There are so many kid-friendly events and activities in our neighborhoods this week, from music concerts to story times to nature programs! Highlights of the week include MLK Day celebrations, Indian dance performances and storytelling at Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Teen Night at the Brooklyn Museum, the Grand Opening Party for Treasure Trunk Theatre’s new studio in Prospect Heights, and a free performance by Hopalong Andrew at Time Out Market in DUMBO!
The 39th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. at BAM | Fort Greene
Monday, January 20 | 10:30am | FREE, tickets are first-come, first served beginning at 8am on 1/20
Join us for a very special solo presentation by Ailey II, vibrant music with The Fire Ensemble led by Troy Anthony, and more. Ring in the New Year with friends, neighbors, artists, and civic leaders in a day of activism, music, and family-friendly activities. Learn more here!
BAMkids Celebrates MLK Day: If You Can’t Be the Sun, Be a Star! | Fort Greene
Monday, January 20 | 11:45am, 1:30pm & 3pm | Registration required | Ages 6+
This family-friendly program immerses young people in art forms that express the importance of acts of service and collaborative work, while knowing that your best doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Activities include imaginative movement, creating a collaborative tape mural, celebrating friendship and family in a vintage photo booth, and sharing inspirational messages. Guided by a diverse group of artists, kids will express creativity and build community, while learning about Dr. King’s life and mission. Learn more here!
MLK Day Of Service for Brooklyn Jewish Families at The Senesh School | Carroll Gardens
Monday, January 20 | 10am-12pm | FREE; tickets here | Ages 2-10
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a hands-on service learning event especially designed for families with children ages 2-10! Participate in engaging activities designed to inspire and give back to the community in partnership with local community organizations. Children and their grownups will be broken up into small groups and rotate through multiple stations, each offering unique ways to contribute and learn about justice and service. Plus, a very special program for our littlest helpers and their grownups, including a sing-along with Tkiya Music and storytime with PJ Library.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day School Holiday at Prospect Park
Monday, January 20 | 12-4pm | FREE
Join Prospect Park Alliance for nature education programs at the Prospect Park Audubon Center, the first urban Audubon Center in the nation. There will be nature activities, a chance to meet animals in the Audubon Center’s collection, and a winter wilderness walk. Learn more here!
MLK Weekend: Workday at Community Garden | South Williamsburg
Monday, January 20 | 11am-2pm | Ages 8+ with guardian, ages 15+ without guardian | Register here
MLK Day of service in the garden is a great way to lend a helping hand in our community! Bring water, snacks, and comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Please note that some activities may involve lifting heavy material and moving, bending, and squatting for long periods. GreenThumb community gardens are developed, led, and cared for by dedicated volunteers who critically upkeep community gardens as public green spaces.
Free Admission to Luna Luna Forgotten Fantasy at Hudson Yards
Monday, January 20 | FREE for kids on MLK Day!
Luna Luna is a fantastical fairground that fused an amusement park and an art museum, featuring rides, attractions and interactive installations by the 20th century’s most celebrated and innovative artists, Luna Luna features a ferris wheel by Jean-Michel Basquiat, a carousel by Keith Haring, a wave swinger by Kenny Scharf, a wedding chapel by André Heller, immersive pavilions by David Hockney, Salvador Dalí and Roy Lichtenstein, and more.
Free Music Show with Hopalong Andrew at Whole Foods | Gowanus
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.
Mini Playdate at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Tuesday, January 21 | 10:30-11:15am | 0-3 years
Stop by the Mini Brooklyn Playdate to enjoy fun games and activities that delight young children and encourage early literacy. Come to play and leave ready to turn ordinary objects in your home into your child’s favorite toys. For babies and toddlers birth to 3 years and their parents and caregivers.
Tiny Storytime at Books Are Magic | Cobble Hill
Tuesdays | 11am
Join Book Are Magic for Tiny Storytime for ages 6-36 months, every Tuesday in Cobble Hill and Thursday in Brooklyn Heights!
Free Storytime at Private Picassos | Clinton Hill
Tuesdays | 11:00-11:30am
Join us each Tuesday at 11am and select Saturdays at 10am for a special storytime – perfect for babies and toddlers. Private Picassos Founder Valeen Bhat will read a favorite kid’s book in our cozy reading nook. Hang out after for coloring, toys and exploring all of the books we have at our Studio.
