Marina Madness
Ongoing
[All Ages]
The historic Pier 57 is set to be transformed into a mall in 2015, but for now it serves as an artistic and cultural hub. Fun art installations and yummy food vendors—think Van Leeuwen ice cream, Takumi Tacos, and Fletcher’s Brooklyn Barbecue—are just a few of the storage container pop-ups families can enjoy alongside fantastic marina views. Free; 11 am-8 pm Tues through Thurs (9 pm Fri), 9 am-9 pm Sat & Sun. West 15th Street and Eleventh Avenue, 212-477-8008, marinap57.com
Visit Penguin City
Through January 2014
[Ages 2 And Up]
If you’re looking to cool down and take a break from the summer heat, stop by “Penguins,” the new IMAX film at the American Museum of Natural History. Filmmaker Sir David Attenborough will take you along as he tracks the journey of a King Penguin striving to protect his offspring from cold weather and lurking predators. Children $8, adults $12.50; start times between 10:30 am and 4:30 pm. Central Park West at 79th Street, 212-769-5100, amnh.org
Celebrate The Streets
August 3, 10, & 17
[All Ages]
For three consecutive Saturdays, take full advantage of a car-free Park Avenue. Roughly seven miles of Summer Streets will be packed with families ready to run, walk, bike, or play at their leisure. Past activities have included a climbing wall and zip lining for those who dare to be brave. If that’s not your thing, relax and enjoy a street-wide picnic or check out some urban art. Free; 7 am-1 pm. Park Avenue between Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge, nyc.gov/summerstreets
A Musical Lunch
August 8 & 15
[All Ages]
On Thursdays through the middle of August, head over to Bryant Park to see stars of popular Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals perform their biggest hits. Kick back on the lawn for a lunchtime picnic with the kids as you sing along to tunes from “Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark,” “Annie The Musical,” and the always-classic “Mamma Mia!” Free; 12:30-1:30 pm. Sixth Avenue and West 42nd St., 212-768-4242, bryantpark.org
Fringe Benefits For Fams
August 9-25
[Ages 5 And Up]
Enjoy FringeNYC—the family way!North America’s largest multi-arts festival will feature kid-friendly programming at Fringe JR. Take in a magical performance of “Peter Pan” and “Stardust Dances,” get your fright-filled thrill on with “Sarazad and the Monster-King,” or sing along with heroes at “The Young Olympians” and “The Most Amazingly Awesome Adventure Ever.” From $10; venues and show times vary. 212-279-4488, fringenyc.org
Return Of The Civil War
August 10 & 11
[Ages 6 And Up]
Travel back in time to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg during Civil War Heritage Weekend on Governors Island. Kids—or, rather, little soldiers—will enjoy learning about the past while watching camp, cannon, and musket firing demonstrations. Catch a glimpse of what life was like on the island as reenactors portray Confederate prisoners, music boys, and officers’ wives throughout this two-day event. Free; 10 am-5 pm. Governors Island, 646-241-2670, nps.gov/gois
Winning On The Water
August 10 & 11
[All Ages]
It’s time to celebrate the fifth month of the lunar calendar at the annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in Queens! Enjoy Chinese food, crafts, and exciting performances while cheering on more than 120 dragon boat teams as they furiously row down Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Check out the NY Championship Race on Saturday and the US Dragon Boat Open Championship Race on Sunday. Free; 9 am-5 pm. Meadows Lake, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, 718-767-1776, hkdbf-ny.org
Happy In Harlem
August 17 & 18
[Ages 5 And Up]
Be sure to stop by the NYC Children’s Festival during Harlem Week’s Summer in the City event along West 135th Street. Celebrate the past, present, and future of Harlem with theatrical performances, arts and crafts, and face painting. You may even find yourself inspired to join in on a double dutch competition—the fun and cultural family activities are virtually endless. Free; 12 pm-5 pm on Saturday and 12 pm-6 pm on Sunday. West 135th Street between Malcolm X and A.C. Powell, Jr. Boulevards, 877-427-5364, harlemweek.com
Game, Set, Match
August 24
[All Ages]
Head out to Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day in Queens for tennis time with the family. Kids will learn all about the sport through fun, interactive games and activities, including lessons for the youngest players. Take a break to watch some pros hit the courts before catching the Stadium Show. Considering that past performers have included Demi Lovato, Rihanna, and Justin Bieber, it’s a must-see for all music lovers. From $13.50; 9:30 am. USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, 914-696-7000, arthurashekidsday.com
A Shakespeare Affair
Opens August 24
[All Ages]
“O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” We finally have the answer to Juliet’s age-old question on Broadway. For the first time in 36 years, the star-crossed lovers will take the stage at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. Kids will love watching this timeless classic come to life. Psst—it stars Orlando Bloom and Tony Award Nominee Condola Rashad! Note: The theater welcomes all ages, but the show does include some (non-graphic) mature scenes. From $87; various start times between 2 pm and 8 pm. 226 West 46th Street, 212-221-1211, richardrodgerstheatre.com
