Living in Sunset Park – a neighborhood guide for families

Kid-friendly institutions

• Brooklyn Public Library Sunset Park | The library is located on 4th Avenue at 51st Street. This library was renovated and reopened in 2023. It has a recording studio, the largest dedicated space for teens of any library in the borough, and a community program room. They offer a variety of children’s programming as well.
• Max Funland | Max Funland has two locations in Brooklyn and one is in Sunset Park at 3901 8th Avenue. Older kids will love the arcade, and kids 3 and up can enjoy the ball pits and trampolines. They are open Monday through Friday 12:30am-9:00pm and weekends 11:00am-9:30pm. Admissions starts at $24.99/1.5 hours on weekdays, and $27.99/1.5 hours on weekends. No personal socks are allowed, but you can purchase them for $3. The arcade features more than 100 games, plus claw machines and VR devices.
• Melody Lanes | Take the family bowling at Melody Lanes! There are 26 lanes, arcade games, and tons of snacks and food, as well as alcohol for adults. Bowlers are first-come, first-served (for groups less than 10). Check their social media for specials!
• Urban Air Adventure Park | Urban Air is a trampoline and adventure park in Sunset Park. In addition to trampolines, there are battle beams, dodge ball, a tumble track, bumper cars, a slam dunk zone, a tubes playground, and so much more.
• Space House | Sunset Park has a new fun spot for children to play! Space House has arcade games and an indoor playground that includes trampolines. Families can buy jump tickets or arcade credits separately, or purchase a special combo deal.

In Industry City:

• Brooklyn Escape Room | Brooklyn Escape Room offers immersive escape experiences in various rooms, including a spooky haunted house, an apocalyptic shelter, and a dark dungeon. They also have a huge arena for Nerf battles! Escape rooms start at $38/player. Nerf Battles are $20/30 minutes and $30/60 minutes. Best for ages 8 and up, and walk-ins welcome.
• Brooklyn Game Knight | Brooklyn Game Knight is a tabletop lounge with an epic selection of board games, card games, RPGs, and miniature battles. They double as a retail store, and have become a community hub for gaming, with regular events and tournaments. It costs just $12 to access their full library and play for up to 4 hours.
• CREA Interactivity | CREA is a tech-based play space where kids ages 5–12 move through seven interactive zones filled with physical and creative challenges. They offer “CREA Adventure” sessions, drop-off date nights, camps, and more.
• Frying Pan Game Room | The Game Room at Industry City has recently had a massive makeover, with a fantastic array of brand-new games. Highlights include Space Invaders, an immersive Jurassic Park experience, and a Fast & Furious driving game. Admission is free, and you can load credits onto a card.
• Hapik Climbing Gym | Hapik climbing gym is 15,000 square feet, with 2 ropes courses and more than 150 routes across 50 climbing walls, going up to 24 feet in height. Best for ages 4 and up! Hapik offers climbing passes, monthly memberships, after-school classes, and birthday parties.
• Joy Gymnastics | Joy Gymnastics recently expanded their gym in Industry City. They offer group and private classes for children ages 1.5-16 as well as “Open Joy” free play sessions, mini camps when school is not in session, summer camp, and “Joy Night Out” date night drop-off for 4.5-12 year olds.
• Wild Captives | This indoor archery range offers introductory lessons on weekends, taught by experts! All equipment is included. Walk-ins welcome. Note: Participants under 18 must be at least 12 years old and accompanied by an adult.

Best drop-in indoor fun in Brooklyn by neighborhood here. Find our Industry City guide here.

Parks and sports 

• Sunset Park | Bordered by 5th Avenue and 7th Avenue, this park spans from 41st Street to 44th Street. There is a playground, water area, pool, recreation center (which is currently under construction), and much more for visitors to enjoy. The park provides some of the best views of the city, and is a favorite spot to watch 4th of July fireworks.
• Rainbow Playground | Renovated and reopened in October 2023, this colorful playground is a bright addition to the neighborhood.
• Martin Luther Playground | Located on 2nd Avenue between 55th and 56th Street, this small playground is made up of two jungle gyms and swings.
• Gonzalo Plasencia Playground | This playground is located behind Charles O. Dewey Middle School and Sunset Park Prep Middle School. It is scheduled to be renovated in the next few years.
• D’Emic Playground | If you are stopping by Industry City, this small playground is across the street. It is scheduled to be renovated in the next few years.
• Pena Herrera Playground | Located behind PS 1, this playground is also scheduled to be renovated in the next few years.
• Bush Terminal Park | This quiet park on the water has seating areas, sports fields, and great views.

