8 Cheap Spring Activities in Brooklyn
This blog post is for the 8 best cheap things to do in Brooklyn during the spring.
Springtime is my favorite season in Brooklyn! No more cold and dark winter, the flowers start to bud, the weather is warmer, and there’s a little bit of rain but it’s still doable. New Yorkers finally emerge outside of their tiny apartments and take advantage of the longer days and warm weather.
Spring is one of the best times to visit New York, and if you’re looking to venture outside of Manhattan, then this blog is perfect for you! As a native New Yorker, here are some of my favorite affordable activities to do during the spring.
Picnicking in Prospect Park
Central Park is not the only park that people love to spend time in. Prospect Park has so many things you can do, like going to the farmer’s market, having a picnic with loved ones, enjoying the nature around you with a nice stroll, and taking in the greenery that can be so hard to find in this city.
For a great picnic in the park, I recommend bringing a blanket and bag with glasses and utensils, then going to the farmer’s market and getting a fresh loaf of bread, some cheese, local honey, and some cider, iced tea, or lemonade. The perfect meal to people watch and spend the afternoon in the park – on a dime.
Visiting the Brooklyn Museum
After you’re done spending time in Prospect Park, you can spend the rest of the afternoon at the Brooklyn Museum. General admission is suggested as they have a pay-as-you-wish model, making it a great activity for an affordable price (as low as $1). Anyone 19 and under or a Care Partner is free to enter! However, if you wanted to go to a ticketed exhibition, you would have to purchase a separate ticket. Get tickets here.
Here are some must-see exhibits:
- In The Now: Gender and Nation in Europe, Selections from the Sir Mark Ferhs Haukohl Photography Collection – Available until July 7th, 2024
- Giants: Art From the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz & Alicia Keys – Available until July 7th, 2024
- Nona Faustine: White Shoes – Available until July 7th, 2024
Perfect for spending on an afternoon and great for any rainy day. The Brooklyn Museum is definitely a must-visit!
Exploring the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
If you’re thinking of an alternative to the Brooklyn Museum, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is another must-see attraction when visiting Brooklyn in the springtime. Tickets are $18 for adults and free for children under 12 years old. April is a great time to visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden because that’s when the cherry blossoms start to bloom.
Here are some must-see attractions:
- Seasonal Highlights Tour – April 2nd – June 30, 2024
- Floral Design: Working with Coompostable Floral Techniques – onsite – April 2nd, 2024
- Hanami Nights – Tuesday, April 23rd – Thursday, April 25th
Spend The Afternoon At A Brewery
There’s nothing better than spending the day at a nice brewery trying different beers, hanging out with friends, and indulging in great meals. Brooklyn has some great, affordable breweries that won’t break the bank and might challenge your tastebuds! It’s also great to spend time drinking outside and people-watching because no matter how much we love to walk in this city there’s always time for a nice break.
Here are some great Brooklyn Breweries to try!
Sampling Treats at Smorgasburg
Smorgasburg is one of my favorite springtime activities! It is the largest weekly open-air food market in America. They first started in Williamsburg, but now have two other locations in Prospect Park and the World Trade Center. Smorgasburg is only open on Fridays at the World Trade Center, Saturdays at their Williamsburg location, and Sundays at their Prospect Park location.
It is free to enter and they have a great mix of food from Latin America, American, Asian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Barbeque, Baked Goods, Alcohol, and so much more! They are reopening on April 5th and are open until October. I would definitely recommend making a stop here during your trip.
Browsing the Brooklyn Flea
You can’t come to Brooklyn and not go shopping. Brooklyn Flea is reopening this April 6th, 2024 in Dumbo. It was founded in April 2008 and is one of the city’s best attractions. It’s a great place to shop, thrift, and find the perfect New York outfit. There are also vendors for furniture, collectibles and antiques, arts, jewelry, and so much more.
It is completely free to enter, and you can spend hours shopping there. It’s a great place for treasure hunting, and finding unique items on a budget. Perfect for anyone looking to find more vintage items and explore Brooklyn’s second-hand scene.
Exploring Greenpoint Terminal Market
Greenpoint Terminal Market opens back up on May 5th! They’re open every Saturday & Sunday in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. They’re a great place to shop at local vendors and local shops. It is free to enter, and you’ll be amazed by all of the beautiful clothes, jewelry, food & drinks, and furniture that you can find here.
It’s one of my favorite markets during the springtime, plus it has a great view of the New York City skyline. If you’re looking for more entertainment, you can spend the night right next door at the neighboring Skyline Drive-in NYC and see a movie right after!
Attending a Free Workshop or Class
Another great way to spend time in Brooklyn during the spring is by joining a free workshop or class at the Brooklyn Library. They have amazing classes, live music, films, and workshops for adults to attend throughout the year. Here you can learn new skills, explore diverse topics and hobbies, and discover free educational opportunities.
Here are some free Workshops & Classes I recommend:
- Colloquy: Translators in Conversation with Raina, Rogers & Shyue – April 2nd
- Alice Randall on My Black Country with Charlamagne Tha God & Special Guest Rosanne Cash – April 10th
- Shubnum Khan Discusses The Djinn Waits A Hundred Years – April 17th
Spring in Brooklyn
No matter what you choose to do, there are so many options for embracing spring in Brooklyn. Make the most of this season and enjoy the outdoor activities, taste new foods and drinks, take a free class, or try a new hobby.
Brooklyn has become my favorite borough for its opportunities, beauty, diversity, and charms. I know how expensive this city can be, but I hoped this blog showed how you can enjoy Brooklyn on a budget. If you liked these recommendations, let me know in the comments and I’ll make a part two!
Want to read more? Catch up on my other blogs!
- 4 Best Spring Activities in New York City
- 5 Things To Know Before Studying Abroad
- 6 Bet Cheap Places To Travel in April in Europe