Brooklyn is expensive — there’s no way around it. But when it comes to keeping kids entertained, you really don’t need to spend a fortune. Over the years, we’ve found so many amazing free and low-cost activities that our kids love. Here are our favorites.
Completely Free
1. Prospect Park
Our number one go-to. The playgrounds (there are several!), the lake, the Long Meadow for running and kite-flying, the Ravine trail for a nature walk that feels like you’ve left the city entirely. We go almost every weekend.
2. Brooklyn Public Library Story Time
Our local branch does free story time for different age groups throughout the week. It’s a great way to socialize and build a reading habit. Plus, the library itself is a wonderful resource — free books, movies, and even museum passes you can borrow.
3. DUMBO Waterfront
The views of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge are incredible, and the playground at Pier 6 is one of the best in the borough. Pack a picnic and you’ve got a free afternoon outing.
4. Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Free Days)
The garden offers free admission on certain days (check their website). It’s beautiful in every season, and kids love the Children’s Garden and the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden.
5. Community Events
Brooklyn has free festivals, outdoor movies, and concerts throughout the warmer months. Celebrate Brooklyn! at Prospect Park Bandshell is a summer highlight.
Low-Cost Options ($5–$15)
6. Brooklyn Children’s Museum ($13/person)
One of the best children’s museums in the city. Interactive exhibits, water play, and cultural programming. Worth every penny. They also offer free admission on certain afternoons — check their schedule.
7. Brooklyn Museum (Pay What You Wish)
The suggested admission is $16, but it’s actually pay-what-you-wish. We’ve taken the kids for $5 total and spent hours exploring. The Egyptian galleries are always a hit.
8. Ice Skating at LeFrak Center ($9–$11)
In winter, this is our favorite family activity. Skate rentals are included in the price, and the rink in Prospect Park is beautiful.
9. Cooking Classes at Local Spots
Several Brooklyn businesses offer kids’ cooking classes for $10–$15. It’s a fun way to teach life skills and try new foods (especially helpful for allergy families — you control the ingredients).
10. Brooklyn Boulders – Kids’ Climb
Indoor rock climbing is a great rainy-day activity. They offer introductory sessions for kids at reasonable prices, and it’s a fantastic workout disguised as fun.
Tips for Budget-Friendly Fun
- Pack snacks and water — buying food on outings adds up fast
- Check for free days — at museums and attractions (most have them!)
- Use your library card — many Brooklyn libraries offer free passes to museums and cultural institutions
- Join local parent groups — Facebook groups and Nextdoor are great for finding free events
- Rotate between favorites — kids love repetition, and having 5–6 go-to spots means you never run out of ideas
The Bottom Line
You don’t need expensive classes, theme parks, or elaborate outings to create amazing memories. Some of our best family days have cost absolutely nothing. Brooklyn has so much to offer — you just have to know where to look.