Happy New Year! There are tons of free family-friendly events this week to kick off 2025. Highlights include Three Kings Day celebrations, a family hip-hop show at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, a free concert at BAM, and Mulchfest’s Chipping Weekend in our local parks, where you can recycle your Christmas tree and take home a bag of wood chips! Plus, so many story times, music performances, and free programs for kids at our local libraries.
Warm Clothing Collection at Plymouth Church | Brooklyn Heights
Weekdays & Sundays in January | 10am-4pm
Spread Love Brooklyn is kicking off the new year with a warm clothing drive! They are accepting warm coats, clothing, boots, and accessories at Plymouth Church. Donations can be dropped off at 75 Hick Street on weekdays & Sundays, 10am to 4pm, from January 5-24.
3 Kings Day After School Special at Moore Street Market | Williamsburg
Monday, January 6 | 2-4pm
Celebrate El Día de los Reyes Magos with gifts, crown crafting, and hot chocolate!
Teen Time: Zines for Teens at Walt Whitman Library | Fort Greene
Make a mini magaZINE at Walt Whitman Library. Flex your art skills, design skills and writing skills. Don’t have those skills. You don’t need ‘em. You can make it about anything and you’ll have copies to give to anyone.
El Día de los Reyes Magos at Essex Market | Lower East Side
Monday, January 6 | 3-5pm
This family-friendly holiday event will be fun for parents and kids alike, with traditional holiday foods, a free toy distribution for kids 4-14, a visit from the Three Kings, music, dancing, and more!
Library Lab: Invisible Watercolors at Sunset Park Library | Sunset Park
Monday, January 6 | 4-5pm
Explore the science of water resistance and other STEM concepts with some wintery watercolors!
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.
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 7 | 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.
Build with LEGO at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Join us to play with LEGO!
Tween Tuesdays at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Tuesday, January 7 | 4-5pm | For tweens
If you are a tween in between the ages of 10 and 12, join us in the Teen Gaming Room for Tween Tuesdays! We will be making crafts, playing music and playing both board and videogames!
T-Shirt Fashion Design at Teen Tech Center @ The Annex | DUMBO
Tuesday, January 7 | 4:00-5:30pm | Register here | For teens
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.
Read, Sing, Make at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Join us on Tuesdays after school for storytime, music, and a crafty activity! This program is for children ages 4-8.
Dungeons and Dragons at Clinton Hill Library | Clinton Hill
Tuesday, January 7 | 6-8pm | Ages 12+
Join us for swashbuckling adventure! Every week librarian and Dungeon Master Eric Horwitz hosts a game of Dungeons and Dragons. For ages 12+. Please call first if you’d like to attend: 718.398.8713.
Elaine Messi-Bubbles the Silly Entertainer
Wednesday, January 8 | 10:45-11:30am | Ages 0-5
Join us in a fun time with music, dancing and songs for ages: for newborns to age 5!
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.
Anime Club at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Wednesday, January 8 | 4-5pm | Ages 12+
Anime Club is Back! 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 Club takes place every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the Month @ 4pm.
Teens DIY: New Year, New Zine & Polaroids at Greenpoint Library | Greenpoint
Wednesday, January 8 | 4:00-5:30pm
What’s a zine? Come and find out! Express your creativity and your hopes, joys, and fears for the year to come. Take a polaroid photo of yourself or your friends to commemorate the new year and look back on!
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.
Lavender Blues: REMIXES, a Family Hip-Hop Concert at Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Crown Heights
Thursday, January 9 | 3:00-3:45pm (during Amazon Free Hours) | RSVP here
Join us as Lady B of Lavender Blues performs “The REMIXES,” a hip-hop concert for families. Parents and little ones will love this interactive, toe-tapping, get-out-of-your-seat good time with Lady B and her Bunnies!
After School Movie: Abominable at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Thursday, January 9 | 3:30-5:15pm | Ages 5+
After School Movie at Brooklyn Heights Library! This week’s movie: Abominable (2019), rated PG. Run time: 1 hour and 37 minutes. No registration required; attendance limited by room capacity.
Bedtime Stories at Greenpoint Library | Greenpoint
Thursday, January 9 | 6:00-6:30pm | Ages 0-5
Join us on the rug in the children’s area for an evening of stories and songs! We invite you to get cozy: bring a blanket, your favorite stuffed animal, or even come in your pajamas! For families with kids ages 0-5. No registration required.
BAM Free Music: Bilal with DJ Miss Hap at BAM | Fort Greene
As the Winter/Spring 2025 season arrives with the New Year, live music returns to BAM in a major way with BAM Free Music (BFM). The series opens on Thursday, January 9, with an intimate celebration featuring progressive-soul legend Bilal with DJ Miss Hap. Admission is free, first-come, first-served. RSVP does not guarantee entry, but helps us prepare for your experience and will ensure you get the latest information around the performance.
Dinosaurs! An Interactive Learning Experience at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Friday, January 10 | 3:30-4:30pm | Ages 6-12
Paleontologists are much like detectives, who have arrived at the scene millions of years too late. Help Robert piece together all the clues and learn about dinosaurs and many of the other prehistoric creatures that lived long ago. Movies and television may show us what we think they may have looked like, but with new discoveries comes a new understanding of how these animals lived in a world that time forgot. Registration not required.
Teen Reset: Dog Therapy at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Friday, January 10 | 4-5pm
Join us in the Game Room from 4 to 5pm in the Teen Gaming for Teen Reset! Today we have a therapy dog named Sandy joining us. Come and give Sandy a treat! Snacks and water are included.
Free Parents’ Night Out at Code Ninjas | Gowanus
Friday, January 10 | 6-9pm | Ages 5+
Our parents love the opportunity to drop their children off at our safe and secure Dojos where they will be surrounded by learning opportunities while they have the opportunity to unwind however they see fit! Pizza, drinks, games and FUN provided! Space is limited, enroll here.
