Free Family Events This Weekend! (September 15-17)

The Submerge: NYC Marine Science Festival will take place this Saturday at Pier 26 in Hudson River Park! Photo via hudsonriverpark.org.

Have an amazing weekend without opening your wallet! For even more activity inspiration, check out our Weekend Planner.

Through Sunday, October 1

“Snoopy & Belle in Fashion” Exhibit
8am-10pm
Brookfield Place
All Ages
New York Fashion Week is open to anyone, even our favorite comic-strip characters. Come see Charlie Brown’s beloved beagle Snoopy and his sister Belle strut their stuff in custom-made designer couture fashion in honor of New York Fashion Week. Held in Brookfield Place for the month of September, the cartoon-style fashion exhibit is perfect for people of all ages and has featured work from likes of Isabel Marant, MAC Cosmetics, and Swarovski.

Through Sunday, September 24

91st Annual Feast of San Gennaro
11:30am-11pm
Little Italy neighborhood of Manhattan
All Ages
For the past 91 years, almost a million people from around the world have filled the historic streets of Little Italy to celebrate San Gennaro, the Patron Saint of Naples. The 11-day festive celebration features religious processions, parades, the world famous cannoli eating competition, musical entertainment and mouthwatering food that reflect Italian heritage. If you can make it on September 19, there will be a mass at the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood followed by a procession where the Statue of San Gennaro is carried through the streets of Little Italy.

6th Annual Photoville
12-10pm
Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn
All Ages
Brooklyn Bridge Park is hosting the sixth annual Photoville! This nine-day event will feature exhibitions, presentations, and panels on all things photography. A food and beer garden catered by Smorgasburg will also be available to fulfill your foodie dreams while you explore the event.

Beginning Saturday, September 16

Morningside Lights 2017
Various times
Miller Theatre at Columbia University Campus
All Ages
Who would have thought that making a lantern could be a team activity? Join a lantern workshop where you can make a lantern for someone else to finish, or pick up where someone else has left off. There are daily workshops and activities which coincide with a step in the lantern-making process. The finished product will be presented at the Morningside Lights procession as part of the Friends of Morningside Park’s annual Common Ground Festival. Runs through Saturday, September 23.

Saturday, September 16

IdeasCity New York
10am-7pm
Sara D. Roosevelt Park
All Ages
IdeasCity brings creators and the public together in collaboration to use art and culture to make cities better. Join the group on Saturday at Sara D. Roosevelt Park in an effort to make New York City a better place for tomorrow.

Brooklyn Book Festival: Children’s Day
10am-4pm
MetroTech Commons, Brooklyn
All Ages
The Brooklyn Book Festival claims the distinction of being NYC’s largest free literary festival—and the day prior to Sunday’s festivities is dedicated to all things kid-lit. The fest’s Children’s Day will feature acclaimed kids’ authors like Maira Kalman and Kevin Sherry, in addition to theatrical performances, an “Illustrator Smackdown,” workshops, picture book and young readers stages, and a concert from Laurie Berkner. This event will take place rain or shine.

Submerge: NYC Marine Science Festival
11am-4pm
Pier 26 in Hudson River Park
All Ages
This Saturday head over to Hudson River Park for a splash of science in the city at the Submerge: NYC Marine Science Festival! Families can enjoy a whole day of educational fun with hands-on activities, arts and crafts, interactive demonstrations, live music, catch-and-release fishing, scuba diving shows, kayaking, and more. Noted experts will also be giving a variety of talks on relevant topics.

[gravityform id=”14″ title=”false” description=”false” ajax=”true”]

Southwest Brooklyn Fall Festival
12-5pm
Columbia Street and Union Street, Brooklyn
All Ages
Visit the annual Southwest Brooklyn Fall Festival to celebrate the best of Red Hook, Carroll Gardens at the heart of the Columbia Waterfront. Families can taste the local cuisine, examine the work of Brooklyn artists and artisans, shop, and enjoy live performances and fun activities for the kids all while exploring this vibrant borough.

