For this last week of July, we have events in store for fans of the blues, animation shorts, exercise, national parks, and the Mets. So slather on the SPF and check out one or more of our weekly picks.
Thursday, July 30
JazzReach: “Yes Indeed!”
Madison Square Park
10:30am-11:30am
Introduce the kids to American blues music during JazzReach’s “Yes Indeed!” program. This one-hour interactive performance will showcase the Southern origins of the blues through a live concert and demonstrate how the popularity of the genre has influenced other musical styles such as jazz, rock, hip hop, and funk. This event is free.
Friday, July 31-Sunday, August 2
Animation Block Party
Brooklyn Academy of Music
Various times
Make it a cartoon weekend when you visit the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) for its 12th annual Animation Block Party. The festival will feature national and international critically-acclaimed animation shorts for children ages 1 through 8 and a program of educational shorts from “Sesame Street.” Plus, be sure to stick around for a screening of “The Care Bears Movie” (1985; rated G) on Sunday. Ticket prices vary. Please note: Some programs featured during Animation Block Party may not be appropriate for children. Please refer to the event’s website for more details.
Beginning Saturday, August 1
Summer Streets 2015
Park Avenue from Central Park to the Brooklyn Bridge
7am-1pm
Beginning this Saturday, the streets along Park Avenue from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park will be closed to car traffic for Summer Streets, an annual health initiative where runners, bikers, rollerbladers and walkers can enjoy almost seven miles of NYC streets along with free activities for all. This year’s festivities include a Vita Coco-sponsored beach with a water slide and zipline rides, free bike and rollerblade rentals, food samples courtesy of Whole Foods Market, health and fitness classes, live music and dance performances, and much more. This event is free and will occur on Saturdays through Saturday, August 15.
Saturday, August 1-Sunday, August 2
National Parks Weekend
The Bronx Zoo
11am-4pm
Celebrate the beauty of our national parks at the Bronx Zoo this weekend! All ages can participate in bird watching workshops, learn how to properly pitch a tent, start a campfire, and paddle a kayak, all with the assistance of park rangers. Afterwards, families can discover how immigrants came to America via the national park of Ellis Island. Free with zoo admission.
Sunday, August 2
Family Sunday with the Mets
Citi Field
8:08pm
Batter up! Bring the family to Citi Field this Sunday to watch the Mets take on the Washington Nationals. As part of Family Sunday, the first 15,000 fans will receive a free Michael Cuddyer poster. After the game, kids ages 12 and under are invited to take the field and run the bases with everyone’s favorite mascot during the Mr. Met Dash. Tickets start at $20.
