The Best Indoor Playspaces in Greenpoint and Williamsburg for Rainy Weather

Spring is here, and Summer is around the corner (seriously!), and although we love outdoor parks, we know that parents are always looking for the best indoor play spaces. Indoor play spaces are great when looking for set classes or open play for your kids that feels a bit manageable, meaning you have cooped up kids and need something, pronto! Also, a plus to indoor playspaces is that they are the perfect destination when rainy weather hits.

Here are 8 of the best Open Play Spaces that rock not only because they are indoors, but they are perfect when rainy days arrive.

Edamama

568 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: (718) 388-3663
Weekly Drop-in Classes
Recommended Ages: 0 to 5
Drop- in Classes Prices Range $10-$20

Edamama initially opened as a hair salon but soon started to incorporated more of the communities needs by adding classes of storytelling, yoga, cooking, music, puppetry and more.

The offerings of classes are for babies and toddlers with extensive and weekly offerings of open play every day to music and Spanish Storytime. We suggest checking the schedule on the day or week you are planning to attend as the calendar changes monthly. Classes range from $10 to $20 with sibling discounts.

Edamama is located next to McCarren Park Track on Union Ave making it a quick walk for both Williamsburg and Greenpoint parents and only a 10-minute walk from the L train Bedford train stop or G train Nassau stop.

Hop Along Andrew

Whole Foods
238 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Phone: (718) 734-2321
Tuesday 10-11am

If you happen to venture into Wholefoods in Williamsburg, say around 10:30 am on a Tuesday and wonder why there are strollers parked throughout the first floor all you have to do is stay still and listen. What you’ll hear is Hop Along Andrew, Williamsburg’s answer to Justin Beiber for toddlers.

A former NYC Urban Park Ranger, this singer, and multi-instrumentalist Hop Along Andrew’s music is full of spirit and fun with whimsical songs that celebrate city life. This class is a very popular sing-along if you can carry or walk with your little ones— do! If you have a stroller, give yourself plenty of time to find a spot to park your it and find a seat inside the cafe for the free music class every Tuesday.

Kid and Playspace

Our Lady of Mount Carmel gym
1Havermeyer Street Brooklyn, NY 11211
Select Saturdays
Recommended Ages: 0 to 6
$10

A new community play space co-op for kids age 0-6, conceived and operated by North Brooklyn parents. Kid and Playspace is a space with a mission to provide a fun, engaging and affordable place for year-round open play in communities with limited open play options. This space is a pop-up and is now open on select Saturdays from April-June 2019. Check the website for select Saturday dates. At $10 a play, this is a great value.

Play Greenpoint

33 Nassau Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: (718) 387-2071
Open PlayWeekday Open Play 10am-6pm, Weekend 10am-4pm
$25 ($13 for each sibling)

One of the first indoor play spaces to open in Williamsburg/Greenpoint, this sweet space is located in Northern Brooklyn and consists of ‘stations’ of play for babies and young kids up to age 6. Fun slides, a kitchen and a sensory toy area that help with social and intellectual development as well as a side nook perfect for a book reading and tummy time for the youngest of babes. The price of the open play fee allows a parent re-entry during the day if they wish to pop out during the open play hours. We especially appreciate that PLAY has a lunch area where food/snacks can be refrigerated as well as a microwave to warm lunches up. This playspace is $25 for open play with a sibling discount that comes out to be around $13.

McCarren Play Center/ McCarren Tots – Imaginary Play Time

76 Lorimer St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: (718) 218-2380
Monday, Wednesday and Fridays 10 am to 11 am
Recommended ages: 0 to 5
Free

This open play for kids from 18 months to 5 years is a great option to consider for your little one. Kids can build their Imagination Playground, move through tunnels as well as pop up houses. The gymnasium of The McCarren Play Center is quite spacious, and if your older kid finds the play offerings too ‘baby,’ they can run off their energy in this great space. To participate, your kids must have a membership to the McCarren Play Center. Don’t worry; it is super easy to open. Adults do not need a membership to attend the McCarren Tots – Imaginary Play Time.

Twinkle Playspace

Open Play Mon-Fri 10:00 am–6:00 pm
Sat-Sun 8:00 am–11:30 am
Recommended Ages: 0 to 6
$35 ($10 for each sibling, $5 for any additional adult)

This magical space of 4500 sq feet was created by a local family as a hub for the community and its surrounding areas to enjoy the art of imagination and play. This space is not about letting kids just run wild, although they do for the most part — the entire area consists of custom built play areas that offer emotional and cognitive learning through play. The fun includes a firehouse, life-size indoor tree with a tower and bridge (netted for safety) as well as a water play area to name just a few of the offerings this magical space offers. Twinkle is a great space to stop by as a treat for open play. Also since this, a stay all day kinda of play destination plan to bring your kids lunches and feed the upstairs in the cozy lunch area. Prices will run $35 for one child and adult with $10 for each sibling, or if looking to visit daily, try one the membership packs where the price per visit is significantly low.

