Brooklyn with Kids

Interactive museums, roller coasters, carousels, and state-of-the-art playgrounds make it a snap to entertain kids in Brooklyn. The only problem you'll have is figuring out what to do first.

Aquarium, Zoo, Museum

There are museums that kids enjoy and there are museums made with kids in mind. The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is the latter, and it's paradise for the under-eight set, who can dig in at the greenhouse, play in the sand and the water feature, and pretend to be pizza makers, bakers and travel agents. The New York Aquarium has plenty of watery wonders to delight children and adults, including playful penguins, otters, and seals, while the Prospect Park Zoo has a petting zoo with farm animals, a giant outdoor sea lion tank, and lots of other animals, large and small. Exhibits at the New York Transit Museum gets raves from all ages; the entrance resembles that of a subway station, and the subterranean space is full of vintage train cars and fun transportation-related activities.

Shopping

Who doesn't love a new toy? Take the kids to Norman and Jules for the most desirable handmade blocks and games, fun room accessories, and arts-and-crafts projects that will absorb attention for hours, if not days and weeks. Area Kids is another one-stop shop for whimsical playthings as well as a small selection of adorable children’s clothes. The borough's many bookstores have wonderful children's books and lots of fun storytelling events. In particular, check out Books are Magic, Community Bookstore, Word, Greenlight Books, and Barnes and Noble.

Play time

Great parks and playgrounds are plentiful in this borough. Brooklyn Bridge Park is a must, with several playgrounds, including the Water Lab's water jets, Swing Valley's swings and Tarzan-style ropes, Sandbox Village, and Slide Mountain. Brooklyn has several carousels, including the lovingly restored Jane's Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Carousel in Prospect Park. Out at Coney Island, take the kids for a spin on the iconic Wonder Wheel and, for those tall enough to ride, the Cyclone roller coaster. The LeFrak Center in Prospect Park is a hit year-round, with ice-skating in the colder months and roller skating and water jets in summer.