Mermaid Parade to take place at Coney Island. Photo via Amy Sussman.
This weekend kicks off the official start of Summer and it’s sure to be a good one!
The largest art parade in the nation, The Mermaid Parade, will take place on Saturday and it’s sure to be a good time. Grab the entire family and head to Pier 5 at the Brooklyn Bridge Park for Family Field Day filled with various sports, activities, and family fun. Or head into the city for The Cuban Cultural Festival at The Children’s Museum of the Arts. But save some energy for Sunday because Mil’s Trills will be rocking it out at the Carroll Park Kids Concert. Also, be sure to visit our events calendar for more fun activities.
Have a great weekend!
Make Music New York
FRIDAY JUNE 21ST
Friday, June 21st from 10am — 10pm
Make Music New York (CITYWIDE)
Now in its seventh year, Make Music New York, “the largest music event ever to grace Gotham” (Metro New York), is a unique festival of free concerts in public spaces throughout the five boroughs of New York City, all on June 21st, the first day of summer. MMNY takes place simultaneously with similar festivities in more than 514 cities around the world — a global celebration of music making. From 10 in the morning to 10 at night, musicians of all ages, creeds, and musical persuasions — from hip hop to opera, Latin jazz to punk rock — perform on streets, sidewalks, stoops, plazas, cemeteries, parks and gardens. From high school bands to marquee names, MMNY is open to anyone who wants to take part, enjoyed by everyone who wants to attend.
Details: All over NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 917-779-9709. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, June 21st from 10am — 11am
J Yum and Hum at Kings Bay Y at Windsor Terrace (WINDSOR TERRACE)
Join Tehilah and Gilad in a journey through Jewish communities around the world with music and food! J-Yum & Hum provides engaging, dynamic and interactive program for parents and their infants (up to crawlers), exploring culture and tradition through stories, music, foods, storytelling of the Jewish Diaspora. Learn about the cultures and lifestyles of their Jewish counterparts around the world.
Details: 1224 Prospect Avenue, Brooklyn. Ages and under. FREE for all. Contact: Nadira at 718.407.6377. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, June 21st from 10am — 9pm
Shipwreck! at Discovery Times Square (TIMES SQUARE)
SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure will capture your imagination and take you on an incredible journey through thousands of years of maritime history. Experience hurricane-force winds, pick up treasure with a robotic arm, and explore the mysteries of the deep. This exhibit features over 500 authentic artifacts, including gold and silver treasures, as well as the incredible science and technology used to work thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface.
Details: 226 West 44th Street, NYC. Ages 5 and up. Cost: $20.50/adults; $15.50/children 4 to 12 years. Contact: 866.987.9692. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, June 21st at 11am
Drop-in Story Time with Spellbound Theater (CROWN HEIGHTS)
Visit It Takes A Village on Fridays for drop-in story times with music, stories, puppets and more. Hear songs, books and fables, and classic nursery rhymes with a special twist into an interactive and stimulating story time specially crafted for babies and toddlers.
Details: 500 Prospect Place, Brooklyn. Ages 5 and up. Cost: $5/suggested donation. Contact: spellboundtheater@gmail.com. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, June 21st from 2pm — 2:30pm
Animal Encounter at Audubon Center (PROSPECT PARK)
Curious as to how “Snappy” the turtle got her name? Want to watch the snake gobble up a mouse? Join one our trained staff in learning more about the animals in the Audubon Center’s collection. Learn what it takes to care for these amazing creatures and even assist in an actual feeding. There will also be opportunities to get up close and personal with our box turtle!
Details: Lincoln Road/Ocean Avenue entrance, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 287-3400. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, June 21st at 2:30pm
Sing-A-Long with Jarrod at Greenlight Bookstore (FORT GREENE)
Join in for the kids section for 40 minutes of favorite songs and stories for the littlest booklovers, led by Greenlight bookseller Jarrod and his trusty guitar.
