Family Fun Day at the Dekalb Market is this Saturday
The weekend begins on Friday- and we mean it: there are so many events on Friday that it seems like a weekend day. It starts off with bubbles where the Brooklyn Children’s Museum will be blowing bubbles large and small all weekend. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to Secaucus NJ to check out life-sized dinosaurs, or take a kiddie cruise around Manhattan! Or… you can stay local and check out Magical Mermaid Mayhem on Saturday or Firefighter Appreciation Weekend on Sunday. Plus, there are lots of outdoor movies to keep your family completely occupied! Be sure to check out our music listings and events calendar to learn about more fun events. Have a fantabulous weekend!
ONGOING
Saturday, July 14th – September 15: 10:30am — 4:30 pm
Boating Opens for the Season
Starting this Saturday, you can get out on the water for kayaking with the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse at the Pier 1 Boat Basin. Children under 18 must have an adult guardian present. Last sign-up is an hour before closing time. Boating will recur every Saturday until September 1, 2012.
Details: Saturdays, June through September 15 (except for September) FREE More info.
All Summer
Williamsburg Flea
The Williamsburg Flea is a Sunday ritual for our family: with super finds and delicious food vendors, you can spend a whole day just noshing and looking. Located between North 6th and North 7th Streets just south of East River State Park, the Flea is a must-see destination when you get off the ferry. Take a moment to take in the fabulous skyline as well.
Details: Sunday, 10am-5pm, Rain or Shine East River Waterfront (btw. North 6 + 7 St.)
All Summer
Smorgasburg
For gourmands everywhere, Smorgasburg in Williamsburg has become a destination to taste artisan foods and snatch up unique housewares. Every Saturday at the East River, thousands come to see and taste the vendors’ wares and chow with their friends.
Details: Saturday, 11am-6pm, Rain or Shine East River Waterfront (btw. North 6 + 7 St.)
All Summer
Food’s up
One of the best changes to Brooklyn Bridge Park last year was the addition of great food vendors. What is still missing: shade! A lot of the vendors will be opening this weekend so it’s a perfect time to head to the park, or hop on the ferry or just chill and score a great lunch. I will be heading to my favorites Bark Hot Dogs and Ditch Plains and summer wouldn’t be complete without an ice cream from Uncle Louie G or Blue Marble. The full list of park vendors and their operating hours is here.
All Summer 10am — 6pm
Field Station: Dinosaurs
9 minutes from Manhattan and 90 million years back in time… That’s what Field Station: Dinosaurs is! My son and I had the opportunity to visit this outdoor attraction a few weeks ago and we absolutely loved it! Field Station: Dinosaurs is a world-class family attraction that combines cutting-edge science with the creative minds of great artists and teachers to create a one-of-kind experience that’s thrilling, educational and fun. There are over thirty life-sized, realistic dinosaurs (including the ninety foot long Argentinosaurus, the largest animatronic dinosaur ever made) that come to life. It’s like a museum, outdoors. And it’s totally cool!
Details: Secaucus, NJ. Cost: $20/adults; $17.50/children 3-12; FREE/children 2 and under. Visit the website for more information.
Saturdays in July and August at 1pm & 3pm
Sundays in July and August at 2pm
Macy’s Fishing Clinics at Prospect Park!
The decades-old Macy’s Fishing Contest has become the new and improved Macy’s Fishing Clinics! This exciting program offers kids quality fishing instruction. Children 15 and under will learn about the recreational sport of fishing, fishing safety, and fish-friendly techniques, all while casting their lines on a spectacular summer day in the Park! Kids must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Details: Prospect Park. Call (718) 287-3400 x303 for details.
All Summer Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm — 4pm
Habana Works at Habana Outpost
Habana Works is a non-profit organization that provides free, hands-on programs that celebrate urban environmentalism as a means of contributing to an educated, happy and engaged community in downtown Brooklyn. A major part of Habana Works is The Kid’s Corner. This is a weekend program that offers free, creative crafts and workshops that teach environmentalism, wellness and community to neighborhood children. All Kid’s Corner activities are held outdoors in the Habana Outpost courtyard. The Kids Corner staff creates recycled art with kids for FREE and will make your visit as a parent a much more enjoyable experience.
