This week’s roundup is packed with tons of Lunar New Year fun on Wednesday’s school holiday and all week long! Highlights include the Lunar New Year Celebration at City Point, CAMPTOPIA at Atlantic Terminal, and more Year of the Snake festivities at Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Atlantic Terminal Mall, The Seaport, and beyond. See our full roundup of Lunar New Year celebrations here.
For even more ways to spend the Lunar New Year school holiday, check out our guides to the best drop-in indoor activities and school holiday day camps.
Sunset Storytime: Lunar New Year at Fontainhas | DUMBO
Monday, January 27 | 4:30-5:00pm | Registration required and will open 48 hours in advance
Join the Adams Street Library for some holiday themed storytimes! All ages welcome! Registration is required. Registration will open 48hours before the program begins.
Free Skating for Brooklyn Residents at Roebling Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Take advantage of free skating sessions for Brooklyn residents at Roebling Rink on Mondays from 5-6pm and Sundays from 10-11am.
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.
Stomp, Clap and Sing: Jam with Jamie and Friends at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Tuesday, January 28 | 10:30-11:30am
Get ready for a serious jam session that will get everyone up and dancing! Jam with Jamie and Friends come armed with guitar and bubbles, ready to jam out to traditional children’s songs, rock n’ roll oldies, and today’s hits.
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 28 | 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.
Tween Tuesday! – Planned Parenthood Presentation on Reproductive Health Care at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Tuesday, January 28 | 4-5pm | Ages 10-18
If you’re between the ages of 10 and 18, join us in the Multipurpose Room (downstairs in the basement) for a Planned Parenthood presentation! We’ll be exploring and having an open discussion about Teen Rights and Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Care. You’re welcome to submit anonymous questions at the start of the program. Snacks, pizza, and water will be provided, and you’ll also receive grab-and-go kits from Planned Parenthood with goodies like hand warmers, tampons, pads, and more!
Jack and Friends Presents: Suzi Shelton at Park Slope Library | Park Slope
Tuesday, January 28 | 4:00-4:45pm | Registration will open 24 hours in advance
Join us for Suzi Shelton’s fun-filled musical performance! Local performer Suzi Shelton has been recognized as a voice in independent family music for over a decade. She has four solo albums under her belt, and a popular livestream show called Sing with Suzi featuring special guests from around the globe. This program will have registration that will open 24 hours before the program begins. Please only one registration per family.
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.
Lunar New Year School Holiday | Prospect Park
Wednesday, January 29 | 12-4pm
Join Prospect Park Alliance for nature education programs at the Prospect Park Audubon Center, the first urban Audubon Center in the nation.
- Nature Around Us | 12-3 pm | Enjoy different seasonal discovery stations and nature themed activities that will introduce you to the plants, insects and animals that call the park home. The Lake and Lullwater are home to many plants and animals. Help us to test the water quality and investigate pond samples that are filled with living organisms.
- Animal Encounter | 2-3 pm | Join Alliance Naturalists in learning more about the animals in the Audubon Center’s collection. This program starts promptly at 2 pm.
- Winter Wilderness Walk | 3-4 pm | Curious about animal tracks in the snow, how trees survive without leaves, or how bugs stay warm? Join an Alliance Naturalist for a tour of how plants and animals live in the winter months. This program leaves from the Audubon Center promptly at 3 pm.
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. While you’re there, check out the Touch Pool, where guests of all ages can meet local marine invertebrates, including crabs, marine snails and horseshoe crabs. The Touch Pool will be open on January 29 for the Lunar New Year school holiday!
Anime Afternoon with Adams Street Library at Powerhouse Arena | DUMBO
Wednesday, January 29 | 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.
