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Why Visit Green-Wood Cemetery with Kids?

Green-Wood is a National Historic Landmark and one of New York City’s most beautiful open spaces. With rolling hills, 478 acres of tree-lined paths, and thousands of birds migrating through its green spaces, it feels like a cross between a museum and a nature preserve.

Kids love spotting the dramatic Gothic entrance gate, exploring winding paths, and discovering fascinating memorials. Along the way, families can learn about historical figures like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Leonard Bernstein, who are buried there. The mix of art, history, and nature makes Green-Wood a rich destination for curious minds.

SEE: Take a Stroller Walk Through Green-Wood Cemetery

The entrance to Green-Wood Cemetery is marked by a jaw-dropping Gothic arch. 

Must-See Spots in Green-Wood with Kids

With nearly 500 acres to explore, it helps to know where to head first. These kid-friendly highlights make the cemetery feel more like an adventure:

The Gothic Arch Entrance Gate: A stop here is a dramatic way to start your visit and provides a perfect photo-op.

Battle Hill: The highest point in Brooklyn, Battle Hill provides sweeping views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Kids love the lore of standing where Revolutionary War history happened.

The Green-Wood Chapel: This historic chapel often hosts art exhibits and events, and its architecture is a striking stop on your walk.

The Valley Water & Crescent Water Ponds: These two destinations provide a peaceful spot for birdwatching and a little downtime.

Basquiat’s Grave: Teens, especially, find it exciting to visit the final resting place of one of NYC’s most famous artists.

Angel of Music Statue (near Leonard Bernstein’s grave): A great conversation starter for families about music, art, and legacy.

These landmarks make Green-Wood Cemetery feel less like a cemetery visit and more like a living museum.

Pro tip: You can use Google Maps on your phone to navigate between specific sites.

Green-Wood Cemetery Events & Tours for Families

Green-Wood isn’t just for quiet strolls—it offers family-friendly programming year-round. Guided trolley tours bring history to life with kid-friendly storytelling, while nature walks highlight the resident hawks, owls, and woodpeckers.

When I checked out the programs section of the website, I was blown away by the number and variety of events available. Early mornings offer unique birding experiences, take a stroller-friendly walking tour, or explore the Art of Goodbye to learn how artists have depicted loss through the ages.

Annually on September 11, guests can view the Memorial Lights and remember the more than 100 people who died in the event and are buried within the cemetery. During the fall, the cemetery hosts concerts, seasonal walking tours, and even art workshops. Be sure to check the Green-Wood event calendar before your visit.

Another annual highlight is the Battle of Brooklyn Family Day, which commemorates the 1776 battle with a reenactment, parade up Battle Hill, and more family-friendly fun in late August.

The Catacombs of Green-Wood Cemetery

Few places spark curiosity quite like the Catacombs of Green-Wood Cemetery. Access is limited, and generally only available during special tours or organized events, such as Green-Wood After Hours and select concerts. Older kids may find the mysterious underground vaults especially fascinating. For families with teens, this rare glimpse into Green-Wood’s hidden spaces can be a memorable highlight of the visit. 

Halloween Fun at Green-Wood Cemetery: Spooky & Sweet

Come October, Green-Wood leans into the season with just the right mix of spooky and sweet. Families can join lantern-lit tours, storytelling events, or seasonal performances that celebrate history without being too scary for younger kids. For parents of older children, these programs offer a fun way to balance thrills with cultural enrichment. October’s event highlights include a true crime trolley tour, Green-Wood After Hours, and moonlight tours, including access to the catacombs, and a stranger than fiction trolley tour.

Wide, paved paths make a walk through Green-Wood Cemetery easy, even with strollers. 

Navigating Green-Wood Cemetery with Strollers and Toddlers

Worried about visiting Green-Wood Cemetery with little ones? Green-Wood’s wide paved paths make it stroller-friendly, though some hilly areas may require extra effort. Restrooms are available near the main entrance, and there are plenty of spots to pause for snacks or quiet moments. Kids love watching birds, crunching leaves underfoot, and wandering the car-free grounds.

Green-Wood isn’t just a fall destination. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom. In summer, shaded pathways make for a cool retreat. Winter brings a serene beauty to the grounds. No matter the season, Green-Wood is a place where families can blend history, nature, and art into one meaningful outing.

So, pack the stroller, grab the binoculars, and plan a visit. You might be surprised at just how lively Brooklyn’s most famous cemetery can be.

Know Before You Go to Green-Wood Cemetery

• Green-Wood is open year-round, and admission is FREE. 
• Guided tours and special events usually require tickets, so check the Green-Wood events calendar before you go.
• Families should plan to bring water, snacks, and comfortable walking shoes.
• Green-Wood is first and foremost a cemetery. Don’t climb on monuments, keep voices low near ceremonies, and treat the grounds with care. 
• Don’t forget your camera. The views from Battle Hill—the highest point in Brooklyn—are spectacular, offering glimpses of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

Green-Wood Cemetery may not sound like your typical family destination, but that’s exactly why it’s such a hidden gem. With its combination of nature, history, art, and community events, it’s a place where kids can learn, play, and be inspired.

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