While “lunch break” may be the first thing that may come to mind when you think “Bryant Park,” this green space is more than just a noontime place of respite for the 9-to-5 crowd. While kids run in the open space and workers stroll around on their lunch breaks, the park has also created an environment where everyone can play. Have a picnic on the sunny lawns, listen to an entertaining reading, watch a film under the stars–there are so many summer activities for families available at Bryant Park (Hot tip: The best day for families to go to the park, when it’s less crowded, is on Saturday!)
Reading Room
The Reading Room, or the “open air library,” was created during the Great Depression as a place where anyone could go read freely. Today, the Reading Room continues this mission of intellectual freedom through the literary program Words with Words, where adults can take writing workshops, and read the Iliad and other classics at book clubs, while children can interact with their favorite animated characters like Clifford the Big Red Dog (August 22) or meet exotic animals from Animal Alley (June 27). Bryant Park also offers discussions by well-known figures like Candace Bushnell, author of Sex and the City (June 24), and DC Comics Superstar John Romita Jr. from DC Entertainment (August 5), and for the kids, a storytelling about famous kid athletes (July 11). The Reading Room creates a vibrant community where reading, music, and storytelling become both educational and fun. You can check out the full schedule here.
Le Carrousel
The iconic merry-go-round at Bryant Park was created to attract the younger generation in 2002. Kids can take a ride on Le Carrousel and, afterwards, catch a performance by magicians or by the characters Flaubert Frog and Cali Co Cat. Every Saturday, Flaubert Frog and Cali Co Cat from the interactive show Free to Be…Frog and Me, inspired by the the 1970s book Free to Be…You and Me, will perform stories, songs, and poetry.
Shows
There is nothing like a great performance to bring the family together. Sing along with your favorite musical tunes, as Broadway shows share their best hits live(July 9-August 13). While it’s fun to see people perform on stage and on screen, it’s also fun to be part of it. Families can enjoy watching local modern dance companies perform and try learning a move or two. In the evening, roll out a blanket and watch free outdoor movie screenings at Bryant Park (June 22 – August 24) where classic films like “Ghostbusters,” “Footloose,” and “Back to the Future” will play every Monday at dusk.
Art Cart
With the many activities at Bryant Park, it’s not difficult to be inspired by what’s around you. Express your creativity with the free art supplies like pencils, pens, markers and charcoal at Art Cart. Bryant Park also offers free drawing lessons (advanced registration required) where children can learn how to make friendship bracelets (August 18) while adults can learn how to make wire jewelry (August 4). Basic drawing lessons are also available for everyone.
Board Games
Learn a new game this summer, and choose from more than 40 table top games available at the park. Play popular games like Scrabble on Tuesdays and Apples to Apples on Friday, or play classic games like chess and backgammon. Looking for something more active? Play ping pong, go putting, or try a round of kubb, a Scandinavian game where you try to knock down your opponent’s blocks with wooden pins.
To learn more about upcoming events at Bryant Park, visit bryantpark.org!
