No school on Monday! So, what to do instead? We have some fun ideas:
Fort Greene Track and Field Day
Organized by Young Rock Soccer Academy in conjunction with Council Member Letitia James, LIU Brooklyn Sports Science Department, P.S. 11 Purvis Behan School, Hip Tot Music Fest, Everyday Athlete and others. Events include fitness training, dodge ball, capture the flag, relay races, soccer, sprints, tug of war and more. Plus Jasmin of Music for Aardvarks will be there to entertain the lil ones!
Details: Monday, October 8th, 3 – 6 p.m.. Sign in begins at 2:30 p.m. Brooklyn Tech Football Field, 510 Clermont Avenue (between Fulton Street and Atlantic Avenue)
Our favorite art pieces at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Celebrates Columbus Day
Usually the Garden is closed on Monday, but they are open for Columbus Day. It’s a great time to visit as the leaves are changing and the gardens will be less populated. We Details: Monday, Columbus Day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park
If you are in for some excitement, then head out to Coney Island to Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park. The park features 21 rides, two arcades, live entertainment, music, Famiglia Pizzeria, and an old-fashioned Sweet Shoppe. At the center of the amusement park is the Wonder Wheel, a New York City Landmark built in 1920 by the Eccentric Ferris Wheel Company. We mainly visit the Kiddie Park, where you can ride on the Balloon Samba, Willie the Whale, Fire Engines, Pony Carts, Jets, Dizzy Dragons, Boats, Carousel, Flying Elephants, Jumping Motorcycles, Pirate’s Pond, Mini Pirate Ship, Big Trucks, Rio Grande Train, Sea Serpent Roller Coaster, Tilt A Whirl and Free Fall.
Details: Opens at 12 pm. For more information about Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, visit http://www.wonderwheel.com.
Childrens Museum of Manhattan
The museum is open all day with some fabulous events, including a performance by Richard Younger, workshops on making noodle sculpture, spyglasses, wall painting and a circle time for the younger tots.
Details: Full list of events is here
Columbus Day Parade & Festival in NYC
Celebrate the 1492 landing of Christopher Columbus in America at the NYC Columbus Day Parade. This huge event can be just as intimidating as getting to Macy’s Thanksgiving parade, but it isn’t as crowded. You will see bands in traditional costume, floats and definitely stop at one of the delicious vendors that are out for the day to peddle their Italian wares such as sausages, cannoli and gelato.
Details: 12 pm. Fifth Ave from 47th St to 72nd St, then east to 3rd Ave.
Bija Kids Columbus Day Camp
Your kids can downward dog, play some music, play outside and paint some art while at Bija Kids for either a half, full or extended day.
Details: Clinton Hill
The Staten Island Children’s Museum
This fabulous museum is open on Columbus Day for a “Cool School Holiday” sponsored by Macy’s. Admission is free all day.
Details: 10 am- 5 pm. 1000 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, NY 10301
Prospect Park Zoo
A visit to the zoo is always a fun occasion. Though there aren’t special events planned for Columbus Day, a trip to see the animals might be just be what you need.
Details: 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily
Queens County Farm Museum
The Farm is hosting their annual Apple Festival this weekend and is also open Columbus Day for those looking for a fun day excursion! With a greenhouse, pumpkin patch, corn maze, adorably cute farm animals and even a working winery – there is something for everyone at this nearby farm. (If you want a list of other apple and pumpkin picking farms farther away- check our list here).
Details: 73-50 Little Neck Parkway Floral Park, New York 11004-1129 (718) 347-3276