21 Staycation Ideas To Do In Brooklyn

Did life get in the way and prevent you from traveling this summer? Are you feeling cheated as a result? If it’s too late for a traditional vacation, try filling the void with a staycation instead. Here are 21 staycation ideas to help simulate a vacation… all within the borough of Brooklyn.

Consider taking the family on a day trip. Plan an adults-only evening event. Or spend some time restaurant hopping during restaurant week.

21 Staycation Brooklyn Ideas

FAMILY FUN ACTIVITIES

1. The World’s Largest Bounce House
The Bounce House is an enormous toy land filled with climbing walls, slides, a maze, and much more to keep both children and adults entertained. Bring the entire family to 3159 Flatbush Avenue and get your bounce on until August 4. Tickets range from $16 to $28 dollars. For more information, click here.

2. Coney Island Amusement Park
The main attractions at Coney Island are still the rides and the beach. But if you want a break from the norm, check these out:

• Coney Island Flicks on the Beach:
Every Monday night until the end of August, watch free movies at the Luna Park in Coney
Island. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.

• Karaoke on the Boardwalk:
Sing to your heart’s content every Friday throughout the summer on the boardwalk in front
of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

• Fireworks
Watch the fireworks display every Friday and Saturday night.

• Summer Stage
Saturday, August 3 at 7:00 p.m., The 70s Soul Jam at Coney Island’s Ford Amphitheater.
Sunday, August 18 at 6:00 p.m., La Sonora Ponceña at Coney Island’s Ford Amphitheater

All events are free.

3. Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Every Thursday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., admission is free at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum at 145 Brooklyn Avenue, Crown Heights

4. New York City Transit Museum
Bring the kiddies and let them get a feel of an old-fashioned subway train. Tickets range from $5 to $10. The museum is closed on major holidays.

5. Domino Park

This new park was designed to honor former workers of the Domino Sugar factory. Children will get a bit of history while also enjoying themselves at this attraction, located at 15 River Street, Williamsburg (South Side) in Brooklyn.

 

OUTDOOR MOVIES, MUSIC, AND COMEDY

6. Brooklyn Academy of Music
Spend your lunch hour jamming to R&B Festivals every Thursday at 12 noon at 10 Metro Tech, Roadway in Metro Tech Commons until August 4.  This event is Free.

7. Target First Saturdays
The Brooklyn Museum presents various exhibits and entertainment every first Saturday of the month except for January and September. The fun starts at 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. This free event happens at 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights.

8. Bargemusic
Enjoy classical music every Saturday in August, except for the 24, at Fulton Ferry Landing in Brooklyn Bridge Park. The doors open at 3:45 p.m. and the concert begins at 4:00 p.m. These concerts are free.

9. Movies with a View
Listen to a band and watch classical movies in the outdoors every Thursday in August. The music starts at 6 p.m. and the movie starts at sundown in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

10. Comedy at the Knitting Factory
End your weekend with a laugh each Sunday night in August. The laughs begin at 9 p.m. The Knitting Factory is located at 361 Metropolitan Avenue.

11. BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn Festival
Brooklyn honors itself with food and entertainment throughout the month of August. Events will occur in different sections within Prospect Park. Visit the website for locations and performance details.

 

FUN WITH WATER

12. Kayaking in the East River
Kayak your way from Pier 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park along the East River. Kayaks are available for rent. However, at certain times, the kayaks are free. This event occurs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Click here for more information.

13. Red Hook Boaters
Every Sunday and most Thursdays until September 25, enjoy free kayaking at Louis Valentino Jr. Pier in Red Hook. Visit here for more information.

14. Free Outdoor Swimming
Enjoy all NYC outdoor pools for free until September 9. These two are in Brooklyn: McCarren Pool in Williamsburg and Commodore Barry Pool by the Navy Yard. For more information and locations click.

FOOD AND FESTIVALS

15. Smorgasbord Brooklyn
Choose from over 100 vendors every weekend at two locations:
Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at East River State Park, 90 Kent Avenue
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Prospect Park, Breeze Hill section

16. 40th Annual Brighton Jubilee Festival
On August 28 come out to the annual Jubilee Festival in Brighton Beach. The festival runs along Brighton Beach Avenue starting at Corbin Place. Come out from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to enjoy the food, merchandise, and entertainment.

17. Restaurant Week NYC
Looking for new restaurants to add to your favorite\’s list? Restaurant week is the perfect opportunity. From now until August 6, restaurant hop for a fraction of the price. Go here for the locations of the Brooklyn restaurants and their menus.

18. Geeks Who Drink Pub Quiz
Indulge in beer and trivia every Wednesday at The Commissioner Pub at 247 Fifth Avenue beginning at 8:00 p.m.

EXERCISE

19. Outdoor Yoga in Prospect Park
Get your stretch on in the Park every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. until August 25. Bring your own equipment. Go online to register and complete the release form. Meet in the Long meadow section of the park.

20. Waterfront workouts
Take a break from exercising in a gym. Instead, allow the cool breeze from the water to energize your workout. All classes occur at Pier 2 in the Brooklyn Bride Park. Click for a listing of classes and times.

21. Garden Moves: African Dance
Tired of the same old exercise moves? Maybe dancing to African rhythms is what you need. Every Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. the Target Brooklyn Community Garden at 931 Bedford Stuyvesant will have the dance class until Aug 24.

With these 21 staycation ideas to do in Brooklyn, I\’m sure you can find a way to enjoy yourself even if you didn\’t get a chance to go away. Enjoy your staycation!!!