Who’s hungry? This weekend is all about sumptuous eats–with plenty of dance parties and sports adventures to balance out the culinary indulgence. After you’ve had your fill, don’t miss other family-minded specials like a weekend with the city’s firefighting heroes, close encounters with adorable animals, and more.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
It’s a foodie frenzy this weekend at Paper Magazine’s Super(Duper) Market pop-up store. While parents stock up on nationwide pantry faves, kids under ten can make banana dogs, pretzel butterflies, and more.
“Mow”sey over to Wave Hill for a lush combination of music, arts, and nature at this weekend’s Mow-Down Hoedown. Make a little puppet friend, build a big lean-to, and enjoy an afternoon of–what else?–bluegrass music.
SATURDAY
Talk about a hopping island! Governors Island is hosting its Come Out & Play Field Day of quirky sports (think: a game using only your ears and a soccer/baseball hybrid) alongside this year’s City of Water Day, chock full of ferry rides and other waterfront activities.
If you need a break from the sizzling summer sun, keep cool at an interactive story time about a boy obsessed with polar bears, presented by Making Books Sing.
Lincoln Center keeps it classy with a Kid’s Day rendition of the Midsummer Night Swing program. Fledgling dancers 6-10 can have a ball learning to swing, merengue, and tango–all the while learning how to make new friends. (Saturday)
Alternatively, you can dance the night away at CMOM, where kids and grown-ups will be enjoying active after-dark fun during two groovy hours of zumba.
Bastille Day on 60th Street is all about crepes, macaroons, and all things French. From tastings to language classes to petanque lawn bowling tournaments, the day provides countless opportunities for your family to channel your inner Francophiles.
Recycling isn’t just for paper, plastic, and glass. Learn how architects reuse old buildings for brand new purposes and construct your very own “trash factory” at the Skyscraper Museum.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
Comic characters are all well and good, but The Intrepid Museum is celebrating real-life heroes during its Firefighter Appreciation Weekend. Don’t miss festivities like an FDNY rock & roll band, and be sure to get a cool tour of lifesaving fireboats.
SUNDAY
Ever wanted to be a zookeeper? Help the Staten Island Zoo make breakfast for its animals, get up close and personal with the furry animals, and enjoy some early morning snacks yourself.
Calling mini Iron Chef fans: See Mario Batali’s genius in action in his edible garden of herbs and vegetables at The New York Botanical Garden. After some green thumb activities, treat yourself to demonstrations from Batali’s chefs–followed by a super-fresh three-course meal.
BONUS TIP
Nothing defines family-friendly competition quite like mini golf. Whether your crew is super competitive and playing for bragging rights, or just working up an appetite for burgers and fries (see above!), we’ve got your guide to the city’s top greens.
