This week, Brooklyn is buzzing with family-friendly fun! Celebrate Valentine’s Day festivities, honor Black History Month, enjoy free music concerts, and experience the New York Sword Festival at libraries and venues across Brooklyn. Plus, keep little ones entertained with baby and toddler story times at Time Out Market and a free concert by Hopalong Andrew. Don’t forget to explore our Valentine’s Day and Black History Month guides for even more fun happening all month long!
Craft Valentines for Disabled Neighbors and Shelter Pets at St. Ann’s Church | Brooklyn Heights
Monday, February 10 | 4:00-5:30pm | All ages, ages 8+ may attend without a guardian | Sign up here
Come by and craft a valentine (or two or three!) for our neighbors who are clients at HeartShare Services and for our furry friends at Animal Control Centers.
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 Miss Sara and the Bodega Cats at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Tuesday, February 11 | 10:30-11:30am
Step into the joyful world of Miss Sara’s Music Room, where music, movement, and imagination come alive! With over 270,000 views in its debut season on YouTube Kids, this vibrant children’s music project has captured the hearts of families through engaging songs, playful storytelling, and interactive performances. Joined by her puppet friend Max and her band, The Bodega Cats, Miss Sara creates a magical, hands-on experience that inspires kiddos and grownups to sing, dance, and connect.
Tiny Storytime at Books Are Magic | Brooklyn Heights & Cobble Hill
Tuesdays @ 11am at Smith Street location | Cobble Hill
Thursdays @ 11am at Montague Street location | Brooklyn Heights
Join Books Are Magic for Tiny Storytime for ages 6-36 months!
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.
LA Blacksmith and Jazz Plus Presents: The Influence of Black Music on American History at Red Hook Recreation Center | Red Hook
Tuesday, February 11 | 2-3pm | FREE
LA Blacksmith and Jazz Plus are dynamic, charismatic performers that play a special brand of electrifying Funk, Jazz & Soul. Come to the Rec Center to celebrate Black American history and culture with them. The show is free and open to all ages.
Comic Book Drawing Class with Mr. Nick at Red Hook Interim Library | Red Hook
Tuesday, February 11 | 3:o0-4:30pm | 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. 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.
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.
Toddler Time with Adams Street Library at Time Out Market | DUMBO
Wednesday, February 12 | 10:00-10:30am (Register here) 10:45-11:15am (Register here) | Registration is required and will open 72 hours in advance | 18-36 months
We are so excited to be partnering with Time Out Market at 55 Water Street while Adams Street is closed to bring DUMBO toddlers weekly story times! Story time will take place in their 5th Floor Lounge–however space is limited so please register to grab a spot! Registration opens 72 HR before the program. There is no waitlist for the program. Read books, sing songs, learn fingerplays, and play with other toddlers and caregivers! Geared towards ages 18-36 months.
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.
Kids Create: Valentine’s Day at Park Slope Library | Park Slope
Wednesday, February 12 | 3:30-4:15pm | Ages 6+ | FREE
Come into the Park Slope Library and create a take-home craft with us! Today’s theme is Valentine’s Day! For kids 6 and up. Younger children (4 and up) are welcome when accompanied by an adult to help.
Anime Afternoon at PowerHouse Arena | DUMBO
Wednesday, February 12 | 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.
Anime Club at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Wednesday, February 12 | 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.
Teens DIY: Bee My Valentine at Greenpoint Library | Greenpoint
Wednesday, February 12 | 4:00-5:30pm
Come make a beeswax candle for yourself or a loved one!
Tween Book Group at Greenlight Bookstore | Fort Greene
Wednesday, February 12 | 6-7pm | Ages 9-12 | RSVP here
Hosted by Greenlight staff member Megan, our Tween Grade Book Group is geared toward kids ages 9 to 12, reading and discussing great contemporary and classic chapter books. Pizza is served! For February, the group discusses Moko Magic by Tracey Baptiste, the best-selling author of the Jumbies series. In this Afro-Caribbean-inspired story, three cousins discover they are mokos—protector spirits—during carnival season in Brooklyn. The trio is just learning about their skills when the carnival events are disrupted by disaster. Some kind of evil force is clearly trying to stop the festivities. But why? And will moko magic be enough to save the day?
