Brooklyn Children's Museum
1 / 10

Brooklyn Children's Museum

4.4
·4k reviews·, United States

World's first children's museum offering 30,000+ objects & hands-on exhibits for ages 6 months to 10 years.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Thursday afternoons

Free admission, but can be crowded

CrowdHigh
Loading map...
Brooklyn Children's Museum

Brooklyn Children's Museum

Best Time

Thursday afternoons

Free admission, but can be crowded

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

World's first children's museum offering 30,000+ objects & hands-on exhibits for ages 6 months to 10 years.

4.4
(4k reviews)

"An awesome experience for my 4 year old - he didn’t want to leave."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Thursday Tickets

Book free Thursday tickets online the day of! They go fast.

👟 Sensory Play Ready

Bring clothes that can get wet or sandy for the water and sand play areas.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

World Brooklyn

World Brooklyn

Exhibition Hall

Explore diverse cultures and environments, from a pizzeria to a Japanese tea house. Interactive and educational!

Water Table & Sand Pit

Water Table & Sand Pit

Sensory Play Area

A perennial favorite for little ones, offering hands-on fun with water and sand. Perfect for sensory exploration.

Construction Zone

Construction Zone

Interactive Play Area

Kids can engage with building blocks, vacuum pipes, and other construction-themed activities. Great for active play.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Free Thursdays: Plan Your Visit

Score free admission every Thursday from 2-5 PM! Tickets are released online the day of, so book ahead to guarantee your spot. This is a popular time, so expect crowds, especially with younger kids.

Exhibit Updates & Wear

While beloved, some exhibits show their age. Visitors note wear and tear, suggesting renovations are needed. Focus on the interactive elements that are still in great shape for maximum enjoyment.

Best Times

When
Thursday afternoons
Why
Free admission, but can be crowded
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Crowd
Low
When
Off-season weekends
Why
Good balance of activities and crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Admission was free but I donated $1 .. he likes to prank me all the time so I finally got him back 🤣 the museum isn’t even 100% done. Theres like 3 other rooms that were closed cause they’re still working on them. Other then that it was sooo fun 10/10 ⭐️ #bronxchildrensmuseum #bx #fyp #boymom #prank #fypシ
@myisha_maria
37.6K likes • 324.1K views

🎯 Free Thursday Tickets

Book free Thursday tickets online the day of! They go fast. TikTokInstagram+1

👟 Sensory Play Ready

Bring clothes that can get wet or sandy for the water and sand play areas. TikTokInstagram

Disability pride, community and inclusion. We captured this story while filming for an upcoming module that will be dedicated to the customized approach to employment for people with intellectual disabilities. Brilliant work by Job Path NYC for helping to carve the position and shout out to the awesome #brooklynchildrensmuseum
@open_future_learning
15.1K likes • 106.6K views
Looking for free things to do in nyc with your kids? @bcmkids The Brooklyn children’s museum is FREE every Thursday. Get your tickets at the Brooklyn children’s museum website THE DAY OFF. #thingstodoinnycwithkids #nycfreekidsevents #nyckidsactivites #brooklynchildrensmuseum #thingstodowithtoddlersnewyork
melanatedgoddess___
59 likes • 3.3K views

🚗 Parking Challenges

Street parking can be tough. Consider public transport or rideshare. Reddit

👶 Toddler-Friendly Fun

Great for toddlers with sensory and gross motor activities. TikTokReddit

The world’s first children’s museum is in Brooklyn & offers free admission Thursday afternoons Brooklyn Children’s Museum (@bcmkids) opened in 1899, with interactive exhibits for children 6 months to 10 years old Admission to the Museum is free every Thursday from 2-5pm & tickets can be reserved online. Otherwise, it’s $15 a person or free for members Have you been to the Brooklyn Children’s Mu...
nyc_forfree
2.4K likes • 163K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Thursday Tickets

Book free Thursday tickets online the day of! They go fast. TikTokInstagram+1

👟 Sensory Play Ready

Bring clothes that can get wet or sandy for the water and sand play areas. TikTokInstagram

🚗 Parking Challenges

Street parking can be tough. Consider public transport or rideshare. Reddit

👶 Toddler-Friendly Fun

Great for toddlers with sensory and gross motor activities. TikTokReddit

📱 Check Exhibit Status

Some rooms may be closed for updates. Check their website or call ahead. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.4
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Brooklyn Children's Museum for its engaging, hands-on exhibits that captivate children for hours, especially the popular water table and 'World Brooklyn' area. It's a great spot for sensory play and imaginative exploration. However, many reviews mention that some exhibits are showing significant wear and tear and could benefit from updates and cleaning.