Details: 686 Fulton Street, Brooklyn. Ages 3 and under. Contact: (718) 246-0200. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, June 21st at 3pm
Yoga Story Time at Karma Kids Yoga (CHELSEA)
Story time comes alive with puppets, songs, and yoga poses. Babies through 6 year olds (and their grownups) are invited to help lift stories off the page as they read and play yoga together, building literacy skills and healthy bodies in this action-packed class.
Details: 104 West 14th Street, NYC. Ages 6 and under. FREE for all. Contact: (646) 638-1444. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, June 21st from 3pm — 6pm
Fa-La-La Fridys at Klub4Kidz (WILLIAMSBURG)
It’s an all-you-can play buffet! Rock climbing, face painting, tattoos galore! And… access to all Klub4Kidz, including painting and drawing in the art studio, board games, video games, and dancing! Fun!
Details: 159 North 4th Street, Brooklyn. All are welcomed. Cost: $15 per kid; $12 for 3 years and under; $10 for each additional kid; additional $5 if doing the holiday craft. Contact: 718.599.5900. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, June 21st from 4pm — 7pm
Bump, Crash, and Smash DMD at Adventurer’s Family Entertainment Center (BAY RIDGE)
Participants can enjoy three hours of unlimited rides, crafts, games, food, and much more!
Details: 1824 Shore Parkway, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. Cost: $30/kids 18 and under; FREE/adults. Contact: 646-582-0800. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, June 21st from 4:30pm — 5:30pm
Animal Haven’s Caring Kids Program (LITTLE ITALY)
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, June 21st from 6:30pm — 9:30pm
Family Movie Night at The Moxie Spot (BROOKLYN HEIGHTS)
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. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, June 21st from 7pm — 9pm
Family Fridays at The Museum of Mathematics (FLATIRON DISTRICT)
From the organizers: “The Museum of Mathematics is pleased to announce a special Family Friday workshop for parents and kids on Friday, April 26, at 7 pm. Dr. Daina Taimina, mathematical artist, author, and mother of two, will present “Crackers, Oranges, and Pringles” – a creative, hands-on exploration of surfaces with different curvature. Dr. Taimina, known for creating “hyperbolic crochet,” will start by transforming flat sheets of paper into surfaces with different curvature and then exploring what happens on those surfaces. For those familiar with two basic crochet stitches – chain and single crochet – she will go on to demonstrate how to crochet various hyperbolic surfaces.”
Details: 11 East 26th Street, NYC. Ages 7 and up. Cost: $10.00. Contact: (212) 542-0566. Visit the website for more information.
Mermaid Parade at Coney Island
SATURDAY JUNE 22ND
Saturday, June 22nd from 8am — 4pm
Free Saturdays at Red Hook Recreation Center (RED HOOK)
Activities will include fitness activities, board games, billiards, access to the cardio and weight room, and more!
Details: Halleck St., Bush St., between Otsego St. and Court St., Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 722-3211. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, June 22nd from 9am — 11:30am
Open Play Drop-Off at Brooklyn Robot Foundry (GOWANUS)
This should be fun! There will be open play drop off where kids will have the opportunity to build obstacle courses for robots, craft robots out of clay and found objects, create marble runs, giant lego creations and much more.
Details: 303 Third Avenue (between 1st and Carroll Street), Brooklyn. Ages 5-9. Cost: $15/hour. Contact: (347)762-6840. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, June 22nd from 9:30am — 11am
Out of Shabbox at Union Temple (CROWN HEIGHTS)
Out of the Shabbox is Brooklyn’s newest cross-cultural, interfaith arts based program designed to explore themes such as peace and charity through movement, music and storytelling. Featuring Avodah Dance’s Julie Gayer Kris (movement), Backyardigan Live!’s Shawn Shafner (storytelling) and Ruach Rocker Jay Rapoport (minstrel). Come join an interactive, fun filled programming where families can come together to sing, dance and tell stories about the things we value and which unite us.
Details: 17 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn. Ages 6 and under. FREE for all. Contact: uniontemple@uniontemple.org. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, June 22nd (through July 27th) from 10am — 12pm
Arty Hours at The Lawn in The High Line (NYC)
Experiment with painting and drawing techniques, and build vehicles, forts, structures, and machines with the Children’s Workyard Kit, a crate of planks, nuts, bolts, and other materials. Please note: If there is rain, or when the 23rd Street Lawn is closed, the event will take place in the 14th Street Passage, on the High Line at West 14th Street.
