Happy Father’s Day weekend! To celebrate, we’ve gathered 15 NYC events that honor dads, from family fests everyone can enjoy to gift making workshops for kids. If the weather cooperates, don’t forget to check out our favorite carousels in all five boroughs for a fun spin. Otherwise, you can look forward to giant Lego structures, a fab puppet festival, numerous block parties, and much more.
STARTING FRIDAY
Start the weekend right with a rejuvenating yoga session for parents and children at Wave Hill, the public garden overlooking the Hudson in the Bronx. Say “ommmm.” (Friday)
Local artist Nathan Sawaya creates larger-than-life sculptures made entirely of LEGOs. See the largest collection yet at Discovery Times Square. Wow! (Friday-Sunday)
Throughout NYC parks and other public spaces, Sing for Hope Pianos has placed 88 pianos for all ages to play with for free! Go tickle the ivories or enjoy a mini-concert by a volunteer musician. (Friday-Sunday)
Little ballerinas can find inspiration at the Ballet Tech Kid’s dance show at Joyce Theater, featuring an energetic Meshugana Dance set to a klezmer score. Got twinkle toes? (Friday-Sunday)
Discover how video game developers, roller coaster designers, and others use science to solve everyday problems at New York Hall of Science’s Design Zone–then do some creating of your own. Mix it up! (Friday-Sunday)
The Children’s Museum of the Arts’ new Inside Out/Outside In exhibit is a wonderfully creative multimedia showcase of 3D works by kids themselves. So impressive. (Friday-Sunday)
SATURDAY ONLY
With advocacy origins, the Hunt’s Point Fish Parade has become a costume-y, campy, all-out celebration of the neighborhood, complete with a kid-friendly fest. Dive in! (Saturday)
Become an engineer for a day at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, where kids can make flashlights out of disposable water bottles. Perfect for summer camping. (Saturday)
Flapper fashion, Charleston dancing, vintage cars, and tug-o-wars harken back to a festive era past at the Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island. Get grooving! (Saturday)
“The Three Little Pigs” gets a martial arts twist at the New York Botanical Garden. Don’t forget the pre-show introduction to wind instruments! Hii-ya! (Saturday)
Pick up some shading, cross hatching, and contour drawing skills after a special family tour of the Whitney’s Edward Hopper exhibit. Feeling creative? (Saturday)
The Puppetry Arts Festival brings shows, puppet making workshops, rock climbing, TV character appearances, and more to Park Slope. What’s not to love? (Saturday)
Hip Tot Music Fest and Young Rock Soccer Academy team up to create a block party of music, dancing, food, and sports in Forte Green. Score! (Saturday)
SUNDAY ONLY
SummerStage Kids kicks of this season’s Brooklyn Family Day with performances from Shine and The Moonbeams, who’s releasing a new CD next week, plus a Haitian DJ and Afro Caribbean dance group. Rock on! (Sunday)
Here’s a great bonding idea: Make whole wheat pizza with Dad at Taste Buds Kitchen for a yummy Father’s Day celebration. Hungry? (Sunday)
Cheer along with the crowd or jump into a race at one of NYC’s biggest cycling competitions. There’s even a race for 5 and under–check it out here. (Sunday)
With sweet sounds from string quartets to “live electronics,” Bang on a Can pushes the boundaries of what can make music. Ready for some surprises? (Sunday)
