Brooklyn Children's Museum
About
Brooklyn Children's Museum, the world's first museum designed specifically for kids, is a hands-on wonderland where touching everything isn't just allowed,it's encouraged! Children can explore a kid-sized neighborhood, create art projects, discover how things work through science experiments, and learn about world cultures through interactive exhibits designed specifically for little hands and curious minds.
Highlights
- ✓World Brooklyn exhibit where kids can 'shop' in international markets and explore global cultures
- ✓Neighborhood Nature with live animals and nature exploration
- ✓Tot Spot specifically designed for children under 5
- ✓Collections Central where kids handle real museum artifacts
- ✓Daily art workshops and science demonstrations
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right when doors open at 10 AM for the calmest experience,after 11 AM it gets very crowded and loud with birthday parties
- 2.Admission is free every Thursday afternoon from 2-5 PM,perfect for budget-conscious families, though it's busier during free hours
- 3.Check the daily workshop schedule upon arrival and plan your visit around the activities your kids would most enjoy; spaces fill quickly
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings right at opening (10 AM) before toddler groups and school trips arrive; avoid Saturdays which are packed with birthday parties
What to Know
Small cafe with kids' meals and snacks; outside food allowed in designated picnic area; several restaurants within walking distance on Kingston Avenue Limited street parking; use the parking lot at Brooklyn Museum (Eastern Parkway) a few blocks away and walk, or take the 3 train to Kingston Avenue Multiple family restrooms throughout with changing tables; clean and well-maintained Stroller-friendly with elevator access to all floors; stroller parking available at entrance as museum gets crowded Fully wheelchair accessible with elevators; sensory-friendly hours offered monthly for children with special needs
Seasonal Notes
Thursday afternoons offer free admission year-round (2-5 PM). Summer brings extended hours and special outdoor programs. The museum occasionally closes for private events,check the calendar before visiting. Winter indoor exhibits provide perfect cold-weather entertainment for active kids.
Nearby Eats
Kingston Avenue has Caribbean restaurants and casual spots within a few blocks. The museum cafe offers kid-friendly basics. For more options, the Brooklyn Museum cafe and nearby Prospect Heights neighborhood (10-minute drive) offer diverse family dining including pizza, Mexican, and brunch spots.
More Activities Near New York City
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers an incredible journey through 5,000 years of art from around the world, with countless treasures that captivate children's imaginations. From ancient Egyptian mummies and medieval armor to interactive family galleries, the Met transforms art appreciation into an exciting adventure that feels more like treasure hunting than a traditional museum visit.
Intrepid Museum
Step aboard a real aircraft carrier and explore an incredible collection of sea, air, and space history including the Space Shuttle Enterprise, a British Airways Concorde, and a Cold War-era submarine you can actually walk through. Kids become explorers as they climb through tight submarine passages, sit in cockpits, and discover what life was like for sailors at sea. The flight deck alone - with its collection of historic aircraft - will leave young aviation enthusiasts absolutely mesmerized.
New York Transit Museum
Located in an actual decommissioned 1936 subway station in Brooklyn, the New York Transit Museum lets kids explore vintage subway cars, sit in the driver's seat, and learn about NYC's transportation history through interactive exhibits. This unique underground museum transforms what could be a typical museum visit into an adventure where children can climb aboard real trains and imagine life in different eras of New York City.
The Museum of Modern Art
MoMA offers an inspiring introduction to modern and contemporary art that can spark creativity in kids of all ages. With renowned works by Picasso, Monet, and Warhol, plus rotating interactive exhibits and family-friendly programs, this world-class museum makes art accessible and engaging for young visitors.