February is here, and this week is packed with family-friendly events for Valentine’s Day, Black History Month, and the Super Bowl, plus the annual Ice Sculpture Festival on Governors Island! There are also tons of storytimes, music shows, arts and crafts activities, and even a dance party for families in Crown Heights.
Kid’s Create: Black History Month at Sunset Park Library | Sunset Park
Monday, February 3 | 4-5pm
Celebrate Black History Month while creating inspirational freedom quilts! Each quilted square will represent a journey of a brave individual who fought their way to be free on the Underground Railroad!
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.
Tiny Storytime at Books Are Magic | Brooklyn Heights & Cobble Hill
Tuesday, February 4 @ 11am at Smith Street location | Cobble Hill
Thursday, February 6 @ 11am at Montague Street location | Brooklyn Heights
Join Books Are Magic for Tiny Storytime for ages 6-36 months, this week featuring friends from NY Kids Club! There will be 30 minutes of storytelling, music making, and crafting!
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.
Read with a Dog at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Tuesday, February 4 | 4-5pm | Ages 5-12
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.
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 5 | 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.
Camille Harris: Silly Jazz, Music and Sounds at Pacific Library | Park Slope
Wednesday, February 5 | 10:45am-11:30am
Come join our wonderful show, with jazz, singing and dancing. This show is for parents, caregivers, teachers and birth-years old.
World Read Aloud Day at Greenlight Bookstore | Fort Greene
Greenlight is excited to partner with LitWorld and join readers across the globe for World Read Aloud Day, now in it’s 15th year! WRAD has evolved into a global movement of millions of readers, writers, and listeners from across the world coming together to honor the joy and power of reading and continue expanding the definition and scope of global literacy. Greenlight will take part by inviting children’s book writers from our community to read from their work throughout the day, and inviting schools and other youth organizations (as well as the public) to join us to enjoy their work read aloud. Jessica Goodman at 11am, Katie Yamasaki at 12:30pm, Brian Floca at 2pm, and Caron Levis at 3:30pm.
Jon Klassen & Donna Wilson in conversation with Emma Straub at Books Are Magic | Cobble Hill
Wednesday, February 5 | 4-5pm | RSVP here
Three of our favorite creatives—writer and illustrator Jon Klassen, designer Donna Wilson, and author and bookstore owner Emma Straub—join forces for a special conversation about all things bear, turtle, and beyond! You all know Jon Klassen’s beloved books I Want My Hat Back, The Rock from the Sky, and more, but did you know that his animal protagonists have been brought to life? Our favorite bear, turtle, rabbit, and snake were created by designer Donna Wilson! After the conversation, grab signed copies of Jon’s newest trio of board books: Your Farm, Your Forest, and Your Island!
Teen Time: GSA and more! at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Wednesday, February 5 | 4-5pm | For teens
Join us for our Gay/Straight Alliance Meetup! Come one, come all to the Game Room upstairs in the Teen Mezzanine. We will provide a space for open topics expressing appreciations and concerns related to the LGBTQ+ community while we munch on snacks and paint! GSAs provide a supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and gender non-conforming (LGBTQ) students, as well as those who are perceived by others to be LGBTQ, are questioning their identity, have LGBTQ friends or family members, or just care about LGBTQ issues.
Brooklyn Poetry Slam at the Brooklyn Museum | Prospect Heights
Wednesday, February 5 | 7-9pm | Register in advance; pay-as-you-wish
Amplify the voices of Brooklyn at a series of pay-what-you-can slams, presented by poets and cofounders Mahogany L. Browne and DJ Jive Poetic. Come to listen to poets, or arrive early to sign up if you’d like to join the slam (limited availability).
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.
Babies and Books with Adams Street Library at Time Out Market | DUMBO
Thursday, February 6 | 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.
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.
Chinese Nursery Rhymes and Songs at Crown Heights Library | Crown Heights
Thursday, February 6 | 10:30-11:30am | Ages 5 and under
Julia Gu brings you popular Chinese rhyme songs, both the ones from her childhood and the current ones in China. Children and their caretakers will be encouraged to express themselves through their physical movements, their own voices (using Chinese or English words or just sounds), and any other expression they have responding to the rhymes. The songs will be in Chinese, while the session is conducted in English. Join us to learn some Chinese! Tickets will be distributed at the info desk the morning of the program. Space is limited, so please arrive early!
