Gensa Brooklyn is here, Manhattan and Queens launching soon!
This week, all roads lead to the 50th Atlantic Antic on Sunday, where Playtopia brings tons of free family fun to the mile-long street festival! Along the way, celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a Mexican folk dance workshop at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum or the Brooklyn Brujeria Festival in DUMBO and Downtown Brooklyn. The Maker Faire in Coney Island will showcase creative inventions of all kinds, and don’t miss the BAM’s African dance class for families in Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Carroll Park Fair in Carroll Gardens. Plus, as October begins, Halloween season kicks off with the annual PumpkinFest at Mazzone Ace Hardware on Court Street.
September 29 – October 14 | Drop off Monday – Friday, 8am-5pm
This fall, The Service Collective will once again accept new or gently used Halloween costumes (any size, any age) to benefit Safe Horizon. Drop off at St. Ann’s anytime between 8am-5pm on weekdays from September 29 through October 14. Costumes will be delivered to kids affected by domestic violence, ensuring they have a happy Halloween!

Monday, September 29 | 3-4pm
The PuppetMobile presents Pippi, a new retelling of Astrid Lindgren’s classic Pippi Longstocking, celebrating the story’s 80th anniversary. The show features nearly two dozen handmade marionettes.

Mondays | 3:30-5:00pm | For teens
Want to know what it’s to drive a car but having a hard making it happen IRL? We can help, via the most technically advanced racing simulator ever made, an equally cutting-edge virtual reality headset, and a steering wheel that’s more than just a video game controller. First-come, first-served.
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 29 | 4:00-5:30pm | Ages 9-17
Brooklyn Robotics League is back! Work as a team to use advanced LEGO robotics sets while exploring STEM concepts and competing in early 2026.
Monday, September 29 | 4:00-5:30pm | Ages 8+
Join for a series of free workshops led by teaching artist Maya Perry. Participants will build a story through art and technology using critical thinking, curiosity, and creative problem-solving skills.
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.
Tuesdays | 11am-12pm | For babies and toddlers
Private Picassos Founder Valeen Bhat will read a favorite kid’s book in our cozy reading nook – perfect for babies and toddlers. Hang out after for toys and exploring all of the books we have at our studio.
Tuesday, September 30 | 11am-6pm
Starting September 30, IKEA Brooklyn invites you to uncover a dazzling mirrored room filled with glowing lights, reflections, and surprises. It’s part scavenger hunt, part selfie paradise. Be one of the first 50 discoverers on opening day and receive a $10 IKEA gift card (Sept 30 only). Plus, all IKEA Family members who find the room receive a $10 off a $75+ purchase shopping offer. Learn more here.

Tuesday, September 30 | 3:30-4:00pm | Ages 3-5 | Registration will open 48 hours in advance
Join us for a special edition of preschool storytime in anticipation of Banned Books Week from October 5th-11th! We will be celebrating every child’s freedom to read by sharing books that have been banned or challenged around the country.
Tuesday, September 30 | 3:30-4:30pm | Ages 6-12 | Register here
Join us for this 3-session STEM program with Astronomy Educator and Speaker/Science Educator Brian Levine. Learn about the Earth, Sun, planets, moons, exploration, and more.
Tuesday, September 30 | 4-5pm | Ages 12-7
Have an adventure inspired by Knuffle Bunny at Adams Street Library.
Tuesday, September 30 | 4:00-5:30pm | For middle schoolers
Ready to create, invent, and explore? Come hang out in the Middle School Makerspace, a weekly hands-on workshop where you are in charge of the ideas. A maker space is all about experimenting, designing, and building whether you’re into art, science, tech, or just like tinkering with cool stuff.
Tuesday, September 30 | 4:30-5:15pm | Ages 5+
Let’s see what we can grow in Brooklyn! Plant seeds and watch them grow. Read stories, sing, craft, and tend our garden! For children and teens with and without disabilities. Kids, tweens and teens welcome – ages 5 and up.
Tuesday, September 30 | 4:00-5:30pm | Ages 9-14
Interested in making zines? Zine Clubhouse is a chill space for tweens to explore zinemaking at their own pace.
Tuesday, September 30 | 4-6pm | RSVP here
The Atlantic Avenue BID’s popular Arab & Muslim American History walking tours are returning this fall! Led by founder of New York Narratives Asad Dandia, this expert-led tour will dive into the history of Atlantic Avenue as a destination for Arab immigrants, businesses, and stories. The tours last around 90 minutes and are kid friendly.

