Prospect Park Zoo: A Classic Family Favorite

Just steps from the park’s east side, the Prospect Park Zoo is one of Brooklyn’s most beloved kid attractions. Children can watch sea lions during feedings, meet red pandas and tufted deer, and explore the barnyard where goats and sheep love attention. The Discovery Trail is a highlight for younger kids — shaded, interactive, and full of small habitats perfect for close-up viewing. It’s one of the easiest family outings you can plan when staying with Prospect Park Stays.

LeFrak Center at Lakeside: Skating, Biking, Boating and Splash Pads

LeFrak Center at Lakeside is a kid paradise all year. In warmer months, families enjoy pedal boats, bike rentals, and a massive splash pad where toddlers and older kids run through fountains for hours. In winter, the center transforms into one of NYC’s most picturesque ice-skating rinks. Its snack bars, weekend events, and open space make it an effortless, high-energy outing.

Prospect Park’s Playgrounds: Endless Choices for All Ages

Prospect Park has some of the best playgrounds in Brooklyn. Top picks include:

• Harmony Playground — musical instruments, climbing structures, and water features
• Imagination Playground — inspired by stories and creative play
• Third Street Playground — beloved for its size and shade
• Mount Prospect Playground — huge slides and panoramic views

Most families rotate through several playgrounds in a single day — each has a unique theme, layout, and vibe.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Nature Exploration for Curious Kids

A short walk or ride from the park, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers immersive, kid-friendly moments like tree-lined paths, wide lawns, koi ponds, and the iconic Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden. Kids especially love:

• the Desert Pavilion’s unusual plants
• the Bonsai Museum
• cherry blossoms in spring
• the Discovery Garden designed specifically for children

It’s educational without feeling like “learning,” making it perfect for families who want a calm, enriching outing.