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.
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!
Jack and Friends Black History Month: Conroy Warren at Park Slope Library | Park Slope
Thursday, February 6 | 3:30-4:15pm | Registration opens 24 hours in advance.
Join us for Jack and Friends Black History Month: Conroy Warren! Feeling the beat! Enjoy the power and pleasure of Jazz, Calypso and Reggae through singing and dancing in this interactive performance with versatile entertainer Conroy Warren. It’s fun! It’s exciting! This program will have registration that will open 24 hours before the program begins. Please only one registration per family.
After School Movie: The Princess and the Frog (2009) at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Thursday, February 6 | 3:30-5:00pm | Ages 5+
After School Movie at Brooklyn Heights Library! For kids ages 5 and up. This week’s movie: The Princess and the Frog (2009), rated G, run time 1 hour and 35 minutes. No registration required; attendance limited by room capacity.
District Attorney Presents Teen Dating Violence Awareness! at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Thursday, February 6 | 4-5pm
Join us today in the Teen Game Room from 4 to 5 PM for an empowering session with the District Attorney’s Office! They’ll be shedding light on Teen Dating Violence—a critical topic every teen should know about. Snacks and water will be available, so bring your curiosity and appetite for learning! Don’t miss this chance to get informed and make a difference.
Math 4 Fun at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Friday, February 7 | 3-4pm | K-5th Grade
Join two skilled volunteer high school math tutors for fun activities that will boost your math skills and your confidence! This program is for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Space is limited.
Valentine’s Day Card Block Printing at Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition | Red Hook
Friday February 7 | 3:30-5:00pm | FREE | Registration required
Join us at BWAC and make a Valentine’s Day card for your special someone, using block printing techniques!
All supplies will be provided, including cardstock and block printing supplies, just bring a design in mind. Registration is required.
Valentines Day Party at NY Kids Club | Park Slope
Saturday, February 8 | 10:00-11:30am | 5 months–4 years | RSVP here
Celebrate Love and Community at Our “All You Need is Love” Valentine’s Day Party! Join us for a groovy, 1960s & Beatles-inspired Valentine’s celebration designed for the whole family to enjoy! Children 5 months – 4 years old will dive into a magical 90-minute experience filled with colorful art projects, open gym play, live music, and delicious treats.
Highlights include: art projects, a disco dance party, open gym play, a pizza party for the kids and an adult buffet, plus party favors to take home. This event is more than a party – it’s a chance to celebrate our amazing community and make new friends!
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, February 8 | 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.
PS32 Summer & School Break Camp Fair | Gowanus
Saturday, February 8 | 10am-1pm | Ages 3-12
Enjoy 30+ free kids activities for a fun-filled day, open to the public! This year’s event is bigger and better than ever — bringing together over 20 summer camps, school break camps and after-school enrichment providers, offering everything from outdoor exploration and sports to creative arts and STEM. Meet camp directors face-to-face, ask questions and be the first to hear about promotions and exclusive camp fair discounts. Get to know multiple providers all at one location, while your child has the opportunity to participate in activities that will give them a taste of what each camp offers. But that’s not all… there will be 30+ free kids activities, including arts & crafts, games, pasta making, STEM fun, raffles, music, food and more. Come in from the cold and join us for s’mores by the “campfire,” a build-your-own trail mix bar and lots of camp time fun! Learn more here!
Arts and Crafts with KEEN at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Saturday, February 8 | 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].
Ice Sculpture Festival | Governors Island
Saturday, February 8 | 12-3pm
Governors Island Arts presents the fourth annual Governors Island Ice Sculpture Show! Ten artists will be paired with a professional ice carver from Okamoto Studio during the free public event, where visitors are invited to witness this real-time ice carving from 12 to 2pm and enjoy an awards ceremony and ice sculpture installation from 2 to 3pm — including the audience-voted“People’s Choice” award. The event will include ice carving workshops, crafts, food trucks, and live music from disco-infused Afrofuturist funk duo The Illustrious Blacks, and a special performance by NYC-based all-women, trans, and non-binary drumline Fogo Azul. Find all ferry information here!
