4 fun things to do in Crown Heights New York City

Crown Heights, a vibrant neighborhood in NYC, offers a plethora of exciting activities for locals and tourists alike. From exploring historic sites like the Brooklyn Museum and Botanic Garden, to immersing in the local culture at the West Indian Day Parade, there's no shortage of things to do in Crown Heights NYC. Additionally, the area boasts numerous trendy eateries, bars, and boutiques, making it a must-visit destination for foodies and shoppers.

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1. Weeksville Heritage Center

A significant historical site that sheds light on the history of the African American community in Brooklyn

  • Time:

    10 AM to 5 PM

  • Rating: 4.6/5 (361 Review by google)
  • Address:

    158 Buffalo Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213, United States

  • Pros:

    Offers educational programs, well-preserved historic buildings, green spaces and picnic areas available for visitors to enjoy
  • Cons:

    Limited operating hours, may be closed on certain days of the week, some buildings may be off-limits to visitors
Phone Directions Website
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The tour of the three houses was a highlight of the visit. The last house, featuring interactive displays, was particularly interesting and provided a deeper understanding of Weeksville's history. It would have been beneficial to visit this house first to gain an initial overview. However, the large group size made the experience less enjoyable.

This location is a hidden historical treasure in the heart of New York City, located in urban Brooklyn. The guide was knowledgeable and shared valuable information about the lives of free Black people living in NYC during the 19th and 20th centuries, a topic that is not often covered in other historical sites. This visit is highly recommended and definitely worth taking the time to explore.

2. Jewish Children's Museum

Only museum in the world dedicated to Jewish children's education and culture

  • Rating: 4.7/5 (1283 Review by google)
  • Address:

    792 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11213, United States

  • Pros:

    Promotes Jewish culture and education, Interactive and engaging exhibits, Spacious and clean facilities
  • Cons:

    Limited parking availability, Entrance fee may be expensive for large families, Does not offer adult-focused exhibits
Phone Directions Website

The Jewish Children's Museum educates about Jewish history and heritage in a fun, immersive environment, encouraging natural curiosity through hands-on exploration. Learn all about the story of Hanukkah and the meaning behind the menorah at their seasonal Soil to Oil workshop, where kids extract olive oil from fresh olives, make and eat their own delicious potato latkes, and spin the top to get chocolate gelt Throughout the year, examine biblical history, Israel, Jewish holidays, and more.

3. Brooklyn Museum

Houses one of the largest collections of Egyptian art outside of Cairo

  • Rating: 4.7/5 (9197 Review by google)
  • Address:

    200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11238, United States

  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooklynmuseum
  • Pros:

    Huge collection of artworks, diverse exhibitions, family-friendly activities, beautiful architecture, accessible public transportation
  • Cons:

    Some exhibitions require additional tickets, can be crowded on weekends, limited dining options, some collections are under renovation
Phone Directions Website

Brooklyn's premier institution is a less crowded alternative to Manhattan's more famous spaces, though the innovative and impactful elements found inside are as important as anything you'll find in the city. The museum, located on the edge of sprawling Prospect Park, has a large collection of Egyptian art, as well as the famous feminist piece, The Dinner Party, by Judy Chicago. The collection also includes works by Impressionist masters such as Cézanne, Monet and Degas, along with fine examples of early American art, period rooms and much more.

4. Brooklyn Children's Museum

One of the oldest children's museums in the world, emphasizes hands-on learning and cultural awareness

  • Time:

    Closed

  • Rating: 4.4/5 (3165 Review by google)
  • Address:

    145 Brooklyn Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213, United States

  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooklynkidsmuseum
  • Pros:

    Interactive exhibits, diverse cultural programs, stroller-friendly facilities, great for field trips, affordable admission price
  • Cons:

    Limited parking, smaller space compared to other museums, some exhibits may be too simple for older children, can get crowded during peak hours, location might be inconvenient for some visitors
Directions Website
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The museum was a hit with my four-year-old, although his interest did wane after the first pretend market. Unfortunately, the subsequent markets seemed repetitive to him. The ice skating rink, while a fun idea, was made of cheap plastic and came with an extra fee.

This museum is an excellent destination for a family day out, boasting an impressive collection of over 20,000 cultural artifacts, natural history specimens, live plants, and animals, as well as award-winning exhibitions. However, there are some drawbacks. My young son lost interest after the first pretend market, and the plastic ice skating rink, while possibly entertaining, was an additional charge.