Comic Book Drawing Class with Mr. Nick at Red Hook Interim Library | Red Hook
Tuesday, January 21 | 3:00-4:30pm | Ages 10+
Come to the brand new Red Hook Interim Library on Van Brunt St. to learn something new or indulge your love of drawing this summer. You will be drawing and learning about art from Mr. Nick. Topics such as how to make comic books, cartoons and graphic novels will be covered. Mr. Nick is a profession artist that has created and published his own series of comic books. Don’t miss out. Beginners are always welcome! All supplies will be provided. For kids age 10 and up.
Read with a Dog at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Tuesday, January 21 | 4-5pm | Ages 5-12 | Sign up in person day-of
Join us in our Craft Room to practice reading with our guest pup, Mia! Kids can make enormous strides in building self-esteem and confidence while acquiring a love of books by reading to a dog. The goal of the program is for kids to read in a specific environment. Grown ups, if you’re comfortable, we ask that the kids attend the session on their own, thank you! Sign up at the Children’s Reference desk for a 15 minute slot on the day of the program. First come, first serve. Space is limited to 3 children per time slot. For children ages 5-12 who are practicing their reading skills.
T-Shirt Fashion Design @ Teen Tech Center at The Annex | DUMBO
Tuesday, January 21 & Wednesday, January 22 | 4:00-5:30pm | For teens | Registration required
T-Shirt Design is an interactive fashion and branding program for teens held at all Teen Tech Centers at the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL). For several weeks, teenagers will learn how to develop logos and print them on t-shirts. The program concludes with a friendly competition at the Central Library, located at 10 Grand Army Plaza, where adolescents can show off their work for a chance to win the big prize. The winning design will be available in BPL’s shop.
New Mom Meet Up at Fontainhas | DUMBO
Tuesdays | 4:30-6:00pm
Bundle up and bring your baby (or your baby bump!) to Fontainhas for some cozy chai and hangs with other new moms. Hosted every week by the new mom pop-up POST.
Intellectual Freedom Teen Meetup: Author Talk with Samira Ahmed | Virtual
Tuesday, January 21 | 6-7pm | For teens
Join us for a very special author talk with Samira Ahmed! Her most recent book, This Book Won’t Burn, is a social-suspense novel about book banning, activism, and standing up for what you believe. Hear teens ask her questions about writing, book banning, and what you can do to fight against censorship. Meet-ups are a place to discuss intellectual freedom issues, your favorite books, and all things BPL’s Books Unbanned initiative. Connect with peers across the country and learn how you can support youth in protecting the right to read whatever they choose.
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 in Coney Island, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. Note that advance timed tickets are required; the Wednesday Afternoon Ticket Store will open on Monday at 3:00 pm for that Wednesday’s reservations. Do not come to the aquarium without a reserved ticket! There’s a maximum of 4 tickets per order.
Chess Workshop at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Wednesday, January 22 | 3:30-5:00pm | Ages 6-12
Join us for an afternoon of chess with our very own Chessmaster. For our patrons ages 6 – 12. No registration required.
Anime Club at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Wednesday, January 22 | 4-5pm | Ages 12+
Do you love anime? Do you want to get together with other fans of anime and manga? Join us in the Info Commons Lab while we draw, eat snacks, and chat about anime.
Anime Afternoon with Adams Street Library at Powerhouse Arena | DUMBO
Wednesday, January 22 | 4-5pm | Grades 4-12
Take a midweek break with Adams Street Library at POWERHOUSE Arena DUMBO and try an anime and manga sampler! Chat with friends about the latest releases while enjoying some clips of new and favorite series. We’ll also have art supplies available to create your own fan art or draw your OCs. Open to Grades 4-12.
Success Academy Webinar: Getting into Kindergarten with Alina Adams | Virtual
Wednesday, January 22 | 5:30-6:30pm
Join us for this special webinar on navigating the NYC Kindergarten landscape on Wednesday, January 22 from 5.30 to 6.30 pm. We will discuss the various options available across the city as well as learning more about Kindergarten at Success Academy! Hosted by New York Times best-selling author and NYC education expert, Alina Adams. Learn more here!
