Cooler temps this week mean it’s the perfect opportunity to take in one or more of our amazing event picks. We have a little of everything in store for you and your kids: Film, Olympics, open streets for miles, a dragon boat festival, and that famous duel that has been immortalized on Broadway. Enjoy!
Beginning Wednesday, August 3
Children’s Film Festival
Museum of Arts & Design
10:30am
On Wednesday and Friday, ages 3 and up are invited to the Museum of Arts & Design for its Children’s Film Festival! In conjunction with the New York International Children’s Film Festival, the museum will screen several short films from around the world. Titles include “Zoo Story,” “My Grandfather was a Cherry Tree,” and “Perfect Houseguest.” Free with museum admission.
Friday, August 5-Sunday, August 7
Olympic Games Activities
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
10am
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan will host its own Olympics during opening weekend, August 5-7. Kids will have the opportunity to learn freestyle soccer moves with the New York Red Bulls (8/5), learn the Brazilian martial art Capoeira from the pros at CUMBE Dance (8/7), get moving with PopFit Kids, and design their own Olympic torches and medals. Free with museum admission. Registration is required for some workshops.
Beginning Saturday, August 6
Summer Streets
Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park (along Park Avenue and connecting streets)
7am-1pm
Take advantage of Summer Streets, the annual summer festival that gives New Yorkers the chance to stroll and play on completely traffic-free city streets. On three Saturdays in August, the New York City Department of Transportation will close seven miles of streets to cars, allowing walkers, runners, and bikers to enjoy the open space. This encouragement of healthy transportation takes place from 7am-1pm and stretches from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park. A variety of activities will take place at the five stops along the route and all are free to the public, including a zip line, free bike and rollerblade rentals, fitness classes, and a giant “Beachside Slide” in Foley Square. This event is free and will occur on Saturdays through August 20.
Saturday, August 6-Sunday, August 7
Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
9am-5pm
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in NYC! Dragon boats are traditional Chinese boats that are powered by a crew of approximately 20 people. Typically, a drummer leads the team as the drumbeat helps the crew synchronize their strokes. Watch a multitude of different dragon boat races and traditional music and dance performances from around the world during this annual cultural Chinese event. Admission is free. This event will take place rain or shine.
Sunday, August 7
“My First Friend, My Enemy: The Hamilton and Burr Duel”
New-York Historical Society
1pm & 3pm
This Sunday, one of the most famous duels in American history will be brought to life at the New-York Historical Society. Families with children ages 8 and up can witness a recreation of the duel that Alexander Hamilton fought with Aaron Burr and learn about the events leading up to that fateful day in Weehawken, NJ. At noon join the museum for “Hamilton’s Dueling Death,” an interactive family tour detailing the etiquette and history of dueling. Free with museum admission. Seating is first-come, first-served.
