Weekend Planner: Family Fun In NYC (August 5-7)

Children's Film Festival at the Museum of Arts and Design

Children ages 3 and up are invited to the Museum of Arts & Design for on Friday for the last day of its Children’s Film Festival! In conjunction with the New York International Children’s Film Festival, the museum will screen several short films from around the world. Titles include “Zoo Story,” “My Grandfather was a Cherry Tree,” and “Perfect Houseguest.” (Friday) (Image via madmuseum.org)

Summer Streets 2016

Take advantage of Summer Streets, the annual summer festival that gives New Yorkers the chance to stroll and play on completely traffic-free city streets. On three Saturdays in August, the New York City Department of Transportation will close seven miles of streets to cars, allowing walkers, runners, and bikers to enjoy the open space along Park Avenue and connecting streets. This encouragement of healthy transportation takes place from 7am-1pm and stretches from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park. A variety of activities will take place at the five stops along the route and all are free to the public, including a zip line, free bike and rollerblade rentals, fitness classes, and a giant “Beachside Slide” in Foley Square. (Saturday) (Photo via Summer Streets on Facebook)

The Olympics at the Children's Museum of Manhattan

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan will host its own Olympics during opening weekend, August 5-7. Kids will have the opportunity to learn freestyle soccer moves with the New York Red Bulls (8/5), learn the Brazilian martial art Capoeira from the pros at CUMBE Dance (8/7), get moving with PopFit Kids, and design their own Olympic torches and medals. (Friday-Sunday) (Photo courtesy of CMOM)

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in Flushing Meadows Corona Park

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in NYC! Dragon boats are traditional Chinese boats that are powered by a crew of approximately 20 people. Typically, a drummer leads the team as the drumbeat helps the crew synchronize their strokes. Watch a multitude of different dragon boat races and traditional music and dance performances from around the world during this annual cultural Chinese event. (Saturday-Sunday)

New York Renaissance Faire in Tuxedo Park

Mingle with court jesters, fair maidens, and feudal lords at the New York Renaissance Faire every Saturday and Sunday, as well as Labor Day, from August 6 through October 2. Watch jousting matches and music and dance performances! Gnaw on a turkey leg as you enjoy magic and storytelling performances. Wander around the Artisan Marketplace, where your kiddos can get their faces painted and their hair braided. There are even games and rides for the little ones--and it's all only 40 minutes from Manhattan! (Opens Saturday) (Photo by Sarah Fields via renfair.com)

Kids Rule Weekend at Lehman College

A world of higher education is transforming into a playground for your kids! Lehman College invites you and your family to its campus for a weekend of children's theater, magic shows, pony rides, and more! (Saturday-Sunday) (Photo via igokids.com)

Hindu Lamp Ceremony in Brooklyn Bridge Park

The traditional Hindu lamp ceremony, or the Aarti ceremony, will be presented in Brooklyn Bridge Park this Saturday in anticipation of hurricane season. Learn more about this tradition by taking part in the ceremony as well as the percussion ensemble. There will also be guest artists showcasing their projects, making for an educational and cultural afternoon! (Saturday) (Image via brooklynbridgepark.org)

Queens Book Festival at Kaufman Astoria Studios

Head to Kaufman Astoria Studios for the inaugural Queens Book Festival! Featuring talks by more than 100 writers–including young adult and culinary authors–and a Children’s World for Pre-K through grade 4 that includes a storytelling area, literary activities, and interactive exhibits, it will be a day full of literary fun for all ages! (Sunday)

"My First Friend, My Enemy: The Hamilton and Burr Duel" at the New-York Historical Society

This Sunday, one of the most famous duels in American history will be brought to life at the New-York Historical Society. Families with children ages 8 and up can witness a recreation of the duel that Alexander Hamilton fought with Aaron Burr and learn about the events leading up to that fateful day in Weehawken, NJ. At noon, join the museum for “Hamilton’s Dueling Death,” an interactive family tour detailing the etiquette and history of dueling. (Sunday) (Photo via the New-York Historical Society on Facebook)

10 Great Events for August

Make the most of this month with our top picks for family fun around the city, including Summer Streets, Arthur Ashe Kids Day, the FringeJr Festival, and more! (Photo by USTA/Ned Dishman)

The Best Ice Cream Sandwiches in NYC

Though technically National Ice Cream Sandwich Day happened earlier this week (on August 2), it's not too late to check out some of the city's top cool confections. (Photo via François Payard Bakery)

End-of-Summer Fun Guide

Whether the last weeks of summer mean taking it easy at home or packing your bags for one more family trip before the first day of school, we’ve put together a list of 10 essentials for making the most of those last summer days and getting ready for the year ahead—including some savvy suggestions from local experts.