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.
Babies and Books with Adams Street Library at Time Out Market | DUMBO
Thursday, February 13 | 10:00-10:30am (Register here) 10:45-11:15am (Register here) | Registration is required and will open 72 hours in advance | For pre-walking babies
We are so excited to be partnering with Time Out Market at 55 Water Street while Adams Street is closed to bring DUMBO babies weekly story times! Story time will take place in their 5th Floor Lounge–however space is limited so please register to grab a spot! Registration opens 72 HR before the program. There is no waitlist for the program. We will be singing songs, learning rhymes, and reading books together. This is a lapsit story time for infants who are not yet walking. Walking toddlers should attend the Toddler Time programs on Wednesdays.
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, join Animal Encounters from 3:00-4:05pm, and hello to BCM’s live animals! 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.
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: Snow Dogs at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Thursday, February 13 | 3:30-5:00pm | Ages 5+
After School Movie at Brooklyn Heights Library! For kids ages 5 and up. This week’s movie: Snow Dogs (2002). PG. Run time: 1 hour and 42 minutes. No registration required; attendance limited by room capacity.
DUMBO LOVE: Clay Heart Making for Kids at Time Out Market | DUMBO
Thursday, February 13 | 4:00-5:30pm
Learn how to make air-dry clay hearts, flowers, leaves, and more. We will use bright colors, sparkling glitter, and rhinestones. All materials are included; you will take home a beautiful Valentine’s gift!
Bad Art Club: Decorate a Heart at Brower Park Library | Crown Heights
Thursday, February 13 | 4:00-5:30pm | Ages 11-18
It’s almost Valentine’s Day, so come join us and decorate a heart at Brower Park Library, located in the Brooklyn Children’s Museum! You can decorate a wooden heart, or make a valentine out of our different art supplies.
Craft Valentines with Kids in a Homeless Shelter | Fort Greene
Thursday, February 13 | 4:00-5:30pm | Ages 13+ | Sign up here
Help spread love this Valentine’s Day with The Service Collective! Volunteers will work with kids and families at the Arbor Inn transitional homeless shelter to craft beautiful Valentine’s for themselves, and to trade with family and friends. We will create a festive environment full of love and even bring treats to share.
Starting February 27: The Moth Storytelling Workshop for Teens at Central Library | Prospect Heights | APPLY BY FEBRUARY 14!
NOTE: This program will not being until Thursday, February 27, running for eight weeks from 5-7pm. But teens must apply by Friday, February 14 at 11:59pm!
Stories are a powerful tool to help us learn about ourselves and one another. Now, teens can learn how to tell their stories at The Moth Storytelling Workshop. The Moth is the premier storytelling organization in the nation and producers of the Peabody Award-winning Moth Radio Hour. Partnering with BPL for a workshop on the art and craft of true, personal storytelling, the program will culminate in a final share. Open to all New York City high school students. Workshops will take place on Thursdays, from 5 to 7 p.m. starting on February 27. Participants must be able to attend all eight sessions at Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza. Learn more and apply here. Applications due February 14 at 11:59 p.m.
Free Valentine’s Day Concert with Hopalong Andrew at Time Out Market | DUMBO
Friday, February 14 | Doors at 10am, show 10:15-11:00am | RSVP here
Macaroni KID Brooklyn NW has teamed up with Time Out Market New York to schedule more free concerts! Join for a Valentine’s Day show with Hopalong Andrew on Friday, February 14.
Kids Create: Valentine’s Day at Sunset Park Library | Sunset Park
Friday, February 14 | 10:30-11:30am | Ages 0-5 | FREE
Join us to make Valentine’s for your loved ones! This program is designed for babies and toddlers age 0-5 and their caregivers.
