Brooklyn Children's Museum

The Basics

As one of the oldest children's museums in the world, the Brooklyn Children's Museum has long been a leading learning space committed to cultivating young people's social, emotional, and physical development. From science exhibits to ColorLab art experiments, kids are sure to get a kick out of the activity-packed museum. Most visitors prefer to buy their tickets online in advance, to skip the line.

Things to Know Before You Go

• With daily programs and three floors of engaging exhibition spaces, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum is a must-do for families with kids.

• Toddlers can hang out at Totally Tots, a destination with sensory play activities and art-making workshops.

• Adults without children are admitted only by appointment.

• There’s an on-site café, which features a seasonal menu.

How to Get There

If you plan to take public transit, the subway is your best bet. Take the 2, 3, or 4 train to the Nostrand Avenue stop, or the A or C train to the Kingston-Throop Avenues stop. Alternatively, you can drive to the Brooklyn Children's Museum, which is located off Atlantic Avenue, on Brooklyn Avenue.

When to Get There

The Brooklyn Children's Museum is open every day except Monday. Hours are different for each day—check the museum’s website for details. For a great value, stop by when the museum offers sliding scale entry—usually on Thursdays from 2pm to 6pm, and Sundays from 4pm to 7pm. For fewer crowds, go on a weekday.

The Best Green Spaces in Brooklyn

Visitors to the Brooklyn Children's Museum are just a short subway ride from two large, well-kept green spaces—Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. An ideal kid-friendly stop, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has hands-on ecology exhibits, and spaces such as the Fragrance Garden. Just steps away, verdant Prospect Park is the perfect place to take a stroll and unwind after a busy museum day.

Ways to explore

There is so much for young visitors to see and do at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, which has long been a leading learning space for kids. Children (and their guardians) can explore sensory play areas such as AirMaze and Totally Tots; get creative in the ColorLab art space; and experiment in the new STEM makerspace, Nature’s Engineers.

For a seamless visiting experience, book your tickets online in advance of your visit. Be sure to consult the museum’s calendar of events, too, which includes everything from animal encounters to concerts.

Accessibility

The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is accessible for visitors with disabilities, and special kits are provided for those with sensory sensitivities.

Age limits

The museum is aimed at kids aged 6 months to 10 years. Kids must visit with caregivers; in most cases, adults without children are not welcome.

What to pack

Baby carrier, water bottles or sippy cups, snacks

What to wear

Kids should wear comfortable clothing that enables them to play and explore; shoes are required in all areas.

Not allowed

Bulky bags and suitcases, consuming food and drinks in the exhibit areas

Amenities

Lockers, stroller parking, café, restrooms

Address

The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is located in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. It is served by several subway lines, as well as local buses and the Long Island Rail Road. Taxis and rideshare services offer another way to get there.

Driving

Driving is generally not recommended in Brooklyn, thanks to traffic congestion; the museum additionally does not have a dedicated parking area, though you may find street parking nearby. If you can, use taxis or rideshare services instead.

Public transportation

The closest subway stations are Nostrand Avenue (served by the A and C trains), Kingston–Throop Avenues (C), and Kingston Avenue (3). Alternatively, take the Long Island Rail Road to Nostrand Avenue. The B25 and B43 buses also stop nearby.

Best times to visit

The Brooklyn Children’s Museum welcomes visitors from mid-morning to early evening; the last entrance is 40 minutes before closing time. Arrive early in the day to beat the crowds.

Best days to visit

The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Expect other weekdays to be calmer than weekends.

Best months to visit

Summer is generally the busiest time at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. If you want to avoid the peak-season crowds, consider visiting during the spring or autumn shoulder seasons instead.

Special events

Summer Days of Play is a season-long festival hosted by the Brooklyn Children’s Museum and includes a range of special programming and activities.