Things To Do In Prospect Park This April

The temperature, if not the precipitation, is starting to agree with us, and if, like us, you’re itching to shed some layers and get outside, Prospect Park has a bunch of options this month — whether you’ve got kids who’d love to learn about nature at a free program, you feel like taking some loops around the rink on roller skates, or you’re ready for some al fresco food truck dining, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy.

Here’s a list of the upcoming events in the park through the end of the month:

Saturday, April 4

Flax Planting
Saturday, April 4, 2-4pm
$3 suggested donation
Bring the kids to celebrate spring at the Lefferts Historic House by helping to plant the first crop of the season — flax!

Spring Break
Daily through April 12
Join the Prospect Park Alliance during Spring Break for family-friendly activities at favorite Park destinations, including free nature activities at the Audubon Center, planting at the Lefferts Historic House, rides on the carousel, and roller skating. See the complete details here.

Greenmarket at Grand Army Plaza
Every Saturday, 7am-3pm
Do all your food shopping, sample local wine, and explore Brooklyn’s favorite park. EBT/Food Stamps and WIC and Senior FMNP coupons accepted year-round.

Sunday, April 5

Early Morning Birdwalk: Changing Seasons, Changing Birds
Sunday, April 5, 8-9am
Join the Prospect Park Alliance to welcome the earliest migrants of the year, and also say goodbye to some of our winter residents. Please note this tour, led by the Brooklyn Bird Club, leaves promptly at 8am.

Nature Playtime! Zoo
Every Sunday through April, 10:30am-12:30pm
Join the Prospect Park Alliance, Prospect Park Zoo, and Tinkergarten to explore the Park’s natural areas through creative play the entire family will enjoy. Activities include making nature-inspired art, insect observation, playing with snow, and more. Free with admission to the Prospect Park Zoo.

Monday, April 6

Monday Eastside Revival
Repeats Mondays, 10am-2pm
Volunteer to help beautify the Vale of Cashmere — tasks may include raking, sweeping, path edging, and litter removal. Register online.

Spring Holiday Tennis Program
Daily through April 10, 1-4pm
Kids and adults can sign up to improve their game. Players must register in advance.

Wednesday, April 8

Greenmarket at Bartel-Pritchard Square
Every Wednesday, 8am-3pm
Nestled inside Prospect Park’s tree-shaded southwest corner, this weekday market — now open year-round — is where South Slope and Windsor Terrace residents stock up on locally grown staples including vegetables, fruits, baked goods, plants and flowers, fresh-caught fish, and organic baked goods.

Shape-Up NYC: Glutes in Gear: Cardio & Toning
Repeats Wednesdays, 6-7pm
Focus on your lower half in this free, belly-busting, booty shaping, two-part class. The first part builds endurance with heart-pumping cardio. Part two uses mat work to build your core and flatten and tighten your abs and glutes. Bring your own workout mat.

Friday, April 10

Shape Up NYC: Cardio Toning
Repeats Fridays, 12-1pm
An exercise class focusing on your core through a combination of strength, balance and toning exercises that raise the heart rate to burn calories and strengthen the cardio-respiratory system. Workout mat recommended.

Saturday, April 11

Opening Day
Saturday, April 11, 10-11am
Celebrate the start of the baseball and softball season during this awesome parade of players that goes from 7th Avenue up to the Prospect Park Bandshell.

Junior Volunteer Corps
Saturday, April 11, 1:30-3:30pm
Join the Prospect Park Alliance for a day of fun as we gear up for spring cleaning. Families and elementary-school-aged groups are invited to join us to rake leaves and enjoy refreshments. Pre-register online.

Coffee Bark
Saturday, April 11, 7-9am
Bring your pups to the park for treats and great company during this monthly meet-up from the doggie organization FIDO.

Family Bird Watching
Saturday, April 11, 10-11am
After learning how to use binoculars, join the park’s naturalists to identify some of the 250 species of birds that call Prospect Park home. Note this tour leaves promptly at 10am.

Bones of an Old Dutch House Tour
Saturday, April 11, 12-1pm
Get up up close and personal with the amazing Lefferts Historic House on this tour, which is for adults and teens. Only 10 people are allowed per tour, and you must register by calling 718-789-2822 x304.

Sunday, April 11

Food Truck Rally
Repeats the 2nd & 4th Sundays each month, 11 am – 5 pm
The Prospect Park Alliance and Dispatch NY present a sampling of cuisines from around the world from New York’s best food trucks.

Thursday, April 16

Nature Exploration
Every Thursday-Sunday
Get the kids into some nature education programs at the Prospect Park Audubon Center, which this month feature info on birds, animals, and a chance to explore the park!

Saturday, April 18

Shape Up NYC: Cardio Sculpt
Repeats Saturdays, 11am-12pm
Pump up your workout routine with this free exercise class focusing on cardio and sculpting moves to help build endurance and strength.

Pop-Up Audubon: Leaf Litter Critters
Repeats Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-4pm
A healthy forest has helpers to ensure the circle of life goes on. Through fun games and experiments, kids will uncover the secrets of soil creatures, fungus, and decomposition.

Pop-Up Audubon II: Animal Clues
Repeats Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-4pm
This spring, the Prospect Park Alliance introduces twice the Pop-Up Audubon fun with a second tent that explores the aquatic habitats of Prospect Park. In April, learn about birds and other animals that make their home near water, and add to the “nest” we are weaving with natural materials.

Spring Sprouts
Repeats Saturdays and Sundays, 2-4pm
It’s time for spring planting! Join the Alliance at Lefferts Historic House where you can make a small pot out of newspaper, fill it with soil and plant an herb seed to take home.

Sunday, April 19

Earth Day
Sunday, April 19, 1-4pm
Join the Prospect Park Alliance at the Audubon Center for its annual Earth Day celebration, featuring fishing lessons, a chance to meet some raptors, a musical trash parade, and more.

Friday, April 24

Arbor Day
Friday, April 24, 1-4pm
How many trees are there in Prospect Park? Kids can learn about one of the most important ecological features in the Park through games, crafts, and an exhibit on Brooklyn’s last remaining forest, Prospect Park!

Sunday, April 26

Weekend Volunteer Corps
Sunday, April 26, 10am-1pm
Help the environment in our big backyard by volunteering to spruce up gardens, paint fences and benches, weed, spread mulch, sweep and clear pathways, and remove trash. Pre-register online.

Lakeside Clean Up
Sunday, April 26, 11am-1pm
Help WILD for Prospect Park clear the banks of the lake to create a safer home for the wildlife. Volunteers will meet at the lakeside near Vanderbilt Street and Prospect Park Southwest, across from the barbecue area, before beginning the clean up. RSVP by emailing info@wildforprospectpark.org.