Movies in the Park: “La La Land”
7:15pm
Washington Market Park
Ages 13 and up
Take a trip under the city of stars to a free outdoor night screening of “La La Land” in Washington Market Park. Make sure to get there early to see the Academy Award winning musical starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. Remember to bring a blanket and popcorn to munch on!

Saturday, September 16-Sunday, September 17

World War I History Weekend
10am-5pm
Governors Island
All Ages
Take a trip back in time this weekend with the World War I Centennial Committee for New York City as they celebrate their annual WWI History Weekend on Governors Island. This free two-day historical event honors the entry of the U.S. into World War I over one hundred years ago. Families will get a chance to meet General John J. Pershing and listen to the Ebony Doughboys recite war stories. Dozens of men and women will be in vintage uniforms talking about the history of the Great War. There will be vintage Army vehicles, a tent encampment, equipment displays, ambulances, and demonstrations.

Sunday, September 17

Sunset Park Annual Street Fair
11am-6pm
Sunset Park, Brooklyn
All Ages
Be sure to grab the family and head to the Sunset Park Annual Street Fair, a 15-block street festival where families can savor ethnic cuisine, listen to music, buy jewelry and clothing, and snack on free popcorn, pretzels, and cotton candy. Kids can create their very own spin art, play with hula hoops, and get their faces painted. There will be live entertainment provided by local bands.

HRP Mamas Lower Manhattan Early Education Fair 2017
12-2pm & 2-4pm
NY Law School
Adults only
Visit the NY Law School for the Hudson River Park Mothers Group (HRP) Mamas Lower Manhattan Early Education Fair. Parents can learn more information about Lower Manhattan Preschools and alternative programs and meet with programs directors and ask them questions in a casual setting. Pre-registration is required.

Adoptapalooza
12-5pm
Union Square Park
All Ages
Adopt a new four-legged best friend to cherish forever at Adoptapalooza in Union Square Park. Families can visit this mega adoption event and choose from more than 300 different dogs, cats, puppies and rabbits to adopt and take home as the family pet. Every adopter will receive a free Alex and Ani bangle bracelet featuring the Alliance paw print logo!

Beginning Sunday, September 17

ShopUp New York 2017
Sunday: 12-6pm; Monday: 10am-5pm
501 Union Street
All Ages
Visit ShopUp New York 2017 to find the latest fashion trends for kids and babies under one roof. This free live shopping event features more than 25 independent children’s boutiques from around the world. Parents can shop ’til they drop while the little ones will be entertained with activities and snacks. There will be discounts and prizes to win during the event. Runs through Monday, September 18. Please note: Admission is free.