Details: 757 Fulton Street, Brooklyn. All are welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, July 13th – open ended
The Berenstain Bears LIVE!
We are so excited about the “beary” good show that will be held at the Marjorie S. Dean Little Theatre! In The Berenstain Bears LIVE! in Family Matters, our favorite Bear Country citizens come to life on the Off-Broadway stage. In addition to teaching life lessons during the show, there will be a mini dance party and face painting afterwards. It’s going to be “bear”mazing! We have all seen it a couple of times and it’s super cute for the kids.
Details: Marjorie S. Dean Little Theatre. 10 West 64th Street and Central Park West. Tickets start at $34.95. 866.811.4111.
Saturday, July 14th — November 2012
Gazillion Bubble Show at New World Stages Theater
You’ve seen how your kids react to bubbles. Now, imagine how they would react to seeing people inside bubbles, or lasers shooting through bubbles, or bubbles within bubbles?! They will be enthralled…and so will you. The Gazillion Bubble Show in Manhattan, is all about bubble magic and everyone from David Letterman to Oprah thinks the show is pretty fantastic.
Details: 340 West 50th Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. Cost: $44.50 -$89.50 (VIP package). Purchase tickets: Telecharge at 212.239.6200 or at www.telecharge.com. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, July 13th — January 2013 from 10:30am — 4:30pm (every hour on the half hour)
IMAX: Flying Monsters at The American Museum of Natural History
Let Sir David Attenborough be your guide as you fly alongside reptiles with 40-foot-wing spans and find out how pterosaurs took to the skies in the Age of Dinosaurs.
Details: Central Park West at 79th Street. All are welcomed. Cost: $25/adults; $19/students, seniors; $14.50/children ages 2-12. Visit the website for more information.
ALL WEEKEND
Friday, July 13th — Sunday, July 15th: various times
The Wonders of Bubbles Weekend at The Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Here is a schedule of events for this super fun activity:
A Wave of the Bubble Band on Friday, July 13th at 2:30pm (ages 4 and up) — What shape will your bubbles be? Heart? Star? Octagon? Custom-make your own bubble wand so we can fill the air with thousands of bubbles!
The Wonders of Bubbles Weekend on Saturday and Sunday all day (all ages) — This weekend, we’re bursting with bubbles! What makes a bubble a bubble? Are they always round, or can they shapeshift? How long can they float before they pop? Investigate the squishy, sudsy world of bubbles! Then watch as these slippery pockets of air float and disappear.
A Wave of Bubble Wand on Saturday, July 14th at 2:30pm (ages 4 and up) — What shape will your bubbles be? Heart? Star? Octagon? Custom-make your own bubble wand so we can fill the air with thousands of bubbles!
Bubbles All Around on Saturday and Sunday at 2:30pm (ages 5 and under) — What is inside a bubble? Come experiment with bubbles of all sizes as we investigate the science of bubble-ology. Create your own bubble-maker with recycled materials to take home.
Bubble Trouble on Sunday, July 15th at 1:30pm (ages 4 and up) — Ever wanted to learn how bubbles work? Learn the physics behind the soapy spheres, then use the power of chemistry to make bubbles that glow under the black light or magically fill with swirling vapors!
Details: 145 Brooklyn Avenue, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE with museum admission. Contact: 718 735-4400. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, July 14th and Sunday, July 15th at 12pm-2pm and 4pm-6pm
Weekend Family Programs at The Brooklyn Bridge Park
Come explore Pier 6 and Main Street with the Playground Associates who lead educational based activities. There are different themes each weekend.
Details: Pier 6 and Main Street, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 222-9939. Visit the website for more information.
