FRIDAY AUGUST 2ND
Friday, August 2nd 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, August 2nd 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.
Sing Along with Mike Messer at Dean Street (PROSPECT HEIGHTS)
Sing-along with Mike Messer of the Dirty Sock Funtime Band. Please note: Through August 30th.
Details: 755 Dean Street, Brooklyn. All are welcomed. Cost: $7/family. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, August 2nd 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, August 2nd from 2pm — 3pm
Blooming Naturalists at Audubon Center (PROSPECT PARK)
At the Audubon Center learn how to make your own nature journal and how to use binoculars and field guides. Please note: Through August 30th.
Details: Lincoln Road/Ocean Avenue entrance, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 287-3400. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, August 2nd 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, August 2nd 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, August 2nd 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, August 2nd from 5pm — 8pm
Target Free First Friday Night at Children’s Museum of Manhattan (UWS)
Take the kids to the museum to enjoy an evening of fun and activities for free!
Details: 212 West 83rd Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, August 2nd 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 entré 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, August 2nd at 9:30pm
Fireworks on the Beach at Coney Island
Head to the boardwalk to get a spectacular view of the fireworks. It’ll make for the perfect ending to a long weekend.
Details: 1208 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.
SATURDAY AUGUST 3RD
Saturday, August 3rd from 7am — 3pm
Summer Streets 2013 (NYC)
The streets of Manhattan will be closed off to cars. And open to pedestrians. And we WILL take over. Are you ready?! Seven miles of the streets will be opened to play, run, walk and bike. The fun will be from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, and all along Park Avenue there will be lots of fun pit stops along the way. Details: All are welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, August 3rd at various times
Ready, Set, Kindergarten at Brooklyn Public Library Various Branches (BROOKLYN)
In this special six session series, families will enjoy stories and activities designed to encourage the development of early learning skills. Exploring literacy, science, and math through music, stories, crafts, and play will help you and your child get ready for school! Families will receive free materials to continue the learning and fun at home.
Details: Visit the website to see the time of your specific branch and for more information.
Saturday, August 3rd 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, August 3rd 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, August 3rd 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, August 3rd 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, August 3rd 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, August 3rd at 10:30am
PuppetMobile Presents Little Red Hood at Pier 6 (BROOKLYN HEIGHTS)
My son and I were able to see this show and he really enjoyed it! From the creators, “Little Red’s Hood is a fresh retelling of the classic “Little Red Riding Hood” tale updated with a modern sensibility that will appeal to kids. The production features a dozen, hand-made marionettes crafted by the expert puppeteers from the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre. Like many of today’s children, Little Red is a smart, young city slicker who is too focused on her smartphone to notice her surroundings. Wulfric is a misunderstood wolf with a sweet tooth. When Little Red travels from New York City to the country to deliver some cupcakes to her Grandma, she encounters a colorful cast of characters as Wulfric the Wolf tries to head her off at the pass.”Details: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6 Furman Street, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.
Saturdays through September 29th from 10:30am — 6:30pm
Fete Paradiso on Governor’s Island (GOVERNOR’S ISLAND)
Fête Paradiso, the world’s first traveling festival of vintage carnival rides and carousels, will make its American debut on Governors Island. The rare, museum-quality collection, which includes a diverse array of attractions from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as carousels, flying swings and a pipe organ. The extraordinary festival of artisan-crafted, vintage carousels and carnival rides includes a bicycle carousel from the late 19th century, early 20th century Music-Hall Ball Guzzler, a carnival game that features life-size caricatures of Josephine Baker, Charlie Chaplin and other celebrities of the time and a bumper car pavilion from 1900 that has been transformed into a beer garden featuring food reminiscent of a French carnival will be served by New York’s legendary French bistro Le Gamin.
Details: Governor’s Island, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE admission, $3/ride. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, August 3rd at 10:30am and 2pm
Wanda’s Monster: A Family Musical at Vineyard Theatre (UNION SQUARE)
“Back by popular demand, this warm-hearted musical introduces an imaginative little girl named Wanda and her unexpected bond with a fuzzy purple monster as she learns acceptance and friendship. Based on the award-winning children’s book by Eileen Spinelli, featuring music and lyrics by singer, songwriter and superstar children’s recording artist LAURIE BERKNER, including fan favorites Monster Boogie, and Wanda, Whatcha Wanna Do, plus brand new classics and book by Barbara Zinn Krieger.”
