Winter Break Discovery Gardens at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Growing from its humble beginnings as an ash dump in the late 1800s, the 52-acre Brooklyn Botanic Garden has come to represent the very best in urban gardening and horticultural display. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has beautiful spaces to visit (we love the Japanese Garden), and offers classes and workshops for families that explore the natural world through fun activities (its children's garden has been teaching little ones how to harvest their own crops since 1914!). Its latest addition—the one-acre Discovery Garden—is specifically geared to kids. Inside, you'll find various habitats (meadow, marsh, and woodland) chock full of fun and educational hands-on activities set along a meandering stroller-friendly path. (Don't miss the huge human-sized nest; inside young visitors can use twigs to make their own mini nest.) The garden is also known for its many family-friendly events throughout the year including Sakura Matsuri in April and Ghouls & Gourds in October. An on-site cafe offers sandwiches, salads and a kids menu with items like grilled cheese and PB&J.