Top Things to Do with Kids in Brooklyn this August

Our hand-picked list of fun and free/low-cost family events happening in Brooklyn this August includes kid-friendly concerts and outdoor movie screenings, a reenactment of the Battle of Brooklyn, and a birthday bash for Michael Jackson.

Aug. 4 and 11

Coast as Classroom

The City Parks Foundation is involved in all types of entertainment events, from outdoor movie screenings to Central Park’s SummerStage concert series. But it also has its hands in educational efforts like the Coastal Classroom program, which is a tremendous learning opportunity for kids in fourth grade and higher. Participants learn about marine life, water resources, environmental issues, urban waterfront restoration, and more through hands-on experiences. At Coastal Classroom Family Day, kids 8 and older (with parent supervision) are given the opportunity to wade into the water at Kaiser Park and learn more about the world beneath the waves. FREE!

Aug. 4

Paddling Around Aimfully

New York City’s waterways are the setting for the Global Autism Project’s Paddle for Autism Awareness fundraising event. Paddling, in this case (not to be confused with the stand-up paddling that has become the rage recently), means kayaking. One needn’t be an experienced kayaker, as event staff will be on hand to help out. And the fun stuff is hardly limited to adults, as the ultimate goal is to get kids with autism out on the water to experience this sensory activity. Proceeds from the event benefit its sponsor, Global Autism Project, which provides training for personnel at existing autism centers in places like India, Peru, and some countries in Africa.

Aug. 14

Punk Sock

The Dirty Sock Funtime Band gives new meaning to the expression “rock your socks off” with its up-tempo, neo-punk rock songs for kids that are both witty and musical enough to rock the socks of parents, too. Ska, reggae, and many other influences are at hand on songs that are out-and-out funny, like “Baby Spies” (whose accompanying music video is cute beyond belief). It’s interesting to note that some band members hold advanced degrees in childhood education and music, and some hail from indie-rock type bands and musical theater—a combination that explains the group’s knack for understanding children and making them laugh. See them perform at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. FREE!

Aug. 25

Don’t Stop/Won’t Stop