FRIDAY JULY 13TH
Friday, July 13th from 10am — 11:30am and 1pm — 3pm
Brooklyn Public Library: Kids Mobile at Prospect Park Kids Corner
Brooklyn Public Library’s colorful Kidsmobile, a children’s library on wheels, is busy at schools, daycare centers, Headstart and after school programs and community events.
Schedule: Prospect Park Children’s Corner at Flatbush Avenue and Empire Boulevard, Across from the Carousel.
Details: Flatbush Avenue and Empire Boulevard, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 718-253-4948. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, July 13th from 10:30am — 12pm
Cool Rainforest Puppet Show at The Brooklyn Bridge Park
Join the humorous superhero, Captain Cocoa, on an adventure to save the rainforest—only to discover it might be the average person who can really save the day. Presented by the Wildlife Theater Company at the Empire Fulton Ferry.
Details: Brooklyn Bridge Park. Empire Fulton Ferry. All are welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, July 13th from 11am — 7pm
Kids Create! at the Brooklyn Bridge Park
Join Playground Associates on Pier 6 and Main Street for creative and captivating activities that are fun for the whole family!
Details: Brooklyn Bridge Park. Pier 6 and Main Street. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 222-9939. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, July 13th from 11:30am — 12:00pm
Story Time with Jordan at powerHouse Arena
Join in the fun on Fridays as powerHouse Children’s Book Specialist Jordan Nielsen reads from some of our favorite kids books. It’s a perfect pre-nap activity, if you ask me. Please note: RSVP is highly recommended.
Details: 37 Main Street, Brooklyn. Recommended for ages 2-6. FREE for all. Contact:718.666.3049oremailkids@powerHouseArena.com. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, July 13th from 12pm — 2pm
River to River Festival: Tap it Out at World Financial Center Plaza
Imagine a chorus of 300 tapping feet performing an a cappella choreography that weaves together several tap dance styles and vernacular movement. Tap City participants will join local professionals in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the American Tap Dance Foundation to create this explosion of tones and rhythms staged by the mayor of Tap City, Tony Waag.
Details: 200 Vesey Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, July 13th from 2:00pm — 3:00pm
Baby Boogie at the Prospect Park YMCA
Are you a new parent?! Then this class may just be perfect for you. Listen closely and you’ll hear the class calling your name. Not only will you have time to meet other parents here, but the class also includes games for babies, singing, and dancing. Jackpot!
Details: 357 Ninth Street. Ideal for parents with babies up to 13 months. $12/visit. Telephone: 718.768.7100. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, July 13th from 4:30pm — 5:30pm
Animal Haven’s Caring Kids Program
Where are our animal lovers? Or parents of animal-loving children? You’ll want to check out this FREE event that introduces children and young teens to basic animal care and teaches them about existing issues in animal welfare. Through exciting lesson plans and interactive activities with cats and dogs at the shelter, participants learn the importance of treating animals humanely. They will not only make an impact on the lives of the animals they encounter, but it can certainly be a significant experience for them as well.
Details: 251 Centre Street. Ages 5-12. FREE for all, but RSVP is required. Contact: KendraM@ah-nyc.org or visit the website for more information.
Friday, July 13th from 5:30pm — 7:30pm
Friday Family Jam Series at The Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Mainstage performances are from 6:30–7:15pm, with storytelling programs at 5:30–6:00pm and themed pre-show performances from 6:00–6:30pm. Today participants can enjoy The Grand Falloons — Comic juggling, magic, classic slapstick, and the live music of Brahms, Gus Kahn, and Irving Berlin, virtuoso concertina, saxophone, guitar and the SQUARE BUBBLE!
Details: 145 Brooklyn Avenue , Brooklyn NY. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 735-4400. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, July 13th from 6pm — 11pm
125th Annual Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
The Feast, 40 years older and second in size to San Gennaro, will have live entertainment nightly, vendors selling Italian specialties and international delicacies, parades, a bazaar with games, children’s rides and amusements.
