November is here, and this week includes two school holidays: Election Day on Tuesday, November 5 and Veterans Day on Monday, November 11. In addition to our weekly roundup of kid-friendly events, check out our guides to Day Camps and Drop-In Indoor Activities to keep the kids busy when school is out! Highlights of this week also include a Diwali celebration at Brooklyn Children’s Museum, the 18th Annual Children’s Book Fair at the Brooklyn Museum, and nature programs in Prospect Park. Plus, free story times, music performances, and volunteer opportunities for kids!
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 with Silly Jazz and Camille at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Tuesday, November 5 | 10:30-11:30am
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.
Tiny Storytime @ Books Are Magic | Cobble Hill & Brooklyn Heights
Tuesdays | 11am | 225 Smith Street in Cobble Hill
Thursdays | 11am | 122 Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights
Join Book Are Magic for Tiny Storytime for ages 6-36 months, every Tuesday in Cobble Hill and Thursday in Brooklyn Heights!
Election Day School Holiday | Prospect Park
Tuesday, November 5 | 12-5pm
Join Prospect Park Alliance for family-friendly programming on Election Day! There will be a fall nature walk, leaf art, and a visit from one of the Audubon’s live animals. See the full schedule of activities here.
Comics with Mr. Nick at Red Hook Interim Library | Red Hook
Tuesday, November 5 | 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.
Donate your Halloween Candy at St. Ann’s Church | Brooklyn Heights
Tuesday, November 5 & Wednesday, November 6 | 3:30-6:00pm
Save the date (and your Halloween candy) for November 5th and 6th, when you can donate from 3:30-6:00pm at the side door of St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church at 157 Montague Street. Donate what you can and The Service Collective will make make sweet treat bags for our neighbors in need to enjoy. Treats will benefit the Vinegar Hill Food Pantry, Farragut Senior Center, and St. Ann’s Food Pantry.
Learn to Play Basketball at Red Hook Park Recreation Center | Red Hook
Come to Red Hook for free basketball lessons! Children will learn improved flexibility and endurance as well as develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Water Color Resist Paintings presented by Private Picassos at Clinton Hill Library | Clinton Hill
Wednesday, November 6 | 11am-12pm
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. There’s so much to do while you’re in Coney Island; check out our guide to planning a day trip to Coney Island! 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 Afternoon at Adams Street Library | DUMBO
Wednesday, November 6 | 4-5pm | Grades 5-12
Take a midweek break 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 5-12.
Minis Market with Free Play Zones, Classes, and Activities at The Invisible Dog Art Center | Cobble Hill
Thursday, November 7–Sunday, November 10 | 10am-6pm
Join for the very first minis market, a 4-day pop-in event for you to explore + shop brands designed to embrace the beautiful chaos of parenthood while making life a bit easier. Enjoy garden activities, play zones, plus daily events + surprises! The schedule includes:
- Lalo Playspace | Ages 0-6 | Thursday, November 7–Sunday, November 10 | 10am-6pm | Jump, crawl + draw in our playspace presented by Lalo—all ages welcome, no materials needed!
- Edelweiss Fresh Flower Crown Workshop | Ages 2+ | Thursday, November 7 | 10:30am | RSVP here
- Kids Story Time & Free Pizza | Ages 2-5 | Friday, November 8 & Saturday, November 9 | 4:30-5:30pm | RSVP here for Saturday and RSVP here for Sunday | Book Title: Maysa & Bubbles Adventures – The Biggest Pizza in New York. There will be free pizza after storytime!
- Mommy & Me Yoga Class | Ages 3-5 | Saturday, November 9 | 10:30-11:30am | RSVP here
- Kids Music Class | Ages 0-10 | Sunday, November 10 | 10:30-11:30am | RSVP here
Prospect Park Stroller Walk | Prospect Park
Thursdays | 10-11am
Calling all parents and caregivers with children! Join a Prospect Park Alliance Naturalist at the Prospect Park Audubon Center for a leisurely stroll along Prospect Park’s waterways. Embrace the sound of streams and songs of birds. Enjoy fragrant flowers and explore the towering trees of Brooklyn’s Backyard. Please note that this walk leaves promptly at 10 am from the Prospect Park Audubon Center. Prospect Park Stroller Walks are held on Thursdays through November.
