Weekend Planner: Fun Family Activities In NYC (June 19-21)

Swedish Midsummer Festival in Robert F. Wagner Park

This Friday evening, join the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy and the Consulate General of Sweden in New York for the Swedish Midsummer Festival in Robert F. Wagner Park. Families with children of all ages can decorate and dance around the midsummer pole, picnic, make flower wreaths, enjoy fiddle music, play games, and nosh on Swedish food from NYC restaurants such as Red Rooster and FIKA. This event will be held rain or shine. (Friday)

Adventures NYC in Central Park

All ages are invited to join NYC Parks and Backpacker magazine for Adventures NYC, a day of outdoor sports and activities in the heart of the city. Come out to Central Park for rock climbing, biking, stand-up paddleboarding (for ages 8 and up), fitness classes with Shape Up NYC, log rolling, and more! This year will feature the 30th anniversary of the Stihl Timbersports lumberjack competition. This event will take place rain or shine. (Saturday)

The Mermaid Parade on Coney Island

The 33rd Annual Mermaid Parade hosts thousands of visitors decked out in under-the-sea garb: bikini shells, glitter, colorful hair, costumes covered in scales, and more! Feel like you’re a real-life mermaid and come dressed up to the parade, where you’ll celebrate mythology, seaside stories, and art in New York City. (Saturday)

Brick Fest Live at the New York Hall of Science

Starting this Saturday, LEGO lunatics are in for a treat at the New York Hall of Science in Queens. All ages are invited to Brick Fest Live to build and race derby cars, play LEGO video games, compete in trivia competitions, shop for new LEGO sets, and much more. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. (Opens Saturday)

Party On Wheels at the New York Transit Museum

Ride back in time on a 1920s style D train and enjoy music, dancing and crafts this weekend at Party On Wheels, a New York Transit Museum event. This family fundraiser event includes breakfast, educational programs and appearances from special guests, plus free admission for children under 2. (Saturday)

Hawaiian Airlines Liberty Challenge Hosted by New York Outrigger

Watch the best compete in international competition of outrigger canoe racing while enjoying a festival of yummy food, fun activities and cool workshops! Described as a “unique mix of Polynesian culture and New York style,” this family friendly event garnered over 6,000 people last summer to experience water sports on a totally new level. (Saturday)

Canciones de Mi Padre at NYBG

Celebrate Father’s Day weekend with a full night of traditional Mexican folk songs performed by The Villalobos Brothers and Humberto Flores, along with many other special musical guests. Featuring a full mariachi band and a complementary margarita, celebrate dad and the continuation of Mexican heritage celebration at the beautiful New York Botanical Garden. Make sure to wear your dancing shoes! (Saturday)

Make Music New York

This Father’s Day, celebrate Dad with a song at one of Make Music New York’s free, outdoor, public concerts across all five boroughs. Musicians of any caliber are welcome to take part or attend. Events and fixtures include a roving karaoke Clavinova Piano Bar that honors Frank Sinatra’s 100th birthday; “Exquisite Corpses,” improvised musical conversations in several graveyards across New York; and more. Pop-up musicals will appear throughout the day, and several different styles of music, from punk to bluegrass to marching bands, will be represented. (Sunday)

Family Performance Festival in Central Park

The annual Family Performance Festival is back with fun events that include music, performances, storytelling, puppetry and more, every Sunday in Central Park this summer. Kids can also enjoy the Great Hill natural playground located nearby. See the park’s website for a detailed schedule of performers and events. (Begins Saturday)

Summer Solstice Celebration in Socrates Sculpture Park

This beautiful solstice festival at Long Island City’s Socrates Sculpture Park is worth the journey across the East River—especially for the sunset views of the Manhattan skyline! Get creative at Solstice art-making workshops, have your face painted by Agostino Arts, participate in a Solstice Ritual with Urban Shaman Mama Donna, settle down with a picnic, and take in the views. Plus, at 7:30pm, enjoy a concert by the Queens Symphony Orchestra. (Sunday)

Summer Fun Guide 2015

School’s out, and the days are long—sure, it may be hot, but we think there’s no time like summer to get out and take advantage of all the city has to offer. We’ve selected from seasonal classics and new favorites to put together this guide to NYC summer fun.

9 Great Events for Father's Day

Celebrate dad at these fun local happenings, from a special concerts to a day of fun at the New York Aquarium!