Teen Time: Read Banned Books Club at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Free Toddler Playgroup at Private Picassos | Clinton Hill
Thursdays | 10am-12pm | Ages 1.5–3
Private Picassos is now 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. Finally, say hello to BCM’s live animals at Animal Encounters, led by our expert animal maintainers! Get a personal introduction to some of BCM’s most fascinating creatures, including turtles, lizards, snakes, and more. We recommend reserving your tickets in advance online. Walk-ins always welcome.
Lunar New Year Storytime at Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Crown Heights
Thursday, January 30 | 3:00-3:45pm | Free during Amazon Free Hours
Slither into fun and festivities as we celebrate the Year of the Snake with a lively event featuring interactive storytelling, bilingual activities, crafts, and a special meet-and-greet with Michele Wong McSween, author of Gordon & Li Li. Just like the clever and graceful snake, this celebration is poised to spark curiosity, creativity, and connection while exploring the rich traditions of Lunar New Year. Books and plushies will be available for purchase and a book signing will follow the reading!
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!
Thursday, January 30 | 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.
After School Movie: Smallfoot at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Thursday, January 30 | 3:30-5:15pm | Ages 5+
After School Movie at Brooklyn Heights Library! For kids ages 5 and up. This week’s movie, Smallfoot (2018), rated PG. Run time: 1 hour and 36 minutes. No registration required; attendance limited by room capacity.
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.
Lunar New Year Celebration at Atlantic Terminal Mall | Downtown Brooklyn
Friday, January 31 | 3-5pm
Celebrate the joy and traditions of the Lunar New Year with a dazzling event at Atlantic Terminal Mall. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Chinese culture through captivating traditional Chinese dances and mesmerizing performances and a calligraphy brush painting workshop by the New York Chinese Cultural Center! The event will include traditional Chinese dance performances including a traditional lion dance, cultural performances, and a festive atmosphere with vibrant decorations.
Kids Create: Art Nature Play at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Friday, January 31 | 3:30-4:30pm | Ages 4-12
Introduction to Birdwatching Outings | Prospect Park
Saturday, February 1 | 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.
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.
Valentine’s Storytime at Books Are Magic | Brooklyn Heights
Saturday, February 1 | 11:00-11:30am | RSVP here
Celebrate the start of February with a Valentine’s-themed storytime, featuring Claire Tattersfield & Brooke Bourgeois. The event will include a reading of Cupig and Penelope’s Balloons!
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.
Lunar New Year Celebration at City Point and Albee Square | Downtown Brooklyn
Saturday, February 1 | 12:00-4:30pm | RSVP here
Celebrate Year of the Snake at City Point with traditional Lion Dances, Kids Lunar New Year-inspired crafts, balloon hut and more! Free and fun for all ages. Families are encouraged to come dressed in red. The event will take place in the gallery space on the Main Floor / next door to Rumi. Stroller parking is available. Saturday, February 1, 12 to 2 pm. RSVP here.
Lion Dances with Downtown Brooklyn Partnership: Tradition! Tradition! Discover Chow Lay Fut and his dynamic team of lion dancers. Performances:
- 1:00pm, 1:30pm | City Point (ground floor | gallery space)
- 2:10pm, 2:40pm, 3:20PM | Albee Square
- 3:40pm, 4:10pm | DeKalb Market Hall at City Point
Hana House Lunar New Year Market | Downtown Brooklyn
Saturday, February 1 | 12-6pm
Join us for a festive market featuring AAPI vendors offering traditional food & beverages, crafts, and live entertainment to ring in the Year of the Snake. Explore the vibrant stalls, enjoy live music, and participate in fun activities for all ages. Check their Instagram for event updates.
Kids Knit: Scarves for Stuffies! at Clinton Hill Library | Clinton Hill
Sunday, February 2 | 1:30-4:00pm
Kids will learn the knit stitch. If they feel comfortable, they will also learn the purl stitch. During this time kids and guardians will recieve 1-on-1 help. If you or your child knows the knit and purl stitches, we can learn different ways to use them to create various ribbing techniques (1 by 1 ((2 by 2 and so on), brioche, moss, etc.) and we will all learn to cast off when we get to the end. Materials will be provided.
