Best Indoor Play Spaces for Toddlers in Park Slope

Drop-In Center at Congregation Beth Elohim

This cozy community drop-in space is a longtime favorite for parents of toddlers and preschoolers who want a calm, welcoming environment where kids can play freely without total chaos. The room is set up with age-appropriate toys, books, and space to move, making it ideal for little ones still mastering walking and sharing. It’s especially appealing if you’re looking for a low-pressure, neighborhood feel rather than a loud indoor activity center. Mid-morning visits tend to be the quietest, and stroller parking is usually manageable if you arrive early. It's only open during specific hours: Tuesday-Friday 9:15am-12:15pm from October through April. $10 for non-members.

Juguemos a Cantar Drop-In Play Space 

With locations on Sixth Avenue and Sterling Place, Juguemos a Cantar is a go-to for toddlers who thrive on music, movement, and sensory play. This bilingual space blends singing, dancing, and imaginative play in a way that feels structured but still fun, making it perfect for kids who need engagement without overstimulation. It’s less about climbing and more about connection, so plan to participate alongside your child. Bringing socks is a must, and earlier sessions are best for younger toddlers.

With two Park Slope locations on opposite ends of the neighborhood, this Spanish immersion program opens up its play spaces to the public at designated hours on weekdays. Children ages newborn to four can play with instruments, trains, blocks, doll houses, a pretend kitchen, puppets, soft toys, a ball pit and more. The schedule varies depending on location and season so visit the website for more info. Cost is $10 for the first child, $2 for siblings and memberships are also available.

Barnes & Noble
267 Seventh Avenue near 6th Street
This is my go-to spot when it's damp or cold. With a recent glow-up, the toy section downstairs is cleaner and more stocked than in the past. The kid-sized plush stools and tables invite you to linger, and there's even stroller parking. The workers are so accustomed to families using the store as a play space that they've established a special reading area where you can leave the books you don't buy. (I usually feel inclined to buy something, though.) The store also occasionally hosts events and workshops for children and teens.

The Community Bookstore
143 Seventh Avenue between Garfield Place and Carroll Street
A beloved local spot, this bookshop is a draw for kids and adults alike. In addition to a large kids' area with comfy seats, it's home to a friendly dog, cat and bearded dragon. Terracotta floors, Persian carpets and French doors that open onto a garden complete the cozy feel. Every Sunday at 11am, there's an intimate storytime. Sometimes local children's authors read their work, otherwise the staff steps up and shares their favorite kids' tales.

Little Things Toy Store
145 Seventh Avenue between Garfield Place and Carroll Street
Right next door you'll find one of the most kid-friendly toy emporiums in the Slope. The staff lets kids run wild—be warned, it's a veritable madhouse on weekends! The store has playthings for every age, including plush, wooden and novelty toys, hair accessories and jewelry, dolls, books, stickers, trains, the lot. Its biggest attractions: The giant Thomas the Tank Engine and Calico Critters play tables set up outside the store for fun, free play on milder days.

Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co.
372 Fifth Avenue between 5th and 6th Streets
There's nothing as fun or original in the Slope as this spot, known for selling "high-quality crime fighting merchandise." They're not kidding. A dizzying array of secret identity kits, costumes, and containers of mock concoctions like "mind control" and "truth serum" line the walls. The whole place is decked out like a superhero lair, with stainless steel platforms and a control booth, and your kids can don capes and pose for pictures in front of a strategically placed fan. Proceeds from the store go to 826 National, a charity co-founded by author Dave Eggers to fund free children's creative writing workshops across the country. The NYC chapter is located behind a hidden door in this store.

Unleashed by Petco
81 Seventh Avenue between Berkeley Place and Union Street
Pet stores make great hangout spots. There are no animals for sale at this sizable store. However, on weekends local shelters offers cats and sometimes dogs for adoption if you need a petting fix (or a new addition to your family).

Petland Discounts
510 Fifth Avenue between 12th and 13th Streets
If watching fish is what you're after, this store is a better bet. There are lots of cool aquatic creatures and reptiles in fish tanks and terrariums in the back.

Central Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library
10 Grand Army Plaza
Okay, we admit we're cheating a bit here, since this library doesn't quite fall within the geographical boundaries we set for our Park Slope coverage. However, since the Park Slope library is currently closed, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention this branch as a nearby place for kids to play and learn. There's a decent-sized kids' section with a seating area, and a few computers loaded with educational games. The real attraction though is the free programs. From toddler and preschool storytimes to craft classes and tween book clubs to chess for teens and after-school homework help, this library's got it all. Plus there are wonderful performances for families on weekends. All of these events are first-come, first-served, so it's important to show up early.

Indoor Play Areas That Aren’t Traditional Playgrounds
Barnes & Noble – Park Slope

The children’s section at Barnes & Noble has saved countless rainy afternoons, offering space to explore books, puzzles, and quiet activities while staying warm and dry. It’s not a formal indoor playground, but for kids who love flipping through books or listening to storytime, it works beautifully. Parents appreciate the flexibility — no tickets, no time limits — though weekends can get crowded fast. Weekday mornings are the sweet spot if you want a calmer experience.

