Whether you
want to channel your creative side, let your patriotism start shining through,
or simply enjoy some of the biggest cultural bashes of the summer, there’s
something for everyone this weekend. And with a range of activities inspired by
the likes of Spider-Man and Harry Potter, it’s sure to be a magical weekend at
that. —
FRIDAY-SATURDAY
It’s getting hot in here! NY Hall of Science’s scintillating Volcano
Mine Ride is operating its last adventures this weekend. HD technology and Bose sound
systems take you over, sideways, and under on a magic fiery ride.
You don’t need to venture far to get your festival fixing this
summer. The Astoria
Park Festival will feature classic carnival games, rides, and snacks all
weekend long.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
Got some mini seafarers on your hands? The weekend-long North
River Historic Ship Festival lets them set sail around the city on a
105-year-old ship along the Hudson River. Don’t miss Sunday’s circus featuring
famed juggler Will Shaw.
SATURDAY
The Animal Tales Extravaganza at the Bronx Zoo ends with a bang
with Spider-Man
Day, where kids can meet the comic book star and try spider-climbing up the
new rock wall themselves. Extra: win exclusive movie giveaways and meet Avenue
Q’s Kate Monster!
SummerStage
Kids is bringing
a dance party, free sports lessons, and arts and crafts to St. Mary’s Park in
the
all-time favorites: The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus and The Red Trouser show.
Who better to pick up essential life skills from than Robinson Crusoe? At
Theatre-Playground’s interactive
family show, you’ll identify edible plants, make a shelter, and build a boat as the
desert island story unfolds in
Experience the world without ever leaving the city at the Avenue
of the Americas Summerfest. 500 booths of crafts, food, and entertainment
representing over 100 cultures make for tons of cosmopolitan fun.
Calling all beach lovers:The Kiddies
Caribbean Carnival is back at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. March in
the colorful parade, munch on bites from the renowned chef Shorne Benjamin, and
bang away at the steel pan workshop.
If you need a little magic in your weekend, whiz over to CMOM’s Harry
Potter-Inspired Magic Wand workshop–the opening event of the NYC Design
Studio–and fashion your very own spell-caster.
Alternatively, you can conjure up some glow-in-the-dark enchantment at Wave
Hill’s Glow
A Garden crafts workshop. Get creative, then see your project shine under a
cool black light.
SUNDAY
Get a head start in July 4th festivities at this weekend’s edition of A
Clearing in the Forest, where Symphony Space balladeer Linda Russell will
perform fun historic stories with color and charm.
There’s nothing that says Freedom Day like going back to the pre-Colonial
times. Fashion your clothes in 19th century styles, then march proudly in the Freedom
Strut at Lefferts Historic House in Prospect Park.
All
aboard! The New
York Transit Museum’s Summer
Nostalgia Train is taking us down memory lane–or shall we say
"tracks"?–on a sweet 20th century subway ride between Grand Central,
the Brooklyn Museum, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden all day.
