Whether it’s helping card wool over at Lefferts Historic House or riding in the dragon-pulled chariot of the Carousel, Prospect Park has plenty to keep families occupied through childhood—and beyond. We’ve compiled a list of 15 of the park’s top destinations and experiences for kids. Parents, of course, will be more than happy to come along for the ride!
1. Hit one out of the park: The seven ballfields on the Long Meadow make Prospect Park home turf for Little League and other kids’ baseball games in Brooklyn.
2. Walk the nature trails: Take a self-guided tour through the Park’s diverse woodland and wetland habitats.
3. Live the farmer’s life at the Lefferts Historic House: Kids can play with traditional tools, toys, and games and engage in farming activities at this 18th century Dutch house.
4. Learn about nature at the Audubon Center: Housed inside an historic NYC landmark and surrounded by interpretive nature trails, the Audubon Center is dedicated to wildlife preservation and natural education.
5. Get out on the water on a pedal boat: Each Spring and Summer, pedal boats are the best way to explore Brooklyn’s only freshwater lake.
6. Listen to the music at the Drummers grove: Put on your dancing shoes; drummers (and other musicians) have been gathering at this park corner for over 30 years.
7. Visit the Memorial Arch at Grand Army Plaza: Learn about Civil War history at this grandest of entryways to the park, conceived as a memorial to the Union soldiers.
8. Take horseback riding lessons: Little riders of all levels will love a day out on the trails. The Kensington Stables also offers pony rides and birthday parties.
9. Playground Hop: There are seven playgrounds scattered evenly around the park perimeter, offering imaginative schemes and safe and engaging play areas. Most include fountains and sprinklers to help kids stay cool in the summer!
10. Drop into the Youth Resource Center: Considered the park’s youth headquarters, the center provides child-friendly programming and info on parkwide events and community activities.
11. Ride the historic Carousel: Take a trip back in time on 51 magnificently carved creatures, including horses, a lion, a giraffe, a deer, and two dragon-pulled chariots.
12. Catch a show at the Bandshell: This major entertainment venue hosts the popular Celebrate Brooklyn! concerts every year. Past performers include Dan Zanes, The Persuasions, and They Might Be Giants.
13. Fly a kite on the Long Meadow: There’s no better place to picnic or play than on the largest unbroken stretch of meadow in any US park, nearly one mile in length!
14. Dress up and enjoy the annual Hallo-ween haunted walk and carnival: Witches and vampires and ghosts, oh my! Explore the park in the dark and enjoy games, seasonal treats, and a puppet parade on Nethermead.
15. Make a furry friend at the Zoo: Kids will be amazed by close-up views of some of the world’s most unusual animals. Get up close and personal with prairie dogs and wallabies.
Photo by Daniel Hautamaki.
