Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Park Slope, Brooklyn

  • Published 2022/02/09

Park Slope is a hidden gem tucked within Brooklyn, New York, which spans from the West side of Prospect Park and to 4th Ave.

You can find this neighborhood between Flatbush Ave. and Prospect Expressway, just above South Slope.

Park Slope is a pretty large neighborhood with its share of sights to explore.

For anyone who visits this neighborhood, you’ll find all kinds of historical and music spots to check out, along with different dives you can try out.

Even just strolling around the neighborhood makes for a fun activity.

Having said that, here are the 15 best things to do in Park Slope, Brooklyn:

Take a Step into The Old Stone House

Stone walls and red roof of the old stone house exterior.

Jim alfano, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Existing since 1933 but dating back to 1699 as a Dutch stone farmhouse, The Old Stone House is a prime location to visit if you are a history enthusiast.

The Old Stone House sits within J. J. Byrne Playground, featuring original materials from when it was still the Vechte–Cortelyou House.

When visiting this historical site, there are plenty of displays you can view.

More than the historical exhibits, The Old Stone House also features different art exhibitions throughout the year.

Closer view of the old stone house exterior with two flags hanging from the white glass windows.

Dmadeo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In addition to the features inside the house, you’ll find beautiful gardens with various crops and flowers.

The site also hosts a farmer’s market that opens on Sundays.

Different programs and events are also available at this site, and you can learn about them by visiting the historical site’s website.

Explore the Litchfield Villa

Located within Prospect Park is the Litchfield Villa, otherwise known as “Grace Hill.”

The Litchfield Villa goes back to 1854 and is an Italianate mansion designed by Alexander Jackson Davis.

Currently, it stands as the venue for the administrative offices for the Prospect Park Alliance and makes for a beautiful photo backdrop.

While you can’t necessarily enter this site at any time, you can explore the grounds and get your fill of architectural beauty.

Discover Social and Political History at the Interference Archive

There are many different historical spots you can find throughout Park Slope, and one of them is the Interference Archive.

You can find this volunteer-run library at 7th Street, but you’ll need to check out their website for the best time to visit.

At The Interference Archive, you’ll find various historical pieces relating to different periods of social activism and political movements.

More than the collections and exhibits you can peruse at this library, there are workshops, screenings, and other events that occur as well.

The library also features a podcast you can listen to on their website.

Make a Stop at the Montauk Club

Top part view of the exterior building of montauk museum.

Felix Lipov / Shutterstock.com

The Montauk Club is a historical, social club that dates back to 1889 and features different eye-catching decor, such as its stained glass windows.

While this club is not always open to the public, specific events allow non-members entry into this artistic structure throughout the year.

Face shapes on a pole of montauk club.

Felix Lipov / Shutterstock.com

Given how rare those events are, the alternative is to book the venue.

Aside from the venue itself, the club also offers a dining service where members can reserve.

If you are interested in gaining the different perks of being a member of the club, you can check out their website on what options you can take.

Exterior view of the montauk club building from the bottom.

Felix Lipov / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy a Performance at Puppetworks, Inc.

Plenty of places in Park Slope provides different kinds of entertainment.

One place you can check out for some unique entertainment is Puppetworks, Inc.

Puppetworks, Inc. is a puppet theater that has been operating since the 1980s and features a variety of shows throughout the year.

It may not be the most prominent attraction to visit in Park Slope, but it does provide a unique experience.

For anyone who likes the art, you’ll find quality puppetry with eye-catching puppets.

You can find this theater around 4th Avenue or check out their website for show schedules.

You also have the option to book the theater for group events.

Either way, you’ll find an entertaining experience by watching a show at Puppetworks, Inc.

Book a Show at the Lena Horne Bandshell

Formerly known as Prospect Park Bandshell, the Lena Horne Bandshell is the best spot for live concerts.

Renamed in 2021 in honor of the legendary music and activist figure, Lena Horne, the venue holds a long-standing history in Prospect Park.

The bandshell’s existence goes as far back as 1941 and has been the stage for hundreds of concerts throughout the past decades.

If you want to catch any of the concerts held at the bandshell this year, you need to make an advanced ticket purchase.

With a capacity that spans thousands, joining a concert at this venue will make for a fun-filled experience.

More than concerts, you’ll find that the Lena Horne Bandshell also hosts films for you to enjoy.

Listen to a Concert at the Brooklyn Academy of Music

The brooklyn academy of music name on top of the building exterior.

Osugi / Shutterstock.com

The Brooklyn Academy of Music is the ideal place to visit if you are a music fan, especially the classical variety.

Running since 1861, the art center features a variety of performances that range from opera to theater and dance.

Exterior of the brooklyn academy of music building.

Osugi / Shutterstock.com

There are various facilities you can visit at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and each one holds different styles and eye-catching features for you to enjoy.

Aside from the various performances held at the theaters, the Brooklyn Academy of Music theaters also hosts films and art galleries for you to admire as well.

You can check out the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) website to see current and upcoming show details.

Front exterior view of the brooklyn academy of music building - with people standing in front.

T photography / Shutterstock.com

Watch a Play at The Gallery Players Theater

At the Gallery Players Theater, you’ll find a small-scale theater with a more Broadway theme when compared to other theaters.

