We’ve hand-selected the best kids’ events from our August calendar, including free outdoor concerts in Madison Square Park and on the Lincoln Center plazas, Broadway in Bryant Park, children’s theater at Galli Seaport, sensory friendly movie screenings for kids, “The Voice” in concert, and a Civil War Weekend on Governors Island. This month is jam-packed with great things to do across the city, and we’ve got all the details!
Rock the Park
The best thing about summer has to be the freedom to do almost anything outside. And I don’t mean just going to the beach or picking your own seasonal berries. I’m talking about those things you would normally do inside, like eating lunch, watching a movie, or rocking out to family-friendly tunes at a kiddie rock concert. Luckily for us, our great city provides countless opportunities to enjoy the sunny weather while keeping our kids entertained. An annual favorite is the free Mad. Sq. Kids Summer Concert Series, which runs Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30am through August 11. On August 2, stop by to listen to bilingual band Moona Luna (pictured) as it explores the joys of childhood through spicy tunes reminiscent of a backyard barbecue. FREE. Madison Square Park, 10 Madison Avenue. 212-538-1884.
Women of the Water
Afro-Spanish singer Concha Buika will perform with two other female flamenco artists in Mujeres de Agua (Women of the Water), August 5 at Lincoln Center. The concert is part of Lincoln Center Out of Doors’ 41st season of free outdoor performances, which features more than 100 performances and runs through August 14. For more information and a schedule of events, call 212-875-5000 or visit www.lincolncenter.org.
Wickedly Fun
Cast members of Wicked (pictured here on Broadway) will perform at Broadway in Bryant Park on August 4, 12:30-1:30pm, along with cast members from top shows including Jersey Boys, The Lion King, Rent, and Death Takes a Holiday. At the same time on August 11, the park will host performances by cast members of Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, Avenue Q, and Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. FREE. Bryant Park, 41 W. 40th Street.
Special Screenings for Special Kids
For children on the autism spectrum, a movie theater can be a scary place. The dark setting, flashing images, and overall volume of the experience can be understandably overwhelming to someone with a sensory disorder, so many of these children miss out on this rite of childhood. That’s why AMC Loews theaters have partnered with the Autism Society to bring Sensory Friendly Screenings to theaters throughout the country. The program provides a special opportunity for families to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. The auditoriums dedicated to the program have their lights up and the sound turned down, and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout, and sing whenever they please. The AMC Loews 84th Street theater will offer two sensory friendly screenings this month, including The Smurfs on August 6 and Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World on August 27. Both films begin at 10am. AMC Loews 84th Street is located at 2310 Broadway.
Top Voices
When the first season of the reality TV show The Voice, featuring music superstars Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine, and Blake Shelton (pictured), wrapped up in June, Javier Colon, a father of two from Fairfield County, CT, claimed the top spot. See the final eight contestants from the show perform when The Voice: Live on Tour stops at Manhattan’s Beacon Theatre. August 6 at 8pm. $29.50-$69.50. 2124 Broadway at 74th Street.
Familiar Fairytales, With a Twist
Each weekend throughout the month, Galli Theater will present a new interactive children’s show at its South Street Seaport location. The series kicks off with Aladdin (August 6-7), an uplifting adaptation that combines humor and philosophy into one beloved story. Next is Sleeping Beauty (August 13-14), a remake of the original Grimm tale that follows the fate of Princess Rose, her sleep-cursed kingdom, and the “right” prince. Another classic remade with interactive performance is the romantic Princess & the Pea (August 20-12), and the series wraps up when kids help Rapunzel and her prince find each other again in-you guessed it — Rapunzel (pictured) (August 27-28). All performances at 2pm. On Saturdays at 3pm, children are encouraged to dress up in costumes and act out their favorite fairytale characters during the After-Show Workshop, which is followed by a mini performance for the adults. $20; $15 children. Galli Seaport, Seaport Mall, 89 South Street.
Living History
Head out to Governors Island to be transported back to the summer of 1863. This month’s Civil War Weekend, honoring the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War, includes historic weapon demonstrations, music, and family programs introducing the men and women of the Governors Island Garrison, among them some Confederates who were imprisoned on the island. August 13-14. 10am-4pm. FREE. Free ferries to the island depart from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street (corner of South and Whitehall Streets) in lower Manhattan.
For even more family events in the NYC area, visit our Online Calendar
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