Save

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Dedimus Potestatem

<p>Dedimus Potestatem provides fun, engaging, academically challenging programs to students in primary, middle, and high school. Programs include Leadership, Debate, Model United Nations, Computer Programming, Financial Literacy, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Model Congress, Mock Trial, Etiquette, Bioethics, Stem and Bioethics, and more. We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions and after-school programs. Contact us to bring us to your school today!</p> <p>Sessions</p> <p>We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions as well as after-school programs. To register, visit <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow </a>or email us at <a href="mailto:[email protected]?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected]</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership: Middle School ages 10-13, High School ages 14-18</a></p> <p>This is a unique leadership course that gives students the skills they need to succeed in life. Using an activity-based syllabus centered around character traits most sought and admired in leaders (initiative, honesty, self-control, adaptability, empathy, persuasiveness, resourcefulness, diligence, tolerance, determination, generosity, punctuality, courage, reliability, endurance, deference, creativity and integrity) students learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life. These building blocks will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. Our grading rubric was adapted with the permission of Neil Mercer, the Director of research and Head of Faculty at The University of Cambridge.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/little-leaders-prek-and-kindergarten" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Leaders: Primary School Ages 6-9</a></p> <p>Developed by former pre-school and elementary teachers, this ethics-centered program utilizes a play-based method to encourage students to explore and apply soft skills in their daily lives. While cultivating the skills they will need to build strong, successful relationships, they will learn how to find their voice and showcase themselves in the best way. Students will learn to communicate and negotiate so they can be better team leaders and team players. Students will learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life, such as bullying, cheating, conflicts between two or more parties, and more. The inculcation of these values in our children's formative years will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/beginnersdebate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech & Debate</a> (competitive and non-competitive programs available)</p> <p>This online after-school program prepares students for formal and informal presentations. Participants learn to craft and present arguments and inform, persuade, and motivate an audience in a variety of ways. According to the English Speaking Union, debate is a natural fit for students and compliments common core standards. Debate builds literacy and multi-media research skills, fosters critical thinking and expanded perspectives, enhances public speaking skills, increases confidence, trains students to listen effectively, supports diverse learners and strengthens civil engagement and discourse. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model United Nations (Ages 11-18)</a></p> <p>Model UN simulates the six major organs of the United Nations. Students role play as delegates from a country of their choosing and learn to write and present resolutions based on topics they are passionate about-just as if they were representing member states of the United Nations. We utilize materials from National Model UN and video tutorials to teach students how to write and present position papers, working papers, and draft resolutions. Students use debate and negotiation to enlist the support of other delegates for their resolution. Model UN is a great way to teach students leadership skills like communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and delegation.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/self-defense-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Defense and Empowerment</a></p> <p>Developed by a veteran Krav Maga specialist, this self-defense program will focus on the principle of healthy minds in healthy bodies. Students will focus on de-escalation techniques as well as safe and active means of self-defense. Through active games and fun drills, students will learn the disciplined focus, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience necessary to achieve goals, as well as gain valuable social insights into leadership and teamwork. Students will expend energy and reduce stress while learning to stand and present confidently.</p> <p>Mock Trial (<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairy Tale Mock Trial for ages 7-9</a>, regular <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mock Trial Ages 10-18</a>)</p> <p>Mock trial is a hands-on simulation of the American judicial system. The goal is to help participants acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, display leadership in a court of law, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Materials for this course are provided by The American Bar Association.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Congress: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This civics course simulates the legislative process. Students will learn about the electoral process, lobby for issues they are passionate about, draft and deliver bills, amend legislation, debate international policy, and learn how to effectively represent a constituent body of their choosing. We utilize materials from The Constitutional Rights Foundation, ICivics (founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor) and the National Model U.S. Congress. These resources have been proven to improve students’ civic knowledge, presentation, and core literacy skills. New research has also shown that the use of the aforementioned materials has also led to increased participation in the democratic process. Our objective in this course is to educate the next generation, nurture and inculcate a passion for civics and history and encourage young people to advocate for themselves.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philosophy</a></p> <p>The focus of the Philosophy class is to examine and understand the ideas behind the most popular philosophies embraced throughout the world. To do this, students examine ethical situations through the lens of these philosophies and engage in a Socratic style debate. Students are presented with an ethical question and they must identify stakeholders and players within the dilemma, discuss the key moral issues and present opposing viewpoints. This class was built for students who wish to <a href="https://nhseb.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete in the middle or high school Ethics Bowl</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/money-matters-financial-literacy-for-kids-afterschool">Money Matters: Financial Literacy for Students</a></p> <p>The Money Matters course is built to help students manage their personal finances, from building credit and loan applications to interest rates and investing strategies. This class will cover the basics of financial health, savings, spending habits, and budgeting. After learning how to store, track, and spend responsibly, students will learn about risk management, APRs, and tax preparation. This class will use real-life examples and teach students how to set and achieve financial goals. This course is ideal for middle and high school students.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/stem-dna-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">STEM and Bioethics: (Ages 10-18)</a></p> <p>Our STEM program will give kids the opportunity to think critically about science and society, and to practice communicating scientific topics in ways everyone can understand. To be a successful scientist in our modern world, one must not only have a broad understanding of scientific material learned at school, but also the ability to communicate effectively and share that knowledge with others. Each week of this program will build on the previous while also introducing new scientific topics for discussion.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/virtual-after-school-etiquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etiquette (Ages 5 and up)</a></p> <p>Due to increasing popular demand from groups and individuals, we have decided to offer our etiquette course as an eight week after-school class. Students will not only learn how to introduce themselves and their friends, they will explore appropriate language for quotidian and special occasions, how to enter and leave conversations, proper table behavior for different scenarios, effective strategies for conflict resolution and negotiation, the importance of tone, expression, and body language in every social interaction and why manners and soft skills are essential to a successful life.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech and Essay Writing: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This group class includes eight one-hour online sessions focused on the creation, development, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. This program is tailored to the needs of the individual(s) in question and can include essay writing, use of stylistic devices, and persuasive rhetoric and/or instructions on how to craft and deliver a persuasive or informative multidimensional presentation with compelling slides, audio, and videos.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/visual-storytelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visual Storytelling</a></p> <p>Multimedia platforms have increasingly become more popular for educators, artists and businesses. Young people all over the world have begun using media to amplify initiatives, educate, share science, poetry, art, movement, culture and more. In this class students will learn to capture brief videos that share their voice and vision with the world.</p> <p>College application course </p> <p>Discover the fundamentals of style, narrative, and theme for the ideal college application essays! In these sessions, you will begin by examining outstanding Personal Statements and by brainstorming your own. Then, move on to draft and edit the specialized supplemental essays for each college on your list. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academic writing</a> </p> <p>These are sessions focused on academic writing. Our tutors have years of experience in drafting, editing, and teaching essay writing. Each package will include a consultation with our tutors to assess individual needs. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/test-prep-sat-shsat-act-gre-gmat-asvab-tachs-more">Test Prep: SAT, SHSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, TACHS + more</a></p> <p>These classes are focused on identifying the quickest and most efficient path toward improving students' standardized test scores. Starting with a diagnostic practice exam, this program will target the key subject matter your students need to master while integrating timing, triage, and practice strategies. We aim to regularly emulate the real-life conditions of tests until students are comfortable working quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Sessions can be one hour or two hours in length, as needed.</p> <p>Computer Programming: Coding for Kids</p> <p>In these sessions, we start by discussing the basics of computer programming, what it is, what it can do, and what it was built on. Then we will begin experimenting with block-based programming languages. Students will learn the basics of computer architecture, binary code, compilers, and algorithms. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce small programs of their own. The cost of materials is not included. This class is available to younger students (Ages K-1) and middle and high school students. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Athletic Association of Yorkville Youths

