Fort Greene, Brooklyn is just a quick hop from Lower Manhattan and is home to some of the coolest activities and venues for kids and families in NYC. From the Barclay’s Center to Fort Greene Park, there are so many things to love about this Brooklyn neighborhood.
Fort Greene is a designated historic district and has plenty to offer in the way of food, culture, and entertainment. It has beautiful tree-lined streets and magnificent brownstones and architecture. Here are five things we love about Fort Greene.
Fort Greene Park
This 30-acre park was built on the remains of the former Brooklyn Fort. Year-round there is a greenmarket where you can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. During the winter months the park has incredible hills for sledding and you can be sure to see kids and families out in droves. The park has two playgrounds, one bigger than the other. The larger playground has sprinklers and a big play structure. There are also basketball and tennis courts which you can reserve in advance. While there, be sure to check out the Nature Center to get a glimpse of the cool displays and murals and visit Charlie the turtle.
Brooklyn Academy of Music and Barclays Center
These two venues are across the street from each other and both offer great entertainment for kids and families. I recently caught the Marvel Live! show at Barclays and have to say, it defintiely gives Madison Square Garden a run for it’s money. Barclays is also home to the Brooklyn Nets and often hosts circuses and other shows for kids. BAM helped put Fort Greene on the map as far as making it a premiere cultural destination. It often has special performances and programming for kids including its annual BAMkids Film Festival.
Family-Friendly Restaurants in Fort Greene
Habana Outpost is absolutely one of my favorite places to take my kids to eat during the summer. With outdoor seating, delicious foods, movie screenings, festivals, and a whole calendar of events just for kids, this place is so much more than just a restaurant. Other notable mentions include Graziella’s for yummy thin crust pizza and Scoops & Sweets which offers ice cream and baked goods. Also there’s a Shake Shack right across from Barclay’s which is so convenient before or after a show.
Fort Greene Park Kids’ Concert Series
Each year Fort Greene Park puts on the Music in the Grove kids’ concert series during the summer. The concert is geared toward kids ages 0-8 and take place just south of the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument. Make sure to bring a blanket and sunscreen. It’s free and has featured some amazing kids’ musicians. Last year Rolie Polie Guacamole and The Dad Beats were among the performers. This year’s lineup has yet to be announced so keep checking the website for updates.
Pratt Sculpture Park
One of the things I love most about living in New York is the ability to constantly blend fun activites with cultural and educational ones and the Pratt Sculpture Park is no exception. There are more than 70 sculputres on this 25-acre campus and some of the large-scale ones are really breathtaking. It is probably best to bring older kids as younger ones might be tempted to climb on the art. “Our choices for the Sculpture Park are motivated by a search for the strongest of works, no matter the style. I liken the Sculpture Park to a symphony; our challenge is to bring all of the parts in harmony,” David Weinrib, former Curator/Sculpture Park Creator, on its website. This is a great spot for a picnic or walk with your family.
Main image Music in the Grove concert series via fortgreenepark.org.
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