Details: West 23rd Street (near 10th Avenue), NYC. Ages 4 and up. FREE for all. Contact: (212) 206-9922. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, June 22nd from 10am — 1pm
Family Field Day at Pier 5 Brooklyn Bridge Park (BROOKLYN HEIGHTS)
Participants can enjoy many games, sports, and a range of activities through out the day.
Details: Pier 5, Brooklyn Bridge Park. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 222-9939. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, June 22nd from 10am — 5pm
Cuban Cultural Festival at The Children’s Museum of the Arts (SOUTH VILLAGE)
This is CMA’s last festival of the multicultural series. There will be traditional workshops led by La Pared Artist Collective, musical performances by Alex Fernandez Fox and Manny, Rumba Tap performances by Max Pollak, and Cuban Afro Dance by Rebecca Bliss. Participants will be able to create their own Cuban-inspired animations, traditional Guiro instruments, tropical floral sculptures, and more.
Details: 103 Charlton Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE with museum admission. Contact: 212-274-0986. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, June 22nd from 10am — 8pm
Victorian Gardens Amusement Park at Wollman Rink (CENTRAL PARK)
Manhattan’s only amusement park is opening its door this weekend! Grab your little ones and enjoy the ride. Literally!
Details: 59th St. and 6th Avenue, NYC. All ages welcomed. Cost: $8 entrance fee; $24 unlimited wristband. Contact: (212) 982-2229. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, June 22nd from 10am — 9pm
Shipwreck! at Discovery Times Square (TIMES SQUARE)
SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure will capture your imagination and take you on an incredible journey through thousands of years of maritime history. Experience hurricane-force winds, pick up treasure with a robotic arm, and explore the mysteries of the deep. This exhibit features over 500 authentic artifacts, including gold and silver treasures, as well as the incredible science and technology used to work thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface.
Details: 226 West 44th Street, NYC. Ages 5 and up. Cost: $20.50/adults; $15.50/children 4 to 12 years. Contact: 866.987.9692. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, June 22nd at 11am
Story Time at Greenlight Bookstore (FORT GREENE)
Looking for something to do on a Saturday morning that’s also the perfect pre-nap activity?! We’ve got you covered! Saturday Story Time is geared toward kids ages 3 to 8 and their families. Authors and illustrators of picture books often visit on Saturdays to present 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, Brooklyn. Ages 3 to 8. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 246-0200. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, June 22nd from 11am — 3pm
Kids Corner at Habana Outpost (FORT GREENE)
Eat delicious food, drink, and enjoy a kid-friendly planned activity! This weekend’s activity: Water Bottle Maracas.
Details: 757 Fulton, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, June 22nd from 11am — 3pm
Free Art Island Outpost at Nolan Park (GOVERNOR’S ISLAND)
The Children’s Museum of the Arts presents artist-led workshops, self-guided art stations, large collaborative projects, puppetry, animation, and performance!
Details: Building 11 and 14, Governor’s Island. Ages 12 and under. FREE for all. Contact: 212.274.0986. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, June 22nd from 11am — 4pm
PS 84 Annual Garden Party (WILLIAMSBURG)
There will be tons of activities and games for children at this annual event.
Details: 250 Berry Street, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all, fees for activities. Contact: 718-384-8063. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, June 22nd from 12pm — 5pm
The Prospect Park Carousel (PROSPECT PARK)
It’s a great weekend to ride the carousel! The 101 year-old carousel features 51 carved horses, a lion, a giraffe, a deer, and two dragon-pulled chariots.
Details: Ocean and Flatbush Avenues and Empire Boulevard, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. Cost: $2 per ride, $9 book of 5 tickets. Contact: (646) 393-9031. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, June 22nd from 12pm — 4pm
Family Bowl at Brooklyn Bowl (WILLIAMSBURG)
Bowling. FREE admissions from noon until 4pm. Need we say more?!
