The holiday season starts arriving this week: Families can check out the Gowanus Wharf Block Party opening a new waterfront park on Thursday, the free Friendsgiving Playdate at Brooklyn Children’s Museum on Friday, Lucky Day’s grand opening in Greenpoint and a free winter coat giveaway in Crown Heights on Saturday, a free kids’ Thanksgiving concert at Time Out Market in DUMBO on Sunday, and holiday skaters at Domino Park in Williamsburg. With Thanksgiving next week, families can also find ways to volunteer this Thanksgiving season, plus library programs in Park Slope, Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights and more!
Free stroller walks | All week, borough-wide
Every week | Mornings, days vary | Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Bridge Park and more | Free | Babies and toddlers in strollers
Brooklyn’s free stroller groups walk every week: Stroller Mami Walk Mondays at 10am in a rotating neighborhood, the Cobble Hill Walking Club on weekday mornings at Cobble Hill Park, and parkrun, now at 9am for the winter, on Saturday mornings in Brooklyn Bridge Park. There are dads’ stroll and run clubs too.
Free entry for kids at Brooklyn Botanic Garden | Tuesday to Sunday, Prospect Heights
Tuesday, November 17 to Sunday, November 22 | 10am–3:30pm | 990 Washington Avenue | Free for children under 12 | Closed Monday
Children under 12 are always free, and daytime admission for everyone else is pay-what-you-wish through January 15. Some outdoor areas are closed while Lightscape is installed. Advance tickets are recommended.
Open hours at the Environmental Education Center | Thursday to Sunday, DUMBO
Thursday, November 19 and Friday, November 20, 3–5pm; Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22, 1–5pm | 99 Plymouth Street | Free | Drop-in
Brooklyn Bridge Park’s nature center opens for free drop-in hours with a 250-gallon aquarium of East River critters, crafts and a reading corner. Thursday at 3pm, Brooklyn Public Library librarians lead a half-hour nature storytime; Saturday at 3pm, watch the center’s animals being fed.
Free children’s bereavement group | Wednesdays, Brooklyn
Wednesdays through January 13 | 4–5pm | Brooklyn | Free | Ages 6–9
Precious Moments is a professionally facilitated bereavement group through Calvary Hospital for children who have experienced the death of someone important to them. Exact dates are set with families during intake.
Free skating at Bryant Park’s Winter Village | All week, Midtown Manhattan
Monday, November 16 to Sunday, November 22 | 8am–10pm, until midnight from Thursday, November 19 | Bryant Park | FREE skating admission; skate rentals from $18.72
Skating on Bryant Park’s rink is free if you bring your own skates; rentals cost extra. The Holiday Shops market runs alongside the rink.
Shine Bright light show at Hudson Yards | From Monday, Hudson Yards
Daily from Monday, November 16 | Hudson Yards | FREE
Hudson Yards lights up for the holidays with more than two million lights, and the daily light show is free and open to the public.
Gingerbread NYC at the Museum of the City of New York | All week except Saturday, Manhattan
Monday, November 16 to Sunday, November 22; closes at 2pm Wednesday, closed Saturday | 1220 Fifth Avenue | FREE for ages 18 and under; adults $23; free for everyone on Wednesdays
Bakers from across the five boroughs recreate New York City icons in gingerbread. Admission covers all of the museum’s exhibitions.
Tween Time at Brooklyn Heights Library | Monday, Brooklyn Heights
Monday, November 16 | 3–4pm | Brooklyn Heights Library, 286 Cadman Plaza West | Free | Ages 9–13
A weekly hangout for tweens to listen to music and make friends, with a different activity each week, such as games, crafts or movies.
Ready, Set, Kindergarten! at Central Library | Monday, Prospect Heights
Monday, November 16 | 3:30–4:15pm | Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza | Free | Ages 3–5 with a caregiver
Part of a seven-session school-readiness series that uses stories, music, art and play to explore early literacy, science and math. Families get free materials to keep the learning going at home.
Kids Create: National Recycling Day collages at Kensington Library | Monday, Kensington
Monday, November 16 | 3:30–4:30pm | Kensington Library, 4207 18th Avenue | Free | Ages 6–12
Kids make collages to mark National Recycling Day.
Kids Create: decorate your own slime at Washington Irving Library | Monday, Bushwick
Monday, November 16 | 4–5pm | Washington Irving Library, 360 Irving Avenue | Free | Ages 6–12
Kids decorate slime with glitter, beads, clay and more.
