Brooklyn Children’s Museum is at 145 Brooklyn Ave in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Founded in 1899, it was the first museum in the United States made specifically for children. Its hands-on displays bring together science, nature, art and cultures from around the world, with room for pretend play as well as learning. Children can run a shop or pizzeria in the child-sized World Brooklyn exhibit, explore water and sensory activities, and see live animals. It’s a particularly good fit for families with young children who learn best by touching and trying things.
A museum built for young visitors
Brooklyn Children’s Museum opened in 1899 as the first museum in the United States created expressly for children. Its collection includes cultural objects and natural-history specimens, among them fossils, masks, dolls and musical instruments. Displays and activities put those collections within reach of young visitors, so children can learn through play and direct exploration.
The museum is in Crown Heights, at 145 Brooklyn Ave. Its exhibits cover subjects including nature, science, art and cultures from around the world. The building has three floors of interactive exhibits and activities, and programs are designed for children from six months to ten years old.
Role-play in World Brooklyn
World Brooklyn turns everyday city life into a play space. Children can take on roles in small versions of real businesses, including a grocery store, bakery and pizzeria. They can pretend to shop, prepare food or run a till, turning familiar errands into hands-on play. The exhibits draw on the many cultures of Brooklyn, with settings such as a Mexican bakery and an international grocery.
Other displays invite children to explore science and nature by doing, not just looking. A life-size city bus gives them a chance to play at driving. Animal displays include a snake and a turtle tank, while interactive stations let children try simple activities such as measuring their height. The museum’s collection and exhibits can change, so the exact displays available on a particular day may differ.
Sensory play and programs
Totally Tots is designed for children aged six and under. Its activities include water play, a sandbox, blocks, dress-up, music-making and a story area. The museum also has sensory spaces and places for climbing and movement, giving younger children several ways to play. The water area is a popular stop, though not every water feature is always operating.
Children can also take part in classes and hands-on activities, including art-making. Programs may cover subjects such as science, music, dance, reading and crafts. Check the museum calendar before visiting if you want to plan around a class or event. On the rooftop, an outdoor play area includes The Nest, a climbing structure made from reclaimed cedar from local water towers, and a rollerskating rink.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is Brooklyn Children’s Museum?
It’s at 145 Brooklyn Ave in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City.
What ages is the museum for?
The museum’s exhibits and programs are designed for children from six months to ten years old. Totally Tots is aimed at children aged six and under.
How long should you plan for a visit?
Allow about two to three hours to explore. Families with children who want to spend time in the play areas may stay longer.
What can children do at Brooklyn Children’s Museum?
They can explore hands-on displays about culture, science and nature, play in child-sized shops and a pizzeria, try sensory activities and see animals.
