Photo by Josiah Lau
There’s no excuse like Father’s Day to get out of the house
and enjoy our city! Whether families want to celebrate their inner geeks or
rock out at a 12-hour concert, we’ve got you covered. Even if you’re not big on
holidays, you have plenty of glow-in-the-dark exhibits, outdoor festivals and
rhythmic jams to keep you on your toes. —
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
Who’s afraid of the dark? An illuminated
exhibit with live animals and glowing mushroom forest at the Liberty
Science Center will fill kids with glee instead of fear. Help the little ones
learn to love light-less places like cool caves and mysterious ocean floors.
Get your groove on all weekend long at the Step
to the High Line Festival, where superstar teenage step dancers are melding
footwork, words and claps to wow the entire family.
The Whitney has been all aglow thanks to its Fireflies
on the Water exhibit. Lighting up the whole museum with lights, mirrors and
water, this stunning installation is one that even the parents and kids who
have seen it all will appreciate.
SATURDAY
Budding marine biologists can try
their hand at fishing in Wagner Park, before kindly letting their catches
back into the Hudson River. This edition of Go Fish will also celebrate
Juneteenth, a day that commemorates freedom and African American heritage.
In Baretto
Point Park, it’s
also all about the fish, bugs and flowers at a fun-filled festival of food,
shows and raffles following the 9th annual Fish Parade from Hunts Point
Riverside Park.
Show your love for your favorite pup at Clifford’s
Beach Party in Bryant Park. Hop into a congo line, see how low you can limbo and
create a lei in honor of Scholastic’s beloved big red dog.
Eight-year-old sensation DJ Fulano is taking the world by storm with his
mixmaster tunes, so don’t miss your chance to see
him in action and dance your heart out this weekend. Refuel yourself with
drinks and snacks, then keep right on boogieing!
SUNDAY
Nothing says "all about kids" like the 7th
Annual KidsFest in Morningside Park. Face painting, crafts and music
performances are all well and good–but the best part is the super-scrumptious
KidsFeast, where mini foodies can make and devour their own healthy snacks.
Celebrate Father’s Day with a bang at the 12-hour Bang
on A Can Marathon, a one-of-a-kind contemporary music festival with every
kind of performance imaginable. Now that school’s out, this is also the perfect
chance to let loose and bust out all of your quirky moves.
Calling all geeky dads: WIRED’s National
GeekDad Day at the New York Hall of Science is just for you and your little
protégés. Get creative and see who can work the best magic with
re-purposed materials at the Inventor’s Workshop.
To further celebrate your geekdom, take everyone through a walk of
centuries of toys before making
your own video game prototype. Space is limited, so be sure you make a
reservation with the New-York Historical Society. (Sunday)
Looking to take it easy? Lounge out by the water with the
family and be serenaded by "The
Last Mambo King" in Central Park. Part of the weekly Harlem Meer
Performance Festival, this famed mamba musician will revive everyone’s spirits.
While Urban Park Ranger’s cycling
tours are no walk through the park, it’s a fun, active way for all ages to
see the city’s green spaces through different eyes. You’ll be spotting
wildlife, artwork and more that you never knew were even there–who says you
can’t travel in your own backyard?
For even more events and activities this weekend and beyond,
check out our Family Calendar.
And if you haven’t already, click here to register for our free weekly newsletter
which features our favorite events to enjoy every weekend in the city and
beyond.
