It’s another packed week of family fun in Brooklyn, with outdoor movies, concerts, dance parties, block parties, and festivals to celebrate the final stretch of summer. Don’t miss the Back to School Bash at Atlantic Terminal Mall, featuring water play, crafts, games, and a DJ. Other highlights this week include Coney Island’s Sand Sculpting Competition, the Hindu Lamp Ceremony at Brooklyn Bridge Park, and more water fun at Splish Splash Saturdays on Hoyt Street and Sprinkler Saturday on Vanderbilt Avenue. Plus, catch a vintage Volkswagen show on Governors Island and stop by the One Crown Heights Festival.
Monday, August 11 | 10:30-11:00am | For babies
Babies & Books is back at the newly reopened Leonard Library in Williamsburg! This is a lapsit storytime for babies who are not yet walking.
Mondays | 3:30-6:00pm
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.
Monday, August 11 | 4-5pm
Come make slime at Sunset Park! Making slime is a great way to introduce chemistry & other STEM concepts.
Monday, August 11 | 7-9pm | Free tickets here
Join for a fun movie night under the stars in the Maimonides Park Cyclone Stadium! Everyone is encouraged to bring a blanket to sit on, no chairs are permitted.
Tuesday, August 12 | 9:00-9:45am | Ages 14 months – 2 years | RSVP here
Come play in Carroll Park every Tuesday morning! Wear clothes to get messy as we’ll offer activities like food safe process based art and water play. Also get ready for sing-alongs and movement play.
Tuesdays | 10am
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.
Tuesday, August 12 | 10:30-11:30am | For babies and toddlers
Don’t miss this high energy performance for babies and toddlers. Sing, dance, and play with Lavender Blues at BPL!
Tuesday, August 12 | 11am-1pm
Join for this Back-To-School Party and Backpack Giveaway in the Kings Theatre Courtyard!
Tuesday, August 12 | 11am-5pm (or until they run out!)
Swing by 25 Jay Street with your furry friend for a free pup cup! No need to RSVP, all are welcome.
Tuesdays | 12:30-2:00pm | RSVP here
Our weekly postpartum support group offers a free, safe, and welcoming space for new parents, with emotional support, practical tips, and valuable resources to help navigate the physical and emotional journey after childbirth.
Tuesday, August 12 | 4:00-4:45pm | Register here
Join us for a FREE story time event, where we’ll read, dance and craft! Open to members and non-members.
Tuesday, August 12 | 4-5pm | For teens
Interested in creating and engraving your own artistic design with a laser engraver? Join us in our laser engraving workshop as we explore the basic features of the Laser Pecker LP2 Engraver
Tuesday, August 12 | 4-5pm | Ages 5-12
Join us in our Craft Room to practice reading with our guest pup! For children ages 5-12 who are practicing their reading skills.
Tuesday, August 12 | 4-5pm | Ages 9-13
Tweens are welcome to hang out, listen to music, make friends, and make some colorful crafts. Snacks will be provided!
Tuesday, August 12 | 4-7pm
Learn the basics of making mosaics in a fun, garden-themed community workshop! Demonstrations will cover how to use the provided glass cutting tools, along with the fundamental do’s and don’ts of mosaic design.
Tuesday, August 12 | 4-9pm | Secret Life of Pets: PG | Rent: PG-13
Th summer, Domino Square transforms into an outdoor movie theatre, with double features of movies set in NYC. 4pm showings feature family-friendly movies and activities, presented by A Rosie Day. 7pm showings explore NYC from the 1980s to the 2010s, presented by Nitehawk Cinema, with DJ sets that take you back in time.
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.
Tuesday, August 12 | 5-7pm | Ages 14+ | Register here
Volunteers will help with invasive plant removal, litter pickup and mulching. Please note that start and end times for Sunset Series vary depending on the sunset.
Tuesday, August 12 | 6–8pm
Free Summer Concerts return to Shore Park Shore Rd & 79th St this summer, with the main band starting at 7pm and an opening act from School of Rock at 6pm! Join for country music from The Coney Island Express on August 12.
Wednesday, August 13 | 11am-1pm | For teens | Register here
Help remove invasive plants, maintain woodland trails and other forest restoration work to help Prospect Park thrive. All tools are provided + no experience is necessary. Earn service hours while helping to maintain the park!
Wednesday, August 13 | 11am-3pm
Children’s Summer Village is returning to Brooklyn Borough Hall! Bring your kids anytime between 11am and 3pm to enjoy summertime activities like fencing, jump rope, performances, reading, and more.