Wild Was Mama

272 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
(718) 576-3806
Rocking Share Music Sing-Along Tuesday 11:30 to 12:15 and 12:30 to 1:15
Sing Along Willie De Vargas Saturdays 10:30 am to 11:15 am
Recommended Ages: 0 to 5
$15

This jewel of a store is also a community hub where many parents flock for both the latest baby products and fun family focus classes offered weekly. Classes range from mama playgroups to music singalongs. Local favs are Rocking Share Music Sing-Along every Tuesday and Sing Along with Willie DeVargas on Saturdays. Class offerings are pretty eclectic, so we suggest looking up their monthly events that fit you and your little one’s needs.

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Dedimus Potestatem

<p>Dedimus Potestatem provides fun, engaging, academically challenging programs to students in primary, middle, and high school. Programs include Leadership, Debate, Model United Nations, Computer Programming, Financial Literacy, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Model Congress, Mock Trial, Etiquette, Bioethics, Stem and Bioethics, and more. We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions and after-school programs. Contact us to bring us to your school today!</p> <p>Sessions</p> <p>We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions as well as after-school programs. To register, visit <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow </a>or email us at <a href="mailto:[email protected]?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected]</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership: Middle School ages 10-13, High School ages 14-18</a></p> <p>This is a unique leadership course that gives students the skills they need to succeed in life. Using an activity-based syllabus centered around character traits most sought and admired in leaders (initiative, honesty, self-control, adaptability, empathy, persuasiveness, resourcefulness, diligence, tolerance, determination, generosity, punctuality, courage, reliability, endurance, deference, creativity and integrity) students learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life. These building blocks will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. Our grading rubric was adapted with the permission of Neil Mercer, the Director of research and Head of Faculty at The University of Cambridge.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/little-leaders-prek-and-kindergarten" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Leaders: Primary School Ages 6-9</a></p> <p>Developed by former pre-school and elementary teachers, this ethics-centered program utilizes a play-based method to encourage students to explore and apply soft skills in their daily lives. While cultivating the skills they will need to build strong, successful relationships, they will learn how to find their voice and showcase themselves in the best way. Students will learn to communicate and negotiate so they can be better team leaders and team players. Students will learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life, such as bullying, cheating, conflicts between two or more parties, and more. The inculcation of these values in our children's formative years will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/beginnersdebate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech & Debate</a> (competitive and non-competitive programs available)</p> <p>This online after-school program prepares students for formal and informal presentations. Participants learn to craft and present arguments and inform, persuade, and motivate an audience in a variety of ways. According to the English Speaking Union, debate is a natural fit for students and compliments common core standards. Debate builds literacy and multi-media research skills, fosters critical thinking and expanded perspectives, enhances public speaking skills, increases confidence, trains students to listen effectively, supports diverse learners and strengthens civil engagement and discourse. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model United Nations (Ages 11-18)</a></p> <p>Model UN simulates the six major organs of the United Nations. Students role play as delegates from a country of their choosing and learn to write and present resolutions based on topics they are passionate about-just as if they were representing member states of the United Nations. We utilize materials from National Model UN and video tutorials to teach students how to write and present position papers, working papers, and draft resolutions. Students use debate and negotiation to enlist the support of other delegates for their resolution. Model UN is a great way to teach students leadership skills like communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and delegation.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/self-defense-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Defense and Empowerment</a></p> <p>Developed by a veteran Krav Maga specialist, this self-defense program will focus on the principle of healthy minds in healthy bodies. Students will focus on de-escalation techniques as well as safe and active means of self-defense. Through active games and fun drills, students will learn the disciplined focus, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience necessary to achieve goals, as well as gain valuable social insights into leadership and teamwork. Students will expend energy and reduce stress while learning to stand and present confidently.</p> <p>Mock Trial (<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairy Tale Mock Trial for ages 7-9</a>, regular <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mock Trial Ages 10-18</a>)</p> <p>Mock trial is a hands-on simulation of the American judicial system. The goal is to help participants acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, display leadership in a court of law, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Materials for this course are provided by The American Bar Association.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Congress: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This civics course simulates the legislative process. Students will learn about the electoral process, lobby for issues they are passionate about, draft and deliver bills, amend legislation, debate international policy, and learn how to effectively represent a constituent body of their choosing. We utilize materials from The Constitutional Rights Foundation, ICivics (founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor) and the National Model U.S. Congress. These resources have been proven to improve students’ civic knowledge, presentation, and core literacy skills. New research has also shown that the use of the aforementioned materials has also led to increased participation in the democratic process. Our objective in this course is to educate the next generation, nurture and inculcate a passion for civics and history and encourage young people to advocate for themselves.