Kid-friendly restaurants

• Slimák | Enjoy a fresh and locally-sourced breakfast or lunch at Slimák. They offer brunch on weekends with a “For the Kiddies” option. They serve coffee as well as beer, wine, and cocktails. Children can enjoy a special hot chocolate, house lemonade, or a vanilla steamer.
• Sunset Park Diner & Donuts | If you are looking for a casual meal with your family, Sunset Park Diner & Donuts is perfect. They have a kid’s menu that includes the crowd-pleasing “Kids Mickey Mouse Pancakes”. And don’t forget to order a donut!
• Tacos Matamoros | Tacos Matamoros offers delicious Mexican food in a casual setting. They have a small kid’s menu.
• George’s Restaurant | George’s Restaurant has been part of the Sunset Park community since 1957. Whether you are stopping by for a quick breakfast or want to sit down for dinner, George’s has a variety of options to make everyone happy.
• Hawaiian Fried Wings | This popular spot is the place to visit if you are craving some wings. Be sure to try the lemon pepper flavor. They offer mini meals as well as their popular family packs. Enjoy in their small seating area or order to go.
• King’s Kitchen | With locations across Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, King’s Kitchen doesn’t disappoint with their delicious Cantonese food. They have multiple Sunset Park locations including on the corner of 60th Street and 7th Avenue and on the corner of 53rd Street and 8th Avenue. Standout dishes include the Claypot Combo, Youtiao (fried dough sticks), BBQ Combo, and Peking Duck.
• Jalapeños | If your family is craving Mexican food, stop by Jalapeños. While everything is authentic and delicious, be sure to order the chiles rellenos, a cabeza or any other taco, and a frozen margarita if you’d like! They also occasionally have live music.
• Lucky Vege House | Lucky Vege House serves vegan cuisine in a warm setting. Try the mapo tofu, fried double mushrooms, sweet & sour vegetables, and more! This is a great place to order a variety of dishes and share them family style.
• Industry City | Industry City has many food and drink options across their campus, from Hometown Bar-B-Que to Japan Village’s food hall to tacos, pizza, and more! After your meal, play in one of the courtyards (check out the sand pit) or attend a family-friendly event!
• 8th Avenue | Known as Brooklyn’s Chinatown, 8th Avenue has many delicious food options. Check out Ba Xuyen for a Banh Mi, Kai Feng Fu Dumpling House for dumplings, Hot Space for Szechuan cuisine, Molly Tea for a drink, and Park Asia for Dim Sum for a meal with your family.

Our overview of kid-friendly restaurants in Brooklyn by neighborhood here. Find our Industry City guide here.

Restaurants for a date night out

• Café Zona Sur | With a friendly staff, delicious drinks, and an eclectic menu, this local treasure in Sunset Park is the perfect place for a casual date night. Be sure to try theirsteak frites, mac & cheese, empanadas, nachos, and Zona Sur burger. Happy hour is all day on Thursdays.
• L’Wren | L’Wren is a beautifully decorated space with a variety of seating. They offer a daily happy hour or consider the 90 minute open bar option. Their inventive cocktail list and small bites are sure to please.

Our overview of romantic restaurants in Brooklyn by neighborhood here.

Bakeries

• Las Rosas Bakery | Las Rosas Bakery has been baking sweets since 1984 on the corner of 59th Street and 4th Avenue.
• Pariscien Cafe Bakery | This Colombian bakery and restaurant serves food from early until late. Be sure to order an arepa de chocolo, empanadas, pandebono, and a cup of their amazing coffee.
• Xin Fa Bakery | Be sure to a grab an egg tart from this bakery located on the corner of 57th Street and 8th Avenue.
• La Flor de Izúcar | Since opening in 1990, La Flor de Izúcar has been serving up authentic Mexican baked goods, sandwiches, tacos, and more. If you are a vegetarian looking for a meal, be sure to check out the “Veggie Lovers” section on their menu.

Our overview of delicious bakeries in Brooklyn by neighborhood here.

