Brooklyn Museums for Kids, the 7 Worth a Visit

Established in 1899, The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is famous for being the first museum in the world specifically designed for kids. This innovative museum spans 102,000 square feet and offers interactive exhibits and educational programs focused on children, making it a great spot for young minds to explore and learn.

With a commitment to serving Brooklyn’s diverse communities, the museum offers a wide range of exhibits that cover topics from natural science to cultural diversity. The museum was founded with the acknowledgment that existing museums were not designed with children in mind.

Hoping to correct course, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum focuses on engaging children in hands-on learning experiences that are both informative and fun. Any way you slice it, this museum is a pioneer in the world of children’s museums, making it one of the best museums in Brooklyn for families.

Founded in 1896, the Brooklyn Museum is one of the largest and oldest museums in the country. It houses an impressive collection of over 500,000 objects. From ancient Egyptian treasures to contemporary art, the galleries attract locals with innovative exhibits that tackle social and political themes.

For kids, the Brooklyn Museum offers an exciting journey through art and history. Special programs and educational resources cater to young visitors, and the family-friendly layout makes navigation a breeze.

Through community engagement, the kid-friendly museum in Brooklyn creates a welcoming space for families to explore and learn together. It’s a great place for kids of all ages to have fun while discovering new things!

The Jewish Children’s Museum takes an interactive approach to educating kids about the importance of Jewish history and traditions. Opened in 2004, this Brooklyn museum is one of the largest Jewish-themed children’s museums in the country and is open to families of all backgrounds.

Highlights include a miniature golf course (outlining biblical stories), a mock kosher supermarket and a climbable Noah’s Ark. The museum’s dedication to fostering understanding and tolerance among diverse communities earns it a spot on our list of the best museums in Brooklyn for children.

Housed in a decommissioned 1936 subway station, the unique New York Transit Museum takes a deep dive into the evolution of New York City’s robust public transportation system. Housing an extensive collection of vintage subway cars, visitors can (literally) step back in time and experience the commute folks made 100 years ago.

The museum offers a hands-on learning experience with interactive exhibits, detailed reconstructions, and engaging tours that illuminate the engineering marvels that lay below ground. From the early days of horse-drawn carriages to the modern subway, this is one of the best museums in Brooklyn for kids who are obsessed with vehicles.

At this Brooklyn children’s museum, various events await, offering creative workshops where kids can craft their own metro cards, experience the excitement of operating a subway train and controlling traffic signals, and unleash their creativity by making transit-inspired artwork.

Building 92 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard is an exciting museum in Brooklyn for older kids, delving deep into the area’s rich maritime and military history. The museum showcases the transformation of this 300-acre site from a shipbuilding powerhouse (which once launched the USS Missouri), to its current role as a model for urban revitalization.

Families can explore the Navy Yard’s impact on American industry and innovation through interactive displays. The highlight is the permanent exhibit “Past, Present & Future,” tracing the Navy Yard’s journey from its founding in 1801 to its current status as a bustling hub with nearly 500 businesses.

Housed in the former residence of the Marine Commandant, a building constructed in 1858 and adapted for reuse, the exhibit spans three floors. Inside, visitors can explore detailed wall text and a wide range of artifacts, offering an engaging overview of the Yard’s rich past and ongoing significance. Building 92 is hailed as one of Brooklyn’s top museums for older kids, inviting them to wander and immerse themselves in captivating history.

The Brooklyn Public Library is a wonderful place for kids, offering lots of resources and fun activities to spark their love of reading and learning. They have plenty of children’s books, hold engaging story-time sessions, and host family-friendly events like art workshops and STEM activities.

With special spaces just for kids, educational tools, and inclusive programs, there’s something for all ages. Whether they’re joining the summer reading program, exploring colorful areas designed just for them, or attending events, the Brooklyn Public Library is full of opportunities for kids to have fun while they learn and grow.

Established in 1896, the New York Aquarium stands as one of the country’s oldest and largest public aquariums. The aquarium showcases a diverse array of marine life from across the globe. Folks can explore exhibits like Ocean Wonders. Sharks!, one of the world’s largest shark exhibits, showcasing over 115 species of marine animals, rays, and fish.

Other must-see attractions include the Sea Cliffs, home to playful sea lions and harbor seals, and the Conservation Hall, highlighting vital marine conservation efforts. For families, a visit to the adorable PlayQuarium is a must. This interactive exhibit engages children in learning about ocean life through play, making it one of the top things to do with kids in Brooklyn.