There’s no shortage of family fun happening in Brooklyn this week! Head to DUMBO Family Games on car-free Washington Street, stroll Montague Open Streets in Brooklyn Heights, hop on board at the New York Transit Museum’s Bus Festival in Brooklyn Bridge Park, celebrate stories at the Brooklyn Book Festival’s Children’s Day in Downtown Brooklyn, and catch live music at the Brooklyn Americana Festival in the DUMBO Archway and across the borough. Plus, save the date for some of Brooklyn’s most epic street festivals—the Sunset Park 5th Avenue Street Festival, Flatbush Frolic Street Festival, and House of Yes’s Block Party in Bushwick. There’s also Family Day on Governors Island, Play in the Square at Domino Square, and Freddy’s Doggy Fashion Show in Park Slope.
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, September 15 | 6-8pm
Join us for a night of arts & crafts with the Domino Sugar Cart, a roaming cart you can spot in Domino Square on select days, featuring arts & crafts materials, books and games to enjoy while you hang out in the Square. Participants will make their own Brooklyn Butterflies from recycled materials—with wings that really move!
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, September 16 | 3:30-4:30pm | Ages 7-12
In this hands-on activity, students will design and build their own mini cars powered entirely by rubber bands. Through creativity and experimentation, they’ll explore basic physics concepts like potential and kinetic energy, friction, and motion.
Tuesday, September 16 | 3:30-4:30pm
At Leonard Library we like to get creative with KEVA planks. Let’s see what you can build! Keva plunks are appropriate for ages just add your patience and imagination.
Tuesday, September 16 | 4-5pm | Ages 9-13
Hang out, listen to music, make friends, and make some colorful crafts. Snacks will be provided!
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, September 16 | 5-7pm
Come for free ping pong in Brooklyn Commons, with DJ-Mike Doelo providing the soundtrack for each match! There will also be free lemonade and iced tea!
Wednesday, September 17 | 10am-2pm
Once a year, we partner with the Lower East Side Ecology Center to help Dumbo recycle its tech and (new this year!) textiles. Drop them off in the Plaza on Sept 17 and we’ll take care of them responsibly. Click here to see what they’ll accept.
Wednesday, September 17 | 10:30-11:00am
Join us for Outdoor Storytime at Cadman Park. We will be singing songs and reading stories on the grass right next to the Juneteenth Grove. For all ages and their grown-ups. No registration required.
Wednesday, September 17 | 11am-12pm
Join for a fun-filled day at Leif Ericson Park and Square to watch the beloved story of Pippi Longstocking come to life with puppets!
Wednesday, September 17 | 12-2pm
Have lunch in Willoughby Plaza and listen to classical music from BQE Strings.
Wednesdays | 3-4pm
Come to Abolitionist Place for a free jump rope program from The Double Dutch Dreamz.
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| 6-9pm
In collaboration with Nieves Dance Studio, join every other Wednesday night for live music, dancing and salsa lessons! Free salsa lessons start at 6:15 pm and live music by Ocho Con Clave and dancing begins at 7:15 pm.
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 | 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.
Thursdays | 10am-12pm | RSVP here
Calling all parents and caregivers with children! Join for a leisurely stroll along Prospect Park’s waterways.
Thursdays | 10am-3pm
Join Prospect Park Alliance for free nature programs at the Audubon Center:
Leaf Art | 10am–3pm – Create art inspired by trees and leaves.
Animal Encounter | 1–2pm – Meet animals with Alliance Naturalists.
Tree ID Walk | 2–3pm – Explore why trees shed their leaves on a guided walk.
Thursday, September 18 | 12-2pm
Join us for an afternoon dancing, music, and drumming with Bomba Bàmbula!
Thursdays | 2-5pm | Reserve here
Join us during Community Access Thursdays, every Thursday afternoon from 2-5 pm! Explore some of our most-loved exhibits, including toddler-favorite Totally Tots, the miniature shops of World Brooklyn, our NEST kids’ climber, and more.
Thursday, September 18 | 3:00-3:45pm | RSVP here
Join us as Lady B of Lavender Blues performs “The REMIXES,” a hip-hop concert for families. Parents and little ones will love this interactive, toe-tapping, get-out-of-your-seat good time with Lady B and her Bunnies!
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, September 18 | 3:00-3:30pm | Walk-ups only; first-come, first-served
Held on the third Thursday of every month (during Open Hours), librarians from the Adams Street Library lead for an exciting and engaging storytime session, along with singing and rhymes. Stick around after to check out all the animals and activities in the room during Open Hours!