Mindful Coloring Hour at Bedford Library | Monday, Bed-Stuy
Monday, November 16 | 3:30–4:30pm | Bedford Library, 496 Franklin Avenue | Free | All ages
A quiet hour of coloring with crayons and colored pencils. All materials are provided.
Vessel Holiday Lighting Ceremony | Monday, Hudson Yards, Manhattan
Monday, November 16 | 6–7pm | Public Square and Gardens, Hudson Yards | FREE
Hudson Yards opens its holiday season at Vessel with live music and the first look at Vessel’s new holiday light show.
Storytime and craft: T is for Traffic Cone at Brooklyn Heights Library | Tuesday, Brooklyn Heights
Tuesday, November 17 | 3:30–4:30pm | Brooklyn Heights Library, 286 Cadman Plaza West | Free, no registration | All ages
A local author reads her book T is for Traffic Cone: A City Pigeon’s Alphabet, followed by a craft.
Free books at the Brooklyn Book Bodega Book Hub | Tuesday, Brooklyn Navy Yard
Tuesday, November 17 | 2:30–4:30pm, 45-minute slots | Brooklyn Navy Yard, 141 Flushing Avenue, Suite 606 | Free, registration required by Monday at noon | All ages; under 13 with an adult
Book a slot to pick as many used and overstock books as you can carry, for kids and adults. Bring your own bag. Sign up here.
Ezra Jack Keats story and craft at Williamsburgh Library | Tuesday, Williamsburg
Tuesday, November 17 | 3–4pm | Williamsburgh Library, 240 Division Avenue | Free | Ages 3 and up
A read-aloud of an Ezra Jack Keats story, then a craft based on it. Every child goes home with a free Ezra Jack Keats book.
Gardening Club at the Red Hook Pop-Up Library | Tuesday, Red Hook
Tuesday, November 17 | 3:30–4:30pm | Red Hook Pop-Up Library, 362 Van Brunt Street | Free | Ages 6–12, with and without disabilities
Kids plant seeds, read stories, sing and dance, and take home plants and flowers.
Bedtime Stories at Leonard Library | Tuesday, Williamsburg
Tuesday, November 17 | 6:30–7pm | Leonard Library, 81 Devoe Street | Free, no registration | Families with kids ages 0–5 and older
Quiet stories and gentle songs to wind down before bed. Pajamas, stuffed animals and blankets are welcome.
Read, Sing, Make at Central Library | Tuesday, Prospect Heights
Tuesday, November 17 | 4:30–5:15pm | Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza | Free | About ages 4–8, with and without disabilities
An after-school story, a song or two and a craft.
Green-Wood on Wheels: stroller-friendly tour | Wednesday, Greenwood Heights
Wednesday, November 18 | 10:30–11:30am | The Green-House at Green-Wood, 750 Fifth Avenue | Free, reservation required | Parents and caregivers with strollers
A relaxed-pace walking tour of Green-Wood’s landscapes, history and nature, mostly on even ground, with Park Slope Parents.
Skate with Holiday Friends at Domino Park | Wednesday, Williamsburg
Wednesday, November 18 | 4–6pm, performances at 4:30pm and 6pm | SKATE at Domino Park, River Street between South 3rd and South 4th streets | Free to watch; skating is ticketed
Figure skaters dressed as holiday characters perform on the rink, share skating tips and pose for photos. It runs every Wednesday through December 23.
Music and Rhymes with Brooklyn Public Library | Wednesday, Carroll Gardens
Wednesday, November 18 | 10:30–11am | St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 199 Carroll Street | Free | Babies and toddlers
An off-site library concert with songs, silly rhymes and dancing.
Dance party and balloon animals at Park Slope Library | Wednesday, Park Slope
Wednesday, November 18 | 4–4:45pm | Park Slope Library, 431 6th Avenue | Free, registration required, opens 24 hours before | Kids and grown-ups
A dance party for kids and grown-ups, followed by a balloon-twisting demonstration. Register once per family; late entry is limited to a 10-minute grace period.
Library Lab: leaf colors at Brower Park Library | Wednesday, Crown Heights
Wednesday, November 18 | 3:30–4:30pm | Brower Park Library, 155 Brooklyn Avenue | Free | Ages 6–12; younger kids with supervision
A hands-on science session on leaf colors.
