This weekend offers ample opportunities for time travel, from a 19th century-style baseball game on Governors Island to a commemoration of the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Brooklyn on its 239th anniversary. Plus: head to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens to celebrate the start of the US Open with tennis activities and a fun pop concert, or catch some kid-friendly theater on FringeJr’s last weekend. Enjoy!
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Arthur Ashe Kids' Day at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
On its 20th anniversary, Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day at the US Open continues to introduce children to tennis in a free, fun, and friendly atmosphere. The stadium grounds are open to the public for tennis activities that include obstacle courses, agility tests, and hand-eye coordination games, as well as musical acts, jugglers, face painters, and more. Kids can also watch the pros practice on the courts. At 1pm, the Arthur Ashe Stadium concert begins. A paid event, the concert often features up-and-coming pop stars. Past headliners include Hunter Hayes and Britney Spears. (Saturday) -
Vintage Baseball on Governors Island
Kids can see baseball played the way it was back in the 19th century during a day of Vintage Baseball at Governors Island! Watch the Gothams, Governors Island’s resident team, play the New York Mutuals--1860s-style--while taking in a spectacular view of the Statue of Liberty and downtown Manhattan. (Saturday) -
Collaborative Map Project at CMA
In anticipation of the opening of the Children’s Museum of the Arts new exhibit “If You Lived Here, You’d Be Home” (premiering next month), the museum is inviting all ages to participate in a Collaborative Map Project during museum hours. Beginning this Thursday, children can outline and collage a large-scale map of the world with help from CMA Teaching Artists. (Thursday-Monday) -
10th Annual Shorebird Festival at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Calling all bird lovers! This Saturday, wake up early and head to Queens’ Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge for the 10th Annual Shorebird Festival. Visitors can view tons of shorebirds at East Pond, listen to speakers on topics such as Jamaica Bay and wildlife conservation, learn to to snap pro bird photos, and more. (Saturday) -
Soap Box Derby
Join Open Source Gallery for its 8th annual Soap Box Derby this Saturday in Park Slope, Brooklyn! Watch as kid participants of the gallery’s Soap Box Workshop compete in a race to see who has the fastest vehicle in town. Created out of recycled objects and building materials, these derby cars were also tested by their drivers to ensure that the race will be a safe event. (Saturday) -
Free Family Day at the Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum
Come to New York City’s oldest house for a free family day filled with scavenger hunts, kid-friendly tours, and other engaging activities. If you plan to visit with children under 10, try to arrive before 2pm in order to take advantage of specially planned activities for younger children. (Saturday) -
239th Anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn
This Sunday, August 30, head to Greenwood Cemetery for the annual commemoration of the Battle of Brooklyn, featuring live history programming including drills, weapons firing, games, historic personalities, and other family activities. (Sunday) -
FringeJr at the 14th Street Y
It's the final weekend of 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. From a tale about a ghost hunter to a Commedia dell’Arte-style version of Rapunzel, these small-scale performances are ideal for ages 5 through 12. (Through Sunday) -
39th Annual Brighton Jubilee Festival on Brighton Beach Avenue
Experience live music, shopping booths, children’s rides, and great food this Sunday during the 39th annual Brighton Beach Jubilee along Brighton Beach Avenue. Considered a Brooklyn tradition, the Jubilee was created 38 years ago and attracts an average of 125,000 visitors each year, so don’ t miss out! (Sunday) -
Endless Summer Bucket List
From fresh weekend trips to fun-filled city itineraries: 20 ways to savor every last drop of summer! -
Family Fun for Labor Day Weekend
Spending Labor Day in or near the NYC? Here are 10 great family events to enjoy.