Free Toddler Playgroup at Private Picassos | Clinton Hill
Thursdays | 10am-12pm | Ages 1.5–3
Starting Thursday, January 9, Private Picassos is offering a free Toddler Playgroup at their Clinton Hill Studio! The playgroup will run from 10am-12pm each Thursday.
Tiny Storytime at Books Are Magic | Brooklyn Heights
Thursdays | 11am
Join Book Are Magic for Tiny Storytime for ages 6-36 months, every Tuesday in Cobble Hill and Thursday in Brooklyn Heights!
Amazon Free Hours at Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Crown Heights
Thursdays | 2-5pm | Reserve here
Join us during Amazon Free Hours, every Thursday afternoon from 2 pm–5 pm! Explore some of our most-loved exhibits, including toddler-favorite Totally Tots, the miniature shops of World Brooklyn, our NEST kids’ climber, and more. Then check out ColorLab, our family art studio located on the 2nd floor of the Museum, where artists of all ages can explore, make, and celebrate art. We recommend reserving your tickets in advance online. Walk-ins always welcome. While you’re at the museum, be sure to check out Hands of Change: Communicating Through Movement with Ajna Dance Company, listed below.
Hands of Change: Communicating Through Movement with Ajna Dance Company at Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Crown Heights
Thursday, January 23 | 3:00-3:45pm | RSVP here
In this engaging workshop for children, we will explore themes of unity, kindness, and social justice using hand gestures inspired by Indian classical dance and storytelling with Ajna Dance Company. Through the use of classical Indian dance hand gestures, interactive movement and playful activities, children will learn how their hands can communicate powerful messages. Perfectly aligned with the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this session invites young participants to express themselves and work together creatively. This program takes place during Amazon Free Hours.
Open Hours at the Environmental Education Center | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Thursdays & Fridays, 3-5pm | Saturdays, 1-5pm
Visit the Environmental Education Center for Open Hours. This month’s theme is all about weather. 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. Ready to brave the cold? Borrow a Park Explorer Pack for outdoor exploration fun!
After School Movie:Frozen (2013) at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Thursday, January 23 | 3:30-5:15pm | Ages 5+
After School Movie at Brooklyn Heights Library! This week’s movie: Frozen (2013), rated PG. Run time: 1 hour and 42 minutes. No registration required; attendance limited by room capacity
Kids Explore Music at Greenpoint Library | Greenpoint
Thursday, January 23 | 3:30-5:15pm | Ages 6-12 | Register here
Join for this winter’s school age music education series at Greenpoint Library! Class size is limited, and registration is encouraged.
Story Time at Fontainhas | DUMBO
Thursdays | 4:30-5:30pm
Free story time for ages 0 – 6 at Fountainhas on Thursdays at 4.30 pm. Open to all.
Middle School & Tween Slime Time at Crown Heights Library | Crown Heights
Friday, January 24 | 3-4pm
Make some gooey or fluffy slime with us. Color it how you would like or mix two colors for a swirly look.
Family Movie at Greenpoint Library | Greenpoint
Friday, January 24 | 3-5pm
Join us afterschool on Fridays in January for a family-friendly movie! Check back here for this week’s movie.
Teen Reset: Plate Smashing! at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Write Your Own Graphic Novel Workshop: Story Building at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Friday, January 24 | 4-5pm | Ages 6-12
Have you ever dreamed of writing your very own graphic novel? You’ve come to the right place! Led by a professional writer–librarian Leta Cunningham–, this workshop will teach the basics of story building and character development in a fun filled hour of art and storytelling. Participants will have time to develop their own stories and work on their cartoon illustrations in a continuation of our December graphic novel workshop. This workshop is for children ages 6 to 12. Registration is not required.
Friday, January 24 | 5:00-7:30pm | FREE | Register here | Ages 14-19 | Prospect Heights
Celebrate Brooklyn’s creativity and 14 years of the Brooklyn Museum’s Teen Nights, a teen-led program centered on art and activism! This evening will feature art-making, performances, and much more, all inspired by The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition, a major group show uniting more than 200 artists. Find it all at 200 Eastern Parkway—renamed Teens Parkway for this special night. Free; registration is encouraged. Open to ages 14–19. Follow #bkmteens on Instagram and Facebook for more details.
