Events: The Best Kid-Friendly Events Of The Week (September 5-7)

By Gavriella Mahpour

Hope everyone had a relaxing Labor Day weekend! Although this week marks the start of a new school year, there’s still loads of time to check out this array of weekend events. From an anniversary party in Madison Square Park to Family Day at the Queens Zoo, this round-up of family fun will chase away the first-week-of-school blues.

Friday, September 5

City Island Trolley
From Pelham Bay Station
5:30pm-9:30pm
Hop on a trolley to City Island! On the first Friday of every month (through December), the City Island Chamber of Commerce runs free trolley service from the Bronx’s Pelham Bay Station to the Bartow Pell Mansion Museum on City Island. Riders can explore the island’s many sights and even receive special offers and discounts at participating establishments. Trolley runs hourly on the half-hour. Must have valid Trolley Card to qualify for offers and discounts. Free.

Saturday, September 6

Mad. Sq. 200
Madison Square Park
3pm-9pm
In honor of the 200th anniversary of the naming of Madison Square, Madison Square Park will host Mad. Sq. 200. The Historic Daytime Fair will celebrate the games, art, and food of the early 1800s and 1900s. Activities include games of badminton, hopscotch, marbles, and performances by the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, the Commonwealth Vintage Dancers, and Kid Ace. In the evening, Mad. Sq. 200 will transform into TASK, an experimental contemporary art party for all ages. Free.

Sunday, September 7

African Film Festival Family Day Celebration
Governors Island
11am-5pm
This Sunday, visitors to Governors Island will be transported to Africa during the African Film Festival’s Family Day Celebration. This free, day-long event will feature dance classes, storytelling, quilting workshops, African food, and more. Short films from African directors will be screened throughout the day. In the event of rain, Family Day Celebration will be held on Sunday, September 14 from 11am to 5pm.

Ferragosto 2014
Arthur Avenue (between Crescent Avenue & 187th Street), Bronx
12pm-6pm
Whether you’re Italian or not, Ferrogosto 2014 on Arthur Avenue is the place to be this Sunday for all things Italiano! This street fair will offer face painting for children, Italian street food, and live performances from Commedia dell’Arte, Gina Ricci, and others. Admission is free.

Family Day
Queens Zoo
1pm-4pm
Animal lovers of all ages are invited to the Queens Zoo for Family Day! Zoo visitors will learn about the animals of the South American rainforest, participate in live animal demos, and make a craft to take home. The program’s tour will also be offered in Spanish. Tickets are $35 for one adult and one child.