers, and other small creatures that play a big role in keeping the ecosystem healthy.
Fall Harvest at Threes Brewing | Gowanus
Sunday, October 19 | 12-5pm
Enjoy festive games, a live DJ, pumpkin & gourd painting, cozy photo ops, and much more. Kids will love the hands-on fun, while adults can sip on seasonal drink specials – including fest-style steins, spiced fall cocktails, and warm, boozy beverages.
Open Hours at the Environmental Education Center | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Sundays | 1-5pm
Starting this week, the Environmental Education Center will have Open Hours on Sundays from 1-5pm! Stop in to learn about the Park and local ecology, including a 10’ model of the Park, visit our tank critters include fish, turtles, and frogs, and enjoy rotating monthly themes with crafts and activities!
Bargemusic at The Boathouse at Pier 5 | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Sundays | 2pm
After presenting concerts for nearly 50 years in a floating concert hall at Pier 1, Bargemusic has relocated their chamber music concerts to the Boathouse at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 5. All concerts are free!
Open House New York: Gravesend Cemetery | Gravesend
Sunday, October 19 | 2:00-3:30pm
It’s Open House New York Weekend! The Urban Park Rangers will guide you through this landmarked cemetery that was established by Lady Deborah Moody in 1643 and is home to graves of early settlers and the founding families of Brooklyn.
Sunday Kids Club: Halloween Celebration at Michaels | Cobble Hill
Sunday, October 19 | 2-4pm
Get ready to celebrate all things spooky season with this free Halloween Celebration! Join us in-store to create a Treat Bag, ghostly friendship bracelets, and more.
Coastal Cleanup | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Sunday, October 19 | 2-4pm | Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult | Registration required
Coastal Cleanup volunteers help keep our shorelines clean by removing debris from the waterfront. Volunteers of all ages are welcome; under 16’s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No orientation or experience is required, but note that this activity may involve climbing up and down rocks.
MONDAY (Diwali School Holiday)
Jane’s Carousel | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Monday, October 20 | 11am-5:50pm | $3 rides
Usually closed on Mondays, Jane’s Carousel will be open on Monday, October 20 for the Diwali school holiday!
Free Admission Days @ Pier 2 Roller Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Mondays | 3:30-6:00pm
The Pier 2 Roller Rink in Brooklyn Bridge Park 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.
Diwali School Holiday | Prospect Park
Monday, October 20 | 10am-5pm
Enjoy family friendly programming in Prospect Park on the school holiday for Diwali.
- Leaf Litter | 10–3 pm | Discover what’s hiding beneath the forest floor through this hands-on activity.
- Animal Encounter | 1–2 pm | Meet the Audubon Center’s animals with Alliance Naturalists.
- Fall Nature Walk | 2–3 pm | Are you curious about how invasive insects, like the Spotted Lanternfly, prepare for winter? You’ll get hands-on experience in citizen science as we observe how insect and plant life prepare for seasonal changes.
- ReImagine Lefferts Open Hours | 12–4 pm | Explore indoor/outdoor exhibits, activities, and workshops at Lefferts Historic House.
- Carousel Rides | 12–5 pm | $3 per ride, $13 for 5
Diwali Celebration at the Seaport Museum | South Street Seaport
Monday, October 20 | 3-6pm
Hop across the river for a Diwali Celebration at The Seaport Museum. Decorate your own diya lamp and float it in a special pool, attend a Diwali Puppet Storytime, jump into an interactive dance workshop, and more.
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Updated: October 16, 2025. Main Image: Labubu Pumpkin Fest at City Point in Downtown Brooklyn.
