Our overview of free kid-friendly events in Downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights and beyond includes an Oktoberfest with live music and kids activities, a Bklyn Indoor Block Party, a story time about the Brooklyn Bridge, harvest festivals and more. Read our Halloween Guide for all free Halloween events here.
Kids STORY-TIME with author of HOW EMILY SAVED THE BRIDGE | DUMBO | 10/2
Frieda Wishinsky and Natalie Nelson read from their latest picture book “How Emily Saved the Bridge.” A story Time about the Brooklyn Bridge, the iconic suspension bridge that connects Manhattan and Brooklyn at PowerhouseArena in DUMBO on Wednesday, 10/2 from 5 to 6 pm.
Oktoberfest | DUMBO | 10/4 & 10/5
Oompah bands, “Pick-your-own-apples” photo experience, arts and crafts, festive themed eats and beer at the annual Oktoberfest taking place on in DUMBO’s Archway on Friday 10/4 from 5 to 9 pm and Saturday 10/5 from 1 to 9 pm. Rain or shine.
St Mary’s Playground block party | Gowanus | 10/5
St. Mary’s Playground (Smith Street between Luquer and Nelson) is hosting a block party celebrating the opening of the playground with Learn to Ride classes for kids with Bike New York (you can register on their website, B.Y.O.Bike), woodworking, skateboard making, weaving and more on Saturday 10/5 from 11 to 2 pm.
Bklyn Indoor Block Party | Downtown Brooklyn | 10/6
City Point and Brooklyn Bridge Parents will bring the party inside for families with kids from 1 to 10. The 2nd Bklyn Indoor Block Party will take place on Sunday October 6th from 11 am to 3 pm. Free fun activities including bouncy house, block building, arts & crafts, story times, beyblade tournament, soccer, “fishing”, treasure hunts, “gardening” and a school fair at City Point mall in Downtown Brooklyn at 445 Albee Square West.
Harvest Hang | Brooklyn Navy Yard | 10/12
Join the Brooklyn Navy Yard for a fun afternoon of pumpkin picking, face-painting, costume-making, and more! Yard-based businesses in the fields of costume design, fabrication, design, and entertainment will transform the BLDG 92 forecourt into a harvest takeover that is perfect for visitors of all ages! Delicious treats will be provided by local businesses, so come ready to have fun, create, and snack the afternoon away! Saturday October 12th from 12.30 to 3 pm. Free tickets here.
Free kids modern dance class | DUMBO | 10/13
WHITE WAVE’s Kids Can Dance education program will lead Hip Hop/B-boy and Modern Dance classes for kids of all ages during the DUMBO Dance Festival. Click HERE to RSVP for the kids class.
Sukkot Party | DUMBO | 10/17
Join the DUMBO Gan Preschool on Plymouth Street to celebrate Sukkot and meet many different live animals with the Nature Company on October 17th from 4 to 6 pm. Free, rsvp here.
Harvest Festival | Brooklyn Bridge Park | 10/19
Haunted marsh, pumpkin patch, arts and crafts, face painting, music, and games await at this year’s Harvest Festival! Event will take place on Saturday, October 19th from 11 am to 2 pm at Pier 6.
400 Years of Inequality | Brooklyn Historical Society | 10/20
Family-friendly adaptation of Irondale Ensemble Project’s Color Between the Lines. This show uses song and story to look at oft-forgotten Brooklyn abolitionists who fought to free enslaved Africans. Each 25 minute performance is followed by a hands-on, storytelling art activity. Recommended for ages 6 years and up. RSVP here.
Intro to Pre-K & Kindergarten | DUMBO | 10/21
We are hosting an info session on 10/21 for families considering Pre-K and Kindergarten in public, private and Charter schools in Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Downtown Brooklyn, BoCoCa and Fort Greene. We will cover everything you need to about local zoned schools, un-zoned schools, Charter and private school options, application details and deadlines, free universal Pre-K options, languages and dual language programs, G&T programs and more. This event is geared towards parents with children born in 2015 and 2016. Tickets here.
Main photo: Oktoberfest in DUMBO’s Archway
