EXPLORE · WINTER BREAK
Last updated: October 30, 2026
My children at Brooklyn Botanical Lightscape November 2025.
NYC public schools are off from Thursday, December 24, 2026 through Friday, January 1, 2027. That's a lot of days to fill. This is my list of things to do with kids in Brooklyn and just beyond: easy indoor days, skating, festive outings, day trips, camps and a kid-friendly New Year's Eve. I've updated dates and prices for 2026 wherever they've been announced.
Quick overview
What to do with kids over winter break in Brooklyn:
Indoors: a day at Industry City in Sunset Park, family bowling, or a movie at Nitehawk or Alamo Drafthouse
Festive: Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, open through January 3
Skating: LeFrak Center in Prospect Park, Roebling Rink in Dumbo and Domino Park in Williamsburg
Day trip: Legoland New York's Holiday Bricktacular
Camps: Chelsea Piers Field House Brooklyn runs camp on December 24 and December 28-31
What can kids do indoors in Brooklyn over winter break?
My go-to indoor day is Industry City in Sunset Park, where you can wander for free and pay as you go. Family bowling and a movie are easy backups when everyone needs to burn energy or sit still for two hours.
Spend the day at Industry City
220 36th St, Sunset Park · Buildings open 9am to 9pm · Free to wander, pay at the vendors
This is one of my favorite free destinations in Brooklyn. You'll spend money at the vendors, but you can wander indoors at no cost, and most of the space is open for kids to explore.
Japan Village: a family favorite. The food hall is open 11am to 7:30pm, and Sunrise Mart is open 11am to 8pm daily.
Hapik Climbing: a highlight for my kids, and very active. Open 10am to 9pm on school vacation days. Last year climbing was $34.90 and toddler soft play $23.90.
CREA Interactivity: indoor drop-in play (last year $35). Hours vary, so check ahead of time.
Carreau Club: great tables for coloring and craft kits. Opens at 1 pm on weekends and 5 pm on weekdays.
See a family movie at Nitehawk or Alamo Drafthouse
Nitehawk in Williamsburg and Prospect Park · Alamo at City Point, Downtown Brooklyn
Both theaters show family movies over break. Disney's Hexed opens November 25 and The Angry Birds Movie 3 on December 23 (release dates can shift). Family shows book up, so reserve ahead. I like Alamo on Tuesdays for discounted tickets, so Tuesday, December 29, is a good movie day. My kids love the kids' meal with chicken tenders.
Play at Chuck E. Cheese
Atlantic Terminal, 139 Flatbush Ave · Best for ages 2 to 5
Don't sleep on Chuck E. Cheese if you have little kids. Go right when it opens, before it gets crowded. If your child is young, don't even spend money- just let them press buttons. It's an easy place to meet friends because the kids are safe and can't walk out without you.
Family bowling
Williamsburg and Sunset Park
An old-school activity the whole family can do.
Brooklyn Bowl: all ages on weekends from 11am (21+ after 6pm; closed Monday and Tuesday). Over break, that means Saturday, December 26, and Sunday, December 27. Lanes are $35 per half hour for up to 8 people, plus $5.95 for shoes.
Melody Lanes: one of my favorites in Sunset Park for a throwback vibe. Check holiday hours before you go.
Which day trips from Brooklyn are good over winter break?
Legoland's holiday event is the easiest win with younger kids. For older kids, Mountain Creek is the closest ski area to the city, and American Dream has an indoor water park and theme park.
Legoland New York Holiday Bricktacular
Goshen, NY · Select dates late November 2026 through early January 2027, closed Christmas Day · From $49 online
The Holiday Bricktacular looks so fun. Check the operating calendar for daily hours. There's a hotel on site if you want a last-minute getaway that will win you a lot of points with your kids.
Mountain Creek
Vernon, NJ · 2026 opening not posted yet (last year tubing opened December 13) · Tubing was $49.99 per 2-hour slot, online only
Mountain Creek is the closest ski area to NYC. In the morning, we usually make it there in under an hour from Prospect Heights (always longer on the way home). They also have snow tubing, and it's a great spot for first-time skiers. Check the website for parking details before you go.
American Dream
East Rutherford, NJ · AAA members save up to 15%
The two highlights are the DreamWorks Water Park and Nickelodeon Universe. Both are fun, and you get a water park and a theme park right next to the city. I don't recommend the combined passes: I've been several times and never had the energy for both in one day.
What festive things can families do over winter break?
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden runs through January 3, so it's still on during break.
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Prospect Heights · Nov 20, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027, evening timed entry · Kids 3-11 from $15, under 3 free
My family really enjoyed it, and it's a great addition to your list.
Tilt! An '80s Circus Thrill Ride at the New Victory Theater
Times Square · Dec 5, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027 · Ages 5+
The New Victory always has a kid-friendly holiday show, and this year it's a circus.
Skate with Santa at LeFrak Center
Prospect Park · 2026 dates not posted yet (last year Dec 6-21 weekends, 1pm and 3pm) · Free with admission last year
Last year's Santa sessions ended before break started, so plan for the weekends before. Regular skating is open every day over break.
