Although summer vacation is winding down, and the kids (and their parents!) may have mixed emotions about the start of school, make this week memorable by checking out these fam-friendly events all over the city. Bonus: We’ve thrown in a couple of Labor Day activities for your last hurrah long weekend!
Friday, August 30
New Museum Inspired Monuments
The Children’s Museum of the Arts
1-6pm
Young architects ages 8 and up will learn the basics of building a stable (and eye-catching) structure during this CMA workshop. Using colored paper and other items, children will enjoy creating one of a kind buildings. Workshop repeats throughout the day. Free with museum admission.
Saturday, August 31-Sunday, September 1
NYC Unicycle Festival
Governors Island
12-5pm
(Uni)cycle over to Governors Island this weekend for the annual NYC Unicycle Festival. This year’s activities include one-wheel races, exhibitions, raffles, and games of unicycle basketball and hockey. Festival-goers will also be able to learn how to ride a unicycle during afternoon riding workshops. All ages and abilities welcome. Festival is free.
Sunday, September 1
21st Annual Great North River Tugboat Race & Competition
Pier 84 (Manhattan)
10am-2pm
Watch as tugboats race on the Hudson during the 21st Annual Great North River Tugboat Race & Competition. Boats will also vie for awards in “nose to nose pushing” and “line toss” competitions. Kids will get a kick out of watching the spinach eating contest. To view all the racing action from the water, hop aboard the Circle Line 42 Spectator Boat. Spectator boat tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for kids. Boat departs at 9:30 am.
Sunday, September 1-Monday, September 2
Commedia Dell’arte for Children
New York Botanical Garden
12-4pm
The New York Baroque Dance Company is joining forces with the New York Botanical Garden to bring families a Labor Day weekend treat! The company’s Renaissance dancers will explain the history of commedia dell’arte, an Italian form of theater in which masked actors perform skits or sketches. Musicians will also demo 16th century-style instruments, and families will have the opportunity to dance an old French dance called a branle. Admission is free with an All-Garden Pass.
Monday, September 2
Celebrating America’s Workers
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Various times
Ages 5 and up can celebrate Labor Day at CMOM by making a collage depicting their neighborhood including the people who help their community prosper. While you’re at the museum, be sure to visit its fascinating Red Grooms’ exhibit. Workshop repeats throughout the day. Free with museum admission.
