Free kid-friendly events this week in Brooklyn (4/28-5/4)

This week is packed with free, family-friendly fun all across Brooklyn! Highlights include Family Day at Little Scholars Childcare Center in Downtown Brooklyn with an epic “paper party”, free rides at Jane’s Carousel Day in DUMBO, BAMkids Spring Fest in Fort Greene, Children’s Day at Japan Village in Industry City, and the Pinkster holiday at Lefferts Historic House in Prospect Park. Don’t miss the AAPI Month celebration at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum in Crown Heights or The Big Brooklyn Playdate for little ones at the Central Library in Prospect Heights. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer in local parks and support climate justice in our community.

Free Admission Days @ Pier 2 Roller Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park

Mondays & Fridays, 3:30-6:00pm | Sundays, 10am-12pm

The Pier 2 Roller Rink in Brooklyn Bridge Park offers free admission hours on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays. Roller skate with amazing views of the Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan! Skate rental is $8 per person.

Kids Gaming: Board Games & Video Games at Adams Street Library | DUMBO

Monday, April 28 | 4-5pm | Grades 3-5

Join us for weekly board game and video game sessions! Enjoy a wide variety of games from classic board games to video games. Feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks, just make sure to enjoy them inside the room.

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.

Tot Time at Marsha P. Johnson State Park | Williamsburg

Tuesday, April 29 | 11am | Ages 2-5 | RSVP here

No registration required! If event is “sold out”, please feel free to still show up. Crafts while supplies last. There is not an indoor space at this event. It will take place entirely outdoors. Join park educators for Tot Time Tuesday at Hendrix Creek Patio on April 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th from 11am to 12:30pm! Learn about nature with FREE toddler-friendly crafts and activities, storytime at 11:30am, and a short hike at 12pm. This event is catered towards children aged 2 through 5, but all ages are welcome. All children must be accompanied by a guardian for the duration of the event.

Tiny Storytime at Books Are Magic | Brooklyn Heights & Cobble Hill

Tuesdays @ 11am at Smith Street location | Thursdays @ 11am at Montague Street location

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.

Fourth Trimester Support Group at The Canopy | Williamsburg

Tuesdays | 12:30-1:30pm | Register here

Our weekly postpartum support group offers a safe and welcoming space for new parents to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. This free group provides emotional support, practical tips, and valuable resources to help navigate the physical and emotional journey after childbirth. Our Fourth Trimester Support Group is here to uplift you through your unique postpartum experience, offering community and connection. This class is being held exclusively at Canopy in our private classroom and is free for both members and non-members to attend. Come as you are, and feel free to bring your newborn or come by solo.

Natural Classroom with the Urban Park Rangers at Greenpoint Library | Greenpoint

Tuesday, April 29 | 3:30-4:30pm | Ages 5-8

Join the Urban Park Rangers to reveal nature in the city all around you.

New Mom Meet Up at Fontainhas | DUMBO

Tuesdays | 4:30-6:00pm

Bring your baby to Fontainhas for some cozy chai and hangs with other new moms. Hosted every week by the new mom pop-up POST.

Stargazing at Pioneer Works | Red Hook

Tuesday, April 29 | 7-11pm

Join the Amateur Astronomers Association with our friends at Pioneer Works for Why We Die with Venki Ramakrishnan.

The Big Brooklyn Playdate at Central Library | Prospect Heights

Wednesday, April 30 | 10:30am-12:00pm | Ages 0-3

Stop by the Big Brooklyn Playdate to enjoy fun games and activities that delight young children and encourage early literacy. Science Baby will be hosting the Toddler Zone featuring hands-on, active, sensory play with big STEM concepts for little kids. Come to play and leave ready to turn ordinary objects in your home into your child’s favorite toys. For babies and toddlers birth to 3 years and their parents and caregivers.

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.

El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day) at Sunset Park Library | Sunset Park

Wednesday, April 30 | 3:30-5:30pm

Celebrate El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day) with activities for children of all ages, pinatas, refreshments and more.

Teen Time: Climate Justice Trivia and Prizes at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights

Wednesday, April 30 | 4-5pm | For teens

Learn a little through an exciting game of trivia. Fun prizes and PIZZA will be provided. This program is presented by our amazing LoT intern, Trinity. This is her end of session Capstone project! Come support her and enjoy all her hard work!