Details: 61 Wythe Street, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE admissions. Contact: 718-963-3369, Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, June 22nd at 1pm
ElectriCity Live at New York Transit Museum (BROOKLYN HEIGHTS)
Participants will discover the secrets of how the NYC subway uses power in this eclectic, electric and always fun demonstration! Details: Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE with museum admission. Contact: 718-694-1792. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, June 22nd at 1pm
The Mermaid Parade at Coney Island (CONEY ISLAND)
The Mermaid Parade is the largest art parade in the nation. A celebration of ancient mythology and honky-tonk rituals of the seaside, it showcases over 1,500 creative individuals from all over the five boroughs, opening the summer with incredible art, entrepreneurial spirit and community pride. The parade highlights Coney Island Pageantry based on a century of many Coney parades, celebrates the artistic vision of the masses, and ensures that the summer season is a success by bringing hundreds of thousands of people to the amusement area in a single day.
Here is a breakdown of the parade:
he Parade will start at West 21st Street and Surf Avenue and will roll east to West 10th Street. At West 10th Street the Parade will turn south towards the boardwalk. Cars and Motorized Floats continue down Surf Ave. passing W. 10th Street and exit the parade. At the Boardwalk, the marchers and push-pull floats will turn west and head towards West 17th St. At Steeplechase Plaza, the Parade will disband.
Details: West 21st Street and Surf Avenue, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: info@coneyisland.com. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, June 22nd from 1pm — 2pm
Seining the River Wild at Brooklyn Bridge Park (DUMBO)
Participants can learn about the creatures of the East River as scientists use a 20-foot seining net to catch and release them. Please note: Meet under the Manhattan Bridge; RSVP is required.
Details: Main Street, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 222-9939. Visit the website for more information.
Mils Trill’s to perform for Carroll Park Kids Concert Series
SUNDAY JUNE 23RD
Sunday, June 23rd from 9am — 11:30am
Open Play Drop-Off at Brooklyn Robot Foundry (GOWANUS)
This should be fun! There will be open play drop off where kids will have the opportunity to build obstacle courses for robots, craft robots out of clay and found objects, create marble runs, giant lego creations and much more.
Details: 303 Third Avenue (between 1st and Carroll Street), Brooklyn. Ages 5-9. Cost: $15/hour. Contact: (347)762-6840. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, June 23rd from 10am — 11:30am
Children’s Urban Wildness Art Class with Botanist and Artist Grace Markman at Prospect Park
Discover the wonder of the growing world around us with painter and naturalist Grace Markman. Grace’s Urban Wilderness Art Class will teach children to learn to draw from observing trees, flowers, insects, birds and the natural world surrounding them. Markman has worked for over 20 years teaching hands-on art, science and nature programs for schools, libraries and other non-profits. Please note: Please meet at the 9th Street entrance of Prospect Park and wait near the statue of Lafayette. Children must be with supervision. All materials are supplied.
Details: Prospect Park 9th Street Entrance, Brooklyn. Ages 5 and older. FREE for all. Visit the website to register and for more information.
Sunday, June 23rd from 10am — 11:30am
PJ Library Story Walk in the Park (PROSPECT PARK)
From the organizers, “Join children’s storyteller Shawn Shafner for an exciting outdoor PJ Library event! Story Walk in the Park is on Sunday, June 23 from 10:00-11:30am in Mount Prospect Park (Eastern Pkwy betw Washington & Underhill, entrance next to Botanic Garden). Shawn will lead us on an interactive reading of “Noah’s Bark.” This whimsical telling of the story of Noah’s Ark will come to life as we make our way around the park. A craft project and snack will complete the adventure!”
Details: Eastern Parkway betw Washington & Underhill, Brooklyn. Ages 2 to 6. FREE for all. Contact/RSVP: kimberly@utpreschool.org. Visit the website for more information.
Sundays through July 28th from 10am — 12pm
Bike NY: Learn to Ride Kids at The Brooklyn Bridge Park (BROOKLYN HEIGHTS)
This is a group class for children who are ready to ride a two-wheeler for the first time. Bike New York instructors help parents teach their kids how to balance, pedal, start, stop, and steer a bicycle. Please note: registration is required.