The Community Bookstore – Park Slope

This beloved neighborhood bookstore feels more like a friend’s living room than a retail space, and kids are genuinely welcome to browse, sit, and explore. It’s an excellent stop for slightly older kids who can handle a quieter environment, and it pairs nicely with a coffee or snack stop nearby. While it’s not a place to let kids run wild, it’s perfect for encouraging a love of reading without pressure to rush.

Little Things Toy Store – Park Slope

Little Things is the kind of toy store that doubles as an indoor activity simply because kids can actually engage with what’s inside. The selection is thoughtful and hands-on, which makes it easy to spend a solid chunk of time exploring games and toys together. It’s especially helpful on days when you just need a short indoor outing rather than a full afternoon commitment. Setting expectations before you go in helps keep things stress-free.

Where Older Kids Can Burn Energy Indoors
Powerplay Indoor Play Area – Park Slope Adjacent

Powerplay offers one of the closest things to a traditional indoor playground near Park Slope, with space for kids to climb, jump, and really move their bodies. It bridges the gap between toddler playrooms and big trampoline parks, making it a strong option for preschool and elementary-aged kids who need to burn off energy. It does get loud and busy later in the day, so earlier visits tend to be smoother and more enjoyable.

Brooklyn Arts Exchange (BAX) – Park Slope

BAX isn’t an indoor playground in the traditional sense, but it’s a fantastic option for kids who love movement, dance, and creative expression. With classes, workshops, and occasional drop-in opportunities, it offers a structured way for kids to stay active indoors without the chaos of open play spaces. It’s particularly appealing for older kids who enjoy routine and artistic exploration. Checking the schedule ahead of time is key since offerings vary.

Indoor Play Spaces That Feel Like an Adventure
Central Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library – Grand Army Plaza

The Central Library is one of the best free indoor play spaces for kids in the area, with a children’s section designed for exploration, reading, and quiet play. There’s plenty of room for kids of all ages to spread out, and the environment feels welcoming rather than restrictive. It’s a great option when you want something enriching that doesn’t cost anything, though elevators can get crowded, so plan accordingly if you’re bringing a stroller.

Brooklyn Museum – Walkable from Park Slope

The Brooklyn Museum is surprisingly kid-friendly, offering wide spaces to explore, rotating family programming, and hands-on activities during special events. It works well for older kids who can engage with exhibits but still enjoy the freedom to move around indoors. Pay-what-you-wish days make it especially appealing, and checking the calendar for family-focused programming can turn a regular visit into a standout experience.

Hidden Gem Indoor Play Spaces in Park Slope
Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. – Park Slope

Part store, part imagination hub, Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. is perfect for kids who love storytelling, role play, and creativity. Instead of climbing structures, kids get to invent alter egos, write comics, and fully dive into pretend play. It’s an especially great fit for kids who don’t gravitate toward loud indoor playgrounds but still crave engaging, hands-on fun. Going during quieter hours allows kids more time to explore without feeling rushed.

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Drop-in Play Spots

Drop-In Center at Congregation Beth Elohim
274 Garfield Place near Eighth Avenue
This popular tot spot for children under 2 has tumbling, arts and crafts, and play areas stocked with mini-kitchens and push toys. 
Indoor Play Area at Powerplay
432 Third Avenue between 7th and 8th Streets
Again, this play spot is slightly beyond our official Park Slope boundaries, but still a great nearby spot for local families with young children. The brightly colored indoor space features slides, a sandbox, a tree house and a playhouse. My daughter especially loves "driving" around in the plastic, kid-powered cars. In general, it's open Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm, Saturday 9am-4pm and Sunday 10am-3pm but it's best to call ahead, especially on weekends as the play space may close for a private party. $10 for a two-hour play session.

Brooklyn Arts Exchange
421 Fifth Avenue between 7th and 8th Streets
BAX's Playspace program is another well-liked drop-in option for preschoolers. On Mondays and Fridays from 9:30 to 11:30am, children ages 4 and under can navigate hoops and tunnels, color, play with balls and read books. $10 per family per session or $80 for a ten-pack.

Juguemos a Cantar Drop-In Play Space
438 Sixth Avenue at 9th Street
47 Sterling Place at Sixth Avenue
 

Members-Only Play Spots

YMCA Armory, 361 15th Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues
YMCA Prospect Park, 357 9th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues
Members at both branches can enjoy a plethora of classes and indoor play for kids of all ages. The Prospect Park branch is jam-packed with classes for kids, including art, theater, ballet and the ever-popular Baby Boogie and Story, Song, Shimmy. The Armory also has storytimes, tumbling and family walk time round its massive indoor track. Family memberships vary, so visit the websites for info.

Kidville
808 Union Street at Seventh Avenue
There are a variety of membership packages, all pricey, but amenities include tons of classes, dance and art studios, a theater, a boutique and a gym featuring swings, trampolines, slides, tunnels and a climbing wall.


For other cool and offbeat places to play, check out our Indoor Activity Guide. Or see all of our posts about Park Slope.