Wednesday, August 13 | 12:00-2:30pm
For kids and families, Abolitionist Place becomes a giant playroom every Wednesday afternoon this summer! On August 13, My Gym City Point will host free games, relays, puppet shows, sports skills from 12-1pm, and Twirls and Swirls will offer hula hooping from 1:30-2:30pm.
Wednesday, August 13 | 2-4pm
Brooklyn Bridge Park is surrounded by brackish water, which is a mix of fresh and salt water. Learn how to measure the saltiness (or salinity) of the East River’s water with a handheld refractometer; learn what happens when fresh and salt water mix; and be inspired to create your own saltwater watercolor landscape with watercolors, salt, and brackish water from our shores.
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 form 3-6pm on Wednesdays. Note that advance timed tickets are required (max of 4 per group); the Wednesday Afternoon Ticket Store will open on Monday at 3:00 pm for that Wednesday’s reservations.
Wednesdays | 4-7pm
Join every Wednesday to participate in the Police Commissioner’s Day of Play! We will be at Shore Road Park (Shore Road and 79th Street) from 4-7pm every week. Activities include basketball, football, hula hoops, board games, and more.
Wednesdays | 5-7pm | Register here in advance!
All levels are welcome including first-time kayakers — life vests and all equipment provided, as well as instruction. Children under 18 must have an adult guardian present. Advance registration is required; make a reservation here. Do not walk-up without a reservation, as they will likely not be able to accommodate you!
Wednesday, August 13 | Movie at sunset | PG-13
Join for an outdoor movie in the park!
Wednesday, August 13 | Pre-film activities at 6pm; movie at sunset| PG | RSVP here
Join for an outdoor movie in Prospect Park!
Thursdays | 10-11am | Ages 5 and under | RSVP here
This nature program for ages 5 and under in Marsha P. Johnson State Park is FREE! Supplies are provided on a first come, first serve basis.
Thursdays | 10am-12pm | RSVP here
Calling all parents and caregivers with children! Join for a leisurely stroll along Prospect Park’s waterways.
Thursday, August 14 | 10am-1pm | For teens and adults | RSVP here
Volunteers will assist in tasks such as invasive plant removal, trail maintenance, litter pick up, and other landscaping needs.
Thursday, August 14 | 10am-3pm
Join Prospect Park Alliance for nature education programs: discovery stations and activities, an encounter with animals in the Audubon Center’s collection, and a family bird walk.
Thursdays | 11:00-11:45am
Sing, read, and play with librarians from Brooklyn Public Library! Have fun hearing great picture books read aloud and playing with other children during this program featuring guest musical artists from Urban Stages. For children of all ages and their caregivers.
Thursday, August 14 | 1:30-2:45pm | RSVP here
Join Prospect Park Alliance every Thursday afternoon for a wild trip to the Prospect Park Zoo! Each week, a zoo educator will introduce you and your little ones to one amazing animal, up close and personal.
Thursdays | 2-5pm | Reserve here
Explore some of the museum’s most-loved exhibits, including toddler-favorite Totally Tots, the miniature shops of World Brooklyn, our NEST kids’ climber, and more. Then check out ColorLab, the family art studio located on the 2nd floor of the Museum, where artists of all ages can explore, make, and celebrate art. Plus, say hello to BCM’s live animals at Animal Encounters, which repeats twice, first from 3:00-3:20pm and again from 3:45-4:05 pm. It’s recommended that you reserve your tickets in advance online. Walk-ins always welcome.
Thursdays | 3-5pm
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.
Thursday, August 14 | 3-5pm
Celebrate the end of summer reading with Ryder Library! Drop by the lawn to have a dance party + balloon art + face painting session with Bubbles the Silly Entertainer!
Thursday, August 14 | 4-6pm | Ages 6 months – 6 years
Join us for a FREE Beach Blast at NY Kids Club in DUMBO. Enjoy themed art, music, dance activities, and light snacks — perfect for ages 6 months to 6 years (plus grown-ups)!
Thursday, August 14 | 4-7pm | Registration encouraged
Explore the intersection of art and sports at this back-to-school night for teens, young adults, and their families. Enjoy a panel discussion with arts and sports professionals, art-making activities, pop-up talks, snacks, giveaways, and more!
Thursday, August 14 | 5-6pm | Ages 8+ (Under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult)
Join the New York Restoration Project Urban Agriculture team for an introduction to growing oyster mushrooms on straw in our newly restored garden! During this hands-on session, participants will learn the basic principles of mycology and then have the chance to work together to create mushroom buckets that will remain at the library and produce through the fall.