In My Toddler Era Playgroup at Private Picassos | Clinton Hill

Thursdays | 10am-12pm | Ages 1.5–3

Join us once a week for a special toddler play group! For two hours our Studio will be transformed into the perfect play area for your kid, allowing them to explore: mini ball pit, sensory bins, wood blocks, duplos, magna tiles, coloring stations, and an assortment of board and story books.

Stroller Walk | Prospect Park

Thursdays | 10am-12pm | RSVP here

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. RSVP to reserve your spot. Please check your email prior to the event for changes, updates and to confirm the walk has met a minimum participant requirement.

Community Access Thursdays at Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Crown Heights

Thursdays | 2-5pm | Reserve here

Join us during Community Access Thursdays, 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.

Celebrate AAPI Month: Storytime with Michele Wong McSween at Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Crown Heights

Thursday, May 1 | 3:00-3:45pm | RSVP here

Join BCM during Community Access Thursdays in May for a series of programs celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Join us on Thursday afternoons (2-5pm) throughout the month for special programs celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander culture, including storytimes, dance workshops, a dumpling making workshop, and a live reenactment of Mulan. On Thursday, May 1, meet author Michele Wong McSween and join this interactive bilingual reading of Gordon & Li Li: Learn Animals in Mandarin. Learn how to say the names of a zoo full of animals in both English and Mandarin, get creative with fun coloring sheets, and check out Michele’s books and plushies available for purchase.

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. Open Hours offer the opportunity for self-led investigation with guidance by expert educators to reveal the hidden stories found within and around Brooklyn Bridge Park. 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.

After School Movie: Big Hero 6 at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights

Thursday, May 1 | 3:30-5:00pm | Ages 5+

After School Movie at Brooklyn Heights Library! For kids ages 5 and up. This week’s movie: “Big Hero 6” (2014). PG. Run time: 1 hour and 48 minutes. No registration required; attendance limited by room capacity.

Story Time at Fontainhas | DUMBO

Thursdays | 4:30-5:30pm

Free story time for ages 0-6 at Fountainhas on Thursdays at 4:30 pm! Open to all. Bring your little ones for a fun story while you enjoy a glass of chai or wine.

Free Gardening Classes at South Brooklyn Children’s Garden | Columbia Street Waterfront District

Friday, May 2 | 3:15-4:00pm | Ages 4-7 | Email to register: mary.carnesale@gmail.com

The South Brooklyn Children’s Garden will once again be offering Children’s Gardening Classes for kids ages 4-7 years old. The classes will be held on the following Fridays: May 2, 9, 16 and 23 at  204 Columbia Street from 3:15 to 4pm. Classes take place rain or shine so children should be dressed appropriately to dig in the dirt, with sunscreen and bug spray. These are NOT drop-off classes. Caregivers must stay for the entire class. We have a fun set of activities for kids to enjoy! Please email mary.carnesale@gmail.com if you would like to register your child and can attend all four classes. Space is limited so you will be notified that your child is confirmed with a spot.

Teen Reset: Therapy Dog at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights

Friday, May 2 | 4-5pm | For teens

Teen Reset: Relax with Sandy the Therapy Dog! Join us in the Teen Game Room for Teen Reset! Today, we’ll be joined by Sandy, our friendly therapy dog—the perfe ct companion for some relaxation and good vibes. Hang out, meet other teens, and take a well-deserved break. Snacks and water will be provided!

Super Noah Super Moms: A Space for Moms with Neurodivergent Kids to Connect at The Canopy | Williamsburg

Friday, May 2 | 6:00-7:30pm | RSVP here

Join us for a heartwarming mix-and-mingle event led by Jami Johnson—Noah’s mom and passionate advocate for moms raising neurodivergent children. Canopy and Magnetic Me is organizing a gathering that is all about connection: a welcoming space where moms can meet, share resources, swap stories, and build meaningful friendships in a relaxed and understanding environment. Special guest My Pediatrician Friend, a text message based subscription service for parents to be able to text directly with 3 pediatrician moms to answer questions about their children’s health. You can have a COMPLIMENTARY 1:1 conversation with on site pediatricians and ask all the questions you might have. Come as you are, enjoy some tasty snacks, and leave feeling seen, supported, and inspired. This is just the beginning, learn more here!

