Hikes and hunting: 10 things to do in Brooklyn this weekend

January 9, 2020 Scott Enman

Right before shooters release an arrow, their concentration can be seen in their eyes.

Be like this guy, and get your archery on this weekend. Photo: Paul Frangipane/Brooklyn Eagle

1. Take your pants off

Subway riders with no pants wait on the R train. Photo: Todd Maisel/Brooklyn Eagle

From Berlin to Boston, Melbourne to Montreal, the world will be stripping down to its drawers this Sunday for the 19 annual No Pants Subway Ride.

Roughly 2,000 participants are expected to take part in the Big Apple, and Mother Nature has agreed to cooperate this year. Sunday’s forecast, though showers are likely, is a warm 65 degrees, which is a bit better than last year’s 32 degrees.

Sunday at 3 p.m. at Foley Square. Free.

2. Warm up with jazz

New York City Winter Jazzfest starts this week, and there’s a can’t-miss performance on Saturday. It’s at Brooklyn’s new venue The Sultan Room at The Turk’s Inn, built to replicate a former Wisconsin supper club. James “Blood” Ulmer will be on the guitar, and expect to hear his warm baritone vocals. Plus. three-man band Harriet Tubman, named after the former abolitionist, will also be performing.

Saturday at 7 p.m. at The Sultan Room at The Turk’s Inn. From $25.

3. Spend a night at the museum

The Brooklyn Museum. Photo: Richard Barnes

New York Adventure Club is hosting an exclusive after-hours tour at the Brooklyn Museum. Roam the halls after dark and receive a private tour of the museum, as well access to the beautiful Beaux-Art Court.

Saturday at 5:55 p.m. at the Brooklyn Museum. From $42.

4. Help the environment

Residents bring a Christmas tree for mulching at Prospect Park West. Photo: Todd Maisel/Brooklyn Eagle

Thank you very mulch! Bring your Christmas trees to be chipped this Saturday at Mulchfest. Last year more than 28,000 trees were recycled, according to NYC Parks. All of the trees will be turned into mulch, which will help beautify the city’s parks. Plus, you can take home your own bag of mulch to use in your backyard or garden.

Chipping will be available at nine different locations across the borough, including Cobble Hill Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park and Prospect Park.

Multiple locations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free.

5. Go thrifting

A look inside 25 Kent, where Smorgasburg and Brooklyn Flea are located this winter. Photo: 25 Kent

You never know what you’ll find at Brooklyn Flea. From rare records and vintage clothing to homemade jewelry, there’s something for everyone at this market. Plus, enjoy delicious food at Smorgasburg, which is combined with Brooklyn Flea during the winter at 25 Kent Ave. in Williamsburg.

Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 25 Kent Ave. Free. More info here.

6. Go wild

Pallas’ cats are at the center of a new exhibit at the Prospect Park Zoo. Photo: Julie Larsen Maher via Prospect Park Zoo

Head down to the Prospect Park Zoo for its Winter Zoo Wonderland where you can learn about which animals at the zoo like the cold, and which ones don’t. Plus, find out what animals do to adapt to the frigid temperatures. There’s an outdoor trail, plus you can warm up in the inside exhibits.

Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Prospect Park Zoo. $9.95.

7. Go hunting

The types of animals on the field vary from the often-seen raccoon to the long-extinct Tyrannosaurus Rex. — You can shoot foam raccoons at Gotham Archery. Photo: Paul Frangipane/Brooklyn Eagle

Hunt dinosaurs, deer and raccoons at Gotham Archery in Gowanus this weekend. Practice your hunting skills or just enjoy shooting the foam creatures. Either way, it’s bound to be a good time.

Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Gotham Archery. From $16

8. Explore Brooklyn’s largest park

Welcome to the wilderness, right here in Brooklyn. This is the Marine Park Preserve. Photo: Lore Croghan/Brooklyn Eagle

Marine Park, at 798 acres is the largest park in Brooklyn. It has a beautiful nature preserve with lots of hiking trails. Head down there to blow off steam or to get some exercise. You might even forget you’re in the city.

Any day from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. at Marine Park. Free.

9. Explore Brooklyn’s third largest park

Welcome to Shirley Chisholm State Park in East New York. Photo: Lore Croghan/Brooklyn Eagle

When you’re done exploring Marine Park, head to Brooklyn’s third largest park, Shirley Chisholm State Park. The green space opened in July and features hiking and biking trails. It’s named after Brooklyn’s Shirley Chisholm, who was the first African-American woman elected to Congress and the first woman to run for president in the Democratic Party.

Any day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Shirley Chisholm State Park. Free.

10. Embrace the winter

Winter in Brooklyn can be great if you have the right attitude. Try skating in Prospect Park. It will improve your mood. Photo: Michael Moran via the Prospect Park Alliance

It has been very cold, but surprisingly, it’s about to get warm this weekend. So be sure to embrace winter — without it actually being cold — this weekend. From skating in Prospect Park to drinking by the fireplace, here are nine ways to enjoy the season in Brooklyn.

Multiple locations and times.

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