Park it at a park

How can you cool off your heals during the dog days of August? How about a concert in the park? Thanks to Disney and the New York City Parks Foundation, the SummerStage Kids Program is back with plenty of acts to entertain and enlighten you and your little ones.

Bring a picnic basket and lawn chair and relax under the shade of towering oaks as you enjoy the antics of the Dirty Socks Funtime Band (pictured) on Aug. 15 at Ciccarone Park, E. 188th Street and Arthur Avenue in Belmont from 10:30 to 11:30 am.

Other acts include the Grand Falloons (on Aug. 8, at Playground for All Children in Fordham Manor); Abada Capoeira (Aug. 9, at Van Cortlandt Park in Riverdale); Uptown Dance (Aug. 10, in Poe Park in Fordham Manor); WeBob Family (Aug. 10 and 13, at Ciccarone Park in Belmont and Slattery Park in Fordham Heights respectively); Jazz-A-Ma-Tazz (Aug. 14, at Van Cortlandt Park in Riverdale); Mr. Chris’ Musical Experience (Aug. 17 and 20, at Ciccarone Park in Belmont and Slattery Playground in Fordham Heights respectively); Imagination in Motion (Aug. 16, at Van Cortlandt Park in Riverdale), and, the Red Trouser Show (Aug. 21, at Van Cortlandt Park in Riverdale).

All of the events, which are suitable for kids 4 and up, are free, and begin at 10:30 am, running for an hour.

SummerStage Kids Program, www.nycgovparks.org

Manhattan Mandarin

Manhattan Mandarin runs the Mandarin after-school programs at over 40 schools nationwide, including St. Bernard's, Chapin, Allen-Stevenson, and Buckley. Whether in schools, students' homes, in the office, online, or on our beloved China trips, our teachers and tutors have helped hundreds of students of all ages master the Mandarin language on their own unique paths to fluency. Our philosophy has always been to make private lessons and classes perfectly tailored for each individual student. We look forward to working with you. - Jamie Keyte, Founder

Super Soccer Stars

Soccer Stars is New York&rsquo;s most popular youth educational soccer program! With 24 years of experience under our cleats, we have positively impacted over one million kids in our local community by putting the FUN in FUNdamentals in our weekly classes and camps. At Soccer Stars, we use the soccer ball as a vehicle to help children not only improve their soccer skills, but develop self-confidence and physical literacy, improve gross motor skills, build teamwork, and hone socialization skills. Our highly trained coaches and early childhood experts lead an age-specific curriculum with a low kid-to-coach ratio so every child gets individual attention and can grow at their own pace. Kids ages 1-12+ can join our seasonal programs, including Parent &amp; Me, FUNdamentals, Development Training, and Travel Soccer. Join us at one of over 80 locations in neighborhoods across across Westchester County, Connecticut and New York, available 7 days-a-week: Connecticut: <ul> <li>Cos Cob</li> <li>Greenwich</li> <li>Port Chester</li> </ul> &nbsp; Westchester: <ul> <li>Briarcliff</li> <li>Eastchester</li> <li>Mt. Kisco</li> <li>New Rochelle</li> <li>Ridgefield</li> <li>Scarsdale</li> <li>White Plains</li> </ul> &nbsp; New York City: <ul> <li>Bronx</li> <li>Inwood</li> <li>Upper West Side</li> <li>Upper East Side</li> </ul> &nbsp; Can&rsquo;t find a class or location that fits your schedule? Soccer Stars also offers private classes for small groups or individual training. Let our coaches come to you with a completely customizable program, anytime, anywhere. Birthday parties are also available!&nbsp;

British Swim School - Manhattan

The premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages, offering programs for children ages 3-months through adults.&nbsp; British Swim School uses gentle teaching methods and a survival-first approach to help people of all experience levels become safer, stronger swimmers. British Swim School&rsquo;s safe, fun, and effective instructional program has made it the preferred choice for parents and students for over 40 years. Come see the British Swim School difference!