Teen Craft Space: Button Making at Park Slope Library | Park Slope
Friday, February 14 | 3:00-5:30pm | Grades 6-12
Join us in the Teen Space on the 2nd floor mezzanine to chill out and make your own buttons and pins! Music and snacks provided. Grades 6-12. No registration required.
Write Your Own Graphic Novel Workshop: Cartooning at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Friday, February 14 | 3:30-4:30pm | 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 graphic novelist, this workshop will teach the basics of cartooning in a fun filled hour of art and storytelling. This workshop is for children ages 6 to 12. Registration is required.
Teen Valentine’s Day Karaoke at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Friday, February 14 | 4-5pm | FREE
Join us for an exciting Valentine’s Day Karaoke session! Whether you’re single or coupled up, everyone’s welcome to belt out their favorite tunes and have a blast! Plus, let your creativity shine! Create a fun craft for yourself or a loved one—it’s the perfect way to spread the love! Snacks and water will be provided.
Valentine’s Day Storytime at Fontainhas | DUMBO
Friday, February 14 | 4:30-5:00pm | Registration will open 48 hours in advance
Join the Adams Street Library at Fontainhas for a Valentine’s Day themed sunset storytime. All ages welcome!
Bead My Valentine Market at Urban Glass | Downtown Brooklyn
Friday, February 14 | 6-8pm
Swing by UrbanGlass’ love-filled market to find the perfect Valentine’s gift! Shop a dazzling selection of handmade jewelry crafted with care and creativity by alumni of The Bead Project program at UrbanGlass. Share the love with unique, heartfelt pieces that tell a story.
Catch a performance during the New York Sword Dance Festival
Saturday, February 15 & Sunday, February 16 | See full event schedule here
Sword dancing is a winter celebration that has come down through the ages from the coal-mining regions of northern England. Presented by the NYC team Half Moon Sword, this annual festival is now in its 39th year, and will feature 10 nationwide troupes. The festival will feature both mystical, stately long sword and lively rapper sword dancing, accompanied by live music. Performance locations will include the Brooklyn Heights Library, Pacific Library, Park Slope Library, Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Brooklyn Waldorf School, and Old First Reformed Church. See all performance times and locations here.
Introduction to Birdwatching Outings | Prospect Park
Saturday, February 15 | 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.
Saturday Storytime at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Saturday, February 15 | 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.
Read with a Therapy Dog at Clinton Hill Library | Clinton Hill
Saturday, February 15 | 11am-12pm | Ages 5-12
Come read to Peanut! 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. Space is limited. Sign up the day of at the reference desk starting at 10am. First come first serve. Ages 5-12.
Community Day at Brooklyn Book Bodega | Brooklyn Navy Yard
Saturday, February 15 | 11am-2pm | Ages 10+ only | Registration required
Special book giveaway for anyone over the age of 10! We have an excess amount of well-loved and overstocked books for all ages. Please sign up to come to our Brooklyn Navy Yard Book Hub to take as many books as you can carry. *Unfortunately, we are UNABLE to accommodate anyone under 10 in this space. If you want to bring your children under 10, please join us at a different event. Pre-registration to get books is required for this event.
February Family Activity: Valentine Like a Sailor | South Street Seaport
Saturdays and Sundays, 11am–5pm | February 2–23 | FREE | Reserve here
Bring 19th century maritime craft tradition to your handmade valentine with the Seaport Museum! While you create your own special trinket for the holiday, learn about the unique history of Sailors’ Valentines—tokens of love and friendship. Historically, these small wooden boxes were given by seafarers to their wives, sweethearts, daughters, and loved ones when they returned from a long voyage. Using beads, buttons, and shells, families and friends of all ages are invited to the Seaport Museum where we’ll continue the tradition together. Supplies are available on a first-come first-served basis, and space is limited. This family activity will be offered Saturdays and Sundays from February 2 through February 23. It will not be offered during the neighborhood Lunar New Year celebration on February 1. The activity will take place indoors at 207 Water Street.