Details: Joralemon Street, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, June 23rd from 10am — 5pm
Torah Unwrapped at Jewish Children’s Museum (CROWN HEIGHTS)
Children explore the process of making a Torah during this interactive workshop. Uncover the history of hundred-year-old scrolls, see and handle unfinished hides for parchment, mix ink, fashion goose-feather quills and watch the scribe as he practices his “scribal scribble” on a piece of parchment!
Details: 792 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn. Ages 5 to 15. FREE for all, fees for activities. Contact: info@jcm.museum. Visit the website fore more information.
Sunday, June 23rd from 10am — 5pm
Cuban Cultural Festival at The Children’s Museum of the Arts (SOUTH VILLAGE)
This is CMA’s last festival of the multicultural series. There will be traditional workshops led by La Pared Artist Collective, musical performances by Alex Fernandez Fox and Manny, Rumba Tap performances by Max Pollak, and Cuban Afro Dance by Rebecca Bliss. Participants will be able to create their own Cuban-inspired animations, traditional Guiro instruments, tropical floral sculptures, and more.
Details: 103 Charlton Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE with museum admission. Contact: 212-274-0986. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, June 23rd from 10am — 8pm
Victorian Gardens Amusement Park at Wollman Rink (CENTRAL PARK)
Manhattan’s only amusement park is opening its door this weekend! Grab your little ones and enjoy the ride. Literally!
Details: 59th St. and 6th Avenue, NYC. All ages welcomed. Cost: $8 entrance fee; $24 unlimited wristband. Contact: (212) 982-2229. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, June 23rd from 10am — 8pm
Shipwreck! at Discovery Times Square (TIMES SQUARE)
SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure will capture your imagination and take you on an incredible journey through thousands of years of maritime history. Experience hurricane-force winds, pick up treasure with a robotic arm, and explore the mysteries of the deep. This exhibit features over 500 authentic artifacts, including gold and silver treasures, as well as the incredible science and technology used to work thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface.
Details: 226 West 44th Street, NYC. Ages 5 and up. Cost: $20.50/adults; $15.50/children 4 to 12 years. Contact: 866.987.9692. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, June 23rd at 11:00am
Baby Stories and Singalongs at Greenlight Bookstore (FORT GREENE)
On Sunday mornings, children’s performers keep babies and toddlers under 3 years old entertained with stories, songs, and interactive play. Vered’s music is all about bonding with your little one. Her album Good Morning My Love was named a 2011 favorite by Laurie Berkner, kid-music superstar and fellow mom, in USA Today, and is also a 2012 winner of a Parents’ Choice Gold Award! Through songs that encourage joyful interaction, accompany daily routine, and give melody and words to the emotional experience of the baby and parent, Vered’s music lends a warm and upbeat soundtrack to the nuances of life with a baby or small child. The songs range from playful to emotive, gentle to silly, and sweet to upbeat, mirroring the experience of the new parent
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, June 23rd from 11am — 3pm
Kids Corner at Habana Outpost (FORT GREENE)
Eat delicious food, drink, and enjoy a kid-friendly planned activity! This weekend’s activity: Water bottle maracas.
Details: 757 Fulton, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, June 23rd from 11am — 3pm
Free Art Island Outpost at Nolan Park (GOVERNOR’S ISLAND)
The Children’s Museum of the Arts presents artist-led workshops, self-guided art stations, large collaborative projects, puppetry, animation, and performance!