TownSquare BK’s Summer Resources Fair and Greencycle Swap | Greenpoint
Saturday, February 8 | 12-3pm
Find your summer camp and other resources at TownSquare BK’s Greencycle Swap. Sign up for the Greencycle Swap here!
Japanese Valentine’s Craft Market at Japan Village | Industry City
Saturday, February 8 | 12-6pm
Find the perfect handmade gift for your special someone! Shop a curated selection of unique creations from over 15 Japanese craft vendors. Located on the 2nd floor of Japan Village in Industry City. There will also be exciting performances: Sumo by NY Sumo Club and Shamisen music performances. Plus, more surprises!
Lunar New Year Celebration at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Saturday, February 8 | 12:30-2pm
Usher in the Lunar New Year with a performance by classical pianist, children’s music artist, and Grammy U mentor Vivian Fang Liu. Audiences can anticipate an enchanting celebration, as Vivian Fang Liu weaves a tapestry of joy and cultural exploration through her musical prowess and each participant will receive a red paper lantern.
Chinese Paper Cutting Art Workshop at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heihts
Saturday, February 8 | 12:30-2:30pm
As reported in the New York Times and seen at The American Museum of Natural History, Master Ming Liang Lu creates art using only a pair of scissors and a single piece of thin paper. His technique is a performance that must be seen to be believed. The paper moves. The scissors do not. All are welcome to this popular program by Master Lu.
Music for Autism Presents: The Area 9 Saxaphone Quartet at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Saturday, February 8 | 1-2pm | RSVP here or email [email protected]
Join us for a free, interactive, in-person, autism-friendly concert! The Area 9 Saxophone Quartet is a Boston-based ensemble dedicated to exploring the rich, diverse and ever-growing chamber music repertoire for saxophone. Recent performances have included works by Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, Clara Schumann, Ida Gotkovsky and Marc Mellits, as well as some of the earliest compositions for saxophone quartet by Jean Baptiste Singelée and Alexander Glazunov. Area 9 is also proud to have commissioned and debuted new works by contemporary composers. For more information or with any questions, call 929-549-0814 or e-mail [email protected].This is an accessible event. Please do not wear perfume, cologne, or other scented products while using this space.$
Black History Month: Nature Poetry in Fort Greene Park | Fort Greene
Saturday, February 8 | 1-2pm
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a spoken word and poetry session at the Fort Greene Visitor Center. Learn about Black History in Fort Greene Park and take part in creating your own piece of art through poetry about nature.
Family Biz: Groove Hard, Nap Later! | Crown Heights
Saturday, February 8 | 3-7pm
Think of it as the ultimate dance party for people who love music and have kids. You don’t have to trade your groove for nap schedules—just bring the kids along. Groove hard, nap later. See you there! Hosted on your favorite Brooklyn dance floor (the one where you’ve spent late nights with epic beats), this time it’s all about the kids and the grown-ups who love them. Expect booty shaking favorites from DJ Sammy Bananas and Miss Alicia. We’ve got: Face painting by Dorothée – because what’s a party without sparkly butterflies or cool superhero masks? Light snacks for the little snackers (don’t worry, parents, we’ve got drinks for you too). A vibe that’ll have you saying: “Who needs a sitter when we’ve got this?” This event will take place at and Lovers, 641 Classon Avenue in Crown Heights.
Pre/Postnatal Yoga with Stacey Epstein at NY Kids Club | Cobble Hill
Sunday, February 9 | 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!
Storytime with Ruth Chan: Caboose at Books Are Magic | Brooklyn Heights
Sunday, February 9 | 11:00-11:30am | RSVP here
Caboose is a hilarious picture book all about the antics of classroom line-up from children’s book creator and elementary school librarian Travis Jonker, with art from critically acclaimed illustrator Ruth Chan. Every kid knows the joy of being line leader. You can make the line go fast. You can make the line go slow. You can stop suddenly and make the line crash—oh, the power! Cedric has all sorts of tricks to make sure he’s first in line. There’s the fast walk, the slow run, the shoulder tap, the slingshot, and so much more. But when Cedric’s line leader antics go too far, he’s banished to the back of the line. The very back of the line. Now that Cedric’s the caboose, he must hatch a whole new world of hijinks. The turtle walk, the step back, the cloak of invisibility, the “no, no, after you!” The possibilities are endless!
