Weekend Planner: Fun Family Activities In NYC (July 31-August 2)

This weekend, take to the streets! The annual Summer Streets celebration begins on Saturday, closing Park Avenue to traffic from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park for active pursuits including a massive water slide (advance registration required) and a zip line. Head to Fort Greene to check out the Animation Block Party at BAMcinématek,which will feature several flicks for kids, or head to the Bronx Zoo for a celebration of our national parks! Enjoy!

Animation Block Party at BAM
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 4 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. (Friday-Sunday)
Hudson River FlicksFamily Fridays
Make it a movie night for the whole family at Hudson RiverFlicks Family Fridays at Pier 46 in Hudson River Park. The movie and popcorn are both free of charge, so bring your blankets and enjoy the show! This week, the movie is the 2014 remake of "Annie."
Summer Streets 2015
Beginning this Saturday, the streets along Park Avenue from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park will be closed to car traffic from 7am-1pm 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. (Saturdays through August 15)
National Parks Weekend at The Bronx Zoo
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, and catch a performance by Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam. (Saturday-Sunday)
Hindu Lamp Ceremony in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Immerse yourself in a fun cultural tradition! See a traditional Hindu Aarti ceremony–a worship ritual where lights are offered to gods–and enjoy a dance performance at the Hindu Lamp Ceremony at Pebble Beach in Brooklyn Bridge Park. (Saturday)
Family Sunday with the Mets at Citi Field
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. (Sunday)
Celebrate American Family Day at CMA
Bring the family to CMA for a special Family Day celebration! Workshops include a larger than life collaborative animal sculpture inspired by the works of Jeff Koons and Robert Bradford, miniature dioramas of favorite getaway places, WEE arts workshops, busts at the clay bar, a family jam in the Sound Booth, and much more! (Sunday)
Kids Rule Weekend at Lehman College
Head to Lehman College for a full weekend of kid-friendly fun, just because kids rule! There will be games, magic shows, children’s theater, water slides, pony rides, and more–all for free! (Saturday-Sunday)
Boogie on the Boulevard: Summer Sundays
The Bronx Museum presents “Boogie on the Boulevard: Summer Sundays” where the center lanes of the Grand Concourse from 161st Street to 167th Street will be closed off so families can enjoy free music, activities, and programs from local Bronx artists and performers. (Sunday)
Bark in the Park at MCU Park
Take your dog to a ballgame! The Brooklyn Cyclones invite baseball fans to bring their dogs to the annual “Bark in the Park” baseball game at MCU Park in Coney Island. Cat and dog adoptions from Alliance Participating Organizations, a dog parade, and family-friendly activities will be present. (Sunday)
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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.

Gaga Madness

Gaga is the hottest new sport in NYC. We've taken the fun of GAGA and pushed it into overdrive. Energetic coaches, pumped up music, sideline commentary, gear giveaways and more. Stay active and keep fit with this new craze that's sweeping the city.

Asphalt Green

Asphalt Green&rsquo;s high-quality sports programs start at 4 months old. Two beautiful facilities in vibrant Manhattan neighborhoods provide the optimal space for children to learn the fundamentals, play for leisure, or compete at the highest level. As the leading sports and fitness facility in Manhattan, Asphalt Green&rsquo;s never-before- seen training methods focus on improving your mental and physical game. Whether participating in swim, soccer, flag football, martial arts, basketball, baseball, tennis, or volleyball, coaches instill values that set athletes up for success in life and bring out their full potential in sports.