Now that it really feels like winter, we’ve seen quite a few patients and families at our Brooklyn orthodontic clinic with serious cases of cabin fever. Thankfully, there’s a cure: Getting out and taking advantage of the cool stuff the city has to offer. The cold weather doesn’t mean you have to be housebound. If you’re wondering what to do with kids in Brooklyn in the winter, you’re at the right place.
Fresh Orthodontics has compiled a list of a few of our favorite kids’ winter activities:
1. Drop-in indoor play spaces and kiddie gyms like Gymboree in Park Slope or Twinkle Playspace in Williamsburg offer endless hours of fun. Not only will kids get to play and make friends, they’ll also learn a thing or two.
2. Lace up your ice skates! Enjoy some fresh air and a great workout at the ice skating rink at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside (near the Parkside and Ocean Avenue entrance). Check out the schedule here.
3. Visit the Brooklyn Museum of Art. Either browse the galleries or try out one of the programs for kids and families like Arty Facts for ages four through seven. Held on Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (October through May), Arty Facts allows kids and their adult companion to tour the galleries and engage in activities and conversations. Then, participants go to the studio to make art of their own. Each month revolves around a theme. There’s also a visiting artist series where local Brooklyn artists drop in for the program.
4. The Brooklyn Public Library is a treasure trove for children, teen and even adult activities. There are story times galore for little ones plus activities for older kids such as teen crafts. Check out the calendar of events.
5. The Brooklyn Children’s Museum can be a savior on snow days. There are daily programs from an open art studio to sensory room family hours. Bonus: It’s free to visit on Thursdays from 2 to 6 p.m.
6. Don’t miss First Sundays at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The event features indoor and outdoor drop-in activities for the entire family throughout the day. Options range from winter bird walks with naturalist Brad Klein to Lego activities.
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7. Now that we have snow, you may as well have fun with it and what better way to do that then with the quintessential winter activity: Sledding! Bundle up and glide down any number of Prospect Park’s hills. There’s even a helpful list of the top spots for sledding.
8. The Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket is open on Saturdays year-round. Dress warm and brave the chill to get the best produce and treats the farmers have to offer. Then you’ll be prepared for some weekend family fun in the kitchen.
9. Prospect Park Zoo is also open year-round. Who doesn’t love getting a glimpse of furry (or scaly) friends. The zoo has family-friendly events like the upcoming Lunar New Year shindig, which is a Chinese cultural celebration to be held on Saturday, February 27 and Sunday, February 28.
10. Put your child’s dexterity and creativity to the test at Taro’s Origami Studio in Park Slope. The store offers drop-in and try-out corners where customers can stop by and try their hand at origami. No reservations are necessary. The studio also hosts classes, workshops, summer camp and parties.
11. Give your children a dose of the arts at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), a multi-arts center with innovative artists and shows. Take in a performance – they have plenty geared towards kids throughout the year – and don’t miss this year’s BAMkids Film Festival running February 27 and February 28.
12. What kid isn’t a fan of trains? Spend some time at the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn Heights. Located in an old subway station, it’s an interactive way to learn all about the history of New York City’s public transportation. Children can even explore vintage subway cars and go through turnstiles.
