Bring your family to one of these fun outdoor activities in New York City this month, including outside events in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Summer is a great time to learn about nature and spend more time outdoors!
Manhattan
Garden Camp
WHEN: Aug. 3-7, daily, 12:30-3:30pm
WHERE: Morris-Jumel Mansion, 65 Jumel Terrace, Harlem
AGES: 7 and older
WHAT: A week of hands-on tutorials, covering topics from planting and cultivation, to basic botanical science. Parent or chaperone required as well as advanced registration.
WANT TO GO? $10 per parent or chaperone. 212-923-8008. morrisjumel.org.
Children’s Potions and Planting Tea Party
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 8, 10am
WHERE: Gallow Green at The McKittrick Hotel, 524 W. 27th St., Chelsea
AGES: 6-11
WHAT: A special tea for children and their favorite stuffed animal. Learn about making your own magic potions in the garden, flower pressing, planting, and seeds.
WANT TO GO? $25. 212-564-1662. events.mckittrickhotel.com.
River Rangers
WHEN: Through Aug. 24, Mondays, 2pm
WHERE: Pier 25 in Hudson River Park, at North Moore Street, Tribeca
AGES: 4-9
WHAT: Explore the wonders of the Hudson River ecosystem through fun science experiments and nature-inspired crafts.
WANT TO GO? 212-561-7462. hudsonriverpark.org.
Urban Farm Exploration Days
WHEN: Saturdays, Aug. 1-29, 11am-3pm
WHERE: 20 Randalls Island Park, Randalls Island
AGES: All
WHAT: Meet the chickens and explore the farm on your doorstep.
WANT TO GO? 212-860-1899 x722. randallsisland.org.
Big City Fishing
WHEN: Through Sept. 23, Sundays, 1-5pm
WHERE: Pier 46 in Hudson River Park, at Charles Street, Greenwich Village
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Try your hand at fishing. All equipment provided. Those older than 16 need to pre-register; see website for details. Big Fishing workshops will also be running at Pier 25 (Sundays) and Pier 84 (Tuesdays and Thursdays) in Hudson River Park throughout August. See NYMetroParents.com for full listings
WANT TO GO? 212-561-7462. hudsonriverpark.org.
Young Sprouts Gardening
WHEN: Through Oct. 5, Tuesdays, 3:15-3:45pm
WHERE: Nelson A. Rockefeller Park, Children’s Garden, Battery Park City
AGES: 3-5
WHAT: Come down to the garden and spend the summer learning about growing flowers, fruits, and vegetables.
WANT TO GO? FREE. 212-267-9700. bpcparks.org.
Brooklyn
Wash Day
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 2, 2-5pm
WHERE: Lefferts Historic House, Flatbush Avenue at Empire Boulevard, Flatbush
AGES: All
WHAT: Cool off from the summer sun at Lefferts by helping to get the dirt out of 19th-century reproduction clothing the non-electric way—using tubs, washboards and bar soap!
WANT TO GO? $3 suggested donation. 718-789-2822. prospectpark.org.
Seining
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 9. See website for times.
WHERE: Empire–Fulton Ferry State Park, Main Street, Brooklyn Heights
AGES: All
WHAT: Learn about the remarkable creatures of the East River as our scientists use a 20-foot seining net to humanely catch and release these unique critters.
WANT TO GO? FREE. 718-802-0603. brooklynbridgepark.org.
Family Discovery Weekends
WHEN: Through Aug. 23, Saturday-Sunday, 10:30am-2:30pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 900 Washington Ave., Crown Heights
AGES: All
WHAT: Explore nature and the garden, as well as arts and crafts in the new Discovery Garden.
WANT TO GO? Free with grounds admission: $12; $6 for students and seniors; free for children younger than 12. 718-623-7200. bbg.org.
BBG at Night: Nocturnal Critter Crawl
WHEN: Aug. 6 and 26, 7:30pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 900 Washington Ave., Crown Heights
AGES: 6 and older
WHAT: A moonlit walk and workshop about bats and other nocturnal wildlife in the garden. Bring your flashlight and magnifying lens to watch rabbits, bats, and other animals begin their nightly routines. One adult is required to attend per child. Registration required.
WANT TO GO? $20. 718-623-7200. bbg.org.
Journey to the Stars
WHEN: Thursdays, Aug. 6-27, 8:30-10:30pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 1, 334 Furman St., Brooklyn Heights
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT: The Amateur Astronomers will guide your eyes across the sky as you discover the wonders of the universe.
WANT TO GO? FREE. 718-802-0603. brooklynbridgepark.org.
Garden Cleanup Days
WHEN: Saturdays, Aug. 1, 15, and 29; 10am
WHERE: Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road, Canarsie
AGES: 13 and older
WHAT: Get your hands in the dirt and help give the Wyckoff House Museum park and grounds a sprucing up that it deserves. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. We will provide bug spray, sunscreen, and some refreshments.
WANT TO GO? FREE. 718-629-5400. wyckoffassociation.org.
Fireworks
WHEN: Through Sept. 4, Fridays, 9:30pm
WHERE: Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk, West 10th Street and Surf Avenue, Coney Island
AGES: All
WHAT: Head down to Coney Island on Fridays this summer to enjoy a fireworks display to kick off the weekend.
WANT TO GO? FREE. 718-965-8993. coneyisland.com.
Nature Exploration
WHEN: Through Dec. 27. Thursdays and Fridays, (Through Oct. 30), 12-4pm; Saturday-Sunday (through December), 10am-1pm
WHERE: Prospect Park Audubon Center, Lincoln Road and Ocean Avenue, Flatbush
AGES: All
WHAT: Nature education programs for kids at the Audubon Center.
WANT TO GO? 718-287-3400. prospectpark.org.
More Fun for New York City Kids
Can’t-Miss Events in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens
Where to Watch Kid-Friendly Films
Fun Things to Do in the Great Outdoors
Where to Catch Kid-Friendly Theater
Story Times & More for Book Lovers
Dance Parties and Performances
Events for Children with Special Needs
Events that Get NYC Kids Active
Where to Hear Kid-Friendly Music
More Fun Events
Browse our full calendar for more fun family events in NYC and beyond!