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.

Tuesdays | 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, October 1 | 11am-7pm
Starting September 30, IKEA Brooklyn invites you to uncover a dazzling mirrored room filled with glowing lights, reflections, and surprises. It’s part scavenger hunt, part selfie paradise. All IKEA Family members who find the room receive a $10 off a $75+ purchase shopping offer. Learn more here.
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.
Wednesday, October 1 | 3:00-4:30pm | Ages 9-12 | PG
Come hang out with other tweens and watch Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018, rated PG)!
Wednesday, October 1 | 3:30-4:30pm
Bug Builders is a hands-on workshop that will combine art and science. The junior entomologists will watch a 2-5 minute video on our featured bugs. Then, they will be given materials to build that bug as we walk through the different parts.
Wednesday, October 1 | 4-5pm | Pre-K–4th Grade
Get ready, young artists, for an epic journey into the world of anime and character design! Join Trinity, the Brooklyn Public Library – DeKalb branch’s official teen artist, for a super fun and interactive workshop where you’ll learn to bring your favorite characters to life on paper. We’ll practice drawing together, share our amazing artwork, and Trinity will provide awesome tips and positive feedback to help you become a drawing superstar.
Wednesday, October 1 | 4:00-5:30pm | Ages 13+
This program is designed specifically for teenagers aged 13+, not for children or their parents. Teens 13+, join our Young Adult Librarian for a creative nature walk through McGolrick Park in celebration of City of Forest Day! Together, we’ll explore the park, learn to identify common NYC trees, and create our own zines along the way. As we walk and discover, you’ll stamp your zine and jot down observations about each tree. By the end, you’ll have a handmade mini-zine full of tree knowledge and park memories!
Wednesday, October 1 | 4:30-5:30pm | Ages 6-12
Come and hear stories, sing songs, make something fun, and work in the garden! For children 6-12 years old with and without disabilities. Group size limited to 12. A parent or caregiver must accompany children.

Wednesday, October 1 | 6-7pm | Ages 13+ | RSVP here
Teens 13+ are invited to join Greenlight bookseller Micah for pizza and discussion of The Gathering Dark: An Anthology of Folk Horror edited by Tori Bovalino. This collection of chilling stories explores haunted cemeteries, cursed towns, and lurking monsters.
Wednesday, October 1 | 7-9pm | G
Join for a free outdoor movie at Stroud Playground!
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, October 2 | 10am-5pm
Enjoy free family friendly programming on the Rosh Hashanah school holiday, including family-friendly activities and exhibits at the Lefferts Historic House, and carousel rides ($3/ride).

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, October 2 | 11am-7pm
Starting September 30, IKEA Brooklyn invites you to uncover a dazzling mirrored room filled with glowing lights, reflections, and surprises. It’s part scavenger hunt, part selfie paradise. All IKEA Family members who find the room receive a $10 off a $75+ purchase shopping offer. Learn more here.
Thursdays | 2-5pm | Reserve here
Join during Community Access Thursdays, every Thursday afternoon from 2-5 pm! Explore some of our most-loved exhibits, including the new Mobilab Exhibit, which invites kids to build their own vehicles and put them to the test on ramps and tracks.

Thursday, October 2 | 3:00-3:45pm | RSVP here
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at BCM with Calpulli Mexican Dance Company’s Mexican folk dance workshop! In this workshop, participants will learn dance steps from a dedicated Calpulli teaching artist and gain a deeper understanding of Mexican cultural traditions.

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, October 1 | 3:30-5:00pm | Ages 5+ | PG
After School Movie at Brooklyn Heights Library! This week’s movie: “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993). Run time: 1 hour and 16 minutes. No registration required; attendance limited by room capacity.
Thursdays | 4:30-5:30pm
Come to Fontainhas every Thursday at 4:30pm for a free story time and singing! Open to all. Bring your little ones for a fun story, enjoy a glass of chai or wine, and meet other parents!

Thursday, October 1 | 7:00-9:30pm | PG
Join for an outdoor movie at Marion Hopkinson Playground in Bed-Stuy!
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 | 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.