Print Your Own Valentine’s Day Card | South Street Seaport
Sunday, February 9 | 12-2pm | Ages 12-17 | Reserve here
Add a personal touch to your valentine and print your own card at Bowne & Co. using the working collection of 19th century historical printing equipment at the Seaport Museum. In this drop-in mini-workshop, anyone 12 and up is welcome t get hands-on with the printing process and will get to see how the professional designers at Bowne utilize the Museum’s collection in their work. While you’re at the Museum, check out the wide array of unique products available at the Bowne & Co. Gift Emporium to find something special for your valentine. Want to include your special someone in the experience? Invite them to join in the festivities and attend the program together. Advanced registration is encouraged. Walkups will be accommodated as possible.
Jewish Summer Camp Fair at Hannah Senesh Community Day School | Carroll Gardens
Sunday, February 9 | 12-3pm | RSVP here
What are your kids doing this summer? Join us for a Jewish Summer Camp Fair in NYC dedicated to helping parents like you explore and find the perfect summer camp fit for your kids! Connect with Jewish nonprofit camps directors from six local day camps and 16 overnight camps to find the perfect fit for everyone in the family. Plus, learn about how camps foster environments for campers with diverse needs and give your kids a sneak peek into the fun awaiting them this summer with camp-themed crafts and activities. Bonus fun for families with kids under 5: Get a taste of JPlay! Explore a dedicated play zone filled with blocks, magnetic tiles, and other hands-on activities to keep tiny hands engaged. Enjoy special activities inspired by Tu B’Shevat celebrating the great outdoors (perfect for camp lovers!), join a lively sing-along led by Tkiya, and cozy up for storytime in our PJ Library Book Nook!
Sunday Storytime at PowerHouse at Industry City in Sunset Park
Sunday, February 9 | 1:00-1:30pm
Join your friends at Powerhouse Books, on Sundays at 1 pm for storytime!
Brooklyn and the Abolitionist Movement | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Sunday, February 9 | 1:00-2:30pm
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk discussing Brooklyn’s significant history to the abolitionist movement in the United States.
February Karaoke at Japan Village in Industry City | Sunset Park
Sunday, February 9 | 2-4pm
This month’s theme is all about LOVE SONGS! Warm up those vocal cords and join us on the 2nd floor of Japan Village! Sing a song and get a $2 food voucher! No reservations necessary. PS: Stay tuned… BIG news is coming your way!
Big Bowl LIX Watch Party at Time Out Market NY | DUMBO
Sunday, February 9 | 3:00-10:30pm
Join Time Out Market for a massive Big Bowl LIX Watch Party, where you can cheer, snack, drink, and win prizes ! From 3-6pm, there will be a pre-game party on the 5th Floor with resident DJ, DJ Stretch. Kick off will be at 6:30pm, and the game will be shown on all screens throughout the market including the 5th floor projector with audio. There will be drink specials, beer buckets and pitchers, and raffle prizes. RSVP here!
Classical Interludes: Harlem Chamber Players at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Sunday, February 9 | 4:00-5:30pm | Registration required
In honor of Black History month, members of The Harlem Chamber Players will perform a concert of works by past and living Black composers as well as a European classic.
Super Bowl Watch Party at Randolph Beer | DUMBO
Sunday, February 9 | Kick-off at 5pm
Randolph Beer will be showing the game on big TVs with the sound on! Book a table here for parties of 2-5. Families are welcome on Sundays, with plenty of arcade games to keep the kids busy! The party will kick off at 5pm. There will be beer and wing specials and football squares!
Super Bowl Watch Party at Dram Shop | Park Slope
Sunday, February 9 | Kick-off at 5pm | Reserve here (with $10 deposit)
Bring the kids to this family-friendly pub in Park Slope for their Super Bowl LIX watch party! They will be hosing the game live with sound on 7 high def TVS and big screen. Reserve here. $10 deposit per person, with seating starting at 5pm. The entire party must arrive by 6pm! Learn more here.
Do you want all local parenting news in your inbox? Sign-up for our weekly newsletter now!
Updated: February 1, 2025. Main Image: Ice Sculpture Festival on Governors Island.