What to do with the kids over winter break

BY DENISE ROMANO AND THOMAS NOCERA

To kids, winter break is the most wonderful time of the year, but many parents may feel quite the contrary. Don’t start pulling your hair out: The Brooklyn Spectator Magazine has found some fun-filled adventures to keep kids of all ages out of mischief over the recess. So put on your hat and gloves and go!

 

Brooklyn Botanical Garden, 1000 Washington Avenue, 718-623-7200

Despite the cold weather, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden is still a great family destination. Sunday, January 6, kicks off the “Frosty First Sunday” series with events throughout the day, including a bird-watching expedition, flora walkthrough, and winter yoga session. As part of the “Light In Winter” celebration, every Sunday through February will feature workshops on winter blooms and birds, winter yoga, music, and more.

In addition, other events are still being scheduled throughout winter and a number of indoor flower exhibits are open. Be sure to check out the Children’s Garden and gift shop for some cool sights. For more info, visit www.bbg.org.

 

Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue, 718-735-4400

A fun-filled day awaits families of all shapes and sizes at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. Saturday, January 12, is packed from beginning to end with events including a story-book movie time, undersea creature “meet and greet,” and an informatory exploration of all things South African. Besides the programs, kids will love the hands-on World Brooklyn exhibit, as well as meeting Fantasia, the resident albino Burmese Python. To find more information and check out other events happening throughout winter break visit www.brooklynkids.org.

 

Brooklyn Public Library Central Branch, 10 Grand Army Plaza, 718-230-2100

Head over to the Brooklyn’s Central Library’s Dweck Center on January 26 to see a fairytale play complete with princes, princesses, and evil villains. It’s free but first come first serve seating so get there early. If you can’t make it, branches throughout the borough host daily workshops, such as story time and arts and crafts. For more details and more events calendars at other branches, visit www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org.

 

Metropolitan Recreation Center Pool, 261 Bedford Avenue, 718-599-5707

Do the kids need to burn off some pent up energy? Are they missing the summer fun of heading to the pool with friends? Be cooped up no more!

Dive into the Metropolitan Recreation centers’ pool free of charge during Family Swim hours. Located in the heart of Williamsburg, the pool is open to parents and their children on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 3:30pm to 5:30pm, Saturdays from 2:00pm to 3:30pm, and Sundays from 1:30pm to 3:15pm. To use the indoor pool, however, you must have a Recreation Center membership – FREE for all youth under age 18! Adult memberships cost $150 per year and $75 for six months.

If your little one shies away from the water, there is also a computer, dance and fitness room available for public use.

Another out-of-season pool that is open during the winter months is at St. John’s Recreation Center at Prospect Place, between Troy and Schenectady Avenues in Crown Heights.  Visit http://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/pools for more info.

 

Abe Stark Rink, Coney Island Boardwalk and West 19^th Street, 718-946-6536

With the Wollman Ice Skating Rink closed for the season at Prospect Park, the only other ice skating rink available in Brooklyn is the Abe Stark Rink in Coney Island.

The famous Coney Island Beach may not be as much fun in the sun during January, but it is still a go-to place for family fun thanks to its year-round Boardwalk attractions and eateries, such as Nathan’s Famous, the recently reopened Gargiulo’s Restaurant, Ruby’s Bar and Grill, and even an outpost of Grimaldi’s pizzeria. While you’re in the area, stop by the New York Aquarium, too!

Skating hours are from 1 to 4 p.m. on weekends until March 25. Admission costs $8 and a skate rental costs $5.

 

Prospect Park Zoo, 450 Flatbush Avenue, 718-399-7339

Animals need love too, so don’t miss the chance to explore hands-on exhibits, say hello to baboons, Pallas cats, red pandas, mongoose, and other animals in their homes, pet goats and other barn animals at the petting zoo, and watch daily sea lion shows. The Zoo can host birthday parties, as well, and holds other fun events every day of the week.

School may be in recess, but that doesn’t mean the learning has to stop! Visit www.prospectparkzoo.com for more info.

 

Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Avenue, 718-963-3369

A night out at Brooklyn Bowl is perfect for the whole family, with the 16-lane venue featuring large leather chesterfield sofas for maximum comfort after chasing the kids, who have their own Kids Menu with items like macaroni and cheese. Sloppy Joeys, and French bread pizza. For the grownups, there’s a brunch menu and a regular menu with everything from egg shooters to pork rinds and BBQ wings to jumbo Cajun catfish and Oyster Po’Boy sandwiches. There is also an extensive drink menu so that all the adults – designated driver or not – are covered.

Family bowling sessions run from Noon to 6 p.m. on the weekends and costs $25 per lane per half hour, with shoe rentals being $4.95 per person. Bring your own socks, too, since a pair costs $4.Visit www.brooklynbowl.com for more information.