Thursdays | 5-7pm | Register here in advance!
All levels are welcome including first-time kayakers — life vests and all equipment provided, as well as instruction. Children under 18 must have an adult guardian present. Advance registration is required; make a reservation here. Do not walk-up without a reservation, as they will likely not be able to accommodate you!
Thursday, August 14 | 6-8pm
This outdoor jazz series takes place at Jitu Weusi Plaza in Clinton Hill. Pull up a chair (or bring your own) to enjoy a live show by Nikita White.
Join Nieves Latin Dance Studio outside Atlantic Terminal on Thursday nights for a live DJ spinning salsa, bachata & Latin beats and free dance lessons led by professional instructors from Nieves.
Thursday, August 14 | Pre-film activities at 6pm; movie at sunset | PG-13 | RSVP here
Join for a classic outdoor movie in Fort Greene Park!
Thursday, August 14 | 6:30pm
For the fifth year running, Midsummer Nights series is bringing free music to BKCM’s front stoop. Join on August 14 for Charles Turner.
Thursday, August 14 | 7pm | PG
Come to Charlotte Patisserie every Thursday for a summer movie in their backyard, plus wine, cocktails, sweet treats and small bites.
Thursday, August 14 | 7:30-10:00pm | PG-13 | RSVP here
Come watch Hamilton: An American Musical on the field behind the Old Stone House. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Hamilton is Rated PG-13 for “language and some suggestive material.”
Fridays | 9:30-10:30am
Every Friday, City League Coffee invites parents, grandparents, siblings, caregivers and their little ones to join us for a fun-filled exciting hour. Each week is designed to feature a different activity that fosters a sense of togetherness between neighbors.
Friday, August 15 | 10am-3pm
Join Prospect Park Alliance for nature education programs: discovery stations and activities, an encounter with animals in the Audubon Center’s collection, and a family bird walk.
Friday, August 15 | 1-4pm
Join us for RHI’s 10th Annual Block Party with double dutch, BBQ, games, raffles, ice cream, and more fun!
Friday, August 15 | 3:00-4:30pm | Ages 10-17
Leonard Library is back! Join on Fridays for an anime hangout.
Fridays | 3-5pm
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.
Friday, August 15 | 3-5pm
Zumba Kids classes are rockin’, high-energy dance parties packed with kid-friendly routines. Join us for an amazing show and free book distribution!
Fridays | 3:30-6:00pm
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.
Friday, August 15 | 4-7pm | Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult
This summer, grab a set of wireless headphones and groove to your own beat at this fun dance party!All ages are welcome. 17 and under must have an adult present.
Fridays | 5-7pm
The Friends of Jackie Robinson Park Playground presents Free Friends’ Fest, a mini-festival with art activities, performances, double dutch, line dancing, fresh produce, and more in the park.
Friday, August 15 | Doors at 6pm | Show at 7pm
Bassist and free jazz legend William Parker presents Ellington in Mourning, a tribute to Duke Ellington. Vibraphonist Nikara Warren opens with NIKARA presents Black Wall Street, which weaves Hip-Hop, jazz, neo-soul, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Latino, and experimental influences.
Friday, August 15 | 7:30-9:30pm | Register here
Light trapping is an effective way to learn about and identify insects that are not as active during the day. By using ultraviolet light in a non-lit area, we will be able to attract night-flying insects, including moths and beetles, to a lightweight sheet, where we can observe specimens and collect data using the iNaturalist app.
Friday, August 15 | 8:30-11:30am
Join for an outdoor movie in the park!
Fridays | 9:45pm
Join us every Friday night from June 20th until August 29th for a spectacular show that lights up the Coney Island skyline.
Saturday, August 16 | 9am-1pm | Ages 5-12
Join for a free science and art fair for kids in Fort Greene Park! It’s a hands-on, joyful celebration of all things science and art. Designed especially for kids ages 5 to 12 (but younger and older siblings are welcome too)! This event will be located at the top of Fort Greene Park by the Monument (west side of the monument).
Saturdays | 10am-12pm
Come downstairs for weekly complimentary entertainment for your little ones to enjoy. There will be balloon twisting, magic shows, face painting, circus performers, and more. Located in front of Osteria and Showroom Bakehouse.
Saturday, August 16 | 10am-1pm
Join Prospect Park Alliance for nature education programs: discovery stations and activities, an encounter with animals in the Audubon Center’s collection, and a family family walk.
Saturdays | 10am-4pm | Register here in advance!