The theater holds less than a hundred seats but has been running since 1967 and features various plays and musicals throughout the year.

Whether you are into classic or contemporary shows, the theater provides a range of genres you can enjoy.

You can find this theater by heading to 14th Street.

There is also the option to explore the theater’s website to check show schedules and book a ticket or check out their social media page for updates and announcements.

Another feature that makes this theater stand out is that they offer programs to participate in a production.

Anyone who is a fan of performing arts will find plenty to enjoy when visiting the Gallery Players Theater.

Check Out a Show or Game at the Barclays Center

Aerial view of the barclays center building with city skyscrapers behind it.

Dariusz Gryczka / Shutterstock.com

Just as there are plenty of locations where you can enjoy an artistic performance, there are plenty of spaces you can enjoy sports.

When deciding to visit the Barclays Center, you get the option to check out a show or watch a game.

The venue is a multi-purpose indoor arena that hosts various events, and you can check out the Barclays Center on what events are happening for the month.

Barclays center name sign near the entrance with people around it.

T photography / Shutterstock.com

More than being a stage for events that range from conventions to sports games, the center holds different facilities you can visit for extra fun.

There are different concessions, dining spaces, and bars you can find in the center, so if you need a break to get a bite to eat, you have no shortage of options.

Another feature you’ll find at the center is premium options you can learn about on their website.

People occupying the seats of barclays center during a concert.

FashionStock.com / Shutterstock.com

Get Drinks and a Show at Barbès

Another type of place you’ll find plenty of while exploring Park Slope is the bars and pubs.

One of the more stand-out bars you can visit in this neighborhood is Barbès.

Barbès is a bar that not only offers a wide selection of drinks you can indulge in but also opens its doors for local performers and film screenings.

Currently, you can see shows played at the bar online via the bar’s website and even see old shows that are archived.

When it comes to the drinks available at the bar, you’ll find a wide selection of cocktails, wines, and other alcohol to fulfill your tastes.

Aside from this, Barbès offers an online shop you can access via their website and purchase your choice of drink to bring home.

By visiting Barbès, you get to treat yourself to quality drinks and a fun show.

Learn Salsa at the Salsa Salsa Dance Studio

Among the different places and options you can enjoy in Park Slope, you can learn something new by visiting the Salsa Salsa Dance Studio.

Whether you are new to salsa or not, the Salsa Salsa Dance Studio provides plenty of options to accommodate any student or visitor.

You can locate this studio around 4th avenue and get the option to either join a class or book a private section.

You’ll find that the dance studio also offers lessons for other types of dances, which you can learn more about via their website.

Aside from classes and personal sessions, you can find updates on workshops available at the studio.

Play a Round at Myss Tic Rooms

If you’re looking to have fun but get a challenge too, an ideal place to visit would be the Myss Tic Rooms.

The Myss Tic Rooms is an escape room center that provides you with a fun mystery experience with their rooms.

While they do not have multiple rooms you can play in, the ones they do have provide engaging stories you can immerse yourself in for fun.

The center allows a maximum of eight people per group and allows online booking via their website.

You can also check out the place by heading to Union Street and see if the experience is for you.

Become a Superhero at the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co.

Exterior of the brooklyn superhero supply co. with a car parked in front.

I, Jeffrey O. Gustafson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Every place has its share of unique spots to shop in; and in Park Slope, that spot is the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co.

When visiting this store, you’ll find an array of retail items and trinkets that’ll help to turn you into your favorite type of hero.

Even if you don’t have the biggest fan of superheroes, the Brooklyn Superhero Supply holds plenty of unique and fun products for you to peruse.

A tall sign post in front of the brooklyn superhero supply - listing their products.

I, Jeffrey O. Gustafson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In addition to having a wide selection of items, the store also features an indoor wind tunnel where visitors can experience the feeling of having capes.

If you want to see what else the store has, you can check out their website for more details.

Check Out the Community Bookstore

The Community Bookstore may not be the most exciting place to visit in Park Slope, but it does have its share of charm to enjoy.

Running for over 50 years now, the bookstore offers various options for you to peruse.

One of the fun features you can find when visiting this bookstore is to meet the bookstore’s pets.

If you check out the bookstore’s website, you can find a section of recommendations by the store feline known as “Tiny the Usurper.”

Aside from various books, the store also offers other products you can purchase, including store merchandise and stationery items.

Roam around J.J. Byrne Playground

Take a break from exploration and various activities by visiting the J.J. Byrne Playground.

The J.J. Byrne Playground is a fun park with many facilities you can enjoy while immersing in nature.

These facilities range from sports courts to playgrounds and eateries you can try out.

You can also check out the historical spaces available at this park and learn local information.

To make it short, the J.J. Byrne Playground offers a good amount of facilities you can enjoy if you’re looking to take a break from exploring the neighborhood.

Final Thoughts

Park Slope is one of the many places you can visit in Brooklyn and offers all kinds of spots for you to explore and try out.

A prominent amount of spots you’ll find when going around this neighborhood involves the arts and drinking.

From checking out a play to trying out cocktails or even both, you’re sure to have fun with whatever you decide to do.

In addition to the arts and drinks, Park Slope offers its share of fun shops and places for you to experience.

Whatever you decide to do when visiting Park Slope, you’re sure to have a fun experience.

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