"Spent the day at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum and honestly, I loved it! 🧡 It’s such a wonderful place where kids can explore, learn, and play at the same time. They can pretend to be a pizzaiolo 🍕, shop at a mini grocery store 🛒, or dive into exhibits about Chinese, Caribbean, and African cultures 🌍. There’s even a water play area, a pretend subway station, 🚇, they can draw, and a photo booth to take home a fun memory 📸.
Highly recommend it, it’s creative, educational, and my kid had the best time! ✨"

NYC Bestplaces

"What a lovely place for my little 3 year old cousins birthday! The staff was so helpful and friendly and couldnt be more accommodating and patient. Beyond the staff the facility is fantastic especially for young children. Plenty of room to run and everything is hands on and on limits! Highly recomend it for a party or just to visit for the afternoon. You and your kids will definitely have a great memory."

Mark Kenny

"An awesome experience for my 4 year old - he didn’t want to leave. There’s so much to do, and the layout is both easy to traverse and expansive enough that it felt like an enormous warehouse of fun for him.

It’s definitely time for some updates, and I hope they get some funding help. Some of the exhibits are showing wear and tear from when my older kid came here 8 years ago."

Mattie Berger

What People Like

Engaging hands-on exhibits
Great for sensory play
Interactive 'World Brooklyn'

What People Dislike

Worn-out exhibits
Needs updates
Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is accessible via public transportation. The nearest subway stations are the Utica Ave (A, C) and President St (2, 5) lines. Parking can be challenging in the area, so using public transit is often recommended. Reddit

Street parking is available but can be limited and competitive. Some visitors suggest using rideshare services or public transport due to parking difficulties. Reddit

For families with young children, the subway is a convenient option. Consider a stroller or carrier for easier navigation within the museum and on public transport. TikTok

While there aren't specific transportation discounts, the museum offers free admission on Thursdays, which can help offset overall costs for a family outing. TikTokInstagram

Yes, strollers are generally allowed inside the museum. However, some areas might be more easily navigated without one, especially during peak times. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission is $15 per person. However, the museum offers free admission every Thursday from 2 PM to 5 PM. TikTokInstagram

Free Thursday tickets must be reserved online on the day of your visit through the Brooklyn Children's Museum website. They are released on a first-come, first-served basis. TikTokInstagram

Yes, the museum offers free admission for individuals with Medicaid. Check their website for any other potential community partnerships or discounts. Instagram

Operating hours vary, but typically the museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM on most days. Thursday free hours are from 2 PM to 5 PM. It's always best to check their official website for the most current hours. TikTok

Tickets can be purchased at the door, but it's highly recommended to book online in advance, especially for free Thursday admission, as tickets can sell out quickly. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum is ideal for children aged 6 months to 10 years, with many interactive exhibits catering to toddlers and preschoolers. InstagramReddit

Popular exhibits include the 'World Brooklyn' cultural displays, the water table, sand pit, and the construction zone. The 'Pizzeria' and 'Town' areas are also well-loved. TikTokInstagramReddit

Yes, the museum has dedicated areas for infants and toddlers, including sensory play zones and age-appropriate interactive elements. TikTokInstagram

The museum is committed to inclusion and offers a customized approach to employment for people with intellectual disabilities. Exhibits are designed to be accessible and engaging for all children. TikTok

Absolutely! The museum's design encourages parents to get involved. You can either observe from designated seating areas or join in the fun with your children. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, a new cafe, JeTaime Patisserie, is set to open inside the museum in October 2025, offering a custom menu. TikTok

While specific policies can change, it's generally advisable to check the museum's guidelines. Some museums allow outside snacks for children, especially during long visits. TikTok

The museum is located in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, which has numerous local eateries and cafes offering a variety of cuisines. You can find options for quick bites or sit-down meals nearby. TikTok

The new JeTaime Patisserie cafe will feature a custom menu specifically designed for the museum location. TikTok

It's a good idea to ensure children are well-fed before arriving, especially if visiting during peak times or free Thursday hours, to maximize playtime. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, personal photography and videography are generally permitted for non-commercial use. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography in sensitive areas. TikTok+1

The 'World Brooklyn' exhibit offers diverse backdrops. The interactive play areas, especially the water table and construction zone, can also make for fun, candid shots. TikTok

Visitors often share photos of their children engaged in play, interacting with exhibits, and enjoying the sensory experiences. TikTok+1