Details: Building 11 and 14, Governor’s Island. Ages 12 and under. FREE for all. Contact: 212.274.0986. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, June 23rd at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm
Spellbound Theater Presents Under The Tree at Old Stone House (PARK SLOPE)
Under the Tree is a world premier, coming to Brooklyn after a development residency at Miranda Arts Project Space in Port Chester, NY and produced in collaboration with The Old Stone House. It is a full-length collaboration between theatre artist and puppeteer Lauren Jost, and visual artist and animator Christine Dehne and is produced by Spellbound Theatre. This hands-on and intimate performance designed for no more than 16 audience members at a time will spark the curiosity and creativity of young audience members while recalling the nostalgia of childhood for older audiences. Under the Tree is a world premier, coming to Brooklyn after a development residency at Miranda Arts Project Space in Port Chester, NY and produced in collaboration with The Old Stone House. It is a full-length collaboration between theatre artist and puppeteer Lauren Jost, and visual artist and animator Christine Dehne and is produced by Spellbound Theatre. This hands-on and intimate performance designed for no more than 16 audience members at a time will spark the curiosity and creativity of young audience members while recalling the nostalgia of childhood for older audiences.
Details: 336 Third Street between 4th and 5th Avenue, Brooklyn. Ages 1–7. Cost: $15/adults; $10/kids. Contact: spellboundtheatre@gmail.com. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, June 23rd from 12pm — 5pm
The Prospect Park Carousel (PROSPECT PARK)
It’s a great weekend to ride the carousel! The 101 year-old carousel features 51 carved horses, a lion, a giraffe, a deer, and two dragon-pulled chariots.
Details: Ocean and Flatbush Avenues and Empire Boulevard, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. Cost: $2 per ride, $9 book of 5 tickets. Contact: (646) 393-9031. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, June 23rd at 1pm
ElectriCity Live at New York Transit Museum (BROOKLYN HEIGHTS)
Participants will discover the secrets of how the NYC subway uses power in this eclectic, electric and always fun demonstration! Details: Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE with museum admission. Contact: 718-694-1792. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, June 23rd at 2pm and 7pm
Brighton Ballet Theater Presents Children’s Album at BAM Fisher (FORT GREENE)
Children’s Album is an original ballet created by Brighton Ballet’s renowned choreographer Edouard Kouchnarev. This work is inspired by and dedicated to orphaned and adopted children around the world. It is the first ballet to be staged to the music of Tchaikovsky’s celebrated Children’s Album, offering an opportunity for the young and the old alike to explore the magic of classical music and dance.
Details: 321 Ashland Place, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. Cost: $25-$35. Contact: 718-769-9161. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, June 23rd from 2pm — 5pm
Carroll Park Kids Concert Series (CARROLL GARDENS)
Who doesn’t love Mil’s Trills?! Grab the family for a live afternoon concert where you can listen to Mil’s Trills in Carroll Park. There will also be activities ti benefit PS 58.
Details: President Street and Smith Street, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all, fees for activities. Contact: friendsofcarrollpark@yahoo.com. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, June 23rd from 2pm — 5pm
STooPS (BED-STUY)
Community building event using the arts to being people outside.
Details: On stoops in Bed-Stuy and at Freebook. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, June 23rd from 6pm — 9pm
Family Bingo Night at The Moxie Spot (BROOKLYN HEIGHTS)
Participants can eat, drink, play bingo, and win big! There will be prizes for the children, who, by the way, will get to eat for FREE with the purchase of an entree.
Details: 81 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn. Ages 9 and under. FREE for all. Contact: 718-923-9710. Visit the website with more information.
Cuban Cultural Festival at CMA. Photo via Hannah Sawhney, TimeOut.com
ALL WEEKEND
Saturday, June 22nd from 10am — 5pm
Sunday, June 23rd from 10am — 5pm
Cuban Cultural Festival at The Children’s Museum of the Arts (SOUTH VILLAGE)
This is CMA’s last festival of the multicultural series. There will be traditional workshops led by La Pared Artist Collective, musical performances by Alex Fernandez Fox and Manny, Rumba Tap performances by Max Pollak, and Cuban Afro Dance by Rebecca Bliss. Participants will be able to create their own Cuban-inspired animations, traditional Guiro instruments, tropical floral sculptures, and more.
Details: 103 Charlton Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE with museum admission. Contact: 212-274-0986. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day from 10am — 8pm
Victorian Gardens Amusement Park at Wollman Rink (CENTRAL PARK)
Manhattan’s only amusement park is opening its door this weekend! Grab your little ones and enjoy the ride. Literally!