Thursday, September 18 | 3:30-4:30pm
Help us test water quality and learn about what lives in our tidepools to study the health of the East River. All program materials will be provided. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Thursday, September 18 | 3:30-5:00pm | Ages 3+ | PG
Families with children, join us at the Leonard Branch Library for Vivo, 99 minutes. Recommended for kids 3+ and their families.
Thursday, September 18 | 4-5pm | Register here
NYT bestselling author and filmmaker Abigail Hing Wen celebrates the release of her new middle grade novel, The Vale. The event will also feature a showing of The Vale – Origins, a hybrid live-action and animated short film starring Lea Salonga (Mulan, Aladdin, Miss Saigon). Books can be purchased on-site. Free temporary tattoos and stickers with book purchase, and free boba tea for the early birds!
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.
Fridays | 10am-3pm
Join Prospect Park Alliance for free nature programs at the Audubon Center:
Leaf Art | 10am–3pm – Create art inspired by trees and leaves.
Animal Encounter | 1–2pm – Meet animals with Alliance Naturalists.
Tree ID Walk | 2–3pm – Explore why trees shed their leaves on a guided walk.
Friday, September 19 | 10:30-11:30am | Ages 0-5
Join us at the Greenpoint Library for kids’ time in our rooftop garden! We will do a very short garden-themed storytime, and then spend time together in the garden. The garden offers many sensory experiences for young kiddos, and we will set up some fun activities as well.
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, September 19 | 3:30-4:30pm
Join us for an afternoon of music and fun with the endlessly entertaining Rolie Polie Guacamole band! No registration required.
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.
Fridays| 4pm
Join every Friday from September 5 to October 17 to see the green roofs at Kingsland Wildflowers and explore (and purchase) plants from our Native Plant Nursery. This is a family-friendly event.
Friday, September 19 | 6pm | Full festival schedule here for Thursday, September 18 – Sunday, September 21
The 11th annual Brooklyn Americana Festival will bring 10 bands to the DUMBO Archway, plus more acts around the borough. The festival will also take place at Jalopy Theatre on the Columbia Street Waterfront on Thursday, September 18, Superfine in DUMBO on Saturday & Sunday, September 20 & 21, plus evening shows at 68 Jay St Bar in DUMBO and Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook.
Friday, September 19 | 7-9pm | RSVP here
Join Ira Khonen Temple, the leader of the BKCM Community Klezmer Band and special guest Cantor Sarah Myerson for a community Yiddish sing-along with amazing Klezmer musicians! All ages are welcome. Bring a snack to share and bring an instrument.
Friday, September 19 | 8:30-11:00pm | PG-13
Join for an outdoor movie in Irving Square Park in Bushwick!
Saturday, September 20 | 10-11am | Ages 11-13 | RSVP here
Come to this free one-hour clinic for kids ages 11-13. Designed to introduce the basics, this clinic will leave your child with an understanding of the rules, practice with the fundamentals, a few games under their belts, and new pickleball friends! Free paddle rentals and balls included.
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.
Saturdays | 10am-12pm
Walks begin at the Prospect Park Audubon Center. No registration required. Children under 12 must be with an adult. Bring binoculars if available.
Saturday, September 20 | 10am-12pm | 5 months–8 years | RSVP here
Come celebrate the new school year and the opening of our new flagship location in Park Slope-Gowanus. Join for FREE family fun for ages 5 months- 8 years old. Enjoy activities in the gym, rock climbing, art projects, a concert, family photos with a professional photographer, face painting and more!
Saturdays | 10am-1pm
Join Prospect Park Alliance for free nature programs at the Audubon Center:
Leaf Art | 10am–12pm – Create art inspired by trees and leaves.
Animal Encounter | 11am–12pm – Meet animals with Alliance Naturalists.
Tree ID Walk | 12–1pm – Explore why trees shed their leaves on a guided walk.
Saturday, September 20 | 10am-4pm
On September 20, the first-ever Williamsburg Mural Fest takes over Driggs Avenue in McCarren Park with art, music, and community. The festival will feature bold murals, DJs, and a celebration of Williamsburg’s creative spirit.
Saturdays in September | 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, September 20 | 10am-4pm
BKBF Children’s Day features storytimes, workshops, puppet shows, games, and book signings for kids ages 2–11. Meet favorite authors and illustrators like Nick Bruel, Grace Lin, and Ibi Zoboi, plus Moomintroll! Explore new books at the Children’s Marketplace and enjoy live illustration at the Picture Book Stage.
Saturday, September 20 | 11:00-11:30am
Stop by Hoyt Street Garden for a magic show by Brooklyn Magic Shop to celebrate the garden’s 50th birthday!
Saturday, September 20 | 11am-12pm
Join us for the launch of Karina and Rebecca’s newest middle grade novels: The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli & The Experiment!
