Playtime In Park Slope: Upcoming Children’s Events
Looking for something fun to do with the whole family this week? From a story about an alien from the sun, to a chance to canoe in the park, to a celebration of sheep, there are a lot of great kid-friendly events coming up in our area. See the full details below!
For more things to do around Brooklyn, and to add your own upcoming event, check out our calendar.
Babies & Books
When: Wednesday, May 13, 10am
Where: Central Library, Youth Wing, 10 Grand Army Plaza
What: Kids ages birth to 18 months and their guardians can enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes.
How much: Free, but you must pick up a ticket the morning of the program at the Children’s reference desk.
Rock With Adam
When: Wednesday, May 13, 10:30am
Where: Park Slope Library, 431 6th Avenue
What: Are you ready to rock? Neighborhood kids are definitely in for a treat as guitarist Adam Blotner plays some of his favorite tunes.
How much: Free, but tickets are required for entry (one per family), so be sure to arrive early to score your ticket.
Toddler Time
When: Wednesday, May 13, 11:30am
Where: Park Slope Library, 431 6th Avenue
What: Songs, fingerplays, action rhymes, stories, and more for kids ages 18-36 months to enjoy while meeting other neighborhood toddlers and their caregivers.
How much: Free, but tickets are required, and will be handed out at the desk starting at 11am.
Nature Exploration
When: Thursdays & Fridays, 12-4pm
Where: Audubon Center, Prospect Park
What: Families can enjoy a variety of activities, from games for bird nerds to Citizen Science projects to a chance to meet a resident snake.
How much: Free!
Storytime
When: Friday, May 15, 10am
Where: Postmark Cafe, 326 6th Avenue
What: A weekly storytime has returned to Postmark! Stop by every Friday for some free fun.
How much: Free, but there’s only space for 20 kids, so arrive early to ensure your spot.
Explore & Create
When: Friday, May 15, 3:30pm
Where: Pacific Library, 25 4th Avenue
What: Roll up your sleeves and join the kids in some arts and crafts!
How much: Free!
Nature Exploration
When: Saturdays & Sundays, 10am-1pm
Where: Audubon Center, Prospect Park
What: Much like on the weekdays, families can enjoy a variety of activities, including bird watching, nature-based projects, and more.
How much: Free!
Pop-Up Audubon
When: Saturdays & Sundays, 10am-1pm
Where: Eastwood, Prospect Park
What: This month, through hikes, birding tours, and more, families will get to know a thing or two about the wonderful warblers that visit the park at this time of year.
How much: Free!
Events For Youth & Families: Dog Loves Books
When: Saturday, May 16, 1pm
Where: Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza
What: Louise Yates’ story comes to life in ArtsPower’s musical about the irresistible Dog who loves books so much, that he opens a bookstore, but then nobody comes! But with books, nobody’s ever really alone, as he soon learns.
How much: Free!
Pop-Up Audubon II
When: Saturdays & Sundays, 11am-4pm
Where: Peninsula, Prospect Park
What: This month, you’ll get to monitor the development of plants that supply food and shelter for birds in Prospect Park through a range of activities.
How much: Free!
Read Aloud & Book Giveaway
When: Saturday, May 16, 12-4pm
Where: Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park
What: A day of education and fun with a special read aloud and book giveaway event sponsored by the Brooklyn Reading Council.
How much: Free!
Ballet Cat Storytime
When: Saturday, May 16, 2pm
Where: Barnes & Noble, 267 7th Avenue
What: The picture book of the month explores what happens when Ballet Cat and Sparkles the Pony share their secrets, which can be complicated — or build a stronger friendship!
How much: Free!
Fleece Festival
When: Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17, 2-4pm
Where: Prospect Park
What: It’s a weekend full of fleece? At the Zoo, the sheep will lose their winter coats in preparation for summer, plus they’ll host woolworking demonstrations, crafts, music, and, of course, sheep. At the Lefferts Historic House, learn how wool was used on a 18th century Flatbush farm — brush wool with carding paddles, spin yarn using a drop spindle and even make a felt ball to take home. On Sunday, visitors can also enjoy a demonstration by the park’s resident spinner, Catherine Conrad.
How much: Activities at Zoo free with admission; $3 suggested donation at Lefferts.
Fabulous Fifth Avenue Fair
When: Sunday, May 17, 12-6pm
Where: 5th Ave between Sterling Place and 12th Street
What: Not your generic street fair, this giant party celebrates local businesses with lots of food, games, rides, cool antique cars, art, and more.
How much: Free!
Basic Canoeing
When: Sunday, May 17, 1-3pm
Where: Audubon Center, Prospect Park
What: Ever think you’d go canoeing in the middle of Brooklyn? Join trained Urban Park Rangers on canoe an adventure that is great for all skill levels (ages 8 and up) — note that the last boat launch will take place at 2:30pm.
How much: Free!
Storyplay
When: Monday, May 18, 10:30am
Where: Park Slope Library, 431 6th Avenue
What: Stories, songs, and play for babies and toddlers!
How much: Free, but tickets are required, and will be available a half hour before the start time at the reference desk.
Toddler Time
When: Tuesday, May 19, 10:45am
Where: Pacific Library, 25 4th Avenue
What: Toddlers and their caregivers will enjoy stories, songs, and play — and it’ll give you a chance to meet other local families.
How much: Free!
Stomp, Clap, And Sing With Morgan Taylor
When: Tuesday, May 19, 11am
Where: Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza
What: For What happens when an alien from the sun lands in the rural woodlands of Minnesota? Find out when award-winning songwriter and cartoonist Morgan Taylor performs Gustafer Yellowgold’s Show!
How much: Free!