Chill with Chiikawa at Windsor Terrace Library | Wednesday, Windsor Terrace
Wednesday, November 18 | 2:15–3:30pm | Windsor Terrace Library, 160 East 5th Street | Free | Ages 6 to 8th grade
An after-school meetup for Chiikawa fans to relax, snack and talk about the series. Snacks are first come, first served.
Gowanus Wharf Block Party | Thursday, Gowanus
Thursday, November 19 | 4–7pm | Nevins Landing, 340 Nevins Street | Free, RSVP | Open to everyone
A block party for the opening of the new Gowanus Wharf waterfront park, with food and drinks from local favorites, Gowanus artists and The Ursas lighting up after dark.
Community Access Thursday at Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Thursday, Crown Heights
Thursday, November 19 | 2–5pm | Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue | Free
Museum admission is free every Thursday afternoon. Reserve tickets online or pick them up at the museum.
Bilingual Birdies at Clinton Hill Library | Thursday, Clinton Hill
Thursday, November 19 | 11am–12pm | Clinton Hill Library, 380 Washington Avenue | Free | Ages 0–5
A morning of live music and dance that introduces new words through original songs and traditional folk tunes.
La Hora Mágica at Sunset Park Library | Thursday, Sunset Park
Thursday, November 19 | 10:30–11:30am | Sunset Park Library, 5108 4th Avenue | Free | Ages 0–5
A bilingual story time with stories and songs.
Turkey Storycraft at Kensington Library | Thursday, Kensington
Thursday, November 19 | 3:30–4:15pm | Kensington Library, 4207 18th Avenue | Free | Ages 6–12
A turkey story and craft ahead of Thanksgiving.
Ezra Jack Keats story and craft at Central Library | Thursday, Prospect Heights
Thursday, November 19 | 3:30–4:15pm | Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza | Free | Kids
A story by Ezra Jack Keats, a related craft and a free book to take home.
Comic book drawing class at the Red Hook Pop-Up Library | Thursday, Red Hook
Thursday, November 19 | 3–4:15pm | Red Hook Pop-Up Library, 362 Van Brunt Street | Free | Ages 10 and up
How to make comic books, cartoons and graphic novels. Beginners are welcome and supplies are provided.
Tween Book Club at Macon Library | Thursday, Bed-Stuy
Thursday, November 19 | 3–4pm | Macon Library, 361 Lewis Avenue | Free, registration required | Ages 10–12
The first session of a new bi-weekly book club reading the manga series Yotsuba&!, with discussions, activities and crafts. Pick up a copy of the book at the front desk after registering.
Tween and Teen Create Space at Adams Street Library | Thursday, DUMBO
Thursday, November 19 | 4:30–5:30pm | Adams Street Library, 9 Adams Street | Free, no registration | Grades 4–12
Tweens and teens drop into the library’s teen space to make art or write with the library’s materials.
Sidewalk stargazing at Brower Park Library | Thursday, Crown Heights
Thursday, November 19 | 7–7:45pm | Brower Park Library, 155 Brooklyn Avenue | Free | All ages
Stargazing on the sidewalk outside the branch, learning to find and name objects in the night sky. It is cancelled if clouds, rain or snow are forecast.
TGIF afterschool story and craft hour at Green-Wood | Friday, Greenwood Heights
Friday, November 20 | 2–4pm | The Green-House at Green-Wood, 750 Fifth Avenue | Free | Ages 2–5 with an adult
Brooklyn Public Library’s Bookmobile parks outside from 2 to 3pm, then a librarian leads stories and crafts inside from 3 to 4pm. Library cards are issued on the spot.
Little Artists at Leonard Library | Friday, Williamsburg
Friday, November 20 | 10:30–11:15am | Leonard Library, 81 Devoe Street | Free | Ages 15 months to 5 years
A hands-on painting session for toddlers and preschoolers to mix paint, explore and create.
Kids Create: grandparent crafting at Brower Park Library | Friday, Crown Heights
Friday, November 20 | 3:30–4:30pm | Brower Park Library, 155 Brooklyn Avenue | Free | Ages 6–12; younger kids with supervision
Kids craft alongside a grandparent or another special older person, or make something to send to one who lives far away.
Movies at the Library: Brother Bear at Sunset Park Library | Friday, Sunset Park
Friday, November 20 | 3:30–5:30pm | Sunset Park Library, 5108 4th Avenue | Free | Rated G
A Friday screening of the animated film Brother Bear (2003).