Saturday, September 20 | 11am-4pm
Join us for Park Slope’s Super Stoop Day! Neighbors across the community will turn their stoops into mini pop-up shops, giveaways, and gathering spots. Expect books, crafts, clothes, plants, treats, and plenty of good vibes. Register your stoop, invite your friends, and help make the map of stoops come alive! All are welcome. Rain date: September 21st.
Saturday, September 20 | 11am-5pm
Join this year’s Organizations in Residence for free indoor and outdoor programs in Nolan Park and Colonels Row. Highlights include dance and writing workshops, concerts, sound baths, photography and cyanotype classes, and open houses with performances and exhibitions from groups like Dancers Unlimited, Residency Unlimited, the Taiwanese American Arts Council, and more.
Saturday, September 20 | 11am-7pm
Come join us to celebrate Batman! There’ll be some free bat-comics!
Saturday, September 20 | 12-2pm
Open Streets Reads returns with literacy games and word scrambles from Read718, crafts with The Brooklyn Public Library, and free books from Brooklyn Book Bodega. There will also be a live reading of Mermaids On Parade by Melanie Hope Greenberg.
Saturdays | 12-10pm
Vanderbilt Open Streets offers free programs for the whole family on car-free streets in Prospect Heights! Check here to see what’s happening this week!
Saturday, September 20 | 1-4pm
Brooklyn Public Library and Residency Unlimited present the third season of ARTMobile, a free outdoor art studio in Sunset Park with programs for all ages. This session features Sock Puppet Creatures with Jack Hsia, where kids can create their own puppet friends.
Saturdays | 1-5pm
Visit the Environmental Education Center for Open Hours. Explore the 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, September 20 | 2-4pm | 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.
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, September 20 | 2-6pm
Freddy’s Doggy Fashion Show returns to Park Slope’s 5th Avenue on Saturday, September 20, from 2–6pm in front of Freddy’s Bar. The event includes a dog fashion show, adoptable pups from Badass Animal Rescue, live music, pet portraits, raffles, and activities for both dogs and people. Proceeds support Badass Animal Rescue.
Saturday, September 20 | 2-10pm
Park Slope Open Streets is back for the fall! Open Streets will be car-free on 5th Avenue from Union to 4th Street. Hive Public Arts will offer a free workshop for kids from 2:30-5:30pm, and there will be live music by The Carroll Street Septet from 3-5pm between Carroll and Garfield. Plus, join for Park Slope Super Stoop Day from 11am-4pm!
Saturday, September 20 | 2-10pm
Discover the East River’s amazing biodiversity as our trained staff, volunteers and marine biologists use a seine net to humanely catch-and-release organisms, including fish, jellyfish, crabs, and more! All ages are welcome at this free event! Registering in advance is not required.
September 20 | 2pm
Collaging with Crafts is a vibrant, hands-on workshop designed for kids and families of all ages to explore artmaking together in a playful and welcoming space. Led by artist Solena Aguilar, this session invites participants to create collages inspired by the textures around them and the stories they carry by using their hands to rip paper and combine a colorful mix of textures, patterns, and found materials.
Saturday, September 20 | 4-6pm
Reading Rhythms at Abolitionist Place invites readers of all ages to enjoy silent reading set to live music, group discussions, and community connection, with giveaways for the first 300 guests. Bring a book, a blanket or chair, and join from 4-6pm.
Saturday, September 20 | 6pm | Full festival schedule here for Thursday, September 18 – Sunday, September 21
The 11th annual Brooklyn Americana Festival will bring 10 bands to the DUMBO Archway, plus more acts around the borough. The festival will also take place at Jalopy Theatre on the Columbia Street Waterfront on Thursday, September 18, Superfine in DUMBO on Saturday & Sunday, September 20 & 21, plus evening shows at 68 Jay St Bar in DUMBO and Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook.
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, September 21 | 10am-12pm
Bike Skills 101: Learn to Ride – Kids is a free group class for children who are ready to ditch the training wheels and ride a two-wheeler for the first time. Kids will learn how to balance, pedal, start, stop, and steer a bicycle. No prior experience necessary. Kids ages 10 and under must bring their own bike and helmet. For kids ages 10 and up, loaner bikes and helmets will be available.
Sundays | 10am-1pm
Join Prospect Park Alliance for free nature programs at the Audubon Center:
Leaf Art | 10am–12pm – Create art inspired by trees and leaves.
Animal Encounter | 11am–12pm – Meet animals with Alliance Naturalists.
Tree ID Walk | 12–1pm – Explore why trees shed their leaves on a guided walk.
Sunday September 21 | 10:00am-3:30pm
The New York Transit Museum’s Bus Festival is returning to Emily Warren Roebling Plaza! Kids of all ages are invited to climb aboard historic buses from NYC’s fleet, enjoy hands-on activities for all ages, and take pictures with vintage vehicles.
