Brooklyn Children's Museum is launching "Playdate," a series of free, after-hours events celebrating Brooklyn's cultural and creative community through intergenerational play, art, music and hands-on activities.
The program will welcome visitors of all ages on select Fridays through April 2027, offering opportunities for families, friends and neighbors to gather and participate in activities led by local artists, makers and community organizations.
Events will take place from 6:00pm to 10:00p.m. at the museum at 145 Brooklyn Ave. Admission is free and includes access to all programming. The series is supported by NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital and Waymo.
“We believe the joy of learning through play is something people should experience and revisit at every age and we’re excited to bring that spirit to Friday nights at the Museum,” said Atiba T. Edwards, president and CEO of Brooklyn Children’s Museum. “Playdate creates new opportunities for families, friends and neighbors to learn from one another and experience Brooklyn’s vibrant cultural community."
Founded in 1899, the institution is recognized as the world's first children's museum and serves approximately 300,000 children and caregivers each year. The new series also provides a platform for local artists, entrepreneurs and community organizations to introduce their work to wider audiences.
A central feature is "Empire Skate of Mind," a rooftop roller rink inspired by the former Empire Roller Rink, a Brooklyn institution associated with the borough's skating culture. Other activities include screen printing, chain-stitch embroidery, T-shirt customization, face painting, music and interactive workshops.
The series opened Oct. 23 with a sold-out event presented in partnership with C Marty's Jerk, a participant in the museum's Culinary Residency & Incubator Support Program. The opening program featured local creatives and music by DJ Donwill.
Upcoming events are scheduled for Nov. 20 and Dec. 18, 2026, and Jan. 15, Feb. 19, March 19 and April 9, 2027.
Visitors can find additional information at brooklynkids.org.