Cooperative board games at Bedford Library | Friday, Bed-Stuy
Friday, November 20 | 3:30–5pm | Bedford Library, 496 Franklin Avenue | Free | Kids
An afternoon of games played together rather than against each other, including Forbidden Island and SpaceTeam.
Friendsgiving Playdate at Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Friday, Crown Heights
Friday, November 20 | 7–10pm | Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue | FREE | All ages | RSVP required
An after-hours night at the museum with rooftop skating, collage and friendship-bracelet making, a DJ, and food inspired by Jamaican cookshops, for purchase.
Neighbors Giving Thanks turkey hand-out with North Brooklyn Angels | Friday, North Brooklyn
Friday, November 20 | North Brooklyn | Free to volunteer | Join the volunteer waitlist
North Brooklyn Angels hands out 1,000 frozen turkeys and pantry staples to families who cook at home, opening its seventh annual Neighbors Giving Thanks week. Volunteers can join the waitlist.
Lucky Day grand opening | Saturday, Greenpoint
Saturday, November 21 | 10am–2pm | Lucky Day, 158 Green Street | Free, RSVP | All ages
The new café, market and community space celebrates its opening with live music, balloon art and face painting, a photo booth and local business perks. RSVP here.
Winter Fest with free winter coats | Saturday, Crown Heights
Saturday, November 21 | 12–4pm | Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center, 1561 Bedford Avenue | Free, RSVP for a time slot | All ages
Pick up a free winter coat for kids and adults while supplies last, and meet local organizations with programs for families. RSVP for a 45-minute slot between 12 and 3pm.
Coastal cleanup at Marsha P. Johnson State Park | Saturday, Williamsburg
Saturday, November 21 | 12–2pm | Marsha P. Johnson State Park, 90 Kent Avenue | Free, registration recommended | Ages 8 and up with an adult
Volunteers pick up litter along the shoreline, then weigh what they collected. Gloves, pickers and buckets are provided. Bad weather may move the date.
Introduction to birdwatching in Prospect Park | Saturday, Prospect Park
Saturday, November 21 | 10am–12pm | Prospect Park Audubon Center | Free, no registration | All ages; under 12 with an adult
A Brooklyn Bird Club member leads a relaxed walk of about 1.5 to 2 miles covering birding basics. A few binoculars are available to borrow.
Nature scavenger hunt with the Urban Park Rangers | Saturday, Bensonhurst
Saturday, November 21 | 11am–12pm | Seth Low Playground | Free, no registration | Kids
Kids follow clues around the playground to find what Sammy the Squirrel has hidden, and take home a small prize.
Girls Who Code at United Cultural Association | Saturday, Sunset Park
Saturday, November 21 | 1–3pm | United Cultural Association, 829 63rd Street | Free, registration required | Girls; beginners welcome
A weekly program where girls learn basic coding through hands-on activities and group projects. Space is limited.
Read to a therapy dog at Windsor Terrace and Central libraries | Saturday, Windsor Terrace and Prospect Heights
Saturday, November 21 | 10:30–11:30am at Windsor Terrace Library, 160 East 5th Street; 2–3pm at Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza | Free, sign up on the day | Ages 5–12
Kids practice reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Sign up at the desk on the day, from 10am at Windsor Terrace; Central takes six children per session.
Family Storytime at Brooklyn Heights Library | Saturday, Brooklyn Heights
Saturday, November 21 | 11–11:30am | Brooklyn Heights Library, 286 Cadman Plaza West | Free, no registration | All ages
Books, music and movement for kids and their grown-ups.
Japanese Storytime at Central Library | Saturday, Prospect Heights
Saturday, November 21 | 10–10:30am | Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza | Free | Ages 0–5
Stories and songs in Japanese, with picture books, kamishibai paper theater, finger plays and traditional children’s songs.
Storytime in English at Kvartira Books | Saturday, Prospect Heights
Saturday, November 21 | 11:30am–12pm | Kvartira Books, 731 Washington Avenue | Free, RSVP | Kids with a grown-up
A storytime reading books from around the world and talking about them. It is not a drop-off event.
Chess for Kids at Bay Ridge Library | Saturday, Bay Ridge
Saturday, November 21 | 11am–12pm | Bay Ridge Library, 7223 Ridge Boulevard | Free, no registration | Kids
Kids learn to play chess with a chess master.