Details: North 8th and Havemeyer Streets, Williamsburg, Brooklyn. All are welcomed. FREE with some fees for activities. Contact: (718) 384-0223. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, July 13th at 6:15pm
Family Movie Night at The Moxie Spot
Still stumped on how to enjoy Family Friday Nights after a long week? Head on over to The Moxie Spot, a family-friendly restaurant and play space for a fun Friday night film screening. Kids will eat for free when you purchase an entrée from the dinner special after 5:30pm. Now that what we call “family friendly.”
Details: The short feature begins at 6:15pm. The longer feature begins at 6:45pm. 81-83 Atlantic Avenue (at Hicks Street). 718.923.9710.
Friday, July 13th from 7pm –8pm
Waterfront Workouts: Belly Dance at The Brooklyn Bridge Park
Dance to Middle Eastern rhythms while learning traditional movements and combinations. Class focuses on the core muscles, emphasizing muscular isolations.
Details: Brooklyn Bridge Park. All adults welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, July 13th at 7:30pm
Intrepid Summer Movie Series at the Intrepid, Sea, Air, and Space Museum
The Intrepid Summer Movie Series, presented by Dr. Pepper, returns this summer with a selection of entertaining and family-friendly films. Members of the public are invited to bring lawn chairs, picnic baskets and blankets to the Intrepid Museum to view a popular movie outdoors, free of charge, on a huge inflatable screen on the Flight Deck of the aircraft carrier. Doors open at 7:30pm. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are encouraged to bring food and beverages to the screening, however alcohol is not permitted. Today’s participants can enjoy Spider-Man.
Details: West 46th Street and 12th Avenue, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE with museum admission. Contact: 212-245-0072. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, July 13th at 8:30pm
Hudson River Park’s River Flicks for Kids at Pier 46
This outdoor series features family oriented movies. Films are rated PG. Movies begin at dusk (generally around 8:30pm). Free popcorn. Today’s participants can enjoy Kung Fu Panda 2!
Details: Cross at Charles Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 212-627-2020. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, July 13th through the Friday before Labor Day at 9:30pm
Coney Island Fireworks
A great summer event for older kids. Fireworks shoot off at 9:30pm every Friday night during the season.
Details: Coney Island Boardwalk at 10th St. For additional information, please visit: www.coneyisland.com/tourism.shtml.
Friday, July 13th at sundown
Movie Night: Adventures of Milo and Otis at Narrows Botanical Garden
Grab a blanket and a few snacks and enjoy a movie in the garden at sundown!
Details: Shore Road between Bay Ridge Avenue and 72nd Street, Bay Ridge. FREE for all. All ages welcomed. Contact: linda@narrowsbg.org. Visit the website for more information.
SATURDAY JULY 14TH
Saturday, July 14th beginning at 9:30am
Circle Line Kids Cruises
This summer families can enjoy a 75 minute cruise to the Statue of Liberty with a kid friendly interactive live tour guide. The cruise includes: juggler, magician & balloon artist, live musician, snap a pic with Statue of Liberty, kid friendly interactive tour guide, meet and greet with The Berenstain Bears Live!, kid friendly food & drink for purchase, and prizes and giveaways! Today, attendees can meet Danna Banana!
Details: West 42nd Street & 12th Avenue, NYC. All ages welcomed. Cost: Adult/$28, Ages 3-12/$20, 2 and under FREE. Contact: (212) 563-3200. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, July 14th from 10am — 12pm
High Line Kids: Arty Hours at 23rd Street Lawn
Between the rich colors and textures you’ll find in the planting beds to the unique site-specific art works curated by High Line Art, the High Line holds inspiration for creative minds of all ages. During Arty Hours, families are invited to drop-in to experiment with painting, drawing, and building materials from our Art Hub to create their own masterpieces to take home. Then, join for a hunt for High Line Art works spread throughout the park.