While personal photos are allowed, professional photography or filming for commercial purposes usually requires prior permission from the museum. TikTok

Focus on capturing candid moments of your child's engagement and discovery. Wide shots of the exhibits can also showcase the museum's scale and variety. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Young Children

The Brooklyn Children's Museum is a fantastic destination for families with young children, especially toddlers and preschoolers. The sensory play areas, including the water table and sand pit, are huge hits and provide endless entertainment. TikTokReddit The museum's layout is also conducive to little ones exploring, with many interactive exhibits designed for hands-on engagement. TikTok

Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds, or take advantage of the free Thursday afternoons if you can manage the busier environment. TikTokInstagram While some exhibits might be showing wear, the core play experiences are still incredibly fun and engaging for this age group. Reddit

💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors

For budget-friendly fun, the Brooklyn Children's Museum is a top choice. The free Thursday admission from 2-5 PM is a major draw, allowing families to experience the museum without the usual $15 per person cost. TikTokInstagram Remember to book these popular tickets online in advance as they are released on the day of. Instagram

Beyond free Thursdays, look into potential discounts or free admission for those with Medicaid. Instagram Even with paid admission, the hours of interactive play and learning offer great value for the cost, making it an affordable outing for families looking to explore NYC. Instagram

Autistic Children & Sensory Seekers

The Brooklyn Children's Museum is often recommended for children who enjoy sensory and gross motor activities. The water table, sand pit, and construction zone are particularly well-suited for sensory seekers. TikTokReddit Visitors have noted that the museum offers a good balance of these types of engaging play, which can be beneficial for autistic children who may not be as interested in pretend play exhibits. Reddit

While the museum is generally accommodating, it's always a good idea to check for any specific sensory-friendly programming or quiet times if available. The interactive nature of most exhibits means there's plenty to keep children engaged without relying solely on imaginative scenarios. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Legacy of Play: The Brooklyn Children's Museum

Founded in 1899, the Brooklyn Children's Museum holds the distinction of being the world's first children's museum. This pioneering institution was established with the vision of making art, culture, and science accessible to children through interactive experiences. Over its long history, it has evolved to meet the changing needs of young learners, consistently offering a space for discovery and imaginative play. Instagram+1

The museum houses a collection of over 30,000 objects, ranging from cultural artifacts to natural history specimens. These are not just for display; they form the basis of many of the museum's engaging exhibits. The focus is always on hands-on learning, allowing children to touch, explore, and experiment in a safe and stimulating environment. This approach has made it a beloved fixture in Brooklyn for generations. TikTok

Despite its historical significance, the museum is not resting on its laurels. It continues to innovate, with plans for new cafes and ongoing efforts to update its exhibits. This commitment to growth ensures that the Brooklyn Children's Museum remains a relevant and exciting destination for families seeking educational fun. TikTok

Navigating Exhibits: What to Expect

The Brooklyn Children's Museum offers a diverse range of exhibits designed to spark curiosity in children aged 6 months to 10 years. A major draw is the 'World Brooklyn' exhibit, which immerses children in different cultural settings, including a pizzeria and a Japanese tea house, allowing them to engage in imaginative role-playing. InstagramReddit

For those who love tactile experiences, the water table and sand pit are perennial favorites, providing hours of sensory fun. These areas are perfect for toddlers and younger children who enjoy hands-on exploration. The construction zone is another hit, featuring elements like building blocks and vacuum pipes that encourage active play and problem-solving. TikTokReddit

While many exhibits are well-loved, some visitors note that certain areas show signs of wear and tear, indicating a need for updates. Reddit Despite this, the core interactive elements remain engaging, and the museum's layout is designed for easy navigation, allowing children to move freely between different play zones. TikTokReddit

Community and Inclusion at BCM

The Brooklyn Children's Museum is dedicated to fostering a sense of community and ensuring inclusivity for all visitors. They actively work to create an environment where every child feels welcome and can participate fully. This commitment is evident in their programming and their approach to accessibility. TikTok

Notably, the museum has been involved in initiatives like capturing stories for modules on customized employment for individuals with intellectual disabilities, highlighting their dedication to broader community support. TikTok They also offer free admission for individuals with Medicaid, making the museum's educational resources more accessible to a wider range of families. Instagram

Furthermore, the museum hosts various events and author visits, such as those during Women's Month, which celebrate diverse voices and encourage community engagement. Instagram These events enrich the visitor experience and reinforce the museum's role as a community hub. TikTok