Explore the Discovery Garden at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

What it is like

It is better than a lot of paid children's attractions. The garden has a meadow of native grasses and flowers that attracts butterflies and bees, a woodland with raised boardwalks and platforms, and a marsh you cross on split logs and boulders, plus an insect hotel. The garden says it welcomes children of all ages, with drop-in family weekends (Saturdays and Sundays, 10:30am to 12:30pm) and weekday sessions for toddlers.

Bring a change of socks, because the marsh crossing is the bit children will want to do three times. A note for the colder months: BBG lists pay-what-you-wish admission on Tuesday to Friday from December to February, and hours drop to 10am to 3:30pm in November, so daylight is the limiting factor.

Best time to go

Weekend mornings (drop-in family sessions 10:30am to 12:30pm).

Tips before you go

• Check which entrance is open: the Eastern Parkway entrance was temporarily closed, so use 990 Washington Avenue or 455 Flatbush Avenue.
• Weekend mornings have drop-in family activities from 10:30am to 12:30pm.
• Winter weekdays are pay what you wish (Tuesday to Friday, December to February).