Coastal Cleanup | Brooklyn Bridge Park

Saturday, May 3 | 8-10am | Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult | Register here

This event will be one of 120+ projects taking place across New York and the Hudson Valley as part of Riverkeeper’s 14th annual day of service. Coastal Cleanup Volunteers help keep our shorelines clean by removing debris that washes into the park’s marshes and beaches with the tides. Volunteers also document the types of trash collected—data that is shared with the Ocean Conservancy to support global efforts in understanding and combating plastic pollution. Volunteers of all ages are welcome; under 16’s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No volunteer orientation or experience is required, but note that this activity may involve climbing up and down rocks. Advance registration is required and spaces are limited.

Spring Tree Care | Brooklyn Heights

Saturday, May 3 | 9-11am | All ages, 12+ without guardian

Street Tree Care with Council Member Restler, Big Reuse, and Grace Church: Meet at the corner of Hicks Street and Grace Court! Join us for a couple hours of tree bed maintenance to improve the tree canopy in the neighborhood. We will be cleaning any refuse out of tree beds, weeding, cultivating soil to break up compaction, planting perennials, and adding mulch. This event is great for people of all ages. Please wear comfortable clothes appropriate for the weather and close toed shoes.

Volunteer: I Love My Park Day at Marsha P. Johnson State Park | Williamsburg

Saturday, May 3 | 9am-12pm

Volunteer to help keep the park healthy and clean!

Open House + Free Sing-Along & Playtime at The Co-op School | Bed Stuy

Saturday, May 3 | 10am | RSVP here

Join us for a joyful morning of music and play! Explore our magic space, meet our warm and welcoming team, and learn more about The Co-op School in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. It’s the perfect way to spend the morning with your little one — and discover why our school is the best place for joyful learning!

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.

Cadman Park Clean Up and Mulch | Brooklyn Heights

Saturday, May 3 | 10am-12pm | All ages | Sign up here

Bring the family and join the Cadman Park Conservancy for a couple hour of cleaning and mulching to get this park ready for some spring enjoyment. Glove and supplies will be provided.

Family Day at Little Scholars Childcare Center x Brooklyn Bridge Parents | Downtown Brooklyn

Saturday, May 3 | 10am-1pm | Ages 0-5 | RSVP here 

Families with children 0 to 5 years old are invited to the Family Opening Party at Little Scholars Childcare Center in Downtown Brooklyn for a free day of play, performances, community and laughter on Saturday, May 3 from 10 am to 1 pm (with optional tours from 1 to 3 pm). Enjoy bouncy house, arts & crafts, music and puppet shows, selfies with princess Cinderella and the ultimate paper party for kids! Get to see the new facility opening this spring, play and make new friends!

Wonderful Warblers Nature Exploration | Prospect Park

Saturday, May 3 & Sunday, May 4 | 10am-1pm

Join the Alliance to discover why Prospect Park is an important place for over 250 species of birds. Learn why warblers are so wonderful through fun games, experiments, and citizen science projects.

• Animal Encounter | 11am-12pm |Join Alliance Naturalists in learning more about the animals in the Audubon Center’s collection.
• Bird Walk | 12–1pm | Did you know that 25 types of warblers visit Prospect Park in May? Learn to identify these cute and colorful birds on a bird walk.

Spring Festival with Children’s Activities at 6/15 Green Community Garden | South Slope

Saturday, May 3 & Sunday, May 4 | 10am until dusk

Live Music, Plant Sale, Bake Sale, Potluck, Children’s Activities, & More! Come celebrate spring with us!

BAMkids SpringFest 2025 | Fort Greene

Saturday, May 3 | 10:30am-4:00pm | Register here

Get ready for a burst of springtime joy as BAMkids SpringFest returns to The Plaza at 300 Ashland, painting Brooklyn with the vibrant colors and lively sounds that make our borough unique. This fun-filled day celebrates a rich tapestry of cultures through exciting performances and hands-on activities. Dance to the rhythms of Brazil, feel the energy of Mozambique, and explore diverse art forms from around the world—all while learning about caring for our planet!

Books Are Magic Storytime with Jess Hannigan: The Bear Out There | Brooklyn Heights

Saturday, May 3 | 11:00-11:30am | RSVP here

Spider in the Well author-illustrator Jess Hannigan delivers a hysterical picture book about a frightened young girl who invites readers into their home to hide from the “bear out there”—only for readers to realize all may not be what it seems inside or outside.