Storytime with Hyewon Yum: Toto at Books Are Magic | Brooklyn Heights
Sunday, February 2 | 11:00-11:30am | RSVP here
A little girl is self-conscious about the birthmark on her forehead— until a new friend helps her see it in a whole new light. This little girl doesn’t mind her birthmark, most of the time. She calls it Toto, and her mom calls it a kiss from an angel. But sometimes, it feels like people look so hard at Toto they forget to see her. So when it’s time to start school, her mom cuts her bangs to cover Toto up, at least for a little while. At school, she makes a new best friend right away! But then Toto accidentally comes out of hiding. Will her new friend see her differently with Toto in the picture? And does different have to be bad?
Lunar New Year Celebration at The Seaport | Lower Manhattan
Saturday, February 1 | 12-5pm
Save the date for Saturday, February 1 as we welcome the Year of the Snake with an exciting day of cultural activities. In partnership with the New York Chinese Cultural Center and the South Street Seaport Museum, join us to celebrate Lunar New Year with live performances, crafts, and more.
- 12:00-12:30 & 1:00-1:30 | Lion Dance Performances | Tin Building, 96 South Street
- 2:00-2:45, 3:00-3:45 & 4:00-4:45 | Calligraphy Workshops | Seaport Museum, 207 Water Street
Lunar New Year Celebration at Dodge YMCA | Boerum Hill
Saturday, February 1 | 12:30-2:00pm | RSVP here
FREE & open to the community! Join us at the Dodge Y for a vibrant and joyful afternoon at our Lunar New Year Family Celebration! Bring your loved ones and immerse yourselves in festive traditions, colorful crafts, and cultural activities. From lantern making to calligraphy, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as we welcome the Year of the Dragon with creativity, community, and cheer!
Pre/Postnatal Yoga with Stacey Epstein at NY Kids Club | Cobble Hill
Sunday, February 2 | 9:00-9:45am | Register here
Come to the NY Kids Club in Cobble Hill for a relaxing and empowering pre/postnatal yoga class led by Stacey, an experienced pregnancy and postnatal yoga teacher and mother of two. This 45-minute prenatal flow will start with mindful breathing and connection, followed by a gentle yoga sequence designed to release common pregnancy discomforts, build strength safely, and create space for you to connect with yourself and your baby. *Postnatal is from 8 weeks postpartum onwards. These FREE classes are taking place on: Sunday February 2, 9, & 16, from 9:00-9:45am. Special Note: Parents bringing children ages 3-6 can enjoy peace of mind while their little ones participate in fun camp activities in our front classroom. Space is limited to 18 women – be sure to bring your own yoga mat and enroll today to reserve your spot!
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!
Birdwatching: First Sunday Outings | Prospect Park
Sunday, February 2 | 10am-12pm
Join the Brooklyn Bird Club and Prospect Park Alliance on the first Sunday of each month through June 2024 in search of dozens of species that visit the park through all seasons. Learn about the different habitats in Prospect Park and why they are important for all types of birds. Please bring your own binoculars.
CAMPTOPIA at Atlantic Terminal | Downtown Brooklyn
Sunday, February 2 | 11am-2pm | RSVP here
Mommy Poppins and Brooklyn Bridge Parents have partnered up to host CAMPTOPIA, NYC’s biggest summer camp fair ever with 30+ free kids activities! Unlike traditional camp fairs, this event provides an opportunity for families to experience camps in person. We will have 30+ free kids activities for all ages including bouncy house, STEM fun, games, face painting, DJ, crafts, dance lessons, freebies and more. Plus, lots of information and early bird specials for summer camps ’25. RSVP here.
Do you want all local parenting news in your inbox? Sign-up for our weekly newsletter now!
Updated: January 23, 2025. Main Image: Lunar New Year Celebration at City Point.