Details: On the High Line between West 22nd and West 23rd Streets, NYC. Ages 4 and up. FREE for all. Contact: 212.206-9922. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, July 14th from 10am — 4pm
City of Water Day on Governor’s Island
The Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance presents The City of Water Day festival with entertainment, education, and adventure celebrating the world-class potential of NYC’s waterfront. In NYC the City of Water Day Festival is held on Governors Island and in NJ at Liberty State Park. Festival highlights include: FREE narrated boat tours; FREE ferry transit between Governors Island and Liberty State Park; kayaking, paddle-boarding offered by REI, fishing, and sailing opportunities at Liberty State Park, NJ; the Waterfront Activity Fair and Symposium; special children’s activities like fishing, races, sing-a-longs, and arts and crafts; live music, delicious food, and more!
Details: 10 South St # 7, Governor’s Island. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 212-935-9831 xt106. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, July 14th beginning at 10am
Firefighter Appreciation Weekend at The Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum will salute our Bravest with a weekend of special events and demonstrations. This year’s special events include: Saturday, July 14th: The weekend will kick-off with a blessing ceremony to honor the FDNY Fleet at 11:00 AM; visitors can tour Fireboat 343 from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Chefs from New York City firehouses in all 5 boroughs will compete in the 4th annual crowd favorite “Battle of the Boroughs” cook-off to determine which firehouse makes the “best chow” from 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM. Sunday, July 15th: Enjoy exciting fireboat water displays at 12:00PM; visitors can tour Fireboat 343 from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Cheer on your favorite musical act as active and retired firefighters hit the stage for “Battle of the Bands” performances from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Throughout the weekend, visitors can watch FDNY demonstrations including ladder bucket rescue, Stokes basket and rope slides, forcible entry, vehicle extrication and EMS treatment, as well as fire safety displays with Hot Dog, the Fire Safety Dalmatian Mascot. All pier activities are free and open to the public.
Details: 46th Street and 12th Avenue, NYC. All ages welcomed. Free with paid admission. Firefighters, EMT, EMS, Paramedics get in FREE and thier families get 50% off admission. Contact: 212-245-0072. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, July 14th from 11am — 4pm
Come Out & Play Family Field Day on Governor’s Island
This year as part of River to River Festival Come Out & Play will include Family Field Day— a mini-festival of games designed specifically for kids and families, all tied together in storyline about time travel. Just what does this epic adventure include? An official time travel agency! A spectacular time travel portal! Games throughout time, from the Dark Ages to the distant future! Chronological paradoxes! Imminent threats to the space-time continuum! Just imagine what it would be like to travel back to Ancient Babylonia . . . or ahead to the distant future, when robots rule the world. Anything is possible, even playing a game with your own great, great, great, great grandparent!
Details: Parade Grounds, Governor’s Island. Ages 6 –11. FREE for all. Contact: deverett-lane@esidesign.com. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, July 14th from 10:30am — 11:30am
Story Time with Carol and Friends
Carroll Garden folks, weekly story time has never been so good! The Friends of Carroll Garden Library present, “Story Time with Carol and Friends” so head on over to join in on the educational fun.
Details: All ages welcomed. FREE for all. 396 Clinton Street. For more information, contact: friendscglibrary@gmail.com or visit their website.
Saturday, July 14th from 10:30am –12pm
Seining The River Wild at The Brooklyn Bridge Park
Watch scientists use a 20 foot seining net to catch and release fish and other East River creatures. Please note: RSVP required.
Details: Main Street Waterfront, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 222-9939 or rsvp@bbpc.net. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, July 14th at 11am
Storytime at Greenlight Bookstore
Saturday Story Time is geared toward kids ages 3 to 8 and their
families. Authors and illustrators of picture books often visit us on
Saturdays to read from their new books, and neighborhood performers
sometimes read as well. There are always great stories and sometimes
activities and crafts too!
Details: 686 Fulton Street (at South Portland), Brooklyn. Ages 3 to 8. FREE for all, but seating is on a first come, first served basis. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, July 14th at 11am
YummyFun Kooking Workshop at Super (Duper) Market
PAPER Magazine Super(Duper)Market is a three-day pop-up artisanal super store. During the 3 day event, Target will host a FREE workshop each day for kids and parents with food guru, chef and author Clare Crespo of YummyFun Kooking. The Super(Duper) Market will feature tons of fun purveyors from the West Coast to Brooklyn.