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, October 3 | 4-5pm | Ages 2-5 | Registration will open 48 hours in advance
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by joining Lina for an interactive sound tour of Colombian children’s stories and music. Through stories, songs, rhythmic games, and dances, participants will feel like they have traveled across the beautiful country of Colombia!
Friday, October 3 | 4-6pm | 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.

Friday, October 3 | 5-10pm
The 8th annual festival brings drum lines, tarot, a market, and lots of magic to the DUMBO Archway and Plaza.

Friday, October 3 | 7:00-8:30pm
Come meet the other Cub Scouts & Scouts, play games, and roast s’mores while parents get all their questions answered. Cub Scouts are looking for boys and girls in Kindergarten–5th Grade, and Scouts is open to boys ages 10–18.

Saturday, October 4 | 8:45-10:00am
Join us for a Volunteer Park Cleanup! This isn’t just your average cleanup – we’ll be breaking out the big guns with power washing to blast away grime, intense scrubbing to make surfaces shine, and thorough cleaning of benches, play structures, and pathways. All are welcome, and we’ll provide the tools and supplies.
Saturday, October 4 | 10-11am | Register here
Join for a family bird walk offered entirely in Spanish!

Saturday, October 4 | 10am-12pm | Register here
Kids can join art teachers for a hands-on workshop creating pizza-inspired drawings and collages, then see their masterpieces auctioned off to benefit Slice Out Hunger. Proceeds support the nonprofit’s mission to fight food insecurity. Plus, grab a slice from DOP during the auction with Scott from Scott’s Pizza Tours. Art Workshop from 10:00-10:45am, auction at 11:30am.
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, October 4 | 10am-2pm
Join us for UMCA’s Sensory Zone Open House! Hear from UMCA families, elected officials & community leaders, explore our signature sensory stations, and enjoy food, music, and fun for all ages.
Saturday, October 4 | 10am-3pm
The annual Court Street PumpkinFest on 4th Place between Court and Clinton Streets is back, hosted by Mazzone Ace Hardware. Join for pumpkin decorating, face painting, games, activities, live music, seasonal food, raffles, and more!

Saturday, October 4 | 10am-5pm
The annual Carroll Park Fair will return on October 4, with food, family fun, and local vendors!

Saturday, October 4 | 10am-5pm
Come visit Washington Park during the annual Brooklyn Pop-Up Fall Bazaar! Shop clothes, accessories, home goods, beauty and wellness, handmade jewelry, ceramic artists, pet accessories, boutique kids collections, as well as fine artists, and artisanal distillers.

Saturday, October 4 | 10:30-11:00am
Join us for Saturday morning family storytime, no registration necessary. We will be singing songs, reading books together, and enjoying our FREEDOM TO READ together. Free giveaway copies of recently challenged and banned picture books. All ages welcome!
Saturday, October 4 | 11am-2pm
Hang out at the Brooklyn Heights Library with some of our favorite illustrators and authors at Books Are Magic’s fourth annual Graphic Fest!

Saturday, October 4 | 11am-5pm
The Maker Faire showcases the work of inventors, creators, and DIY enthusiasts of all ages. There will be hands-on exhibits, demonstrations, and workshops in fields such as robotics, crafts, engineering, art, music, 3D-printing and future technologies, designed by students, teachers, and independent folks who build interesting things.

Saturday, October 4 | 12-1pm | Registration required
Bring your family to experience the vibrant spirit of DanceAfrica in this fun-filled outdoor workshop, presented by BAM. Explore African and diasporic dance forms that celebrate community and highlight rich cultural traditions.

Saturday, October 4 | 12-1pm
Step into the temperate forest and discover how animals rely on nature’s seasonal signals to survive—and how climate change is throwing off the timing. Through hands-on exploration and storytelling, we’ll uncover the hidden connections between climate, trees, and the creatures who call the forest home.
Saturday, October 4 | 12-4pm
Join to honor the Puerto Rican history of the downtown region of Brooklyn. Celebrate with music, empanadillas, fashions, and art. The block party will take place on Pacific Street between Nevins & Bond Street, and there will be fashion runway show at 1pm!

