The weather is warming up, which can only mean one thing: It’s time for the Fresh Orthodontics’ annual guide to fun and free things to do with kids in Brooklyn this summer. Now in its seventh year, this round-up will help my fellow Brooklyn parents keep their kids engaged and entertained while school is out.
Catch a Puppet Show – Various Locations
CityPark’s PuppetMobile will be taking its performance of Little Red’s Hood, an updated version of Little Red Riding Hood, on the road. The free performances for kids will be in English, Spanish and Mandarin and held at parks throughout NYC through October 2022. To find Brooklyn events, have a look at the schedule.
Go Kayaking – Multiple Locations
There’s free kayaking in NYC at a variety of locations, including several in Brooklyn:
Take advantage of general kayaking at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse (Pier 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park) on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm and Saturdays from 10am to 3pm through August 31. Or, try out the Family Program on Sundays from 12n to 2:30pm. Kids ages 7 and older can paddle alone on Sundays if a parent or guardian is present thanks to specially trained, on-water safety boaters from The Kayak Foundation. Registration is required.
Red Hook Boaters also offer free kayaking on a first-come, first-served basis (no registration necessary) at Louis Valentino Jr. Pier Park. After kayaking, join the group for a beach clean-up. Kayaking is open on Thursdays from 6 to 8pm, June 2 through August 18, 2022 and Sundays from 1pm to 4pm, June 5 through September 18.
Cool Off in a Free Brooklyn Pool or Spray Shower – Multiple Locations
NYC’s outdoor pools will be reopening June 28, 2022! Taking a dip is always one of our favorite summer activities for kids in Brooklyn. Browse the list of pools to find one in your neighborhood. A wide range of Brooklyn parks also have spray showers that turn on when the temperature reaches 80 degrees or higher. See the full list here.
Help the Brooklyn Public Library Ring in its 125th Anniversary! – Various Locations
To celebrate its 125th anniversary, the Brooklyn Public Library will be hosting free, outdoor kids’ activities around Brooklyn this summer. One you won’t want to miss is Storytime in Brooklyn Bridge Park every Wednesday from June 15 through July 20 from 10:30am to 11:15am on the Pier 3 Greenway Terrace. Kids ages 2 through 7 are invited to sing songs and listen to stories while enjoying the view. Can’t make it? BPL will be celebrating outside all summer long, so check the schedule for more events.
Take in a Family Show at the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival – Prospect Park Bandshell
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is back with a full lineup for summer 2022. One of the most anticipated free family activities in NYC every year, the festival has programming for all ages. This year’s Family Show will be held on Saturday, June 25 at 3pm. It will feature Montreal-based Cirque Kalabanté with an opening performance by Guinean singer and educator, Natu Camara. Cirque Kalabanté combines acrobatics with live music played on the traditional instruments of Guinea. Get the details and RSVP here.
Dance at the Jack & Friends Family Music Playground Series – The Old Stone House at Washington Park
The annual Jack & Friends series is one of the go-to things to do in Brooklyn for toddlers and young kids. The free outdoor concert series will be held every Tuesday in June from 10am to 11:30am at the Old Stone House at Washington Park (336 3rd St, Brooklyn). It’s sponsored by the Park Slope Library, Jack & Friends, Park Slope Parents and Old Stone House. Award-winning children’s performer Suzi Shelton will be joined by special guest musicians to get attendees dancing in the sunshine. Giant bubbles will start at 10am with the live music kicking off at 10:30am.
Enjoy Kids in Motion Programming – Various Locations
NYC Parks has a number of different free kids’ activities across New York City, including Kids in Motion. This drop-in program doesn’t require registration. Simply head to the playground at your local park during the listed hours. A NYC Parks staff member will be on-hand to lead kids in free activities, such as games, organized sports, fitness demos, board games, water games, and more. Find the parks and the hours here.
Watch a Flick at Summer Movies in the Park – Prospect Park, Long Meadow North
This annual free movies series in Prospect Park is a family-friendly event presented by SHOWTIME®. The series will be held on Wednesday evenings from August 3 through August 24 on the north end of Long Meadow. Stay tuned for the full move lineup.
Top Off Your Summer by Connecting With a Brooklyn Orthodontist
Now that you know what to do with kids in Brooklyn this summer, make some time for your family’s smiles in between the activities. Schedule a complimentary consultation at Fresh Orthodontics in Park Slope and get personalized treatment recommendations for you or your children.
