Don’t let the summer creep to a close without basking in the sunshine during these (mostly) outdoor happenings. From a spectacular sand- sculpting contest and to a theater fest for kids, families with children of all ages should prepare for a fun week ahead!
Beginning Friday, August 14
FringeJR
14th Street Y
Various times
Part of FringeNYC, a multi-arts festival now in its 19th year, FringeJR provides a slate of family-friendly programming including several different kinds of kid-appropriate fringe theater productions. All shows have undergone a competitive application process and were chosen as some of the best shows for kids. From a tale about a ghost hunter to a Commedia dell’Arte-style version of Rapunzel, these small-scale performances are ideal for ages 5 through 12. Tickets are $18 for adults and $13 for children. Runs through Sunday, August 30.
Saturday, August 15
25th Annual Coney Island Sand Sculpting Contest
Coney Island Boardwalk
11am-4pm
Sand art takes on a new dimension at the Coney Island Sand Sculpting Contest, where both professionals and rookie adults, kids, and teams compete to create the best sand sculpture. Build with your kids, or split up and compete against them in various categories for cash prizes. This year marks the contest’s 25th anniversary, and in addition to sand sculpting, festivities will include a show featuring local bands, a live DJ, and various kids’ activities. While it’s free to sign up (and pre-registration is recommended), any and all donations will go to aiding families affected by Hurricane Sandy. This event is free.
FlyNYC Kite Flying Festival
Riverside Park
11am-4pm
Since 2009, the soaring FlyNYC Kite Flying Festival has brought families from all over the city to Riverside Park! With kite-making kits for the kids, kites available for purchase, and plenty of sky for everyone, this festival is a great way to enjoy the end of summer. Other attractions include a variety of food vendors, live music, and games with the NYC Parks Playmobile. This event is free.
Saturday, August 15-Sunday, August 16
Harlem Week NYC Children’s Festival
West 135th Street (between Malcolm X & A.C. Powell Jr. Boulevards)
Saturday: 12-5pm; Sunday: 12-6pm
Harlem Week will host two days of its children’s festival to keep families busy this weekend. The specific children’s portion of Harlem Week includes a “Back-to-School” kids’ fashion show, as well as dance and spoken word performances, a double-dutch competition, games, sports clinics, face painting, and plenty more activities for the entire family. This event is free.
Sunday, August 16
SummerStage Family Day
Marcus Garvey Park
7-9pm
Marcus Garvey Park will be hoppin’ this Sunday during its SummerStage Family Day! If circus acts are your thing, this event will surely amaze with two circus troupes: The U.S.-based group Tinder & Ash and the Swedish troupe Claire Parsons Co. The evening will also feature a dance performance from Ephrat Asherie Dance, live music from the Brooklyn United Marching Band, a gymnastics demo by the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation, and collage and sound performance piece from Kiebpoli & Shine. This event is free.