Maker Girls at Brower Park Library | Saturday, Crown Heights
Saturday, November 21 | 11:30am–12:30pm | Brower Park Library, 155 Brooklyn Avenue | Free, registration encouraged | Ages 7–13; everyone welcome
Projects, play and games exploring art and science, designed for neurodiverse femme-identifying youth, though everyone is welcome to join. It is a scent-free event.
Family arts and crafts at Dyker Library | Saturday, Dyker Heights
Saturday, November 21 | 1–3pm | Dyker Library, 8202 13th Avenue | Free | Ages 5–12
An art class with a new theme and materials each session, from paint and pastels to origami paper.
ProjectArt classes at Washington Irving Library | Saturday, Bushwick
Saturday, November 21 | Ages 4–7 at 1:30–2:30pm; ages 8–12 at 3–4pm | Washington Irving Library, 360 Irving Avenue | Free | Ages 4–12
Weekly Saturday art classes in two age groups.
Little Scientists at Sunset Park Library | Saturday, Sunset Park
Saturday, November 21 | 2–3pm | Sunset Park Library, 5108 4th Avenue | Free | Toddlers and preschoolers
Science activities for toddlers and preschoolers.
Kids-only Pokémon trading at Slope Comics | Saturday, Park Slope
Saturday, November 21 | 3–5:30pm | Slope Comics and Collectibles, 151 7th Avenue | Free, RSVP | Kids only
Kids meet up at the comic shop to trade Pokémon cards and battle.
The Nutcracker at Brookfield Place | Saturday and Sunday, Lower Manhattan
Saturday, November 21, 1pm and 7pm; Sunday, November 22, 1pm | Winter Garden, Brookfield Place, check-in at 230 Vesey Street | FREE; advance tickets sold out, walk-ins first-come, first-served
New York Theatre Ballet performs The Nutcracker in the Winter Garden. Advance tickets are sold out; walk-ins are seated first-come, first-served as space allows, with check-in at 12:30pm for the 1pm shows and 6:30pm for the 7pm show.
Volunteer day in Cobble Hill Park | Saturday, Cobble Hill
Saturday, November 21 | 9–11am | Cobble Hill Park | Drop-ins welcome | Children with an adult
The Cobble Hill Association plants tulip bulbs, weeds and tidies the park. Stay for all or part of it; tools and gloves are provided.
Volunteer at the Food For Brooklyn pantry | Saturday, Greenpoint
Saturday, November 21 | Pantry 9–10am, turkey distribution 12–1pm | 55 Sutton Street | Free to volunteer | Sign up online
Food For Brooklyn hands out groceries at its Greenpoint pantry, with a turkey distribution at midday. No experience is needed, and kids are welcome.
Coats and Cookies holiday coat drive | Saturday, Boerum Hill
Saturday, November 21 | 11am–1pm | Belarusan Autocephalic Orthodox Church, 401 Atlantic Avenue | Free
NYC 4 ALL and the Boerum Hill Association collect gently used coats, hats, gloves and scarves for immigrant families. Bring a coat, bring cookies to share, or just come for the treats.
Free kids’ Thanksgiving concert at Time Out Market | Sunday, DUMBO
Sunday, November 22 | Doors 10am, show 10:15–11am | Time Out Market, 5th floor, 55 Water Street | Free, RSVP; space permitting | Ages 0–5
A family concert ahead of Thanksgiving, with stroller parking at the door.
Magnetic archery with the Urban Park Rangers | Sunday, Bay Ridge
Sunday, November 22 | 11am–12pm | Owl’s Head Park, lawn area | Free, no registration | Ages 8 and up
Park Rangers teach archery with magnetic arrows and targets. All equipment is provided.
Freedom Seekers: stories by the fire in Prospect Park | Sunday, Prospect Park
Sunday, November 22 | 3–4:30pm | Prospect Park, Parkside Avenue and South Lake Drive | Free, no registration
Urban Park Rangers lead an outdoor storytelling program on the history of the Underground Railroad.
Family Fun Day in Sunset Park | Sunday, Sunset Park
Sunday, November 22 | 10am–12pm | Sunset Park, 7th Avenue and 41st Street | Free, RSVP | Families
Free weekly outdoor arts and crafts for families. Bad weather may cancel it.
Storytime in Russian at Kvartira Books | Sunday, Prospect Heights
Sunday, November 22 | 11:30am–12pm | Kvartira Books, 731 Washington Avenue | Free, registration required | Ages 0–6 with a parent
A Russian-language storytime reading children’s books from around the world.
