Downtown Dance Festival in Battery Park
Happy Friday, folks! This weekend there are loads of activities for the entire family’s enjoyment. This weekend’s Downtown Dance Festival is the longest-running public dance festival so head to Battery Park to see everything from ballet to fusion. On Sunday, Hip Tot’s Music Fest at Littlefield will feature Brooklyn favorite kids’ chanteuse, Suzi Shelton. If you’ve been looking to save a buck or two on clothing and accessories, then you’ll want to pop in at the Stuff-A-Sack Sale at the Plymouth Underground Thrift Store. And… all weekend long you can check out FringeJr which includes “Blown Away By Poetry” at The Cherry Lane Theater: don’t fret, the kiddies will enjoy it too. Don’t forget to visit our music listings and events calendar for the scoop on more fun! Have a great weekend!
ONGOING
Saturday, August 11th – 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 August at 1pm & 3pm
Sundays in 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, August 10th – 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.
Sundays through August 26 from 12pm — 2pm
Wyckoff Farmhouse ARTiculate
ARTiculate is a four part drop-in family program where families join their children ages 4-10 to explore New York’s oldest house through stories, hands-on activities & art. A new theme will be explored each session as we read a popular picture book, learn new stories about the house and the Wyckoff family and make a hands-on art project using fine arts materials.
Details: $8 materials fee per a child each session. Sign up for all four sessions and save, only $25 a student. Parents and guardians (up to two) are free with child participant. Families may register for one or all sessions. Advanced registration encouraged but not required. Register today, space is limited. For more information call 718-629-5400 or email education@wyckoffassociation.org. Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road, Brooklyn NY 11203 Tele: (718)629-5400, Fax: (718)629-3125, info@wyckoffassociation.org. Museum Admission: Adults: $5.00 Seniors and Students: $3.00 Children under 10: FREE
Saturday, August 11th — 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, August 10th — 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.
Friday, August 10th — November 5th: various times
Century of the Child: Growing By Design Exhibit at The Museum of Modern Art
Taking place in The Joan and Preston Robert Tisch Exhibition Gallery, sixth floor. MoMA’s survey of 20th century design for children. The exhibition will bring together areas underrepresented in design history and often considered separately, including school architecture, clothing, playgrounds, toys and games, children’s hospitals and safety equipment, nurseries, furniture, and books.
Details: 11 West 53 Street, NYC. All are welcomed. FREE with museum admission. Contact: (212) 708-9400. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, August 11th — December 2nd: various times
Spiders Alive! at The American Museum of Natural History
Among the live spiders visitors will encounter are the goliath bird eater; the western black widow; and species from other arachnid orders, including African whip spiders. Spiders Alive! will explore spiders’ silk, venom, and little-known defensive mechanisms such as mimicry. The exhibition will include larger-than-life models, videos, interactive exhibits, and fossils.
Details: Central Park West at 79th Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. Cost: Ticket includes museum admission and Spiders Alive exhibit: $25 adults; $14.50 children; $19 seniors/students. Contact: 212-769-5100. Visit the website for more information.
Through Sunday, September 30th
Yayoi Kusama
Well known for her use of dense patterns of polka dots and nets, as well as her intense, large-scale environments, Yayoi Kusama works in a variety of media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, film, performance, and immersive installation. Born in Japan in 1929, Kusama came to the United States in 1957 and quickly found herself at the epicenter of the New York avant-garde. After achieving fame through groundbreaking exhibitions and art “happenings,” she returned to her native country in 1973 and is now one of Japan’s most prominent contemporary artists. This retrospective features works spanning Kusama’s career. The AMAZING Fireflies on the Water is being shown in the Museum’s Lobby Gallery in conjunction with the Yayoi Kusama retrospective. Timed tickets are required to view Fireflies on the Water and can only be reserved on the day of your visit at the admission desk. The show is being billed as “all ages”- if you are concerned, see photos of the exhibit here before going.