Details: 108 East 15 Street, NYC. Ages 10 and under. Cost: Tickets starting at $39. Contact: kwilson@makingbookssing.org. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, August 3rd 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.
Drum Jam with Play Music at Vanderbilt Playground (PROSPECT PARK)
Participants can learn games, songs, and play drums! Bring a friend! No experience is necessary.
Details: 170 West Drive in Prospect Park , Brooklyn. Ages 4 to 7. Suggested donation: $10. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, August 3rd 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, August 3rd 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, August 3rd from 12pm — 5pm
Kids Rule Weekend at Lehman College (BRONX)
Grab the kids and make the trip up to the Lehman College campus for two days of outdoor family fun. Participants will be able to enjoy games, magic shows, family performances by the school’s resident Children’s Theatre Company, water slides and pony rides.
Details: Lehman College Bedford Park Boulevard West and Goulden Avenue, Bronx. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 718.960.8025. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, August 3rd from 12pm — 1pm (through August 24th)
Word for Word Kids at Bryant Park Reading Room (BRYANT PARK)
Word for Word Kids is an event filled with stories, fun games, activities, live music, and a whole lot of lovely! Please note: This Saturday will feature Astrograss for Kids.
Details: 5th Avenue between 40th Street and 42nd Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 212-768-4242. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, August 3rd 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, August 3rd 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, August 3rd from 12pm — 1pm
Next Stop: Stories That Make Us Go at New York Transit Museum (BROOKLYN HEIGHTS)
Stories and games inspired by characters from our favorite transportation books in a vintage subway car.
Drop in anytime.
Details: Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn. Ages 4 and under. FREE with museum admission. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, August 3rd 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, August 3rd at 1:30pm
Assignment: Subway at New York Transit Museum (BROOKLYN HEIGHTS)
Ever wondered about the people who work underground, helping to keep our subways on the move? Learn about different subway jobs on a fun, interactive tour! We’ll handle artifacts, explore special areas of the Museum and make a badge for the subway job you’d most like to have!
Details: Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn. All are welcomed. FREE with museum admission. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, August 3rd from 2pm — 3pm
Ezra Jacks Keats Story Hour at Imagination Playground (PROSPECT PARK)
Children can listen to stories by Brooklyn native Ezra Jacks Keats.
Details: Near Ocean Avenue between the Parkside Avenue and Lincoln Road entrances., Brooklyn. All are welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.
SUNDAY AUGUST 4TH
Sunday, August 4th at various times
Ready, Set, Kindergarten at Brooklyn Public Library Various Branches (BROOKLYN)
In this special six session series, families will enjoy stories and activities designed to encourage the development of early learning skills. Exploring literacy, science, and math through music, stories, crafts, and play will help you and your child get ready for school! Families will receive free materials to continue the learning and fun at home.
Details: Visit the website to see the time of your specific branch and for more information.
Sunday, August 4th 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, August 4th 10am and Noon
Mommy Poppins Family Harbor Sail (SOUTH STREET SEAPORT)
Climb aboard Manhattan by Sail’s beautiful Clipper City Tall Ship as we sail in New York Harbor and back in time. Master Storyteller Bill Gordh and his banjo will regale families with sea songs and tall tales, our sailors will teach kids Sailor Skills like knot tying, hoisting the sails and other nautical know-how. Plus face painters, cool custom temporary tattoos from My Tattoo Ring and an activity booklet from PBS Kids Club THIRTEEN and goody bags.
Details: Manhattan By Sail Pier 17, South Street Seaport, New York NY. Adults $39, Seniors $35, Children 12 and under $25. Visit the website fore more information.
Sunday, August 4th 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, August 4th 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, August 4th 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.
Sundays through September 29th from 10:30am — 6:30pm
Fete Paradiso on Governor’s Island (GOVERNOR’S ISLAND)
Fête Paradiso, the world’s first traveling festival of vintage carnival rides and carousels, will make its American debut on Governors Island. The rare, museum-quality collection, which includes a diverse array of attractions from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as carousels, flying swings and a pipe organ. The extraordinary festival of artisan-crafted, vintage carousels and carnival rides includes a bicycle carousel from the late 19th century, early 20th century Music-Hall Ball Guzzler, a carnival game that features life-size caricatures of Josephine Baker, Charlie Chaplin and other celebrities of the time and a bumper car pavilion from 1900 that has been transformed into a beer garden featuring food reminiscent of a French carnival will be served by New York’s legendary French bistro Le Gamin.
