Check out these great family events scheduled for the month of August in Manhattan. Whether you’re looking to celebrate Barbie’s anniversary, catch a Justin Bieber concert, or experience what life was like during the Civil War, we’ve got all the information a New York City family needs.
A Diverse Doll Collection
Barbie® fans of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy the Barbie® Collector Dolls of the World exhibit on Ellis Island. Celebrating countries, cultures, and fashions from across the globe, the exhibit comprises 100 dolls and two unique displays. A “Living Dolls” presentation will feature models dressed in traditional Barbie® costumes from around the world. Exhibit August 1-15; “Living Dolls” presentation August 6. FREE; $5-$12 ferry. Peopling of America Center and Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island. 212-561-4588. www.ellisisland.org.
Living History
Head out to Governors Island during the first full weekend of the month and you’ll be transported back to the summer of 1863. This Civil War Weekend includes family-friendly activities, living history and historic weapon demonstrations, music, and other programs designed to introduce you to the men and women of the Governors Island Garrison, including some Confederates who were imprisoned on the island. August 7, 10am-5pm; August 8, 10am-4pm. FREE. Free ferries to the island depart 10am-5:30pm from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street (corner of South and Whitehall Streets) about every 30 minutes. For more information: 212-274-0986 or www.governorsislandalliance.org.
Harry Potter Fans Only
Have a little one who just can’t wait for the next Harry Potter movie to come out? (Who are we kidding? Neither can we – hurry up, November 19!) Indulge your little witch or wizard with a Watson Adventures’ Wizard School Scavenger Hunt for Harry Potter Fans at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. During the hunt, kids ages 10 and up and their adult companions can follow in the footsteps of young wizards on an adventure in the museum, where you’ll search for art that echoes characters, places, and enchanted objects featured in the Harry Potter books and movies. August 14 at 4pm. $38.50; $29.50 children. Advance purchase is required at www.watsonadventures.com. Metropolitan Museum of Art, Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street. 212-535-7710. www.metmuseum.org.
A Safe Way to Play
In July, the Police Athletic League (PAL) launched its 2010 Summer Play Streets Program, to provide New York City children with safe places to play and learn during the summer. Through August 20, PAL will close off city streets and other public areas, including playgrounds and schools throughout the five boroughs, to create Play Streets where youngsters can play traditional sidewalk games like Double Dutch jump rope, hopscotch, Nok Hockey, and basketball, and beat the summer heat. Play Streets are open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, and are free to all New York City children. For more information or to find a Play Street near you, call the Police Athletic League at 212-477-9450 or visit www.palnyc.org.
Catch Bieber Fever
With a new number one album under his belt, teen sensation Justin Bieber is bringing his first North American headlining tour, “My World,” to the Big Apple. The pop star will perform Top 40 hits like “Baby,” “Love Me,” and the platinum single “One Time,” and special guests Sean Kingston and Jessica Jarrell will take the stage. August 31 at 7pm. $29.50 and up. Madison Square Garden, 2 Pennsylvania Plaza. 212-465-6741. www.msg.com.
One Man’s Trash…
Power to Play: From Trash to Treasure, a traveling exhibit organized by ChildFund International, is currently on display at the New World Stages gallery space. Visitors can view more than 350 toys that were handmade with found objects by impoverished children from around the world. The exhibit is a testament to the resiliency of the creativity and passion of children, even those facing adversity. One such child used broken flip-flops, pieces of plastic bags, twigs, and string to make a toy sailboat, while another strung together old bottle caps to make a snake (pictured). Open 10am-6pm, Monday-Friday, through September 6. All ages. FREE. 340 West 50 Street. For more information: 212-239-6200 or www.newworldstages.com.
For even more family activities in Manhattan, visit our Online Calendar.