Details: Whitney Museum of American Art 945 Madison Ave (at 75th St) (212) 570-3600
Through September 3
Lego Safari at the Bronx Zoo
Take a safari up to the Bronx where the animals can be easily spotted and will even stand still for a group photo. Obviously, these isn’t your average safari- it’s a LEGO safari. Your kids will love seeing Bronx Zoo’s Wild Forest giant LEGO sculptures of tigers, flamingos, gorillas, and other exotic wildlife, and then visiting their real-life counterparts around the zoo. Children can build their own LEGO sculptures at the construction zone, and enjoy Wildlife Theater performances and the hit musical puppet show, Avenue Zoo. The exhibit will stay open until September 3, 2012.
Details: The Bronx Zoo is open daily from 10 am-5 pm weekdays, 10 am-5:30 pm weekends. Adult admission is $16, children (3-12 years old) $12, children under 3 are free, seniors (65+) are $14. Parking is $13 for cars and $16 for buses. To plan your trip, visit The Bronx Zoo website or call 718-367-1010. For additional information go here or here to save 10% on tickets.
ALL WEEKEND
Friday, August 10th at 5pm
Saturday, August 11th & Sunday, August 12th at 12:30pm
Blown Away By Poetry at Cherry Lane Theater
Blown Away by Poetry tells the story of a windstorm named Wendy and her poet friend, Grumpy Harry. When Wendy catches a terrible cold and accidentally blows all the poems out of Poetsville with her incredible sneezes, Grumpy Harry becomes very upset. To fix this catastrophe and save her friendship, Wendy must enlist audience members’ help to travel around the world and meet with some singing, story-telling, poetic puppet friends. Running time: 50 minutes, with a 20 minute interactive workshop.
Details: 38 Commerce Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. Cost: $10–$18. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, August 11th & Sunday, August 12th at 12pm-2pm & 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. Please note: This weekend is all about puppets! Participants can get imaginative and create their own paper puppets.
Details: Pier 6 and Main Street, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 222-9939. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, August 11th and Sunday, August 12th from 1pm — 4pm
31st Annual Downtown Dance Festival at Battery Park
The Downtown Dance Festival is New York City’s longest-running public dance festival and is Battery Dance Company’s gift to its home community. International highlights this year include Sri Warisan, a 15-member troupe from Singapore that is known for its authentic presentation of Malay ethnic dance, music and theater; Vanaver Caravan, the dance and music ensemble from New Paltz performing a tribute to Woody Guthrie on the legendary American folk musician’s centenary year; Philadelphia-based Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers, and 10 New York companies showcasing various genres ranging from modern ballet to fusion. On Friday, August 17, in a special celebration of Indian culture, the Indo-American Arts Council has curated the 5th Edition of the Erasing Borders of Indian Dance Festival.
Details: 20 State Street (at Battery Place and State Plaza), NYC. All are welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (212) 344-3491. Visit the website for more information.
FRIDAY AUGUST 10TH
Friday, August 10th from 10am — 11:30am and 1pm — 3pm
Brooklyn Public Library: Kids Mobile at Prospect Park Children’s 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. Head on over for fun, free, and educational activities!
Details: Flatbush Avenue and Empire Boulevard, Brooklyn. Across from the carousel. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 718-253-4948. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, August 10th 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, August 10th from 11am — 4pm
Pop-Up Play at The MoMA
Explore, build, and create with recycled materials to create a pop-up play space. Drop-in before or after visiting the Century of the Child: Growing by Design, 1900–2000 exhibition. Educators will be on hand to facilitate child-directed play, but parents must accompany their children. Please note: Program taking place in The Lewis B. and Dorothy Cullman Education and Research Building.
Details: 11 West 53 Street, NYC. Ages 4 and up. FREE with museum admission. Contact: (212) 708-9400. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, August 10th 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: 718.666.3049 or email kids@powerHouseArena.com. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, August 10th 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, August 10th at 2:30pm
Men’s Soccer (Finals)
@2:45pm: Korea vs Japan – Bronze Medal Match
Sometimes watching the Olympics without a cheering crowd just isn’t that much fun. What if you could watch the Olympic soccer matches in a mini-stadium with a large screen along with fellow enthusiasts all within a subway ride or walk? Upper 90 Brooklyn has turned their indoor field into a stadium for the London Olympics: with theater-style seating, an HD projection screen, and 5.1 channel surround sound, it’s a perfect place to watch Olympic Soccer! Entry is free and reservations are not required.