Details: Governor’s Island, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE admission, $3/ride. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, August 4th 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, August 4th 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, August 4th 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, August 4th 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, August 4th at 12:30pm and 3pm
Wanda’s Monster: A Family Musical at Vineyard Theatre (UNION SQUARE)
“Back by popular demand, this warm-hearted musical introduces an imaginative little girl named Wanda and her unexpected bond with a fuzzy purple monster as she learns acceptance and friendship. Based on the award-winning children’s book by Eileen Spinelli, featuring music and lyrics by singer, songwriter and superstar children’s recording artist LAURIE BERKNER, including fan favorites Monster Boogie, and Wanda, Whatcha Wanna Do, plus brand new classics and book by Barbara Zinn Krieger.”
Details: 108 East 15 Street, NYC. Ages 10 and under. Cost: Tickets starting at $39. Contact: kwilson@makingbookssing.org. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, August 4th 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, August 4th at 1:30pm
Assignment: Subway at New York Transit Museum (BROOKLYN HEIGHTS)
Ever wondered about the people who work underground, helping to keep our subways on the move? Learn about different subway jobs on a fun, interactive tour! We’ll handle artifacts, explore special areas of the Museum and make a badge for the subway job you’d most like to have!
Details: Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn. All are welcomed. FREE with museum admission. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, August 4th 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.
ALL WEEKEND
Friday, August 2nd from 4pm — 7pm
Saturday, August 3rd and Sunday, August 4th from 2pm — 5pm
Summer Free Hours at The Brooklyn Children’s Museum (CROWN HEIGHTS)
Grab the kids and enjoy the afternoon at the museum… all for free!
Details: 145 Brooklyn Avenue, Brooklyn. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Visit the website for more information.
Saturdays and Sundays through September 29th from 10:30am — 6:30pm
Fete Paradiso on Governor’s Island (GOVERNOR’S ISLAND)
Fête Paradiso, the world’s first traveling festival of vintage carnival rides and carousels, will make its American debut on Governors Island. The rare, museum-quality collection, which includes a diverse array of attractions from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as carousels, flying swings and a pipe organ. The extraordinary festival of artisan-crafted, vintage carousels and carnival rides includes a bicycle carousel from the late 19th century, early 20th century Music-Hall Ball Guzzler, a carnival game that features life-size caricatures of Josephine Baker, Charlie Chaplin and other celebrities of the time and a bumper car pavilion from 1900 that has been transformed into a beer garden featuring food reminiscent of a French carnival will be served by New York’s legendary French bistro Le Gamin.
Details: Governor’s Island, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE admission, $3/ride. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, August 3rd at 10:30am and 2pm
Sunday, August 4th at 12:30pm and 3pm
Wanda’s Monster: A Family Musical at Vineyard Theatre (UNION SQUARE)
“Back by popular demand, this warm-hearted musical introduces an imaginative little girl named Wanda and her unexpected bond with a fuzzy purple monster as she learns acceptance and friendship. Based on the award-winning children’s book by Eileen Spinelli, featuring music and lyrics by singer, songwriter and superstar children’s recording artist LAURIE BERKNER, including fan favorites Monster Boogie, and Wanda, Whatcha Wanna Do, plus brand new classics and book by Barbara Zinn Krieger.” Please note: The show will be running through September 28th.
Details: 108 East 15 Street, NYC. Ages 10 and under. Cost: Tickets starting at $39. Contact: kwilson@makingbookssing.org. 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, August 2nd and Saturday, August 3rd from 10am — 9pm
Sunday, August 4th 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, August 3rd and Sunday, August 4th 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 through August 31st at 1pm and 3pm
Macy’s Fishing Clinic at Prospect Park Wellhouse Drive (PROSPECT PARK)
Participants will learn about aquatic ecology, fishing safety, and even get to collect their own bait! Kids must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please note: Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Details: Prospect Park Wellhouse Drive, Brooklyn. All are welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: (718) 287-3400 x303. 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 August 24th from 12pm — 1pm
Word for Word Kids at Bryant Park Reading Room (BRYANT PARK)
Word for Word Kids is an event filled with stories, fun games, activities, live music, and a whole lot of lovely!
Details: 5th Avenue between 40th Street and 42nd Street, NYC. All ages welcomed. FREE for all. Contact: 212-768-4242. 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 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.