Details: 59th St. and 6th Avenue, NYC. All ages welcomed. Cost: $8 entrance fee; $24 unlimited wristband. Contact: (212) 982-2229. Visit the website for more information.
Saturdays and Sundays through September 29th from 11am — 3pm
Free Art Island Outpost at Nolan Park (GOVERNOR’S ISLAND)
The Children’s Museum of the Arts presents artist-led workshops, self-guided art stations, large collaborative projects, puppetry, animation, and performance!
Details: Building 11 and 14, Governor’s Island. Ages 12 and under. FREE for all. Contact: 212.274.0986. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, June 21st and Saturday, June 22nd from 10am — 9pm
Sunday, June 23rd from 10am –8pm
Shipwreck! at Discovery Times Square (TIMES SQUARE)
SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure will capture your imagination and take you on an incredible journey through thousands of years of maritime history. Experience hurricane-force winds, pick up treasure with a robotic arm, and explore the mysteries of the deep. This exhibit features over 500 authentic artifacts, including gold and silver treasures, as well as the incredible science and technology used to work thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface.
Details: 226 West 44th Street, NYC. Ages 5 and up. Cost: $20.50/adults; $15.50/children 4 to 12 years. Contact: 866.987.9692. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, June 8th and Sunday, June 9th from 11am — 3pm
Kids Corner at Habana Outpost (FORT GREENE)
Eat delicious food, drink, and enjoy a kid-friendly planned activity! This weekend’s activity: Water bottle maracas.
Details: 757 Fulton, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.
Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm — 6pm
Art Shack at Pier 25 (DOWNTOWN NYC)
This event is such a cool way to get kids engrossed in art and painting! They can enjoy the outdoors and views of the Hudson while creating a masterpiece! From the organizers, “Our Art Shack outdoor art program at Pier 25 dates back to 1996, when artist Xavier Rivera approached our founder, Bob Townley, with the idea for a free outdoor art program. If you’ve been around long enough, you may recall the area to the right just inside the Pier 25 entrance with outdoor wooden sculptures and a shipping container that served both as our Art Shack and as a pedestal for a giant iguana sculpted by Bob “Daddy-O” Wade. Xavier persevered through the demolition and rebuilding of Pier 25 with an art space astride the Hudson River Park bike path, and now our Art Shack once again is a permanent fixture of our Pier 25 programming.”
Please note: Event will take place if the weather permits.
Details: 120 Warren Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.
Saturdays and Sundays in June from 3pm — 4pm
Pop-Up Audubon: Water, Water, Everywhere (PROSPECT PARK)
This is a chance to get the entire family involved in outdoor fun at Nethermead. There will be several activities:
Nature on the Go! Pond Prowl: 3pm
A hands-on investigation of the Binnen Pools to discover the diverse aquatic life in the park.
Nature’s Helpers: 2pm
Families are encouraged to come and take a tour of the Park and help keep it clean along the way. Gloves, garbage bags, and trash grabbers will be provided.
Discovery Tour: 4pm
Learn what birds eat from trees, early spring migration, and discover the layers within the forest!
Details: Lincoln Rd./Ocean Ave. entrance, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 287-3400. Visit the website for more information.
Saturdays and Sunday from 10am — 5pm
The Big Adventure at The Brooklyn Children’s Museum (CROWN HEIGHTS)
Visit the latest exhibit at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Big Adventure, where kids will be able to choose activity adventures that identify challenges, solve problems, make decisions, set goals, enhance creativity, and help them gain confidence.
Details: 145 Brooklyn Avenue, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE with museum admissions. Contact: (718) 735-4400. Visit the website for more information.
Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm — 5pm
Family Days Bowling at Brooklyn Bowl (WILLIAMSBURG)
Grab your kids and gather ’round for a day of indoor fun! Seriously, bowling is the new black and it is certainly fun for the entire family. Pack a snack or try tasty food from Blue Ribbon, which will be available for purchase.
Details: 61 Wythe Ave (Btwn N 11th St & 12th St), Brooklyn. All are welcomed. Cost: Saturday $25/lane/half hour; Sunday $20/lane/half hour; Shoes: $4.95/per person. Socks:$3/pair. Contact: (718) 963-3369. Visit the website for more information.