Storytime at Jane’s Carousel | DUMBO
Thursday, November 7 | 10:15-10:45am
Join the Adam’s Street children’s librarian at Jane’s Carousel for story time! We will be singing songs, learning rhymes and reading books together. Storytime will take place before the carousel is open from 10:15-10:45AM every Thursday through 11/14. No registration, but there will be a capacity limit.
Free Community Playdate at mi Centro BK | Bed Stuy
Free playspace for the community! Come discover a new stimulating setup each week with an ever-fresh variety of playthings, books, and activities. Meet and connect with other families, children, and caregivers in our sunny, temperature controlled space.
Diwali at Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Crown Heights
Thursday, November 7 | 2:30-4:30pm | RSVP here
BCM and The Culture Tree invite families to celebrate Diwali during Amazon Free Hours! Join us to hear the story of Diwali brought to life through a puppet show, presented by The Culture Tree. This famous story teaches children the meaning of devotion, love, kindness, and valor—all while learning why we celebrate Diwali! Other activities include a mithai (Indian sweets) making workshop, and diya paper lantern making in our ColorLab art studio. Through these activities children will learn about Diwali, one of India’s biggest and most important festivals of the year. This event takes place during Amazon Free Hours! While you’re at the museum, check out the STEM Makerspace Nature’s Engineers, with hands-on STEM activities.
Animal Encounters at Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Crown Heights
Thursday, November 7 | 3:00–3:20pm & 3:45–4:05pm | RSVP here
Say hello to BCM’s live animals at this program led by our expert animal maintainers! Get a personal introduction to some of BCM’s most fascinating creatures, including turtles, lizards, snakes, and more. This program takes place during Amazon Free Hours and repeats twice, first from 3:00–3:20pm and again from 3:45–4:05pm.
After School Movie: James and the Giant Peach (1996) at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
After School Movie at Brooklyn Heights Library! For kids ages 5 and up. This week’s movie is James and the Giant Peach (1996), run time 1 hour and 19 minutes. No registration required; attendance limited by room capacity.
Kids Create: Art Nature Play at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Join our volunteer artist, Lee, in our craft room, for an hour of fun and creativity! In this craft session we work with material from nature to make beautiful and unique creations you can take home with you.
Latino Heritage Month Family Movie Night: IF (Imaginary Friends) at Park Slope Library | Park Slope
Come and join us at Park Slope Library as we turn our auditorium into a mini movie theater for interactive movie program! This month we are watching IF. IF is about a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends — and what she does with that superpower — as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids. 104 minute runtime. All ages are welcome, no registration is required!
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, November 9 | 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. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Route Description: This outing is at a leisurely pace with lots of stops to observe birds. A different route through the park may be taken each week. There may be steps, slight inclines, and grass and dirt paths with exposed roots. We will cover approximately 1.5-2 miles.
Nature Exploration | Prospect Park
Saturday, November 9 & Sunday, November 10 | 10am-1pm
Join the Prospect Park Alliance for nature education programs on Saturdays and Sundays at the Prospect Park Audubon Center, the first urban Audubon Center in the nation.
- Leaf Art | 10am–12 pm | Let’s have fun exploring the unique features of trees and their uniquely shaped leaves. Let your creativity flourish as you craft art inspired by nature.
- Animal Encounter | 11am–12pm | Join Alliance Naturalists in learning more about the animals in the Audubon Center’s collection.
- Fall Nature Walk | 12–1pm | Join us as we discover the wonders of nature! Are you curious about how invasive insects, like the Spotted Lanternfly, prepare for winter? You’ll get hands-on experience in citizen science as we observe how insect and plant life prepare for seasonal changes. Plus, you’ll learn how to protect trees from pests.
Garden at the Columbia Street Farm | Red Hook
Saturday, November 9 | 10am-1pm | Ages 13+ | Register here
You will work alongside our staff to cultivate various organic vegetables on one of our two urban farm sites. Tasks may include composting, weeding, harvesting, planting, mulching, site maintenance, beautification and many other farm duties. The farm work often includes moving objects around the site and working close to ground for extended periods of time. These are just some components of typical activities you would get involved in during either shift, but there are many other farm duties you can get involved in during your time at Red Hook Farms!
Japanese Storytime at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Join us for stories and songs in Japanese for children and their parents or caregivers.