Free Children’s Events at Dekalb Market Hall | Downtown Brooklyn
Saturdays & Sundays | 10am-12pm
On weekend mornings, stop by Dekalb Market Hall (downstairs at City Point) for free activities for kids ages 2 to 10 years old. Enjoy balloon twisting, magic shows, face painting, and more! Located in front of Osteria & Showroom Bakehouse.
Introduction to Birdwatching Outings | Prospect Park
Saturday, January 25 | 10am-12pm | Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory outing is for you! Every Saturday, join Prospect Park Alliance and a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club on an introductory walk to learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit Prospect Park through all seasons. All levels are welcome and walks will begin at the Prospect Park Audubon Center. No registration necessary. Please bring binoculars if you have them.
Saturday, January 25 | 10am-1pm | RSVP here
Join us for a magical day of family fun as we open the doors of our highly anticipated third brick and mortar space in Prospect Heights! Families are welcome to stop by for the whole day, or come and go as your schedule allows! The celebration will include arts & crafts, our Sing-Along Adventure activity at 10:30am and Storytime at 11:30am, dance parties and games, snacks and beverages for kiddos and grownups, and exiting giveaways. There will also be a ribbon-cutting with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce! Pre-registraiton is suggested. This event is free to attend.
Crafty Storytime with Melissa Iwai: Let’s Party! at Book Are Magic | Brooklyn Heights
Saturday, January 25 | 11:00-11:30am | RSVP here
Transform any party into a fun-filled, hands-on celebration! Featuring ten birthday themes and more than 70 unique recipes and activities, this DIY guide is the perfect gift for families—and is guaranteed to make a child’s next birthday one they’ll always remember.
Saturday Storytime at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Saturday, January 25 | 11:00-11:30am | Ages 0-5
Enjoy songs, rhymes and stories in the Youth Wing’s First Five Years area! For ages birth through five.
Family Storytime at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Saturday, January 25 | 11:00-11:30am | All ages
Join us for storytime! We’ll enjoy a celebration of learning and literacy with books, music, and movement while meeting other members of the community for a great opportunity to have fun and make friends. For all ages and their grownups. No registration required.
What Do I Do With My Baby All Day?! Book Release Party at Vivvi | DUMBO
Saturday, January 25 | 11am-1pm | RSVP here
Come join us for the release party of Vered Benhorin’s new book What Do I Do With My Baby All Day?! Vered is a music therapist, psychotherapist and beloved teacher by parents who have attended her Baby in Tune classes. Her new book teaches parents how to have more joyful days and more restful nights through practical strategies based in music, mindfulness and play. Vered will be talking about her new book and will also be playing songs from her award-winning albums. Learn more about the event and RSVP here. To learn more about the book and pre-order, visit www.babyintune.com/book.
Brooklyn Family Ultimate Camp Fair & Activity Expo | Industry City
Saturday, January 25 | 12-3pm | Families with children ages Pre-K to middle school | RSVP here
Welcome to the Ultimate Camp Fair & Activity Expo! Families in Brooklyn can explore a variety of Summer Camps and programs for 2025. We welcome all parents with children ages Pre-K to Middle School. Meet directors, get information, ask questions and plan an amazing summer for your child. The Expo will be held at the 5-2-A Event Space located at 33 35th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.
Write the Story Only You Can Tell at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Saturday, January 25 | 1-2pm
Children’s book author Kelly Starling Lyons finds inspiration for her work in every-day moments, memories and Black history. Join her for an engaging program that includes her award-winning books Ty’s Travels: Zip, Zoom and Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice & Sing Inspired Generations. She will share her journey to be an author, do interactive readings and offer writing tips. For kids of all ages.
Read with a Therapy Dog at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Saturday, January 25 | 2-3pm | Ages 5-12 | Sign up in person day-of
Read to a dog at the library! Our certified therapy dog Flash Gordon loves to be read to. Kids can make enormous strides in building self-esteem and confidence while acquiring a love of books by reading to a therapy dog. Utilizing a registered therapy animal and their human teammate in a calm and relaxing atmosphere, this program helps improve children’s reading, communication, and social skills. Sign up at the desk for a 10 minute slot on the day of the program. First come, first serve. Space is limited to six children per session.