Introduction to Birdwatching Outings | Prospect Park

Saturday, May 3 | 11am-2pm | 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. Note: There may be steps, slight inclines, and grass and dirt paths with exposed roots. We will cover approximately 1.5-2 miles.

Park Pitch In: Green and Go | Prospect Park

Saturday, May 3 | 11am-2pm | For supervised youth ages 9-13, teens and adults | Register here

Help Prospect Park Alliance keep our park green and vibrant! Explore the park while tackling litter and helping with other greening opportunities. Supplies can be checked out at various locations around the park and include all necessary tools for your volunteer experience.

Jane’s Carousel Day | DUMBO

Saturday, May 3 | 11:00am-5:50pm

Celebrate Jane’s Carousel Day with free rides and face painting!

Free Comic Book Day and Indie Art Fair at Anyone Comics | Crown Heights

Saturday, May 3 | 11am-7pm

Free Comic Book Day is the first Saturday of May, and while all comic stores have free books to give out, Anyone Comics is one of the few places that gives you the chance to meet creators and support local arts! This year we are hosting Rich Wojcicki (Unemployable), A.T. Pratt (Dot Comics),Indie legend Michale Kupperman (Tales Designed to Thrizzle) and others
FCBD books are free (within reason) everything else is for sale! Please support the artists and store!

Beautify Brooklyn Musical Cleanup Parade | Flatbush

Saturday, May 3 | 12pm | Sign up here

Mother’s Day Japanese Makers Market at Japan Village | Industry City

Saturday, May 3 | 12-6pm

Celebrate Mother’s Day with us at the Japanese Makers Market! Discover beautifully handcrafted gifts from talented Japanese artists—perfect for mom! Don’t miss this chance to find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts, including jewelry, soap, stickers, apparel, and more! 

Made in NYC Week: Free Family-Friendly Programs | Various Locations

Thursday, May 1–Friday, May 9 (family-friendly programs highlighted below on Saturday, May 3)

Celebrate the creativity of your local community during the seventh annual Made in NYC Week! Throughout the week (May 1-9), Made in NYC will have 13 retail stores featuring locally-made products and hosting makers for demonstrations: 9 of these stores are in Brooklyn, including 3 in Park Slope, 2 in Downtown Brooklyn, 2 in Greenpoint, as well as Industry City and Flatbush. On Saturday, May 3, check out one of these family-friendly events:

• Spring Artisans Bazaar 2025 at the Old Stone House | Park Slope
  Saturday, May 3 | 10am-5pm
  ome shop for Mom at the Spring Artisans Bazaar, hosted by Brooklyn Pop-Up! Handmade jewelry, independent fashion, beauty and wellness, tasty treats for people and pets, ceramics, toys and kids’ wear too. This is an outdoor event bringing together 50+ local artisans, makers, and small businesses, featuring DJs and activities. From 2:30p-5pm, there will be a family-friendly Mother’s Day bracelet-making workshop for $10 per person. Rain Date: Sunday May 4, 2025.
• The WonderMart | Greenpoint
  Saturday, May 3 | 1-5pm
  Open your mind to more fun + joy at this special event hosted at The WonderMart, featuring local, woman-owned brand Everyday Art Cards! At Table 1, Brand Co-founder, Lizanne will lead 15 minute intuitive card readings. Participants can ask a question and pull Everyday Art Cards to gain inspiration and insight. At Table 2, Brand Co-Founder Helen will host 15 minute chats all about Feng Shui. Participants will learn their feng shui astrology and how to use Everyday Art Cards to achieve feng shui, while learning a little about themselves and the art of intention setting in the process.
• And so much more! Click here to see the full lineup of events. 

What it takes to write a book with Claire Ahn at Central Library | Prospect Heights

Saturday, May 3 | 1-2pm

Come meet YA and children’s author Claire Ahn and learn what it takes to write a book! Go through creative exercises, ask questions, and hear her story of how she wrote her first, second, and now third novels and published with Penguin Random House. Claire Ahn’s first novel, I Guess I Live Here Now, was chosen as Seventeen’s book club pick. Her second novel, Bad Influence, centers around teenagers and the use of social media and becoming ‘insta-famous.’ Her third novel is currently in the process of being written and she can share more about it in person. If you’ve ever wanted to be a writer, here’s your chance to learn how.

