Playtime In Ditmas Park: Upcoming Children’s Events

Photo via the Moscow Ballet
Photo via the Moscow Ballet

Looking for something to do with the whole family this week? There are a lot of great kid-friendly events coming up in Brooklyn, and we’ve selected some of our favorites. See the full details below!

For more things to do around Brooklyn, and to add your own upcoming event, check out our calendar.

After School Story And Craft
When: Tuesday, December 1, 4:30-5:30pm
Where: Sunset Park Library, 5108 4th Avenue
What: There’s nothing better than a good story time after school. Join the story-time community at Sunset Park Library fun-filled hour of stories and crafts for kids with and without disabilities. For kids between the ages of 5-14.
How Much: Free!

Knitting Group
When: Wednesday, December 2, 4-5pm
Where: Kensington Library, 4207 18th Avenue
What: An event dedicated to knitting may not sound like the most exciting thing. But it’s a seasonally relevant activity and it’s sure to help kids with their focusing skills. Class size is limited, so be sure to pick up a ticket at the children’s reference desk.
How Much: Free!

Storytime
When: Thursday, December 3, 10:30-11:30am
Where: Cortelyou Library, 1305 Cortelyou Road, Ditmas Park
What: Was your kid just born? Head on over to this library, since this event is open to kids from birth to five years old.
How Much: Free!

Holiday Book Fair
When: Saturday, December 5, 11am-5pm
Where: Old Stone House, 336 3rd Avenue, Park Slope
What: With graphic novelist Adrian Tomine doing a book signing, this one is for your older kids. This event is also just great for the whole family as various local bookstore owners and other vendors will be there with their goods.
How Much: Free!

Celestial, Astronomical Fun At Fort Greene Park
When: Saturday, December 5, 1-2:30pm
Where: Fort Greene Park, enter at Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park
What: With a renewed interested in space exploration and talk of colonizing Mars, now is a good time to inspire your kids to rocket out to the deadly, black abyss of space. The park rangers here will be be your guides to the solar system, discussing the science, history, and folklore of the universe.
How Much: Free!

Bird Watching In Prospect Park
When: Saturday, December 5, 12-1pm
Where: Prospect Park, Audubon House
What: Birds, the great outdoors, and staring up at the sky with binoculars, that’s what it’s all about. The Prospect Park Alliance will be on hand to add the educational element. Enter the park from the east side on Lincoln Road.
How Much: Free!

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
When: Saturday, December 5, 3pm
Where: Kings Theatre, 1027 Flatbush Avenue, Flatbush
What: The Christmas classic performed by the Moscow Ballet features 40 world-class Russian artists bring this charming classic to life, with larger than-life-puppets, a growing Christmas tree, and super-sized Matrushka dolls.
How Much: Tickets currently available are $44 and up, and may be purchased here.

Story Time: The Thing About Yetis
When: Sunday, December 6, 11:30am
Where: powerHouse on 8th, 1111 8th Avenue, South Slope
What: Yetis, the mysterious snow creatures, apparently miss summer! Hear the tale from the author and illustrator, Vin Vogel.
How Much: Free!

St Luke & St Matthew Holiday Fair
When: Sunday, December 6, 12-5pm
Where: St Luke & St Matthew Episcopal Church, 520 Clinton Avenue, Clinton Hill
What: Shop for gifts from local vendors while the kids decorate (and, we’re guessing, eat a few) gingerbread cookies!
How Much: Free admission, with suggested $3 contribution for cookie decorating.

French & Chinese Book Fair & Winter Festival
When: Sunday, December 6, 12-5pm
Where: Science, Language & Arts @ The Brooklyn Music School, 126 St Felix Street, Fort Greene
What: Look out for free performances in the theater, including a Manhattan Shaolin Kung Fu demonstration at 12pm; Haitian folktales and songs at 2pm; and David Engel’s Pirate School at 3pm. Plus, there will be a French and Chinese book fair, holiday gifts for sale, and crafts, games, raffles prizes, a bake sale, and a silent auction with items from local shops.
How Much: Free admission.

Lighting Of The World’s Largest Menorah
When: Daily at 6pm from Sunday, December 6-Sunday, December 13
Where: Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights
What: Chabad of Park Slope sets up their annual menorah, which they claim is the “world’s largest.” Look out for a free concert starting at 5pm on the first night, plus free latkes and children’s entertainment.
How Much: Free admission.