Arts and Crafts with KEEN at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Saturday, November 9 | 10:30-11:30am
Join an adaptive Arts and Crafts session sponsored by KEEN! Youth with disabilities and volunteers come together for one-to-one projects. Projects can range from coloring by numbers, friendship bracelets, and pom-pom, feather, or sticker masterpieces… whatever materials are available to bring your imagination to life! Let’s get creative and have some fun! For more information, call 718.253.4948 or email [email protected].
Storytime with Patrick Hulse: At Our Table at Books Are Magic | Brooklyn Heights
Saturday, November 9 | 11:00-11:30am
A fresh and inclusive portrayal of Thanksgiving that celebrates sharing, community, family, food, and respect for America’s first inhabitants. Here is a lyrical, vibrant tribute to the diversity of America coming together as one rich tapestry of gratitude, elegantly penned by debut author Patrick Hulse and illustrated in joyful colors by Chickasaw artist Madelyn Goodnight. At our table, there is room to share a seat… room for old traditions and new ones… room to remember where our food comes from… and room to give thanks. There are countless ways we celebrate and give to others on Thanksgiving. The goodness we share lasts the rest of the year—and sometimes for a lifetime. From joyful preparation of food, to quiet reflection honoring farmers and Native communities, to cherished moments of laughter with friends or family…there is always room for making more memories together.
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.
Garden Clean Up in Cadman Plaza Park | Brooklyn Heights
Sunday, November 10 | 10am-12pm | All ages | Register here
Bring the whole family and help take care of our neighborhood park! We’ll be tasked with planting along with weeding, digging, and picking up trash. We’ll make sure the park is in great shape before winter settles in.
Brooklyn Pop-Up Market | Brooklyn Museum
Sunday, November 10 | 10:30am-5:30pm
Stop by our market to shop one-of-a-kind, handmade items from local artisans. This weekly event features more than 35 vendors offering artwork, jewelry, fashion, home and apothecary goods, and more. This event is free and takes place outdoors (rain location: Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Pavilion, 1st Floor).
18th Annual Brooklyn Children’s Book Fair at Brooklyn Museum | Prospect Heights
Sunday, November 10 | 11am-3:30pm | FREE, registration required
Calling all young book lovers! Meet more than 40 of your favorite Brooklyn authors and illustrators as they share their latest publications. This free event features storybooks, picture books, chapter books, and graphic novels—fiction and nonfiction—for preschoolers to middle schoolers. Highlights include books in Hindi and Mandarin, along with works on topics as diverse as Ocean Parkway, Mars, Edward Gorey, trains, the ABCs, Prince, and poetry. Throughout the day, children can chat with authors and illustrators, listen to readings and watch artists sketch, get books signed, meet a famous dog, and participate in book-related art projects. See the full schedule here.
Solar Observing: Pioneer Works | Red Hook
Join the Amateur Astronomers Association with our friends at Pioneer Works for solar observing during their Second Sundays! We will be at Pioneer Works’ primary location: 159 Pioneer Street! The event is weather permitting; canceled if cloudy or raining.
Veterans Day School Holiday in Prospect Park | Prospect Park
Monday, November 11 | 12-5pm
Join Prospect Park Alliance for family-friendly programming on the school holiday for Veterans Day.
- Leaf Art | 10am-12 pm | Let’s have fun exploring the unique features of trees and their uniquely shaped leaves. Let your creativity flourish as you craft art inspired by nature.
- Animal Encounter | 11am-12pm | Join Alliance Naturalists in learning more about the animals in the Audubon Center’s collection. This program starts promptly at 11 am.
- Fall Nature Walk | 12-1 pm | Join us as we discover the wonders of nature! Are you curious about how invasive insects, like the Spotted Lanternfly, prepare for winter? You’ll get hands-on experience in citizen science as we observe how insect and plant life prepare for seasonal changes. Plus, you’ll learn how to protect trees from pests. This program leaves the Audubon Center promptly at 12pm.
- ReImagine Lefferts Open Hours | 12-4 pm | Visit the Lefferts Historic House for family friendly outdoor and indoor exhibits, activities, workshops, and special programs that explore the legacies of resistance and resilience of the Indigenous peoples of Lenapehoking, whose unceded lands the park and house rests upon, and the Africans enslaved by the Lefferts family.
- Carousel Rides | 12-5 pm | $3 per ride; $13 for a book of 5 tickets.
Updated: November 1, 2024. Main Image: Diwali at Brooklyn Children’s Museum.