Shopping

• Es La Vida | This shoe store has been serving the Sunset Park community since 1981. They carry a variety of shoes and accessories for the whole family.
• Joan’s 5th Avenue | This fine jewelry and watch store has been in the neighborhood since 1959.
• 5th Avenue Shopping | Shop on Fifth Avenue and pick up items from the newly opened Rainbow NYC, Foot Locker, Five Below, DII, and more.

In Industry City:

• Li-Lac Chocolates | Manhattan’s oldest chocolate house is located in Industry City. Stop by to watch the chocolatiers at work or pick up a delicious treat!
• Japan Village | Be transported to Japan by visiting Japan Village. Check out the Japanese dollar store DAISO, Taro’s Origami Studio, Bando Namco Cross Store, and more! They also have delicious food and drinks.
• Artist & Craftsman Supply | Recently opened in summer 2025, this craft store has everything artists need to create a masterpiece. They also carry a nice selection of children’s craft kits and gifts.
• Sahadi’s | Sahadi’s is a James Beard award winning Middle Eastern grocery store and eatery. Buy spices, nuts, coffee, prepared foods, and more. They even have mini shopping carts for children to use!

Find our Industry City guide here.

What you should not miss in Sunset Park

• Nieves Tia Mimi | Grab a Mexican ice or other dessert from either of Sunset’s Nieves Tia Mimi’s locations. Try a Chamoyada or Mangoneada too!
• Prince Tea House | Celebrate a special occasion or relax in a beautiful setting with some tea and treats at Prince Tea House.
• Irish Haven | This Irish bar has been in the neighborhood since 1964. Stop by to see where The Departed, Ray Donovan, and Gotham were filmed!
• Industry City | Spend a day with the family or a fun date night at Industry City. Industry City has courtyards to relax in with plenty of food and shopping options. Be sure to check out their robust events calendar! Find our Industry City guide here.
• Attend the Lunar New Year Parade | Since 1988, 8th Avenue’s annual parade is attended by thousands of people each year. Come by to celebrate!
• Take a ferry ride | Catch the NYC Ferry from the Brooklyn Army Terminal to Manhattan, the Bronx, or the Rockaways. Besides being useful for travel, hop on for great views!
• Take a walk through Brooklyn’s Chinatown | 8th Avenue has many delicious food options, shops, and supermarkets.
• Annual Christmas tree lighting | Don’t miss the Sunset Park BID’s annual Christmas tree lighting at the corner of 60th Street and 5th Avenue.
• Cheer for the Marathon | A large portion of the TCS New York City Marathon course runs through Sunset Park. The neighborhood turns into a huge celebration to cheer for the over 60,000 runners that participate in this annual race.

Schools in Sunset Park

• Public schools: Located in District 15 and 20, there are many elementary school options in Sunset Park, including PS 503, PS 506, PS 939, PS 971, PS 094, PS 001, PS 516, PS 024, PS 958, PS 172, PS 896, and PS 169. Middle school options include MS 936, MS 428, MS 136, and MS 821. For high school, many students attend Sunset Park High School, or the High School for Telecommunications or Fort Hamilton High School in Bay Ridge.
• Charter schools: Children can attend LEEP Duel Language Academy for grades K-5 or Brooklyn Prospect Sunset Yards for grades K-8 and then continue at another Brooklyn Prospect location for high school. The neighborhood just welcomed Launch High School in Fall 2025. Brooklyn Rise Charter School originally opened in Sunset Park before moving to Downtown Brooklyn and is currently constructing a new building in order to return.
• Preschools: District 20 Pre-K Center Z074 and Z099, PS 001, PS 958, PS 516, Worldtots Preschool, and Young Risers are just some of the preschool options in Sunset Park.

For more information about schools, download our school guides here.

Transportation News

• The Interborough Express will eventually connect Brooklyn to Queens via Light Rail, originating from the Brooklyn Army Terminal in Sunset Park and ending at Roosevelt Avenue in Queens.

Affording Sunset Park 

• The median sale price for homes in Sunset Park was $681,250 in 2024.

Get to know a school in Sunset Park

This guide has been contributed to by the staff and families of PS 503 The School of Discovery.

PS 503: The School of Discovery is a warm and welcoming community. Known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, multilingual and multicultural atmosphere​, having two or more teachers in all classes, beautiful playground and yard, fun events and field trips, and much more, PS 503 is a special place for children and their families to learn.

Learn more about PS 503: The School of Discovery by visiting their website, checking out their social media account, or emailing the school at in**@*********ne.org.

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