FREE Central Park Conservancy's Chess Lecture and Simul Series
WHEN: Saturday, July 22, 11am
WHERE: Chess & Checkers House, Mid-Park at 64th Street, Central Park
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Learn techniques from some of the best names in chess, and then put your new skills to the test in a simul with fellow players. For ages 6 and older, but prior experience required. This is a program for adults and experienced kids. July's grandmaster is Irina Krush.
WANT TO GO? 212-794-4064. centralparknyc.org.
Beach Scene
WHEN: July 22-23, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm
WHERE: Children's Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village
AGES: All
WHAT: Creative a beach themed diorama, drawing inspiration from Edgar Degas’ Beach Scene, among other works.
WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 1; seniors pay as you wish. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.
FREE Summer on the Hudson: SunGaze
WHEN: Sunday, July 23, 12-4pm
WHERE: Pier I, Riverside Park South, Riverside Drive between 65th and 72nd streets, Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Gaze at the central star of our solar system using special safe scopes with the Amateur Astronomers Association.
WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.
Art Trek
WHEN: Through July 27: Thursdays and Saturdays, see website for times
WHERE: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Travel through time and around the world on a Museum adventure. Discover favorite works of art as you look and learn together. This month's theme is Take a Trip.
WANT TO GO? $25; $17 seniors; $12 students; free for children younger than 12. 212-570-3961. metmuseum.org.
FREE Free Shows at the Carousel
WHEN: Through July 30: Sundays, 2pm and 4pm
WHERE: Pier 62 Carousel, Hudson River Park and 23rd Street, Chelsea
AGES: All
WHAT: See performances next to the carousel, featuring fun magicians, jugglers, and clowns. See website for listings.
WANT TO GO? 718-788-2676. pier62carousel.com.
Storytime in Nolen Library
WHEN: Through July 30: Sundays, 2-2:30pm; Tuesday-Thursday, 3-3:30pm
WHERE: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: Look, listen, sing, and have fun with picture books; then continue your adventure with a self-guided gallery hunt.
WANT TO GO? $25; $17 seniors; $12 students; free for children younger than 12. 212-570-3961. metmuseum.org.
Galli's 'Aladdin'
WHEN: Through July 30: Saturday-Sunday, 2pm
WHERE: Galli Theater, 151 W. 26th St., 7th Floor, Chelsea
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: The classic tale of Aladdin, the genie, and the magical lamp.
WANT TO GO? $20; $15 children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaternyc.com.
FREE The Classical Theatre of Harlem: 'The Three Musketeers'
WHEN: Through July 30: Tuesday-Sunday, 8pm; Fridays, 8:30pm
WHERE: Richard Rodgers Amphitheater in Marcus Garvey Park, 18 Mount Morris Park W., Harlem
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT: The Classical Theatre of Harlem returns to Marcus Garvey Park for its annual summer event. It’s all for one and one for all as D’Artagnan and the Musketeers fight to protect the ones they love from the revolting exploits of Cardinal Richelieu.
WANT TO GO? 347-688-6304. cthnyc.org.
New York Musical Festival 2017
WHEN: Through Aug. 6: daily, see website for times
WHERE: Various locations, Theater District, Times Square
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Every year the New York Musical Festival showcases the best new musicals and musical theater talent in this three-week event.
WANT TO GO? $27.50. 212-664-0979. nymf.org.
FREE The Uni Project at Sara D. Roosevelt Park
WHEN: Through Aug. 13: Sundays; 11am-3pm
WHERE: Sara D. Roosevelt Park, Hester Street, Lower East Side
AGES: All
WHAT: The Uni Project is a pop up reading room that tours parks, plazas, and other public spaces to offer reading, drawing, and hands-on activities.
WANT TO GO? 212-288-6220. nycgovparks.org.
FREE Reading Room
WHEN: Through Aug. 19: Saturdays, 12-1pm
WHERE: Bryant Park, 42nd Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Summer program featuring music, magic, and visits from favorite literary characters. July's shows include hula hooping, bubbles, a clown from the Big Apple Circus, Erin Lee and the Up Past Bedtime Band, and Clifford the Big Red Dog.
WANT TO GO? 212-768-4242. bryantpark.org.
FREE Outdoor Movie Night
WHEN: Through Aug. 20: Sundays, 8:30pm
WHERE: Randall's Island Park, Field 81, Randall's Island
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT: Catch outdoor movies surrounded by great views from Randall's Island every other Sunday. Watch Aladdin on June 11 and Zootopia on June 25.
WANT TO GO? 212-860-1899. randallsisland.org.