Chess Workshop at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Saturday, January 25 | 2:30-4:30pm | Ages 6+
Learn to play chess or improve your strategies. For ages 6 and up; kids and teens welcome.
Little Red Riding Hood and the Rainbow Forest at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Saturday, January 25 | 3-4pm | Ages 3-7
In this imaginative re-telling of Little Red Riding Hood, theater games and classic fairy tales meld in an interactive performance led by Child’s Play NY teaching artists! All the colors of the Rainbow Forest have been gobbled up by the Big Bad Wolf, leaving the world drab and emotionless! But Little Red Riding Hood has a plan to rescue the rainbow! With the help of the audience, she will triumph over the blahs and bring back feelings to the enchanted forest! Theatre games and character-talk back will take place after the show! Child’s Play NY is a Brooklyn-based company founded in 2009, committed to offering a diverse array of theater arts classes for children. They are the winners of Brooklyn Parent’s Family Choice award for Best Performing Arts Class.
The Winter Social: Grand Finale! in Cobble Hill Park | Cobble Hill
Saturday, January 25 | 3-5pm
The Winter Social, which has been hosting neighborhood BYO socials in Cobble Hill Park since the pandemic (January 2021), is having their final “Grand Finale” this weekend. Come BYO-whatever and socialize time with your neighbors one last time at this community meetup!
Free Kids Concert with Hopalong Andrew at Time Out Market | DUMBO
Sunday, January 26 | Doors at 10am, Music 10:15-11:00am | RSVP here
Calling all of our smallest Brooklyn friends! Macaroni KID Brooklyn NW has teamed up with Time Out Market New York to present free family concerts for toddlers and babies featuring the one and only Hopalong Andrew. Located on the 5th floor of Time Out Market at 55 Water Street.
Free Skating for Brooklyn Residents at Roebling Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Sundays | 10-11am
Take advantage of free skating sessions for Brooklyn residents at Roebling Rink on Mondays from 5-6pm and Sundays from 10-11am. Only a few weeks left to enjoy the rink!
Prospect Park Super Hike | Prospect Park
Sunday, January 26 | 11am-1pm
Take a long hike through one of his most famously pastoral parks and escape the busy feel of the city. Explore the hidden paths, waterways, meadows and woods the way that Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux intended for visitors in this 585 acre green gem of Brooklyn.
Beam Camp at the Brooklyn Museum | Prospect Heights
Sunday, January 26 | 11am-5pm | RSVP here | Free with optional suggestion admission to the museum
Join Beam Camp in the Education Center of the Brooklyn Museum to learn Stained Glass making, mosaic, and contribute to a collaborative crochet project that will be created over the course of the day! We will also have a chance to see the Brooklyn Artists Exhibit which features over 200 brooklyn based artists. Get inspired by the works you see to create your own Brooklyn-born materpiece! We will be at the museum from 11:00AM until 5PM. Come enjoy the museum and say hello to us! This Beam Camp workshop is free with optional suggested admission to the Museum.
How to Talk to Your Kids About Climate Change: Adult Lecture | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Sunday, January 26 | 1-2pm | For adults, but all ages welcome | Registration required
Join for a free lecture by Harriet Shugarman on how to discuss climate change with your children. Our children are facing the challenges of a warming world head on. They have a right to understand the realities of the climate crisis and what it means for them – and the adults in their lives have a responsibility to provide that knowledge as best they can. Join Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy for a special lecture and event with Harriet Shugarman, an internationally renowned activist, policy analyst, economist and author of the book, How to Talk to Your Kids About Climate Change, Turning Angst into Action. She’ll share her unique insights and some best practices for having these meaningful conversations. Due to limited space, advance registration on brooklynbridgepark.org is required. This event takes place at 334 Furman St. Brooklyn, NY 11201. It is free to attend and open to all ages, but geared to adults.
Updated: January 17, 2025. Main Image: Teen Night at the Brooklyn Museum.