Where can families ice skate in Brooklyn and NYC?
In Brooklyn, LeFrak Center in Prospect Park, Roebling Rink in Brooklyn Bridge Park and Domino Park in Williamsburg are all open over break.
LeFrak Center at Lakeside
Prospect Park · Open since Oct 31, daily 9am to 6pm plus Fri-Sat 7 to 10pm · 2026 rates not posted (last season $10 weekdays, $15 evenings and weekends)
Our home rink. Holiday hours for Dec 24, 25 and 31 aren't posted yet.
Roebling Rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Dumbo · Daily Nov 14, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027 · NYC residents $16 plus $8 rental
Skating almost under the Brooklyn Bridge. NYC residents get a discounted rate.
Domino Park Ice Skating
Williamsburg · Nov 9, 2026 to Feb 21, 2027 · NYC residents $13 weekdays, $17 weekends, $13 rental
A newer rink right on the waterfront.
The Rink at Brookfield Place
Battery Park City · 2026 opening not posted yet · Last season $15 weekdays, $17 weekends
One of my mom friends' go-to rinks. She says it's never too crowded, the ice is real, and being outside makes it feel more authentic.
Wollman Rink in Central Park
Central Park · Oct 28, 2026 to Mar 16, 2027 · Kids 4-12 $12, adults from $16 off-peak
If you want the iconic NYC experience, I vote Wollman. It's one of the biggest rinks in the city and far less crowded than Rockefeller Center.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Midtown · Open now · From about $22, higher at peak times
Prices change with demand, so plan accordingly. (I guess that's better than a crowd of tourists while my seven-year-old is learning to skate.)
Are there winter break camps in Brooklyn?
Yes. Chelsea Piers Field House Brooklyn has posted its 2026 dates. My other favorite camp vendors usually run most days of break, but haven't posted 2026 schedules yet.
Chelsea Piers Field House Brooklyn
Prospect Heights · Dec 24 and Dec 28-31 · Junior Camp (ages 3-5) $120 per day
Their December camps run Monday to Thursday, so book the days you need early.
Check these for 2026 dates:
Gotham Gymnastics (scattered availability last year)
Treasure Trunk Theatre (scattered availability last year)
What are kid-friendly New Year's Eve events in Brooklyn?
None of these have posted 2026 details yet, so here's what they did last year. I'll update as they're announced.
Family balloon drop at Threes Brewing
Gowanus · Last year Dec 31, 1 to 5pm · Free last year
An afternoon balloon drop with a sparkling cider toast for everyone is right up my alley.
Children's Museum of Manhattan countdown
Upper West Side · Last year a kids' ball drop at noon plus an afternoon dance party
A nice one to fit into the day if you want something special with the kids.
New Year's Eve fireworks at Grand Army Plaza
Prospect Park · Last year music from 10pm, fireworks at midnight · Free
Better for older kids given the late start.
Big Apple Circus
New location: Marx Brothers Playground, E 96th St between 1st and 2nd Aves · Nov 27, 2026 to Jan 18, 2027
Not New Year's Eve-themed, but I've heard great things. Check for a midday show.
Bonus: indoor playgrounds by neighborhood
My most popular post is my indoor playground guide by Brooklyn neighborhood. Use it to find indoor ideas close to you.
Good to know
School break: NYC public schools are off Thursday, December 24, 2026 through Friday, January 1, 2027.
Holiday hours: lots of places close or shorten hours on December 24, 25 and 31 and January 1. Check the morning of.
Book early. Family movies, Lightscape and camp days fill up first.
"Not posted yet" means the 2026 details haven't been announced. I'm sharing last year's so you can plan, and I'll update this guide as they come out.
Thinking about a move? Winter is a quiet time for new listings. More homes usually hit the market after the new year, then it picks up in spring.
Winter break FAQ
When is winter break 2026 for NYC public schools?
NYC public schools are closed from Thursday, December 24, 2026 through Friday, January 1, 2027.
What can kids do indoors in Brooklyn over winter break?
Spend the day at Industry City in Sunset Park (Japan Village, Hapik Climbing and CREA), go bowling at Brooklyn Bowl or Melody Lanes, or see a family movie at Nitehawk or Alamo Drafthouse.
Where can families ice skate in Brooklyn over winter break?
LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park, Roebling Rink in Brooklyn Bridge Park (open daily through January 31, 2027) and Domino Park in Williamsburg (through February 21, 2027) are all open over break.
Is Lightscape open during winter break?
Yes. Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden runs from November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027, with evening timed entry. Kids under 3 are free.
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My winter break short list:
Industry City, Sunset Park. Free to wander, with Japan Village and Hapik Climbing for a full indoor day.
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Still open through January 3.
Skating at LeFrak Center in Prospect Park. Open every day of break.
Legoland's Holiday Bricktacular. The easiest day trip win with little kids.
Curious what it costs to live near your favorite winter break spot?
Tell me the rink, park or neighborhood and I'll send a custom report: what homes nearby actually sell and rent for, monthly carrying costs, and how fast they move. Real numbers, no sales pitch.
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