Spring is finally arriving, and there are so many events and activities for families to look forward to as the weather warms up! Our overview includes the return of many outdoor programs including fun at Coney Island and Governors Island, Smorgasburg, Brooklyn Flea, nature events at Brooklyn Botanic Garden & Prospect Park, and more.
Luna Park | Coney Island
Now open for the 2024 season!
Luna Park is now open for the season, and visitors can look forward to some new rides this year, including a brand new raceway with Go-Karts that are electric-powered.
Pier 2 Roller Skating Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Now open for the 2024 season!
The roller skating rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 2 has returned for the 2024 season! Check out their calendar to see all public skate times and fun themed events. There are also Free Admission Skates Mondays (3:30-6pm), Fridays (3:30-6pm), and Sundays (10am-12pm). Skate rental is $8.
Brooklyn Ferries to Governors Island
Now running for the 2024 season!
As of March 30, the South Brooklyn route to Governors Island is back! Ferries have resumed service to Governors Island on weekdays and weekends. Find more information about the Spring 2024 schedule here.
The Yard Adventure Playground | Governors Island
Now open for the 2024 season | Weekends, 12-4pm
The Yard is NYC’s only adventure playground, a kids-only space where materials are provided for building, exploring, imagining and destroying. Some tools provided are nails, hammers and saws, paint, tires, wood, fabrics and more. The main play area is recommended for ages 5 to 19. There is also a family play area is available for kids under 5; children are accompanied by caregivers. The Yard is very popular with visitors to Governors Island; go there straight from the ferry before it reaches capacity!
Smorgasburg | Prospect Park & Williamsburg
Now open for the season | Weekends, 11am-6pm
Smorgabsurg makes its return on April 6, and will be located at Martha P. Johnson State Park in Williamsburg on Saturdays and Breeze Hill in Prospect Park on Sundays. There are 80 vendors, including 20 new vendors this year. New cuisine will include Trinidadian street food, artisanal focaccia, Thai-inspired ice cream and more. Smorgasburg will be open every weekend from 11am – 6pm until October!
Brooklyn Flea | DUMBO Archway
Now open for the season | Weekends, 10am-5pm
Brooklyn Flea will reopen under the DUMBO archway on Saturday, April 6. The flea includes a huge variety of vendors of vintage clothing, furniture, art and antiques, and more.
Spring Opening at the Audubon Center | Prospect Park
Now open for the season | Weekends, 12 pm – 4pm
Kick off the spring season with fun nature activities at the Prospect Park Audubon Center. Families and children can learn about bird migration through interactive games, join our teen staff that will lead a story hour and stay and see a screening of The Lorax. Limited seating is available for the movie on a first-come, first-served basis.
Spring at Brooklyn Botanic Garden | Prospect Heights
The cherry blossoms are blooming at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and there is so much for families to do at BBG this spring. Mark your calendars for Spring Family Discovery Weekends, starting April 13 on Saturdays and Sundays, 10:30am-12:30pm. Or use the BBG’s CherryWatch to see when trees are in full bloom and attend one of the many events celebrating the cherry blossoms. Starting April 1, BBG also has extended hours (Tuesday-Thursday, 8am-8pm, Friday-Sunday 8am-6pm, closed Mondays). Admission is $18/adult, $12/students 12+ with ID, and free for children under 12.
DUMBO Open Studios
Saturday, April 13 & Sunday, April 14 | 1-6pm
On April 13 & 14, more than 120 artists in DUMBO will open their doors to the public as a part of DUMBO Open Studios, giving visitors a look into studios and workspaces across the Brooklyn waterfront. DUMBO has been the epicenter of Brooklyn’s art community since the 1970’s.
DUMBO Open Streets
Opening Monday, April 15 | 11am-9pm
DUMBO’s Open Streets program on Washington Street between Water & Front Streets makes its return on Monday, April 15. Eat outside, enjoy the iconic view, and people watch. Hours will be Monday-Sunday from 11am-9pm. See the events calendar for free programming in DUMBO here.
DUMBO Family Games
Starting May 19 | Sundays, 11am-1pm (weather permitting)
Save the Date for DUMBO Family Gamers, returning to Washington Street on May 19 and running through September! Join for free kids activities and community hang.
Stay tuned for dates and information on more Open Streets programs coming to our neighborhoods!
Made in NYC Week | Brooklyn Navy Yard
Friday, May 10 through Saturday, May 18
This annual event series spotlights the craftsmanship and talent within New York City’s vibrant manufacturing and maker community. Explore and shop one-of-a-kind, locally-crafted goods while supporting the creative minds behind them. Join for Taste of Made in NYC, pop-up markets, factory tours, curated retail collections, demos & experiences, and more!
Atlantic Avenue ArtWalk
Saturday, May 4 through Sunday, May 12
Atlantic Avenue ArtWalk is back with more than 1 mile of art! A wide range of Atlantic Avenue businesses will exhibit works by Brooklyn artists and beyond during Brooklyn’s popular Atlantic Avenue ArtWalk. This 1.5-mile, self-guided tour along Atlantic Avenue from Fourth Avenue to the Waterfront, and its immediate side streets, will feature art created/made from different mediums while showcasing approximately 100 emerging and established Brooklyn artists at 50+ participating shops, galleries, salons, restaurants, and businesses. ArtWalk is free and open to the public rain or shine. Click here to learn about some of the special events associated with ArtWalk, including a curator’s tour, live painting demonstrations, a children’s art activity hosted by The Craft Studio, and more.
Spring produce from Brooklyn Greenmarkets and CSAs
Spring produce, plants, and flowers are returning to Brooklyn Greenmarkets, and local CSAs are opening sign-ups for the 2024 season. Check out our guide to CSAs and Greenmarkets in our Brooklyn neighborhoods.
Outdoor and rooftop dining
As the weather warms up, we can look forward to eating outdoors again! Check out our guides to family-friendly restaurants and top brunch spots in Brooklyn, many of which will be reopening patios, rooftop spaces, and more outdoor areas for dining.
Updated: April 11, 2024. Main Image: Brooklyn Flea.
