Weekend Planner: Fun Family Activities In NYC (August 21-23)

SeaGlass Carousel Opening Day in Battery Park

Battery Park’s SeaGlass Carousel is finally opening to the public! To commemorate the Battery’s history as the first home of the New York Aquarium, the carousel is shaped like a nautilus shell and features 30 luminescent fish, some of which are up to 13.5 feet tall! Riders will sit inside the fish for an immersive, under-the-sea experience. (Opens Thursday)

Battle Week 2015 in Brooklyn

In honor of the 239th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn, the first major battle of the Revolutionary War, Brooklyn’s Old Stone House will host Battle Week beginning this Saturday. Festivities include walking tours, ceremonies, reenactments, a display of Revolutionary War flags, and much more! This weekend, there will be a Prison Ships Martyrs memorial ceremony in Fort Greene Park, a family-friendly scavenger hunt trivia battle at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Center, and an Evergreens Cemetery walking tour. (Starts Saturday)

Blues BBQ Festival in Hudson River Park

Hudson River Park’s Blues BBQ Festival will return for its 16th year this Saturday! Featuring some of the best blues and roots musicians from around the country, such as the Otis Taylor Band and Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens, alongside food from New York’s favorite BBQ restaurants, the fest makes for a perfect summer afternoon party. This event will occur rain or shine. (Saturday)

"The Swan" at Flushing Town Hall

Based on Hans Christian Anderson’s "The Ugly Duckling," this non-verbal production for ages 2-5 tells the story of a lost bird searching for his parents and overcoming obstacles along the way. The performance features beautiful scenery, a variety of puppetry styles, and original music. Plus: Enjoy a post-show meet-and-greet with the artist, puppeteer Louis-Philippe Paulhus. (Saturday-Sunday)

Danny Weinkauf and His Red Pants Band at the Bronx Zoo

Enjoy a performance by the Grammy-award winning They Might Be Giants bassist Danny Weinkauf, who is known in the world of kindie pop for his hit “I am a Paleontologist” as well as for his first solo album for kids, "No School Today." His new song “Champion of the Spelling Bee” is #1 on Sirius XM’s Kids Place Live and was featured in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. (Saturday and Sunday)

SculptureCenter's LIC Block Party

Join the SculptureCenter for their LIC Block Party, presented with the Purves Street Block Association, featuring art and entertainment for all ages. The Block Party features artist-led activities, live music and performances, an artists’ market showcasing affordable and functional art and objects, and family-friendly food options from local restaurants. Admission is free! (Saturday)

NYC Volkswagen Traffic Jam on Governors Island

If your little ones can’t get enough of cars, take them to see this classic VW show! The NYC Volkswagen Traffic Jam is a spectator-judged, vintage Volkswagen car show. Enjoy a picnic, views of the New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty, as well as Beetles, buses, dune buggies, and more. Registration is not required for spectators. (Sunday)

Pier 5 Family Field Day in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Enjoy the summer weather at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Family Field Day! Pier 5 will host energetic activities like potato sack and hula hoop races, parachute and scrimmage games, and soccer lessons that the whole family can enjoy. Sneakers are highly recommended. (Sunday)

FringeJR

Part of FringeNYC, a multi-arts festival now in its 19th year, FringeJR provides a slate of family-friendly programming including several different kinds of kid-appropriate fringe theater productions. All shows have undergone a competitive application process and were chosen as some of the best shows for kids. This weekend, catch shows like "Pedro Pan," "Rapunzel in the Wild West." These small-scale performances are ideal for ages 5 through 12. (Through August 30)

Endless Summer Bucket List 2015

From fresh weekend trips to fun-filled city itineraries: 20 ways to savor every last drop of summer.