Sunday, September 21 | 10am-6pm
Celebrate Flatbush Development Corporation’s 50th Anniversary at the Flatbush Frolic! This lively street festival takes over Cortelyou Road, from Ocean Avenue to Coney Island Avenue, with music, games, shopping, and plenty of great food.
Sunday, September 21 | 10am-6pm
The Brooklyn Book Festival is a free literary celebration in Downtown Brooklyn featuring hundreds of authors, publishers, booksellers, panels, signings, and a Literary Marketplace at Brooklyn Borough Hall.
Sunday, September 21 | 10:30am-1:15pm | RSVP here
Play in the Square returns to Domino Square featuring family-friendly activities and performances. Twice monthly, bring the family to Domino Square for a fun-filled Sunday morning, featuring programming by local, talented children’s performers and educators. On September 21, the event will be held on the Main Lawn (S 1st Entrance):
10:30-11:15am | Musical Theatre with Bubbly B’s
12:30-1:15pm | Rockin’ Sing-alongs with Ari the Sing-along Guy
Sundays | 11am-1pm | Ages 1-6 | RSVP here
Sunday Family Games on car-free Washington Street are a great way to play, meet neighbors and enjoy an epic view! Free Legos, crafts and a rotating roster of activities for kiddos aged 1 to 8 every Sunday from 11am to 1pm in September and October (weather permitting). Curated by the DUMBO Business Improvement District x Brooklyn Bridge Parents and supported by Leaf Medical & Leaf Dental in DUMBO.
Sunday, September 21 | 11am-1pm | For teens | Register here
Prospect Park needs you! Get your hands dirty, make real change, and level up your community service hours — all while spending time outside in Prospect Park!
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, September 21 | 11am-6pm
Enjoy a day of free family fun at the 5th Avenue Street Festival in Sunset Park! Stretching from 44th to 59th Street, the annual event brings together local shops, vendors, live entertainment, bounce houses, games, and activities for all ages.
Sunday, September 21 | 12:00-3:00pm | Register here
Join Mommy Poppins at Pier 57 in Chelsea for games, crafts, puppet shows, circus and martial arts, pencil case decorating, STEM activities, and dozens of free activities for kids of all ages. Discover schools, after schools, enrichment and preschool programs while having a blast! Puppetsburg puppet shows will be at 1:15 and 2pm.
Sunday, September 21 | 12:00-5:45pm
Join for 18th Annual Family Day Celebration, a fun-filled day celebrating Africa and the diaspora. Highlights include a needle arts workshop, storytelling and double-dutch, an Afro-Brazilian dance class, a Senegalese sabar dance class, and a Guinean dance class, plus arts and crafts, short films, food, and more!
Sunday, September 21| 12-6pm
Montague Open Streets is back through October 26! This week’s highlights include:
12-6pm | FAD Market Pop-Up | Clinton – Henry Shop handmade goods from local artisans.
12:30pm | NYC Bakery Run Finish Line at L’Appartment 4F | Henry – Hicks | Cheer the NYC Bakery Run finishers at the finish line at L’Appartement 4F.
Sunday, September 21 | 12-6pm
House of Yes takes over the street with a full-on carnival playground—packed with performances, art, interactive fun, and an outdoor dance party that brings the magic. Free, all ages, rain or shine!
Sunday, September 21 | 1:00-1:30pm
Every Sunday at 1pm, come join your friends at Powerhouse Books for storytime!
Sunday, September 21 | 1-2pm
To celebrate the 80th anniversary of Pippi Longstocking, the PuppetMobile, will present Pippi, a fresh retelling of the classic Swedish tale.
Sunday, September 21 | 1:00-2:30pm | Register here
Join us for a free walking tour (open to all ages!) that highlights how even one of the city’s oldest and largest green spaces is helping shape a greener future.
Sundays | 1-5pm
Starting this week, the Environmental Education Center will have Open Hours on Sundays from 1-5pm! Stop in to learn about the Park and local ecology, including a 10’ model of the Park, visit our tank critters include fish, turtles, and frogs, and enjoy rotating monthly themes with crafts and activities!
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!
Sunday, September 21 | 3-5pm | RSVP here
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage month with a community Storytime yoga session & book swap! Partnering with Bushridge Parents, connect with other parents in the community as we hear stories by Latinx authors, enjoy delicious baked goods (Conchas), and weave in wellness through mindful yoga play.
Do you want all local parenting news in your inbox? Sign-up for our weekly newsletternow!
Updated: September 20, 2025. Main Image: New York Transit Museum Bus Festival in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