Details: Upper 90 Brooklyn (359 Atlantic Ave at Hoyt)
Friday, August 10th from 3:30pm — 5:30pm
Basketball at Nelson A. Rockefeller Park
Basketball with adjustable height hoops for kids of all sizes, plus fun drills to improve your skills. Closed-toed shoes required.
Ages 5 and 6: Fridays, June 1-Oct. 26 (except 5/25, 8/31, 10/5), 3:30-4:30pm
Ages 7 and up: Fridays, June 1-Oct. 26 (except 5/25, 8/31, 10/5), 4:30-5:30pm
Details: North end of Battery Park City, west of River Terrace, NYC. Two sessions: 5-6 or 7 and up. FREE for all. Contact: 212.267.9700. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, August 10th 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, August 10th 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 Burdetsky Family Circus — Arkady Burdetsky heads up this amazing family circus that spans three generation. Of particular delight are the Burdetsky Dancing Dogs, Santa and Barbara, who keep audiences smiling as they sing, waltz, and perform hilarious tricks.
Details: 145 Brooklyn Avenue , Brooklyn NY. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 735-4400. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, August 10th 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, August 10th 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, August 10th 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 Rango!
Details: Cross at Charles Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 212-627-2020. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, August 10th 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.
SATURDAY AUGUST 11TH
Saturday, August 11th from 7am — 1pm
Summer Streets in NYC Streets
Seven miles of New York City’s streets will be opened to play, run, walk and bike. From the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, along Park Avenue and connecting streets you can rock climb at Spring Street, receive a free bike helmet at 51st Street, soar through the air on a zip line at Foley Square, and more! All abilities welcomed.
Details: Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, along Park Avenue and connecting streets, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, August 11th 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, August 11th at 10am
Men’s Soccer (Finals)
Brazil vs Mexico – Gold Medal Match. Sometimes watching the Olympics without a cheering crowd just isn’t that much fun. What if you could watch the Olympic soccer matches in a mini-stadium with a large screen along with fellow enthusiasts all within a subway ride or walk? Upper 90 Brooklyn has turned their indoor field into a stadium for the London Olympics: with theater-style seating, an HD projection screen, and 5.1 channel surround sound, it’s a perfect place to watch Olympic Soccer! Entry is free and reservations are not required.
Details: Upper 90 Brooklyn (359 Atlantic Ave at Hoyt)
Saturday, August 11th 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, August 11th 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, August 11th from 10:30pm — 3:30pm
Boating at the Brooklyn Bridge Park
Now this is what I’ll call a good summer Saturday afternoon — boating! Get out on the water for kayaking and community rowing 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.
Details: Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 1 by Boat Basin. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, August 11th 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, August 11th at 11am
Kids Concert: Jeremy Plays Guitar
Grab the kidlets and head to Glenwood Playground for a fun and free kids concert!
Details: All ages welcomed.
Saturday, August 11th from 11am — 4pm
Coastal Classroom Family Day at Kaiser Park
Explore and discover the world beneath the waves of Coney Island Creek! See the present state of our water resources and get a glimpse into the challenges of future preservation efforts. Please note: anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Details: 2829 Neptune Ave., Brooklyn. Ages 8 and up. FREE for all. Contact: (212) 360-1399. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, August 11th 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, August 11th 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.
SUNDAY AUGUST 12TH
Sunday, August 12th
Ages 8-10: Race start time: 8:30 AM
Ages 11-13: Race start time 10:00 AM
If the Olympics haven’t got your family revved up for some competition, this weekends’ “Family Adventure Race” might get your sports juices flowing. City Parks Foundation is debuting a “Family Adventure Race” this Saturday. Gather your javelins and jump ropes for this parent-child race that combines basic exercises and sports skills for a one-hour dose of fun. The race takes place in one of New York’s most well-known parks, Flushing Meadows Park, Queens, on a course featuring 12 activity stations (click here for a map of the course)
Details: A $10 entry fee per team is required to register. Team must include 1 parent or guardian and up to 2 children (must be in the same age category). Registration for this event is limited on a “first-come basis”. Click here to purchase tickets.