Free Art Project: Clixo @ Private Picassos | Clinton Hill
Saturday, January 11 | 10-11am | Registration recommended | Ages 2+
Come by Private Picassos Clinton Hill to meet the Founder & Creator of Clixo! Afterwards, we’ll explore this fun toy to create 3D sculptures and then use paper to create our own sculptures to take home! Participants can save 20% on any Clixo set they purchase that day.
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 11 | 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.
Recycle your Christmas Tree at Mulchfest Chipping Weekend | Various Locations
Drop-offs daily through January 12 | Chipping Weekend on Saturday, January 11 & Sunday, January 12, 10am-2pm | See all Mulchfest locations here
Wrap up your holiday season and say goodbye to your tree at Mulchfest! Join NYC Parks in the holiday tradition of recycling your Christmas tree. Tree drop-offs will be accepted through January 12 at various locations in Brooklyn Bridge Park and around New York City. All tree chipping will take place on Chipping Weekend, Saturday, January 11 and Sunday, January 12 from 10am-2pm. Attendees can take home a bag of wood chips to use in their own gardens, yards, or street tree beds. Everything you need to know here!
Anime Crew: Shoujo with Brower Park Library | Crown Heights
Saturday, January 11 | 11:00-11:30am | RSVP here
A scrumptious, love-filled book for preschoolers by bestselling novelist Emma Straub, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Join this lovable Mama and baby for a joyful day of fun and snuggles. Bestselling author Emma Straub has created an irresistible rhyming text, and Stevie Lewis’s bright and adorable illustrations are the perfect match. This is a book that mothers will delight in reading to their little ones again and again. A wonderful baby shower gift and just right as a bedtime read, this sweet treat is a hug in book form.
Saturday Storytime at Central Library | Prospect Heights
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 11 | 11:00-11:30am
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.
Nature Detective Mystery Adventure | Fort Greene Park
Saturday, January 11 | 11:00am-12:30pm
Storytime at The Center for Fiction Bookstore | Fort Greene
Saturdays | 12pm
Join us every Saturday at noon for Story Time at The Center for Fiction Bookstore, where each week we read from some of our favorite books for young people! Led by our booksellers, this is a free community event open to people of all ages.
PS 321 School’s Out Summer Camp & After-School Expo | Park Slope
Saturday, January 11 | 12-3pm
Join us on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 12 to 3 PM at PS 321’s Upper School (180 7th Ave) for our School’s Out! Summer Camp & After-School Expo! This free event is open to everyone and offers a great opportunity to explore a wide range of summer camps and after-school programs for your kids. Whether you’re planning ahead for summer or looking for fun and enriching activities during the school year, you’ll find something that fits your family’s needs. Meet program representatives, ask questions, and gather ideas all in one place.
Music for Autism Concert: Vision Duo at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Saturday, January 11 | 1-2pm | RSVP here or by email: [email protected]
Join us for a free, interactive, in-person, autism-friendly concert! Vision Duo, comprising violinist Ariel Horowitz and percussionist Britton-René Collins, performs classical works with a contemporary twist. Through an exploration of musical genres and sonic possibilities for violin and percussion, Vision Duo seeks to contribute to the ongoing redefinition of classical music programming and structures. This is an accessible event. Please do not wear perfume, cologne, or other scented products while using this space.
Chess Workshop at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Learn to play chess or improve your strategies. For ages 6 and up; kids and teens are welcome.
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.
Snow & Play at NY Kids Club | Cobble Hill
Sunday, January 12 | 10:00-11:30am
Bring your little ones to the NY Kids Club in Cobble Hill for a fun-filled morning of art, building, music, dance and gym activities in our state-of-the-art gym space. This party runs from 10:00-11:30am!
Sunday, January 12 | 11:00-11:30am | RSVP here
Celebrity fashion designer Thai Nguyen from Netflix’s Say I Do joins forces with bestselling author Monique Truong and illustrator Dung Ho in this irresistibly charming picture book about embracing your heritage and the traditions that tie generations together—centered around Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.
The Fat Cats Youth Orchestra Open Workshop and Rehearsal at ShapeShifter Lab | Park Slope
Sunday, January 12 | 11am
Sparkling with the sound of young talent, The Fat Cats is a pre-professional youth orchestra. The group is composed of one big band and two small ensembles that perform Latin jazz and standard jazz pieces and showcase the finest young talent from across all NYC boroughs. Over the years, The Fat Cats have taken the stage at New York venues such as the Brooklyn Museum, New York Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, The Frick Collection, the Greene Space at WNYC, BRIC House, Birdland and Brooklyn’s Shapeshifter Lab who has welcomed the band for weekly rehearsals since their 2023-2024 season.
Beam Camp Try it Day! at Beam Center | Red Hook
Sunday, January 12 | 12-3pm
- 12:00-12:30pm | Welcome, coffee, refreshments, warm-up
- 12:30-1:00pm | Beam Camp Info!
- 1-2pm | Stained Glass Making | By wrapping pieces of colored glass in copper tape and soldering them together, participants can create beautiful colorful stained glass designs to be hung in a window or worn as pendants. This workshop involves high-temperature soldering irons which participants will learn how to use.
- 2-3pm | Cyanotype Making | Participants will arrange found objects on photosensitive paper or fabric that changes color when exposed to UV light. By placing the objects in a certain pattern, the material will not react in those areas, leaving behind whatever design they choose to create!
Astronomy: Full Moon at WNYC Transmitter Park | Greenpoint
Updated: January 3, 2024. Main Image: Lavender Blues: REMIXES, a Family Hip-Hop Concert at Brooklyn Children’s Museum.