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Serving the families and children of NYC for over 50 years with high-quality recreational activities that foster life-lessons which empower young people to succeed beyond sports. Our programs encourage positive attitudes and growth through teamwork and sportsmanship, attendance, fair play, respect, hard work, integrity and fun. Your child can participate in clinics and leagues in such sports as baseball, basketball, flag-football, lacrosse, soccer, hockey, wrestling, track, and tennis. We also offer weekly dodgeball tournaments, drama and musical theater workshops, and after school programs.</span></p>

Chickenshed NYC

<p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-top: 0px; caret-color: #515151; color: #515151; font-family: nimbus-sans, sans-serif;">Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company that began in the UK in 1974. Chickenshed NYC is a young organization bringing that same ethos and unique methodology to the USA. Chickenshed’s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change.</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-top: 0px; caret-color: #515151; color: #515151; font-family: nimbus-sans, sans-serif;">Chickenshed's model of Inclusive Theatre is based in the belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included. At Chickenshed everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, and together we produce remarkable theatre. We want to break down barriers between people to create a world without labels and where differences no longer divide. At Chickenshed, support is given to those who need it, and given by those who can . We believe that creative activities, self-expression and performance should be available to anyone who has the desire, no matter their background or circumstances. We know that when everyone has the opportunity to shine, amazing things happen.</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-top: 0px; caret-color: #515151; color: #515151; font-family: nimbus-sans, sans-serif;">Chickenshed NYC provides programming for little ones, children and youth through semester-long activities and performances.</p>