Sunday, August 12th at 9am
Hudson River Park Wild at Pier 40
Learn about Hudson River Park’s wildlife by joining experienced Hudson River Park naturalists on guided nature walks along the park’s esplanade. Nature walks last approximately one hour. Nature guides will meet participants at the entrance to Pier 40 at 9am sharp. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Participants can expect to walk about 1 ½ – 2 miles. Loud noises and barking tend to startle wildlife and reduce viewing opportunities – please be considerate and leave your dog at home.
Details: Hudson River Park, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 212-627-2020. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, August 12th from 10am — 5pm
Nostalgia Ride: To The Rockaways, By Rail and Bus at The New York Transit Museum
The New York Transit Museum’s annual Combination Caper features both the R1/9 cars of the Independent Subway System and several of the Museum’s vintage buses! Traveling to Rockaway Park along the rails, visitors will be greeted by their vintage buses which will transport all the passengers to Gateway National Park.
Details: Corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. Cost: Adults $50, Children $25 – Discounts available for museum members. Contact: laura.kujo@nyct.com. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, August 11th at 10am and pm
Men’s Soccer (Finals)
@10:00am: English Community Shield f/ Chelsea vs Manchester City (kick-off is at 8:30am but the store won’t open until 10:00am)
@2:00pm: German Super Cup f/ Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund.
Sometimes watching the Olympics without a cheering crowd just isn’t that much fun. What if you could watch the Olympic soccer matches in a mini-stadium with a large screen along with fellow enthusiasts all within a subway ride or walk? Upper 90 Brooklyn has turned their indoor field into a stadium for the London Olympics: with theater-style seating, an HD projection screen, and 5.1 channel surround sound, it’s a perfect place to watch Olympic Soccer! Entry is free and reservations are not required.
Details: Upper 90 Brooklyn (359 Atlantic Ave at Hoyt)
Sunday, August 12th 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, August 12th from 11am — 12:30pm
Fringe JR: The Great Pie Robbery: Or, We Really Knead The Dough
Crusted custard! The pies are a missin’! This spoof of turn-of-the-century melodramas: complete with a dashing hero, a mustache-twirling villain, and a slew of wacky characters. Today, participants can meet the cast, play a game, and see an excerpt — all for FREE before the show officially begins running.
Details: 80 St. Marks Place, New York NY. Ages 8 –12. Cost: $15 general admission; $10 FringeJR tickets will be available to the youngsters. Contact: 212.279.4488. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, August 12th from 11:30am — 3:30pm
Stuff-A-Sack Sale at Plymouth Underground Thrift Store
Help Plymouth Underground make way for Fall merchandise, which arrives in early September! Shoppers can purchase for $25 each our Underground Thrift Store Totes (a $5 value) and can then stuff them with our inventory of summer clothing for women, men and children. The more sacks you stuff, the more you save! Or, you can buy individual items at 50% off original prices.The Underground Thrift Store features a curated collection of upscale and designer clothing and accessories for women, men and children and beautiful collectibles for the home, in the loft space in historic Plymouth Church. And, you will be stuffing for a cause since the Underground Thrift donates 25% of its net proceeds to organizations that fight human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Please note: All sales are final and accessories and housewares are not included.
Details: 65 Hicks Street, between Cranberry Street and Orange Street, Brooklyn. All are welcomed.
Sunday, August 12th 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: 212.989.3270 or emailstore@booksofwonder.com. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, August 12th 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, August 12th from 1pm — 2pm
Wonderful Worms! at The Glenwood Playground
The East 4th Street Community Garden Presents… Wonderful Worms! Yep… it’s exactly what it sounds like — a hands on worm workshop.
Details: Glenwood Playground. Ages 3–5. FREE for all.
Sunday, August 12th at 2pm
Hip Tot Music Fest at Littlefield
Suzi Shelton will be performing songs from her latest release and music video “Tomboy In A Princess Dress.” Please note: doors will open at 1:30pm.
Details: 622 Degraw Street, Brooklyn. All are welcomed. Cost: $8 kids; $12 adults; non walkers free; $35 family pass (family of 4). Contact: hiptotmusicfest@gmail.com. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, August 12th 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, August 12th 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.