What a treat to be Brooklyn just in time to see the Cherry blossoms explode across the grove…read more The garden is quite expansive and it took a bit of a stroll to get in far enough to the tree promenade that completely overwhelmed you with bursting color. After drinking in all the color, we meandered to the Koi and Japanese garden, rounded about the see tulips in their full glory and snuck out a side door. A stunning garden, beautifully maintained by staff and volunteers. I'll certainly be back when I visit again.

Honestly, it was okay, but I went in expecting more. Maybe it was because I visited toward the end…read moreof the summer season, but it didn't feel as magical as I expected. There were plenty of exhibits and plants in bloom, but some areas felt cluttered, making it difficult to clearly see and appreciate the flowers and plants. At times, it felt more like a large park or a mini Central Park than a botanical garden. The lily pad area was one of the coolest parts, although there was unfortunately a dead rat floating in the water, which definitely took away from the experience. I also enjoyed the bonsai collection and the warm-weather plant areas. Seeing the different fruits and vegetables growing was really interesting and one of my favorite parts of the visit. I think the experience could be improved by adding more interactive and educational activities. A butterfly exhibit would be beautiful, along with information about which flowers attract different butterflies and pollinators. A short virtual movie explaining where the plants came from and how they arrived at the garden would also make the visit more engaging. Hands-on activities, such as painting or planting something small, would be a fun addition, especially for families and visitors who want a more memorable experience.

Knowing my fascination with the Revolutionary War's Battle of Brooklyn (also known as the Battle of…read moreBrooklyn Heights or the Battle of Long Island), my son surprised me with this historical gem. The Old Stone House is located in the Park Slope neighborhood near the boundary with Gowanus. It sits adjacent to Washington Park. The house itself is a reconstruction of the original structure, which burned & was excavated. It uses some of the original stones and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. An important site in the defeat of Washington's troops, it headquartered the British troops in the first major battle after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Old Stone House was even the earliest headquarters of the Brooklyn Dodgers. I continue to mourn the fact that they were moved from Brooklyn, having followed the team in my childhood with my Daddy. He instilled in me the love of baseball. Today the house is a wonderful museum with displays and exhibits of the Battle of Brooklyn. Most impressive is the large exhibit of miniature soldiers as they were positioned during that 1776 assault. Whether or not you're a Revolutionary War Historian, you'll learn much about the area and its place in history by visiting the Old Stone House.

Pretty cool small and free museum in Brooklyn. People were nice as well. Definitely worth visiting…read moreduring their limited hours.

It's quirky, it's small, it's unique, and it is an authentic slice of NY nostalgia. This small…read moremuseum is charming and intriguing if not Alittle thin on information. It originally began as a labor of love by the owner, showcasing his eclectic collection of memorabilia in his house window. It's a little bigger now but will only take you 20 minutes to see everything. As others have said, there are no placards to explain the memorabilia or the acquisition process. This would have made the museum much more informative and 5 stars. Still, the peep show machine and the amazing bodega decor on the store outside and lobby is worth seeing. $5 for NYC locals and students, a little more for tourists; not bad!

What an amazing little museum. An absolute delight. A thoughtful and touching love letter to NYC…read more I can't recommend this museum enough. It is so charming. And romantic. Filled with the coolest collection of NYC artifacts and memorabilia. It is so worth the visit. Bravo to all involved in curating and maintaining it.

The museum is hard to get to if you don't live in Staten Island and don't want to drive. For the…read moretrip, I took the Staten Island and the S40/S44 bus to get there. I took one of the buses there and the other bus back to the ferry. One you arrive there are multiple floors of a activities. Outside on the lower level, there is a water station and park. On the ground floor, there is fire truck and game. On the third floor, there is construction activities. There is a snack area on the lower floor. Prices are around $7 to $8 for combos. See my menu picture. And before you leave, they sell ice cream for $3. Bring cash because you need to spend $5 to pay with card.

One ferry away from manhattan and into Staten Island terminal where you can hop on S44 or S40. It…read morewas a bit of a find to get into the museum but if you have Google maps you are good to go. Very big space. You and your child can literally spend a whole day here. Check their website for opening days and time. Food purchases station is closed on weekend but they do have snacks vending machine. You can bring your own food to eat at their lunch room either inside with AC or outdoor where is a water play area and playground during summer time. Different level floors to explore kids will definitely enjoy this museum. Not crowded. They have an ice cream for purchase at the entrance of the museum.

This museum is such a hidden gem. I loved the exhibition layout where you walk from floor to floor…read moreand discover the different decades and wars of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. There are unique interactive items in the exhibition and they are expertly explained. This is perfect for an American studies class field trip or for anyone interested in boats! Personally, I love museums and this one is one of the best in Brooklyn. There are cool movies and explanations and I feel like you can learn something new every time. If you are ever heading to the Brooklyn bridge or DUMBO -- I highly recommend going out of your way for a little bit to check this museum out!

Great museum. 1) It…read moreis FREE! 2) It has a giant anchor from an assault ship and a 200+ year old cannon. 3) Excellent place to learn about the shipping/maritime importance Brooklyn had.

As of September 14, 2023 the Center for Brooklyn History (now part of the NYPL system) has reopened…read moreafter renovations! This isn't the fanciest or biggest library, but it has a beautiful research library and all the librarians and staff are super nice and helpful. Plenty of great architecture. Not just the research library, but their main staircase and the brick and moulding outside. They have temporary exhibits as well as many fascinating speakers and programs.

The Center for Brooklyn History was not on our agenda. We were passing by and had a few minutes so…read morewent in. There is no fee to go since it is part of the Brooklyn Library system. And there is a library on the 2nd and 3rd floors. On the first floor, after you enter, there is a section in back with maps and historical artifacts on the walls. They play a slideshow on a loops displaying a Brooklyn neighborhood, what they are known for, and a bit on the history. We found that was very interesting. The room in comfortable, so we sat for a while and watch the show go by a few times. Restrooms are on the 2nd and 3rd floors. The elevator is tiny - it holds two people. I chose to ride the elevator up, but to walk down. I noticed there were a number of oil paintings showing historical figures and historical Brooklyn. This is a great place to stop to learn more about Brooklyn and its neighborhoods. We didn't go into the actual library, but we did look through glass doors and saw many, many books. On the 3rd floor, there was a research library only available to historians. It would be interesting to get a peek in there.

New children's playspace located at the lower level of the MET Museum. During weekends adults may…read moreneed to scan the QR code located at the entrance to reserved a timed schedule to enter the space. Playspace is moderate in size and staffers are all around ensuring kids safety and abiding to the rules. There are children's books suitable for early learners along with interactive 2D arts/ models to bring out young children's creativity. There's also a soft foam play area for kids to run around with foam plushies and cushions. This playspace is very suitable for younger kids under the age of six. There's even some hands-on science projects that promotes STEM for young beginners. Overall, a good space for kids to have some fun within the MET Museum

A magical kids' studio that makes you wish you were 6 again. Beautiful, thoughtful, and low-key…read moreeducational in a way that's actually fun. Great little detour if you're already at the Met and need a break from being serious.

Literally one of my favorite places in nyc now. Free to enter and play all games. Super fun place…read morewe spent probably a couple hours playing every game. Super cool vibes and people are awesome. Plus super close to great red hook food spots as well. Highly recommend.

Super fun spot and I appreciate that their donation suggestion is on a sliding scale! No idea how…read morethey are able to afford to run this place but I'm grateful. We need more third spaces like this where people can hang out and be silly without the implication of alcohol. Will try to stop by again next time I'm in Red Hook!