All Weekend from 10am — 5pm
MoMath Exhibitions at the Museum of Mathematics (FLATIRON DISTRICT)
There’s a new museum in town and it’s been getting rave reviews — the Museum of Mathematics! More than 30 exhibitions reveal the wonders of math in this 19,000-square-foot space. Interactive, hands-on, engaging and fun, the exhibitions invite participation, encourage experimentation, and spark curiosity in visitors of all ages and math skills. They bring math concepts to life in ways that amaze, astound enlighten and entertain. Many have surprising outcomes that stimulate visitors to want to understand why.
Details: 11 East 26th Street (between 5th and Madison Avenues), NYC. All are welcomed. Cost: $15/adults; $9/children. Contact: (212) 542-0566. Visit the website for more information.
ONGOING
Saturdays through July 27th from 10am — 12pm
Arty Hours at The Lawn in The High Line (NYC)
Experiment with painting and drawing techniques, and build vehicles, forts, structures, and machines with the Children’s Workyard Kit, a crate of planks, nuts, bolts, and other materials. Please note: If there is rain, or when the 23rd Street Lawn is closed, the event will take place in the 14th Street Passage, on the High Line at West 14th Street.
Details: West 23rd Street (near 10th Avenue), NYC. Ages 4 and up. FREE for all. Contact: (212) 206-9922. Visit the website for more information.
Sundays through July 28th from 10am — 12pm
Bike NY: Learn to Ride Kids at The Brooklyn Bridge Park (BROOKLYN HEIGHTS)
This is a group class for children who are ready to ride a two-wheeler for the first time. Bike New York instructors help parents teach their kids how to balance, pedal, start, stop, and steer a bicycle. Please note: registration is required.
Details: Joralemon Street, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.
Saturdays through August 31st at 3pm
Bargemusic Family Concert at The Brooklyn Bridge Park (FULTON FERRY LANDING)
Walk across the gangplank of a renovated coffee barge into a “wonderfully intimate wood-paneled room with thrilling views of lower Manhattan and excellent acoustics.” Experience why critics call Bargemusic “the perfect chamber-music hall” and why artists say it is “unlike any other place in the world to perform.”
Details: All are welcomed. Visit the website for more information.
Ongoing from 12pm — 4pm
Luna Park (CONEY ISLAND)
Take a thrilling ride on the famous Cyclone or one of the new rides debuting for the 2013 season.
Details: 1000 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn. Ages 3 and up. Cost: Pay-per-ride or POP packages available. Contact: 718.373.LUNA (5862). Visit the website for more information.
Through July 7th from 10:30am — 4:30pm (hourly)
IMAX Flight of the Butterflies at The American Museum of Natural History (UWS)
This is a great way for children (and adults alike!) to learn about the 3,000-mile journey traveled every fall by half a billion Monarch butterflies… at one of NYC’s favorite museums! This migration, which begins in Canada and continues through the United States to Mexico, is the longest and most amazing insect migration on Earth.
Details: Central Park West at 79th Street, NYC. All are welcomed. Cost: $25/adults; $19/students and seniors; $14.50/children ages 2-12. Price includes admission to the museum. Contact: 212-769-5200. Visit the website for more information.
Through September 15th 2013: various times
Gazillion Bubble Show at New World Stages Theater (MIDTOWN)
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. I’m been to this twice because we love it so much. Awesome show and well worth the price and trip. 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.
Through January 5, 2014 from 10am — 6pm
Whales: Giants of the Deep at The American Museum of Natural History (UWS)
Get a load of this! Whales: Giants of the Deep brings you close to some of the most massive mammals on Earth. Featuring life-size models, interactive exhibits, films, as well as over 20 whale skulls and skeletons.
Details: Central Park West at 79th Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. Cost: $25 adults; $14.50 kids age 2-12; $19 seniors/students (General admission plus 1 ticket includes admission to the museum and Rose Center plus 1 special exhibition). Contact: 212-769-5100. Visit the website for more information.