It’s almost August, which means the summer is coming to an end and before you know it the kids will be back in school, leaving less time to have family fun! While there’s still time, take your kids to Manhattan for a variety of fun family friendly activities all over the city. Go for an exploration of the Milky Way at the Intrepid Museum, discover all the fun Central Park has to offer, catch some rays at Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk, and jam out at FunkikiJam’s Totally Awesome Summer.
Get Ready to Jam!
The guitar-wielding Captain Jam and his live band of musicians, storytellers, and dancers take the stage and invite the audience to join a musical adventure around the globe—even giving children the chance to come up on stage, play a drum solo, or sing in a microphone at FunikiJam’s Totally Awesome Summer. By the end of the show, imagination, live music, colorful costumes, and lots of audience interaction will have helped Captain Jam complete the three-part FunikiJam mission: to have fun, jam, and celebrate summer around the world. Aug. 12 and 26. Age: 3-8. $30. Actors Temple Theatre, 339 W. 47th St., Midtown, funikijam.com/offbroadway.
Twinkle, Twinkle
Ever wonder exactly where are we among the stars in the Milky Way? Do we hold a special place among the planets, stars, and galaxies in the universe? Brian Abbott and Jillian Bellovary guide families from Earth to the most distant objects in the observable universe at Astronomy Live: The Grand Tour of the Universe at the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side. August 28, 6:30pm. Age: 9 and older. $15; $13.50 seniors and students. Central Park West and 79th Street, Upper West Side. amnh.org.
Charles A. Dana Discovery Center in Central Park
Located on the northern shore of the Harlem Meer, this discovery center is Central Park’s newest building and the first to be built primarily as a visitor center. The center offers a variety of community programs and free education, as well as the opportunity to borrow discovery kits, take an official Central Park tour, and learn all about the park. The Charles A. Dana Discovery Center is also home to the catch-and-release fishing program and allows visitors to borrow fishing poles.
Visit it: West 110th Street, between Malcom X Boulevard and Fifth Avenue, Harlem
Can’t-miss event: Harlem Meer Performance Festival: Calpulli Mexican Dance Company: Aug. 5, 2pm
Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk
Between the beach, Luna Park, the boardwalk, the food, and more, Coney Island is the perfect city summer destination. There is no shortage of fun at the seaside amusement park, filled with rides for all ages. Visit the New York Aquarium this summer to view the newly rebuilt Shark exhibit or enjoy a hotdog on the boardwalk.
Visit it: West 10th to West 12th streets, Coney Island, Brooklyn
Can’t-miss event: Coney Island Sand Sculpting Contest: Aug. 18, 12pm
Main Image: Families will get a breathtaking view of the late summer sky through powerful telescopes.
Courtesy Erika Kapin for the Intrepid Museum
