Talk about a Northeastern
heat wave, folks. With June in full swing, high temperatures and afternoon
showers dominate the weather forecast. But that doesn’t mean you need to keep
the kiddos cooped up in the apartment. Whether you choose to embrace the hot
summer sun at a park (like Central or Madison Square), stroller through an outdoor festival or seek out
cool, cold AC—the city has a slew of events to keep the whole family
entertained! —
This weekend’s
family-oriented fests promise fun—wet or dry. Get in touch with Mother Nature at
the Bronx
River Festival, where you can take canoe rides (oh yes), head out on a scavenger
hunt (in nature!) and ride loaner bikes for free. As for culture, experience a
mash-up of traditions at the Egg
Rolls and Egg Creams festival presented by the Museum at Eldridge Street. Kids can learn about Chinese and Jewish
traditions while checking out crafts (scribal arts!), music and food from each.
For more creativity, head to the NYC
Festival of Young Artists & Leaders where everyone can enjoy face
painting, arts and crafts and more as 12 – 21 year-olds (from troupes like
TADA! Youth Theater and The Possibility Project) show off their dance, art,
theater and music skills in live performances throughout the day.
One event we just heard about on Friday which sounded too amazing not bring immediate attention to is The Riverside Theater’s 13th Annual New York Family Arts Festival on Saturday and Sunday. The multicultural riches speak for themselves. Jump in.
If the rain or heat sends
your family inside, seek shelter and temperature control at a museum and check
out one of the new children’s exhibits opening this weekend. Kids ages 3-7 will
love learning science, math and social studies with their favorite monkey Curious
George at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. At the New York Hall of
Science, tykes can step right up and into the world of the circus at “Circus!
Science Under the Big Top.” Cross a tight rope (while securely harnessed,
of course), learn how to communicate with circus animals and leave speaking
fluent circus lingo.
Finally, kick off Carroll Park’s Children’s Concert Series for the summer season with urban kiddie
favorite, Music
for Aardvarks and Other Mammals. There will also be food and crafts in the
late afternoon, with proceeds benefitting Friends of Carroll Park and PS 32.
Need more ideas? Click here to for all our weekend highlights.
Click here for the full calendar of events
for this weekend and every day of the week.
And click here to register for our free
weekly newsletter highlighting our favorite family-friendly events every
weekend in the city and beyond.
