4 Kid-Friendly Play Spaces in Williamsburg
Keeping kids entertained in the summer can be quite a difficult task. Sometimes it seems like all there is to do is go to the playground, but when It’s hot and muggy, a day in the park can be anything but (see what we did there? Hehe.) Fret not, dear friends. We have rounded up some of our favorite local indoor activities (and one waterfront park) in and around Williamsburg that you can visit with your little smoocher this summer to help you stay cool and mix it up a bit!
A Super Cool Indoor Playground Focusing on Sustainability!
The Play Lab is an indoor playground located in Greenpoint on Nassau Ave meant for kids ages 9 months to 7 years old. It focuses on sensory play for kids and has fun activities like a treehouse, rock wall, rope, and slide. Some additional highlights include a separate section for toddlers and babies, a Lego and construction area, and a magnetic wall. How cool is that?! The Play Lab not only features the play space but also has a summer camp and classes if you are looking for something a little more structured. Do note that the play space is closed on the weekends in the month of August, so stop over on a weekday when you and your kids need to get out of the heat!
A Playground with a View…
Domino Park is well known for its sprawling and uninterrupted views of the Manhattan skyline, but did you know that they have a kid’s playground? The playground is on the North end of the park and was designed by the artist Mark Riegelman. The structures on the playground were inspired by the well-known Domino Sugar Refinery that sits not far behind the site. Kids can play in the Sugarcane Cabin, Sweetwater Silo, and Sugarcube Centrifuge. Your kids will feel the breeze coming off the East River as they navigate the intricate jungle gym. And if the breeze isn't enough to cool them off there is also a splash pad close by, that is surefire cure for that summer heat! Hungry? Not far from the playground is Roberta’s Pizza and Tacocina, making this the perfect activity for the morning and then catching a bite to eat after.
Free Events for Kids at the Brooklyn Public Library!
One of the many perks of living in New York is the access we get to amazing institutions like the Brooklyn Public Library. With branches all across Brooklyn, there is no shortage of material to read to our kids! But did you know that the Brooklyn Public Library has a series of free events for kids that go on year-round? The branch in Williamsburg, which is located by the Marcy Ave J stop, has a particularly impressive lineup of events for the month of August. Some highlights include Kids Create: Arts & Crafts (for children 4 and up, with an adult), Babies & Books (meant for babies 0-18 months), Lego Challenges (meant for children 6 and up), and Storytime (ages 5 and under). Slime-making is occasionally done too! These events happen practically every day and are all free, so take advantage of the library system and attend some events! Who knows, maybe you will even leave with a book (or two) to read at bedtime!
Rock Out with Your Kids at Brooklyn Bowl!
What’s better than seeing a concert? What about a concert for kids? At Brooklyn Bowl, the famous bowling alley and live music venue in the heart of Williamsburg, this is possible! With the Rock and Roll Playhouse, Brooklyn Bowl presents a series of concerts for kids featuring the music of our favorite artists. Mark your calendar for upcoming shows including the music of David Bowie on August 20th and the music of Bruce Springsteen on September 10th. These rock covers are perfect for the entire family and even better, kids under one get in for free! So make a day out of it and go bowling, have some of their delicious food, and then enjoy some great tunes!
As you can tell, Williamsburg is a neighborhood that is filled with fun activities for kids! And the ones we have outlined here are just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more once you venture outside of Williamsburg… Jane’s Carousel in Dumbo, The Brooklyn Children’s Museum in Crown Heights, and Luna Park on Coney Island! So get creative with your kids this summer and remember to be mindful and respectful of spaces that are meant to be played in and those that aren't. We hope you all are having a lovely summer with your smoochie babies!