Brooklyn is one of the five boroughs of New York City and is known as a vibrant and ethnically diverse section of the city. Families often move from Manhattan to Brooklyn for a more family-friendly, spacious lifestyle. There are plenty of things to do in Brooklyn for the whole family, from the delights of the old-fashioned Luna Park fairground to peaceful Prospect Park.
This historic park was once called the worlds largest playground. Times have changed since then, but Luna Park still offers a few thrill rides the whole family can enjoy. Spend your day in the nostalgic world of Coney Island, eating hot dogs and catching fairground rides such as the classic Cyclone Roller Coaster. On summer days, the park is home to street performers and even a small puppet theatre.
Enjoy the beautiful views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline from this peaceful, 85-acre park, part of a revitalization project designed to bring green areas and recreation facilities to the people of Brooklyn. Walk along the promenade on your own or take a guided tour to discover the history of the area. The park is home to a baseball park, basketball court, and skate park where local kids are often found.
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Known as the mother of all markets, the Brooklyn Flea takes place from the first weekend in April until mid-November. This outdoor market features hundreds of vendors, and you can find everything from antique furniture to books and handmade jewelry. The market is home to the Smorgasbord, a large all food market that will delight foodies.
The Long Meadow in Prospect Park is the largest unbroken area of green space in New York, designed to be a place where people could escape their busy city lives and spend time with family and friends. The bandstand hosts jazz musicians all through the summer months.
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This 50-acre garden is home to a wide variety of plants and is a calming place to spend a day. The beautiful Elizabethan-style herb garden can be found here, and the huge plot is home to the largest rose collection in North America. One of the main features is a Japenese garden complete with a shrine and teahouse.
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BLDG 92 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard is a museum, exhibition area, and visitor center. The museum celebrates the history of the region -- Brooklyn was once one of the most important military shipbuilding yards in the country. Visit this iconic site to learn more about the city's important role in the naval history of the United States.
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This museum aims to show the importance of toys in culture across the world and the United States. Visitors can view toys from as far back as the founding of the U.S. There is a small theatre in the museum that produces shows aimed at introducing young children to the theatre.
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Locals volunteer to take tourists on guided tours around Brooklyn. This is a great way to discover the real Brooklyn away from the tourist regions. Tours typically take in a few important buildings and introduce to the best food in the borough. The guides are all truly passionate about their home suburb and are happy to share insider tips and secrets.
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Kings County Distillery was founded in 2010 and is the first whiskey distillery to exist in the area since prohibition. The talented coopers use traditional Scottish methods to produce a unique and interesting beverage. Only a few hundred bottles are made every year, making this impressive drink a collector's item.
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The Brooklyn Children's Museum is host to a number of interactive exhibits young children will love. Kids can spend the whole day running between exhibits about science, history, and space. The museum is popular with tourists and locals alike and is very busy on rainy days. There are a number of traveling exhibits in the museum that change on a regular basis.