Mother’s Day Plant Pot & Card Decoration | Clinton Hill

Saturday, May 3 | 1-3pm | Ages 4+

Decorate plastic plant pots and make a matching card for the upcoming Mother’s Day holiday. We will provide pots, soil, a choice of marigold seeds, and card materials.

Bargemusic at The Boathouse at Pier 5 | Brooklyn Bridge Park

Saturdays & Sundays | Performances at 2pm & 4pm

After presenting concerts for nearly 50 years in a floating concert hall at Pier 1, Bargemusic has relocated their chamber music concerts to the Boathouse at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 5. All concerts are free! This weekend: Mozart String Quintets with Mark Peskanov and Semplice Players.

First Saturday: Friends and Family at Brooklyn Museum | Prospect Heights

Saturday, May 3 | 5-10pm | Register here

Bring your friends and family to May’s First Saturday, showcasing the vibrant artistry, rich histories, and recreations of the Asian American and Pacifica Island diasporas in New York. This event is free; registration is required!

Grand Opening of Bang Cookies at City Point | Downtown Brooklyn

Sunday, May 4 | 10am

Come celebrate with us Sunday, May 4th at 10am for our Grand Opening of Bang Cookies Brooklyn at City Point and meet comedian and celebrity TikToker Corey B. and Mike “The Situation” From Jersey Shore. There will be free cookies, giveaways, and more fun!

Steph’s Little Movers Pop-Up Class at The Old Stone House | Park Slope

Sunday, May 4 | 10:30-11:15am | RSVP here

Using songs, dance, and guided play, Steph leads little ones (and their caregivers!) through exercises that focus on language development, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and creative expression to support their growing bodies and brains. Steph’s Little Movers fosters an environment that meets your little ones where they are. Through playful routine and community care, Steph aims to equip your child with the tools they need to build their imagination and lead the way. She can’t wait to sing, laugh, dance, move, and groove with you and your little one!

Free Music Workshop for Kids with Collective Kind at St. Mary’s Playground | Carroll Gardens

Sunday, May 4 | 10:30-11:30am | Ages 2-5

Join us at St Mary’s Playground for a FREE Music Class led by Jonathon Harris! Jonathon will lead children in play through music so get ready to move and sing. Great for families with children 2-5YO. Pack a water bottle & blanket!

Randolph’s Lil’ Brunch Club | DUMBO

Sundays | 11am-2pm

Randolph is excited to host a new Lil’ Brunch Club on Sundays in May with a kids menu, cartoons on the TV screens, music for kids, arcade and claw games, a cotton candy robot, play room toys, and a menu and adult beverages for the parents! Get a peek of the fun here! On Sunday, May 4, entertainment will be provided by Ari the Singalong Guy from 12:30-1:30pm!

Youth Tennis Clinic | Fort Greene Park

Sunday, May 4 | 11:45am-1:30pm | Age 5-12 | Register here

Register your child (ages 5-12) for a fun afternoon of tennis instruction and games! All experience levels welcome. Supported by Kings County Tennis League. This event for kids is for free!

CANCELLED: Montague Open Streets: Wellness & Workouts | Brooklyn Heights

CANCELLED: Sunday, May 4 | 12-5pm 

This event has unfortunately been cancelled due to the rainy forecast. Montague Open Streets will return next weekend for their Mother’s Day celebration, plus Mini Golf and Music! Learn more here.

Church Avenue Street Fair | Flatbush

Sunday, May 4 | 12-6pm

The Church Avenue Street Fair is on Sunday, May 4th! The fair will be packed with attractions from Coney Island Ave to Argyle Rd. Come for food, rides, music, and more! Featuring a craft sale from The Craft Salon, attractions from Am Thai, Cinco de Mayo restaurant, Brooklyn Click and Connect, Ideal Supermarket, Alden Moves Dance Theater, Prospect Gymnastics, and more! This event is rain or shine!

Sunday Storytime at PowerHouse | Industry City

Sundays | 1:00-1:30pm

Join your friends at Powerhouse Books on Sundays at 1pm for storytime!

Free Kids Face Painting for Cinco de Mayo at The Dram Shop | Park Slope

Sunday, May 4 | 1-3pm 

Join us this Sunday for FREE kids face painting in celebration of Cindo de Mayo! Bring the whole family for some fun! (Available for dine-in customers only.)

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