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philosophy</a></p> <p>The focus of the Philosophy class is to examine and understand the ideas behind the most popular philosophies embraced throughout the world. To do this, students examine ethical situations through the lens of these philosophies and engage in a Socratic style debate. Students are presented with an ethical question and they must identify stakeholders and players within the dilemma, discuss the key moral issues and present opposing viewpoints. This class was built for students who wish to <a href="https://nhseb.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete in the middle or high school Ethics Bowl</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/money-matters-financial-literacy-for-kids-afterschool">Money Matters: Financial Literacy for Students</a></p> <p>The Money Matters course is built to help students manage their personal finances, from building credit and loan applications to interest rates and investing strategies. This class will cover the basics of financial health, savings, spending habits, and budgeting. After learning how to store, track, and spend responsibly, students will learn about risk management, APRs, and tax preparation. This class will use real-life examples and teach students how to set and achieve financial goals. This course is ideal for middle and high school students.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/stem-dna-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">STEM and Bioethics: (Ages 10-18)</a></p> <p>Our STEM program will give kids the opportunity to think critically about science and society, and to practice communicating scientific topics in ways everyone can understand. To be a successful scientist in our modern world, one must not only have a broad understanding of scientific material learned at school, but also the ability to communicate effectively and share that knowledge with others. Each week of this program will build on the previous while also introducing new scientific topics for discussion.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/virtual-after-school-etiquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etiquette (Ages 5 and up)</a></p> <p>Due to increasing popular demand from groups and individuals, we have decided to offer our etiquette course as an eight week after-school class. Students will not only learn how to introduce themselves and their friends, they will explore appropriate language for quotidian and special occasions, how to enter and leave conversations, proper table behavior for different scenarios, effective strategies for conflict resolution and negotiation, the importance of tone, expression, and body language in every social interaction and why manners and soft skills are essential to a successful life.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech and Essay Writing: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This group class includes eight one-hour online sessions focused on the creation, development, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. This program is tailored to the needs of the individual(s) in question and can include essay writing, use of stylistic devices, and persuasive rhetoric and/or instructions on how to craft and deliver a persuasive or informative multidimensional presentation with compelling slides, audio, and videos.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/visual-storytelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visual Storytelling</a></p> <p>Multimedia platforms have increasingly become more popular for educators, artists and businesses. Young people all over the world have begun using media to amplify initiatives, educate, share science, poetry, art, movement, culture and more. In this class students will learn to capture brief videos that share their voice and vision with the world.</p> <p>College application course </p> <p>Discover the fundamentals of style, narrative, and theme for the ideal college application essays! In these sessions, you will begin by examining outstanding Personal Statements and by brainstorming your own. Then, move on to draft and edit the specialized supplemental essays for each college on your list. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academic writing</a> </p> <p>These are sessions focused on academic writing. Our tutors have years of experience in drafting, editing, and teaching essay writing. Each package will include a consultation with our tutors to assess individual needs. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/test-prep-sat-shsat-act-gre-gmat-asvab-tachs-more">Test Prep: SAT, SHSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, TACHS + more</a></p> <p>These classes are focused on identifying the quickest and most efficient path toward improving students' standardized test scores. Starting with a diagnostic practice exam, this program will target the key subject matter your students need to master while integrating timing, triage, and practice strategies. We aim to regularly emulate the real-life conditions of tests until students are comfortable working quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Sessions can be one hour or two hours in length, as needed.</p> <p>Computer Programming: Coding for Kids</p> <p>In these sessions, we start by discussing the basics of computer programming, what it is, what it can do, and what it was built on. Then we will begin experimenting with block-based programming languages. Students will learn the basics of computer architecture, binary code, compilers, and algorithms. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce small programs of their own. The cost of materials is not included. This class is available to younger students (Ages K-1) and middle and high school students. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Young Actors at Strasberg

<p>Young Actors at Strasberg offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 – 12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry – all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson!</p> <p>Young Actors Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in July and August.</p> <p><strong>About The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute:</strong></p> <p>Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.</p>

Summer Stage Performing Arts Camp at The Riverdale Y

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Riverdale’s Premier Theater Arts Intensive Camp allows young artists to develop creatively and perform in a full-scale musical theater production.</span></p>