All levels are welcome including first-time kayakers — life vests and all equipment provided, as well as instruction. Children under 18 must have an adult guardian present. Advance registration is required; make a reservation here. Do not walk-up without a reservation, as they will likely not be able to accommodate you!
Saturday, August 16 | 11:00-11:30am | RSVP here
A charming, sci-fi twist on the first day of school genre, featuring a young astronaut whose new classmates are literal aliens.
Saturday, August 16 | 11am-1pm | Ages 0-12 | RSVP here
Brooklyn Bridge Parents, Atlantic Terminal Mall and Brooklyn Org are co-hosting a fun-filled day of crafts, games, water fun, basketball drills with NIKE, DJ and more at Atlantic Terminal Mall Plaza. Free and best for ages 1 – 12! Bring a bathing suit for water fun!
Saturday, August 16 | 11am-1pm | For teens | Register here
Help remove invasive plants, maintain woodland trails and other forest restoration work to help Prospect Park thrive. All tools are provided + no experience is necessary. Earn service hours while helping to maintain the park!
Saturday, August 16 | 11am-2pm
Join us for Back-to-School Carnival with giveaways, music & dances, community resources, and fun activity booths!
Saturday, August 16 | 11am-3pm
Come celebrate the sun with us with various activities! There will be crafts, tours, and more! Can’t come on Saturday? This family day is a double feature, join us on Sunday!
Saturday, August 16 | 11am-3pm
Head to East New York for an afternoon filled with engaging art activities hosted by Museum on Wheels! This mobile museum can pull up anywhere in Brooklyn with touchable selections from our collection of teaching objects—plus plenty of fun. Enjoy art-making, games, and giveaways from Yadestiny Treasure Chest , Island Pops, and Brooklyn Tea.
Saturday, August 16 | 11am-4pm
Join Dancers Unlimited for a vibrant, community-centered weekend of dance, art, food, and culture! On Saturday, join for Black August Celebration: dance class, live drawing, and cookout-style food.
Saturday, August 16 | 11am-5pm
FAD Market is back on Governors Island, featuring a rotating lineup of over 40 of the city’s emerging makers, designers, artists, and small businesses, visitors can expect to find handcrafted jewelry, art, apparel, bath and body care, tableware, home furnishings, artisanal packaged food, and more.
Saturday, August 16 | 12-1pm | Ages 5-13
Young Naturalists is a youth-led program for kids ages 5-13 using Fort Greene Park as their open lab, with sessions ranging from bird identification to recycling minigames.
Saturday, August 16 | 12-4pm
Join for the 33rd Annual Coney Island Sandsculpting Competition, where artists of all skill levels will create magnificent sculptures out of sand. There will be live entertainment, giveaways, and more! The competition will begin at 12pm, and winners will be announced at 4pm.
Saturday, August 16 | 12-4pm | All ages
Public paddles are free and open to everyone. First come, first serve, no registration required. Trips are approximately 20 to 30 minutes and run throughout the day. Learn about Greenpoint’s history, environmental challenges and successes, and residents. Get out on the water and see the neighborhood as you never have before!
Saturdays | Open streets 12-10pm | Hydrant open 2-5pm
Vanderbilt Open Streets offers free programs for the whole family on car-free streets in Prospect Heights! On Saturday, August 16, from 2-5pm, they’ll be opening up the fire hydrant (legally!) in front of Van Leeuwen, at Vanderbilt Ave. and Dean St. There will be inflatable pools, water buckets, and reusable water balloons. Stay tuned here to see this more of this weekend’s lineup.
Saturday, August 16 | 12-3pm
Cool down on Hoyt Open Street! Bring your family, friends, and pets to enjoy the open hydrant. Wear your favorite swimsuit and bring your water toys for some Saturday fun!
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.
Saturday, August 16 | 2-3pm | Ages 5-12
Read to a dog at the library! Our certified therapy dog Flash Gordon loves to be read to. Sign up at the desk for a 10 minute slot on the day of the program. First come, first serve. Space is limited to six children per session.
Saturdays | 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!
Saturday, August 16 | 2:30-8:30pm
Mobile Output is coming to Domino Park with a DJ-driven dance party. There will be local legends on the decks, immersive art activations, and good vibes all day long.
Saturday, August 16 | 3-4pm | Registration required; will open on 8/9 at 4pm
Join us Saturday to hear some stories about being positive and then create you own positive affirmation mug!