Details: 410 West 16th Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, July 14th from 11am — 1pm
High Line Kids: Second Saturdays with The Children’s Museum of Manhattan at Chelsea Market Passage
Friends of the High Line is teaming up with the Children’s Museum of the Arts to present monthly drop-in art workshops for kids. Using found objects and natural materials, kids can craft their own High Line-inspired masterpieces under the guidance of Children’s Museum of the Arts Teaching Artists.The High Line Children’s Workyard Kit by Cas Holman will also be available for young builders to create one-of-a-kind vehicles, forts, creatures, structures, and machines from our kit of custom-designed wood planks, nuts, and bolts.
Details: On the High Line at West 16th Street, NYC. Ages 4 and up. FREE for all. Contact: (212) 206-9922. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, July 14th from 11am — 3pm
Magical Mermaid Mayhem at Mini Jake
Come in your mermaid or sea related costume for mermaid snacks, mermaid games, mermaid art activities, mermaid raffle and making up mermaid poems. Here’s a schedule of events:
11am — Meet Mermaids on Parade author Melanie Hope Greenberg
2pm — Hang with Janna Kennedy Coney Island Mermaid Parade costume designer and prize winner
2:30pm — Join Janna and the Mini Jake crew for a mermaid parade of our own!
Everyone gets a FREE goody bag with tattoos, Plum Organics snacks and more! PLUS Win your very own Sarah’s Silks mermaid costume, signed copy of Mermaids on Parade, Green Toys Planting Kits, Playmobil Whaling Toy or 3Sprouts Storage Bin by entering the online contest.
Details: 178 North 9th Street, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: info@minijake.com. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, July 14th from 11am — 7pm
24th Street Summer Festival
The 24th Street Summer Festival an annual free outdoor event. On stage live latin music, performers, dancers and other acts that entire family will enjoy plus ethnic food, games and performers.
Details: 24th Street between 4th & 5th Avenues, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: just3mp@gmail.com.
Saturday, July 14th from 12pm — 3pm
Brooklyn Hip Hop Fest Family Day at Pier 3 Uplands, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Family Day is a good old fashioned, pop the sprinklers, speakers in the window block party. Before we get busy on our last day, we take a moment for the little duns. Family Day is a time for parents, babies, teens and grandma to have some ‘momma’ approved fun while we teach the youth about what Hip-Hop is all about. Kid-friendly music, demos, workshops and more from a whole host of local, community oriented organizations. Some of the organizations involved are: Urban Art Beat, Copeira Brooklyn, A-Team, Rhyme Cal, HipHop Coloring Book, herDIVAspot, Obsessive Sneaker Disorder, Guardians of the City, Brooklyn Public Library.
Details: 288 Furman Street, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. Cost: $30. Contact: info@brooklynbodega.com. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, July 14th from 12pm — 5pm
Dekalb Market’s Family Fun Day
Presented by Urban Space and Youngwoo & Associates, Dekalb has an assorted mix of events happening at this perfect summer destination, including a fun “Family Day’ THIS SATURDAY, July 14th, featuring entertainment for the entire family including face paintingt, a bouncy castle, a petting zoo, raffle giveaways with a $50 Dekalb Market gift certificate and live music! Live DJ sets and local bands hit the stage. More information.
Saturday, July 14th from 2pm — 3pm
Ezra Jack Keats Story Hour at Imagination Playground in Prospect Park
Join in the fun every Saturday in July and August! Gather around Peter and Willy, the statue of two beloved Keats characters, for storytelling adventures.
Details: Ocean Avenue between Parkside Avenue and Lincoln Road, Brooklyn. All are welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 287-3400. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, July 14th at 2:30pm
Art Works at The Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Visit the Totally Tots area with your little ones to see what’s in store for that budding Picasso!
