Photo: Sviatlana Tsiaseika
Photo: Rita Brown
Photo: Musa Chavis
Brooklyn Children's Museum
★4.4(3,986 reviews)$$Museum
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Toddlers and preschoolers 2-7🧡 Saved by 250+ families
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
Food: Small cafe with kids' meals and snacks; outside food allowed in designated picnic area; several restaurants within walking distance on Kingston Avenue · Parking: 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 · Bathrooms: Multiple family restrooms throughout with changing tables; clean and well-maintained · Strollers: Stroller-friendly with elevator access to all floors; stroller parking available at entrance as museum gets crowded · Accessibility: 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.
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