Saturday, August 16 | 3-5pm | Register here
Learn the basics of catch-and-release line fishing! Participants of all ages will learn how to tie knots, bait a hook, drop a line, and (with some luck) reel up a fish! Registering in advance is not required, but is highly recommended to expedite your participation.
Saturday, August 16 | 4-5pm
Join for a free beginner’s fishing clinic in Prospect Park. Participants will receive basic hands-on fishing instruction and will learn about fish identification, fisheries management, fishing techniques and more! All fishing gear and bait will be provided. No registration or fishing license is required to participate.
Saturday, August 16 | 4:00-7:30pm
Dance artist and educator Aeilushi Mistry will perform the traditional Hindu Aarti ceremony at Pebble Beach. The Aarti ceremony is traditionally performed each morning and evening along India’s rivers, in order to convey gratitude to mother river, reflect on community, and remember loved ones. Join to decorate palm leaf lamps and release them along the East River.
Saturday, August 16 | 6-10pm
Join for the last dance party of the season, with Herbert Holler’s Freedom Party Outside! Herbert will spin all your favorite hip-hop, R&B, reggae, house, rock, disco and pop hits from the 60s through the 2000s!
Saturday, August 16 | Doors at 6pm | Show at 7pm
Join for the final night of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! season with Nick Hakim, who blends psychedelia, R&B, and soul. Emmy-winning drummer, rapper, and producer Karriem Riggins opens with a dynamic DJ set.
Saturday, August 16 | 7-10pm
SummerStage returns to the Coney Island Amphitheater this summer. Join on August 16 for the Funk Flex R&B Birthday Party!
Sunday, August 17 | All Day
VW Gridlock, the epic vintage Volkswagen show, returns to Governors Island August 18! 75 unique, vintage Volkswagens from across the years, including iconic models like the Beetle, Bus, Karmann Ghia, and Thing, will be parked at Picnic Point all day for visitors to enjoy. Free and open to all.
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.
Sunday, August 17 | 10am-1pm
Join Prospect Park Alliance for nature education programs: discovery stations and activities, an encounter with animals in the Audubon Center’s collection, and a family family walk.
Sunday, August 17 | 11:00-11:30am | RSVP here
From the bestselling creators of the Ladybug Girl series comes a picture book about the misadventures of two very different dogs who become unlikely friends. Come for the free storytime, or buy a book bundle ticket and get a portrait of your dog drawn in your copy of Elvis & Romeo!
Sundays | 11am-2pm
Come downstairs for weekly complimentary entertainment for your little ones to enjoy. There will be balloon twisting, magic shows, face painting, circus performers, and more. Located in front of Osteria and Showroom Bakehouse.
Sunday, August 17 | 11am-3pm
Come celebrate the sun with us with various activities! There will be crafts, tours, and more!
Sunday, August 17 | 11am-4pm
Join Dancers Unlimited for a vibrant, community-centered weekend of dance, art, food, and culture! On Sunday, join for Hawaiian Culture Day, with Hula performance, lei-making workshop, and storytelling led by Pua Aliʻi ʻIlima o Nuioka.
Sunday, August 17 | 11am-5pm
FAD Market is back on Governors Island, featuring a rotating lineup of over 40 of the city’s emerging makers, designers, artists, and small businesses, visitors can expect to find handcrafted jewelry, art, apparel, bath and body care, tableware, home furnishings, artisanal packaged food, and more.
Sunday, August 17 | 11:30am-1:30pm | Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult | Registration required
Coastal Cleanup volunteers help keep our shorelines clean by removing debris from the waterfront. Volunteers of all ages are welcome; under 16’s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No orientation or experience is required, but note that this activity may involve climbing up and down rocks.
Sundays | 12:00-2:30pm | Register here in advance!
All levels are welcome including first-time kayakers — life vests and all equipment provided, as well as instruction. Children under 18 must have an adult guardian present. Advance registration is required; make a reservation here. Do not walk-up without a reservation, as they will likely not be able to accommodate you!
Sunday, August 17 | 12-4pm | Players must be 8+ to play shuffleboard
For the first time, Royal Palms is opening its doors to all ages for a special Family Day! Join for an afternoon of shuffleboard and games for the whole crew. There will be tiki-inspired mocktails, mini munchies, board games, plus giant Jenga and Connect Four.
Sunday, August 17 | 12-5pm
Join for10th annual One Crown Heights festival! Dance to live music by local artists, play fun street games, create art, and enjoy food from kosher and non-kosher vendors – plus get free admission to Brooklyn Children’s Museum.
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!
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Updated: August 11, 2025. Main Image: Back to School Community Bash at Atlantic Terminal Mall.