Details: 145 Brooklyn Avenue. 718. 735.4400. Ages 5 and under.
Saturday, July 14th from 2:30pm — 3:30pm
Race Around the Farmyard at Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park
The whole family can participate in potato sack races, stilts, and other old fashioned games. Talk about a fun Sunday afternoon!
Details: Willink Entrance at Flatbush and Ocean Avenue, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Telephone: 718.789.2822. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, July 14th at 3pm
Dragons and Dinosaurs at The Scholastic Store
Grab your shovel and dig for dinosaurs in our giant pit of paleontology, and create a fiery friend at our Chinese paper dragon crafting station.
Details: 557 Broadway, NYC. Ages 4 and up. FREE for all. Contact: 212-343-6166. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, July 14th from 3pm — 5pm
Open Family Art Studio at Hootenanny Art House
Paints, crayons and pastels. Cardboard, tissue paper and string! Fabric and lace and macaroni and glue guns! What can you make? What inspires you? Your 2 year old? Your 5, or 7 year old? Your Mother in law? This is free art play at its best. We’ll put the plastic on the floor and we’ll clean up the mess. Make a mural, a mobile, a collage, or just watch your kid create an entire city with a bottle of Elmers glue. She can see it, you know she can.
Details: 426-428 15th Street (at 8th Ave), Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. Cost: $10-20/family is suggested donation. Contact: 718-369-0528. Visit the website for more information.
SUNDAY JULY 15TH
Sunday, July 15th beginning at 10am
Firefighter Appreciation Weekend at The Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum will salute our Bravest with a weekend of special events and demonstrations. This year’s special events include: Saturday, July 14th: The weekend will kick-off with a blessing ceremony to honor the FDNY Fleet at 11:00 AM; visitors can tour Fireboat 343 from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Chefs from New York City firehouses in all 5 boroughs will compete in the 4th annual crowd favorite “Battle of the Boroughs” cook-off to determine which firehouse makes the “best chow” from 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM. Sunday, July 15th: Enjoy exciting fireboat water displays at 12:00PM; visitors can tour Fireboat 343 from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Cheer on your favorite musical act as active and retired firefighters hit the stage for “Battle of the Bands” performances from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Throughout the weekend, visitors can watch FDNY demonstrations including ladder bucket rescue, Stokes basket and rope slides, forcible entry, vehicle extrication and EMS treatment, as well as fire safety displays with Hot Dog, the Fire Safety Dalmatian Mascot. All pier activities are free and open to the public.
Details: 46th Street and 12th Avenue, NYC. All ages welcomed. Cost: Free with paid admission. Firefighters, EMT, EMS, Paramedics get in FREE and thier families get 50% off admission. Contact: 212-245-0072. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, July 15th at 11:00am
Baby Stories and Singalongs at Greenlight Bookstore
Babies and toddlers under 3 years old will be highly entertained with stories, songs, and interactive play as the children’s performers Miss Nina, Jon Samson, and Vered take turns keeping them busy.
Details: Geared toward ages 3 years and under. Open to public, but on a first come, first served basis. 686 Fulton Street (at South Portland). Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, July 15th at 12:00pm — 1:00pm
Story Time at Books of Wonder
Each week, they choose several books (based on the age of the children attending) and sit down with children and their parents.
Details: 18 West 18th Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 212.989.3270oremailstore@booksofwonder.com. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, July 15th from 12pm –3pm
Kiddie Cruise: A Princess and Pirate Adventure (Boards at Pier 40)
Kiddie cruise is a two hour cruise on The Queen of Hearts with spectacular views of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty. There will be face painting, arts and crafts, live music/karaoke, magic shows and more. Children are encouraged to dress up according to the theme for fun- but it’s not mandatory. Bagged lunches are provided for adults and children with a choice of turkey and cheese or jelly sandwich accompanied by chips or pretzels and fruit- very no frills. We went on this and it’s fun for the kids- not so relaxing for the adults. After 45 minutes, I was looking for a way off while the kids ran around like crazy.
