Weekend Planner: August 13-14

Isn’t the city supposed to slow down in August? Aren’t kids supposed to be bored by the lazy days of summer? Or, think you’ve seen everything that NYC has to offer? Think again. You can make an entire weekend out of visiting Governors Island (and we recommend it!), or bring the tots a bit further afield to Queens for one of the largest dragon boat races in the entire country. If your curiosity has gotten the best of you, read on… —

We’re not sure what appeals to kids more: devilish dragons or big old boats. Either way, little ones will watch in wonder as rowers make their way through the water on lavishly decorated vessels during the free Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in Flushing Meadows, Queens this Saturday and Sunday. Experience one of the largest dragon boat races in the entire country while noshing on traditional ethnic cuisine and taking in live performances.

This Saturday and Sunday, Governors Island, in collaboration with the National Park Service, hosts a Civil War weekend to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the War Between the States. The past will come to life as families get better acquainted with members of both the Confederate and Union Armies (Hey! Whose side are you on?). You won’t want to miss weapon demos, music performances and other cultural activities. Kids can dress in historical costumes and even watch a game of Civil War Base Ball.

If you visit the Island on Saturday, be sure to stick around for the NYC Volkswagen Traffic Jam Car Show where junior can check out tons of VWs and play games like Punch Buggy in the Kid Zone. This car show and picnic is free to all spectators, but you can also buy raffle tickets to win cool prizes like a vintage bike!

Mary Poppins never steered kids wrong when she insisted they go fly a kite, right? Take her advice at the Brooklyn Kite Festival this Saturday, and enjoy a summer afternoon at the Brooklyn Bridge Park with the fam. Bring your own kite, or make one there that you can use through the end of summer.

Gather the brood and concoct your own delicious ice cream flavors at Tavern on the Green’s Ice Cream Demo this Sunday, where kids can learn how to make their own scoops from the pros. This make-us-melt event is great for children of all ages, not to mention F-R-E-E.

Looking for even more fun? Click here for all of our weekend highlights.

Click here for the full calendar of all family events happening this weekend and every day of the week.

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