Events: Top Kid-Friendly Activities For The Week

The 7th Annual Unicycle Festival will begin this Thursday! Photo by Keith Nelson via nycunifest.com.

Before back to school actually becomes a reality, seize a last chance opportunity to take in as many of our event picks as you can pack into this busy week. You won’t regret it, since we have so much to choose from. Check out the US Open, or perhaps you are more in the mood for unicycles, a tugboat race, fun at a county fair, or even an off-Broadway show. Have a great Labor Day!

Beginning Monday, August 29

The US Open
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
11am-11pm
Tennis, anyone? The US Open begins this Monday, and tennis fans won’t want to miss all the excitement at this year’s tournament. Tennis superstars who are scheduled to play include Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Stan Wawrinka, and many others. Opening night will include performances by Phil Collins and “Hamilton” star Leslie Odom, Jr. Tickets start at $62. Runs through Sunday, September 11.

Thursday, September 1-Sunday, September 4

The 7th Annual NYC Unicycle Festival
Various locations
Various times
(Uni)cyclists of all ages and abilities are welcome at Unicycle Festival NYC 2016! This annual event takes place over several days, beginning in Battery Park on Thursday and ending on Governors Island on Sunday. Fest activities on Governors Island include one-wheel relay races, kite flying, sumo wrestling, and games of unicycle basketball and hockey. Plus, for the second year, the festival will host a costume contest during which cyclists can vie for top prizes. Festival-goers can also learn how to ride a unicycle during afternoon riding workshops. This event is free.

Sunday, September 4

The 24th Annual Great North River Tugboat Race
Pier 83 in Hudson River Park
9am-2pm
Watch as tugboats race along the Hudson during the 24th Annual Great North River Tugboat Race. Boats will also vie for awards in “nose to nose pushing” and “line toss” competitions. Kids will get a kick out of watching the spinach eating contest. To view all the racing action from the water, hop aboard the Spectator Boat which departs at 9:30am. Spectator Boat tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for children ages 3 to 12.

West Side County Fair
Pier 1 in Riverside Park South
1-6pm
What better way to celebrate Labor Day weekend than with a county fair! The West Side County Fair in Riverside Park will include attractions like sideshow performers, carnival rides and games, reptile shows, aerialists, and live music. This year’s performers include City Stompers, Annie DiRusso, and Big Dog Run. Plus, be sure to end your day at the fair with cotton candy or another yummy treat! This event is free.

Beginning Monday, September 5

20at20
Various theaters throughout Manhattan
Various times
Take your family to see an off-Broadway show for only $20 per ticket as part of 20 at 20. Twenty Off-Broadway shows are available to the public for $20 if they show up 20 minutes before the show. “The Gazillion Bubble Show,” “Stomp,” and “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” are some of the family-friendly shows available this year. Runs through Sunday, September 25.

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Bounce! Family Entertainment Center

Bounce! Family Entertainment Center is an indoor birthday party and play space located in Syosset, NY. Perfect for birthday parties, group events, open play, and more! We have the best party packages on Long Island! Our facility has multiple AWESOME attractions: The Trampoline courts, The Adventure Zone, Bumper Cars, Laser Tag, Soft Play, Arcade, &amp; MORE! If you need a break from jumping and climbing, try out some of our delicious food from The Bounce Bites Kitchen! Come on in to any of our Open Play, Toddler Time, or Glow Night sessions!

Young Actors at Strasberg

Young Actors at Strasberg&nbsp;offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 &ndash;&nbsp;12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry &ndash;&nbsp;all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson! Young Actors&nbsp;Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in&nbsp;July and August. About The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute: Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.

Play On! Studios

Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games! Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun! Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show! During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us. &nbsp;