Details: Houston Street and West Side Highway, NYC. Ages 2–9. Cost: $35. Contact: 212-987-9200. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, July 15th from 1:00pm — 3:00pm
Arts and Recreation at the Audubon Center
Naturalists at the Prospect Park Audubon Center will lead structured, fun and engaging arts activities combined with active play that will have kids up and moving like an animal or pretending to be a bat. Cool, right? Yeah… we thought so too!
Details: Audubon Center at the Boathouse, Prospect Park. Entrance near Lincoln Road and Ocean Avenue. FREE for all. Telephone: 718.287.3400. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, July 15th at 2pm
Japan’s Star Festival: Storytelling and Tanabata Decorations at Japan’s Society
apan’s famous Tanabata legends, Hikoboshi and Orihime, are introduced through various forms of storytelling. As part of the Tanabata tradition, participants make various funpaper ornaments and their owntanzaku, thin paper strips for writing wishes, to decorate bamboo branches.
Details: 333 East 47th Street (between First and Second Avenues), NYC. Ages 3 –10. Cost: $5/members; $12/general public. Contact: (212) 832-1155. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, July 15th from 2:00pm — 3:00pm
Nature’s Helpers at Prospect Park Audubon Center
Since it’s so nice out, spend time outside enjoying nature while helping to keep the Park clean. Gloves, garbage bags, and trash grabbers will be provided.
Details: Lincoln Road/Ocean Avenue entrance. All are welcomed. FREE for all. Telephone: 718.287.3400. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, July 15th from 2:30pm — 3:30pm
Race Around the Farmyard at Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park
The whole family can participate in potato sack races, stilts, and other old fashioned games. Talk about a fun Sunday afternoon!
Details: Willink Entrance at Flatbush and Ocean Avenue, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Telephone: 718.789.2822. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, July 15th from 2:30pm — 3:30pm
HandiWork: Tasks and Crafts from the Past at Lefferts Historic House
An afternoon of crafts? Sign me up! And if you and your children are anything like me, you’d want to check out this FREE event as well where kids will engage in arts, crafts, and games… just like they did in 19-Century Brooklyn. How’s that for a Saturday afternoon?
Details: Lefferts Historic House in Prospect Park. Willink Entrance (near intersection of Ocean Avenue and Empire BLVD. FREE for children under 16 years old. $3 suggested donation for adults on the weekends. Telephone: 718.789.2822. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, July 15th from 2pm — 7pm
Sundae Sermon at Morningside Park
DJ Storming Norman, Bevy Smith and the cast of Fela will be bringing the legendary Sundae Sermon Dance Party to Morningside Park. Pack a picnic and dance under the sun.
Details: 114th Street and Morningside Drive, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 347.390.2044. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, July 15th from 4pm — 5pm
Waterfront Workouts: Zumba at The Brooklyn Bridge Park
lma Bonilla of the Dodge YMCA leads these high-energy classes on Pier 1 to get you moving. Zumba is a fusion of Latin and International music, utilizing dance themes that create a dynamic fitness program.
Details: Brooklyn Bridge Park. All adults welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, July 15th from 6:00pm — 9:00pm
Family Bingo Night at The Moxie Spot
What a lovely way to end the weekend! Eat, drink, play, and win big! (Well, hopefully.) There will be little prizes for the little kids, who, by the way, can eat for FREE with the purchase of any dinner entree or dinner special. Yum!
Details: 81 Atlantic Avenue. Ages 4 and up. Contact 718.923.9710 or visit the website for more information.
Sunday, July 15th from 6pm — 11pm
125th Annual Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
The Feast, 40 years older and second in size to San Gennaro, will have live entertainment nightly, vendors selling Italian specialties and international delicacies, parades, a bazaar with games, children’s rides and amusements. Today’s event: Old Timers Day!
Details: North 8th and Havemeyer Streets, Williamsburg, Brooklyn. All are welcomed. FREE with some fees for activities. Contact: (718) 384-0223. Visit the website for more information.