Farmhouse Family Day: Fabrics of the Diaspora at Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum | Canarsie
Saturday, February 15 | 11am-3pm | RSVP here
This Black History Month, learn about the history of Western Africa and the Diaspora through the story woven intricately into fabrics. Find your creative resistance by learning about the history art of Adire Eleko, a wax resist dying technique practiced by the Egba People of Yorubaland (Nigeria, Benin and Togo). There will be a tour of the Wyckoff House at 12pm, and the craft will begin at 1pm This event is for all ages, and ideal for ages 4-12. Dress appropriately for the weather – Family Day takes place indoors and outdoors – and wear closed toed shoes if you plan on participating in any farm activities.
Harmonica Concert with Jiayi He at Sunset Park Library | Sunset Park
Saturday, February 15 | 2-3pm
Join us for a performance of award-winning harmonica virtuoso Jiayi He! He has performed as a soloist with numerous orchestras worldwide, at venues such as Carnegie Hall, General Assembly Hall at the United Nations, and other premiere venues in China, England, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Scotland, Singapore, Taiwan, and the United States. This is an all-ages program!
Winter Bird Outing | Governors Island
Saturday, February 15 | 2:00-3:30pm | Registration required
Meet the winter birds of Governors Island! Nearly 240 bird species have been spotted on the island, which provides excellent habitat all year round. Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours, led by NYC Bird Alliance, will help you discover all of the bird life the island has to offer this winter. Don’t forget to bring binoculars and dress in warm layers! The group will meet at 2:00 PM on Governors Island at the Soissons Ferry Landing. Registration required. Limited to 20. Free!
Needle Felting Workshop at Loop of the Loom | DUMBO
Saturday, February 15 | 4-6pm | Ages 16+ | Registration required
Learn the art of sculpting with wool in this free needle felting workshop with our friends at Loop of the Loom DUMBO (127 Plymouth Street)! Join us in Loop of the Loom’s tranquil DUMBO studio for this special two(2)-hour maker session. The instructor will introduce and gently guide you and fellow makers through the basics of needle felting while allowing you ample time to create your own unique piece of felted art. Perfect for new and experience crafters alike. Registration required. Ages 16+.
Pre/Postnatal Yoga with Stacey Epstein at NY Kids Club | Cobble Hill
Sunday, February 16 | 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. 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!
Beam Camp Try it Day at Beam Center | Red Hook
Sunday, February 16 | 12-3pm | Ages 11-17
Join Beam Camp in Brooklyn to get a taste of Beam Camp in New Hampshire! During our Try it Day events, we step into role as Beam Campers and have the opportunity to meet camp staff, learn about daily life at camp, and learn new skills! This time around, we will be learning about mosaic making and biodegradable confetti! See the full schedule of events here.
Sunday Storytime at PowerHouse at Industry City | Sunset Park
Sundays | 1:00-1:30pm
Join your friends at Powerhouse Books on Sundays at 1 pm for storytime!
Story Time with Luke Flowers at Greenlight Bookstore | Fort Greene
Sunday, February 16 | 1-2pm | RSVP here
Hooray! Hooray! It’s Dino Day! The dinosaurs are on their way! The ground starts shaking—Here they come! Thumpa-bumpa, rum-tum-tum! It’s a Dino Party at Greenlight! For this month’s story time, illustrator Luke Flowers presents his new book with author Diana Murray, Dinosaur Day, a dino-mite celebration and follow up to their previous picture book Unicorn Day. Join us for a rollicking reading and fun drawing activity to celebrate the dinosaurs, big and small, at this month’s Story Time.
Black History Month: Peace over Prejudice at Lefferts Historic House | Prospect Park
Sunday, February 16 | 2-5pm | FREE | RSVP here
Enjoy an afternoon of painting, history, food and community at Lefferts Historic House in Prospect Park. This unique spin on the traditional “sip and paint” invites our community to contribute to a collective artwork, which will be unveiled at the end of the event. This event blends creativity, history and community-building, while standing against hate and taking time to recognize Black history.
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Updated: February 7, 2025.
