August is winding down this week, but that doesn’t mean you have to! We have not one, but five great summer event choices for you and your family. Whatever you are in the mood for, we promise you tons of fun in the sun so check out free national parks day, the always awesome NY state fair, a special event for bird lovers, a day of tennis for kids, and a beach boardwalk festival. Guaranteed good times for all!
Tuesday, August 25
Free National Parks Admission Day
All national parks and sites throughout the country
Various times
This Tuesday, in honor of the National Park Service’s 99th birthday, admission to all national parks and sites will be free! With 408 national park service sites to choose from including Governors Island, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Sagamore Hill, and others, there’s sure to be beautiful, historic sights for everyone in the family to enjoy. For specific park locations and hours, please visit the National Park Service website. This event is free.
Beginning Thursday, August 27
The Great New York State Fair
The New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, New York
10am-10pm
If you’re looking for a fun, end-of-summer family weekend trip, make it The Great New York State Fair in Syracuse, New York. This 12-day family extravaganza will include festivities such as an Adventure Zone, the Bubble Blast Run, livestock competitions, Kiddieland, a monarch butterfly garden, tons of fair food, midway rides, and much more! Gates open at 8am. Admission is $6 in advance or $10 at the fair except on Thursdays ($3) and Labor Day ($1). Kids ages 12 and under are free. Runs through Monday, September 7.
Saturday, August 29
10th Annual Shorebird Festival
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
7:30am-5pm
Calling all bird lovers! This Saturday, wake up early and head to Queens’ Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge for the 10th Annual Shorebird Festival. Visitors can view tons of shorebirds at East Pond, listen to speakers on topics such as Jamaica Bay and wildlife conservation, learn to to snap pro bird photos, and more. There is a suggested donation of $20. Continental breakfast is included.
Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
9:30am-3pm
On its 20th anniversary, Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day at the US Open continues to introduce children to tennis in a free, fun, and friendly atmosphere. The stadium grounds are open to the public for tennis activities that include obstacle courses, agility tests, and hand-eye coordination games, as well as musical acts, jugglers, face painters, and more. Kids can also watch pros such as Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic practice on the courts. At 1pm, the Arthur Ashe Stadium concert begins. A paid event, this year’s musical performers include American Authors, Bea Miller, Kalin and Myles, and others. Concert tickets start at $10. Admission, games, activities are free.
Sunday, August 30
Brighton Jubilee Festival
Brighton Beach Avenue (from Corbin Place to Coney Island Avenue)
10am-6pm
Experience live music, shopping booths, children’s rides, and great food this Sunday during the 39th annual Brighton Beach Jubilee along Brighton Beach Avenue. Considered a Brooklyn tradition, the Jubilee was created 38 years ago and attracts an average of 125,000 visitors each year, so don’ t miss out! This event will be held rain or shine. Admission is free.
