Ongoing
Coney Island Comeback
[All Ages]
Seven months after it was devastated by the effects of Hurricane Sandy, the New York Aquarium at Coney Island is making a comeback! The Wildlife Conservation Society will partially reopen the aquarium, including a fully remodeled Aquatheater with a new sea lion demonstration. Come say hello to the friendly sea creatures in their refurbished habitats.
10am-6pm, 602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, 718-265-3428, nyaquarium.org
Through September 1
For All Design Junkies
[All Ages]
Who says learning can’t be fun? Find out how video game developers, music producers, roller coaster designers, and other creative types use math and science to solve problems at the New York Hall of Science’s new Design Zone. Kids can play with turntables, create laser light shows, experiment with photo manipulation, design skate parks and roller coasters, and learn about magnets—just to name a few.
Free with NYSCI admission; 9:30am-5pm on weekdays and 10am-6pm on weekends. 47-01 111th Street, Queens, 718-699-0005, nysci.org
Through September 8
They’re Alive!
[All Ages]
Get ready for some prehistoric fun! Dinosaur Safari is coming to the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo. Complete with a life-like ride through the Cretaceous and Jurassic periods featuring over two dozen 40-foot animatronic dinosaurs, this attraction is sure to offer thrills and chills to kids of all ages. This safari experience was created to be fun and educational– kids can also dig for fossils, see a dino musical, and create prehistoric crafts.
10am-5pm on weekdays and 10am-5:30pm on weekends. 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, 718-367-1010, bronxzoo.org
June 9
Sizzling Summer Celebration
[All Ages]
Join in on the multicultural fun at the Almost Summer Celebration in Wagner Park. Attendees will enjoy an upbeat family concert by Grammy winner Dan Zanes and Elizabeth Mitchell, favorite stars on the kindie rock scene who offer families an eclectic, soulful musical experience. For even more fun, kids can also enjoy art and nature projects and activities, then sit in on Native American folk storytelling for a break.
Free; 11am-2pm. 20 Battery Place, 212-267-9700, bpcparks.org
June 10
Picnic Party
[All Ages]
Join celebrity chef Mario Batali in a family garden party and cooking demonstration! Enjoy a picnic dinner, learn how to grow your own veggies, take part in a cooking demo, get your face painted, and more. All proceeds will go to the newly established Edible Academy, New York Botanical Garden’s new space dedicated to educating the public about the connections between plants, gardening, nutrition, and health.
From $75 for kids and $125 for adults; 4pm. 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, 718-817-8773, nybg.org
June 11
Museum Madness
[All Ages]
Beginning in 1978 as a means of garnering support for the arts, the Museum Mile Festival continues today as a cultural event for New Yorkers and tourists alike. This annual event boasts free access to the ten participating museums, live bands, activities and art for children, and 23 traffic-free blocks for your strolling pleasure. Join art and culture lovers in this mile-long block party on Fifth Avenue.
Free; 6-9pm, Fifth Avenue between 82nd and 110th Streets, 212-606-2296, museummilefestival.org
June 11 to August 8
Madison Square ROCKS!
[All Ages]
Get ready to rock out in Madison Square Park with the Mad. Sq. Kids Summer Concert Series! Every Tuesday and Thursday, little ones can dance to the beat in time with their favorite kindie rockers like Recess Monkey, The Deedle Deedle Dees, Audra Rox, and more. Don’t forget your dancin’ shoes!
Free; 10:30am. Madison Square Park, 212-538-1884, madisonsquarepark.org
June 13 to August 15
Summer In The Square
[All Ages]
Kick off your flips flops and head over to Union Square Park for the yearly Summer in the Square series. Throughout the season, an array of activities will be offered for kids and families, including: kiddie yoga classes, the Gazillion Bubbles show, Baby Loves Disco dance parties, concerts, as well as fitness and dance classes for adults. The best part? It’s all free! Pack a picnic lunch and you’re good to go.
Free; from 7am. East 14th Street & Broadway, 212-460-1200, unionsquarenyc.org
June 14-23
Tiny Toys
[All Ages]
Love toys and all things miniature? Check out the 10th International Toy Theater Festival and Free Temporary Toy Theater Museum at St. Ann’s Warehouse for a colossal event of tiny proportions! This eclectic Victorian art form promises a ten-day lineup of teeny tabletop performances. The festival includes access to family toy theater performances, a temporary toy museum, and workshops like tiny toy theater creation for kids.
Museum and admission free, performances and programs from $10; times vary. 29 Jay Street, Brooklyn, 718-254-8779, stannswarehouse.org
June 22
Outdoor Adventures
[All Ages]
If your child has a lot of energy and loves the great outdoors, the NYC Parks and Backpacker Magazine’s 9th annual Adventures NYC is for your family. On this day, Central Park will become home to a slew of fun activities for youngsters, including rock climbing, kayaking, giveaways, tours, live music, and much more. This event is rain or shine, so come get your respite from the concrete jungle.
Free; 11am-4pm. Bandshell Area in Central Park, 311, nycgovparks.org