Saturday, October 4 | 12-5pm
On Saturday, October 4, Brooklyn Brujeria is taking over BRIC House, with a magic market and fair featuring local makers, altar installations, tarot and oracle readers, and live performances.
Saturday, October 4 | 12-5pm
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Moore Street Market with vendors, music, performances, and more.
Saturday, October 4 | 12-6pm | FREE
Franklin Avenue Open Streets will come alive alive with jerk chicken, street vendors, DJs & more! Join for their Fall Festival Block Party!

Saturday, October 4 | 1-3pm | Ages 5+
Join the Friends of Clinton Hill Library in celebrating NYC’s City of Forest Day. Learn about the trees that grow around the Clinton Hill Library. Use their leaves to make leaf animals. All materials will be supplied.
Saturday, October 4 | 1-5pm | RSVP here
Join The Campaign Against Hunger for their Children’s Harvest Festival, with fun activities, delicious treats, arts & crafts, face-painting, and more!

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.

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, October 4 | 2-5pm | RSVP here
Join Prospect Park Alliance, Haudenosaunee artist G. Peter Jemison (Seneca, Heron Clan), the Skywoman Iroquois Dance Theater, and Plasticiens Volants for an outdoor family-friendly production that brings to life the foundational Haudenosaunee Creation Story through a vibrant fusion of aerial puppetry, dance, and community engagement.

Saturday, October 4 | 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, and there will be live music by The Eagle Colt Combo from 3-5pm between Garfield and Carroll.
Saturday, October 4 | 6:30-8:30pm | RSVP here
Join for a spooky sunset screening of Ghostbusters at the Naval Cemetery Landscape! There will be light food and drink available. Seating will be available but chairs are limited, so bring a blanket just in case!

Join Brooklyn Bird Club and BGI gardeners: Bird watching during fall migration at the native meadow at the Naval Cemetery Landscape.
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, October 5 | 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.
10:30-11:15am | Storytime Yoga with Artful Souls & Wellness
12:30-1:15pm | Rockin’ Sing-alongs with Ari the Sing-along Guy

Sundays, 11am-1pm | September & October | Ages 1-8 | RSVP here
Sunday Family Games on car-free Washington Street are a great way to play, meet neighbors and enjoy an epic view! There will be legos, crafts and a rotating roster of activities for kiddos aged 1 to 8. Curated by the DUMBO Business Improvement District x Brooklyn Bridge Parents and supported by Leaf Medical & Leaf Dental in DUMBO.

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, October 5 | 11am-5pm
The Maker Faire showcases the work of inventors, creators, and DIY enthusiasts of all ages. There will be hands-on exhibits, demonstrations, and workshops in fields such as robotics, crafts, engineering, art, music, 3D-printing and future technologies, designed by students, teachers, and independent folks who build interesting things.

Sunday, October 5 | 12-5pm
Join for free outdoor classes on Montague Street, BYOB mat and water! Sign up for all classes here. And for the kids, free art classes with Le Meraviglie. Plus giveaways, win free class cards, gift cards, prizes and more.
12pm | Good Day Pilates
1pm | GTHR Yoga
1:30pm | Wundabar
2pm | Orange Theory
3pm | Heatwise Yoga
4pm | SLT
12-5pm | Kids Art Classes with Le Meraviglie

Sunday, October 5 | 12-6pm | Atlantic Avenue between Hicks & Henry | FREE
Join to celebrate the 50th annual Atlantic Antic™ with over one mile of food, crafts, and fun from Hicks Street to Fourth Avenue. This year, Playtopia with Mommy Poppins & Brooklyn Bridge Parents sponsored by Prospect Schools will be located between Hicks and Henry Streets in Cobble Hill near Brooklyn Bridge Park (Pier 6 entrance). Playtopia will be packed with FREE family-fun entertainment that includes MAJOR PLAY including a cardboard maze, obstacle course, balloon twisting, freebies, arts & crafts, interactive games, circus activities and much more for kids of all ages—all activities in our fun zone will be free! Learn more about this year’s Atlantic Antic™ here!

Sundays | 1:00-1:30pm
Every Sunday at 1pm, come join your friends at Powerhouse Books for storytime!

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!

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Updated: September 29, 2025. Main Image: Playtopia @ Atlantic Antic™ 2025 powered by Prospect Schools.










