Olympic-Themed Events & Activities For Kids In NYC

With the start of the Rio Summer Olympics approaching on August 5, there are plenty of ways for kids to get involved in the fun here in NYC! The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is hosting a big Olympic event during the games’ opening weekend that will explore Olympic traditions and Brazilian culture, while kids can imagine what it would be like to see animals compete at the Children’s Museum of the Arts. Check out the games, crafts, and more below:

IMG_20160724_161834 — Kids can get into the Olympic spirit at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (Photo courtesy CMOM)

Animal Superstars at at 53rd Street Library
August 4, 4pm
18 West 53rd Street
Ages 3-12
Join the Art Farm in the City at 53rd Street Library for an afternoon spent imagining what would happen if the Olympics were held for animals! Kids will meet live animal “athletes,” including turtles, hamsters, frogs, doves, parrots, insects, and lizards. Kids will have a chance to medal in various Olympic events, create their own animal-themed team flag, and create an Animal Olympian puppet. Free, though limited to 20 kids and caregivers.

The Olympics at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan
August 5: 10am-5pm
August 6: 10am-7pm
August 7: 10am-5pm
212 West 83rd Street
Recommended ages vary by activity
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan will host their own Olympics during opening weekend, August 5-7. Kids will have the opportunity to learn freestyle soccer moves with the New York Red Bulls (8/5), learn the Brazilian martial art Capoiera from the pros at CUMBE Dance (8/7), get moving with PopFit Kids, and design their own Olympic torches and medals. Free with museum admission; sign-up required for some workshops. cmom.org

Citi Celebrates Team USA: Rio On The Hudson at Pier 26 in Hudson River Park
August 5-11, check website for varied timing
Pier 26 in Hudson River Park
Rio is coming to New York at this week-long celebration of the 2016 Games, sponsored by Citi! Come witness the cauldron-lighting at a special kickoff ceremony on Friday, August 5 at 7pm, and enjoy a week of Brazilian culture and entertainment and visits from US Olympians and Paralympians. There will be appearances by legendary athletes such as Mia Hamm and Jackie Joyner-Kersee, plus live arts demonstrations, Samba dancers, and more! Free, citi.com

Animal Olympics at the Children’s Museum of the Arts
August 6-7, 11am-5pm
103 Charlton Street
Ages 5+
Head to the Media Lab at the Children’s Museum of the Arts, where ages 5 and up can celebrate the opening of the games by crafting their own animal “athletes,” and animate “giraffe gymnasts, seal swimmers, diving dogs,” and more! Free with museum admission. cmom.org

Brooklyn Family Fun Day Olympics at the Sunset Park Recreation Center
August 12, 1pm
4200 7th Avenue, Brooklyn
All ages
Head to the Sunset Park Recreation Center for an free afternoon of family-friendly competition! Events and activities include a three-legged race, a potato sack race, inflatable football, relay races, and more–and medals will be given away for each activity. The NYC Football Club will also be present. Free, though registration is required. eventbrite.com

5 Olympic Sports Kids Can Play in NYC
With the Summer Olympics just around the corner, what better way for sports-loving kids to spend the summer than learning how to play some less common Olympic sports! There are plenty of venues in NYC that offer sports like water polo, fencing, and more–we’ve rounded up five great ones with options for kids!

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Chickenshed NYC

Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company that began in the UK in 1974. Chickenshed NYC is a young organization bringing that same ethos and unique methodology to the USA. Chickenshed&rsquo;s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change. Chickenshed's model of Inclusive Theatre is based in the belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included. At Chickenshed everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, and together we produce remarkable theatre. We want to break down barriers between people to create a world without labels and where differences no longer divide. At Chickenshed, support is given to those who need it, and given by those who can . We believe that creative activities, self-expression and performance should be available to anyone who has the desire, no matter their background or circumstances. We know that when everyone has the opportunity to shine, amazing things happen. Chickenshed NYC provides programming for little ones, children and youth through semester-long activities and performances.