A Working Parents’ Guide to Activities for Kids Around Brooklyn

Hey there, BCL parents! Spring is in full swing, and it’s time to go on new adventures and create lasting memories with your family. The best thing about having a flexible schedule as a working parent is being able to make plans that suit your family. With endless things to do near our BCL coworking space, we’ve rounded up just some of activities for kids and families you can find near Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, and Prospect Heights. What are you waiting for? Get exploring!

Activities Near Fort Greene, Clinton Hill and Downtown Brooklyn

Story-Time at the Walt Whitman Library, Clinton Hill Library, and at the Naval Cemetery Landscape

For those overly hot or rainy days, take an excursion to one of our nearby public libraries—popular destinations for young people to do homework or attend events. Story-time sessions for youngsters are typically a big hit, too. Check the schedules at both the Walt Whitman and Clinton Hill libraries, each within a 15 minute walk from BCL, which offer story-time for kids of a variety of ages. Plus if you’re looking for story-time outdoors, you can visit the Naval Cemetery Landscape, where the Williamsburgh branch of BPL hosts story-time in the urban meadow!

 

Dance Classes at the Mark Morris Center

Whether you’re interested in Parent & Toddler movement classes or classes for kids from 6 to 18 years old, the Mark Morris Dance Group offers a variety of classes that will keep your kids engaged, moving, and inspired.

 

Young Naturalists at Fort Greene Park

If you have a budding nature-lover between the ages of 6 and 13, consider joining the Young Naturalists workshop from the Fort Greene Park Conservancy. They’ll get to explore Fort Greene Park through new eyes and learn a ton of interesting facts about everything from birds to flower buds. Interested in programming for kids between 13 and 17? Fort Greene Park Conservancy also offers volunteering through their Green Team.

 

BAMKids SpringFest 2023

Coming up May 6th, this free outdoor celebration at the Plaza at 300 Ashland will feature music, dance, and art installations, PLUS circus performers and more. For more from BAM, keep an eye on their programs for film festivals, cultural festivals and more for the whole family.

Activities Near Prospect Heights

Family Discovery Weekends at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Check out Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s outdoor drop-in programs for families with children of all ages during Family Discovery Weekends, happening now through June 11. Kids will love the hands-on stations throughout the garden’s different habitats. Children under age 12 are free!

 

The Zucker Natural Exploration Area in Prospect Park

As one happy parent shares, “The whole east side of the park has random trails that are fun to get lost on. I usually just let them lead the way and I follow.” While the park is home to several playgrounds, we recommend exploring its newest play destination, the Zucker Natural Exploration Area, named the Best of New York by New York Magazine! While you’re in the area, let’s not forget the Prospect Park Zoo!

 

Performances at the Dweck Center at the Central Library

From the Wizard of Oz for older kids to sing-alongs for babies, there are shows, activities, and performances just about every week at the Dweck Center, the theater at the Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Branch. Be sure to check their calendar and bookmark the events that fit with your child’s interests.

More Family Events Across Brooklyn in May – June 2023

For those of you who love a good calendar event you can set your watch to, here are some exciting goings-on around Brooklyn—most just a short trip away from BCL—this month:

 

We know it’s not always easy to juggle work and family, but we’re here to encourage you to take a little time out of your busy days to get out and have some fun this spring! Hope you will enjoy these kids’ activities around our neighborhood.

Want to explore more local spots to enjoy in the Brooklyn Navy Yard area? Read the post: Explore These Local Gems in the Brooklyn Navy Yard Neighborhood.