'The Amazing Max'
WHEN: Through Aug. 26: Saturdays, 3:30pm
WHERE: McGinn Cazale Theater, 2162 Broadway, 4th Floor, Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Fun magic show for kids starring Max Darwin as part of the Vital Summer Theater Festival.
WANT TO GO? $34.50 and up. 866-811-4111. theamazingmax.com.
Centennial Sunday: March with Suffragists
WHEN: July 23-Aug. 26, Saturdays, 11am-4pm
WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Stand alongside the women who won the vote in New York three years before the 19th Amendment. Learn about how they each fought for women's rights, examine their early 20th-century wardrobe, listen to stories about their rallies, and line up for their next suffrage march.
WANT TO GO? $21; $16 seniors; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.
FREE Street Soccer Program
WHEN: Through Aug. 27: Sundays, 9-11am
WHERE: William F. Passannante Ballfield, West Houston Street and Sixth Avenue, Greenwich Village
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Kids of all ages between 8-14 are invited to learn and play street soccer pick up games. Playing soccer the same way some of the world's soccer greats grew up playing, in the street with no rules! Parents are welcome to give a donation to the coach who volunteers for this program. Reservations required.
WANT TO GO? 646-469-9459. futbolrebels.com.
Open Studio at the Whitney
WHEN: Through Aug. 27: Saturday-Sunday, see website for times
WHERE: Whitney Museum of American Art, 99 Gansevoort St., Meatpacking District
AGES: All
WHAT: Get creative in the Whitney’s Hearst Artspace. Families are invited to make their own artworks based on works on view in current exhibitions. Each week is a different art making project.
WANT TO GO? $22; $18 students and seniors; free for children younger than 18. 212-570-3600. whitney.org.
'Gruff!'
WHEN: Through Aug. 28: Sundays, see website for times
WHERE: The People's Improv Theater, 123 E. 24th St., Chelsea
AGES: All
WHAT: Gruff! is an interactive, family-friendly reinvention of The Three Billy Goats Gruff that calls audiences to action in the fight against climate change.
WANT TO GO? $20. 212-563-7488. gruffthemusical.com.
FREE 24th Annual Harlem Meer Performance Festival
WHEN: Through Sept. 3: Sundays, 2-4pm
WHERE: Central Park, Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox avenues, Central Park
AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy the best local talent on an outdoor stage at this free festival. Featuring established and emerging local artists in jazz, Latin, world, and gospel music and dance.
WANT TO GO? 212-860-1370. centralparknyc.org.
Dynamic H2O
WHEN: Through Sept. 30: Sunday-Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturdays, 10am-7pm
WHERE: Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: With hands-on interactives and cool colorful graphics, the exhibit offers visitors a fun place to chill while they learn how New York City gets its water and the role water plays in our local environment. Children can pump water to the top of a skyscraper, create their own 92-mile aqueduct, and construct a city at the water’s edge.
WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 1; seniors pay as you wish. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.
Let's Dance!
WHEN: Through Oct. 1: Sunday-Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturdays, 10am-7pm
WHERE: Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Discover dance from a variety of entry points: as an art form, as an expression of diverse cultures and traditions, and as a healthy physical activity.
WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.
FREE Chelsea Farmers Market
WHEN: Through Nov. 18: Saturdays; 9am-4pm
WHERE: Down to Earth Chelsea Farmers Market, North side of 23rd Street, off Ninth Avenue, Chelsea
AGES: All
WHAT: Fruits, vegetables, meats and eggs from regional farms and a wide variety of foods from local food makers. The market is open every Saturday from 9am-4pm, from May through November 18th.
WANT TO GO? 914-923-4837. downtoearthmarkets.com.
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Brooklyn Weekend Activities
FREE Hot Summer Nights 2017
WHEN: Through July 22: Saturdays, 8pm
WHERE: On Stage at Kingsborough, 2001 Oriental Blvd., Manhattan Beach
AGES: All
WHAT: Come enjoy these free concerts which take place at Kingsboough’s bandshell, an outdoor venue where you can feel the ocean breeze, have a picnic, and get your groove on.
WANT TO GO? 718-368-5596. onstageatkingsborough.org.
FREE Coney Island Talent Show
WHEN: Saturday, July 22, 4-8pm
WHERE: Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk, West 10th Street and Surf Avenue, Coney Island
AGES: All
WHAT: Categories for this year's talent contest are creative kids ages 9-12, creative kids ages 13-17, and song, dance, and variety for 18 and older. Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place winners in each category.
WANT TO GO? 718-965-8993. coneyislandtalentshow.com.
FREE Skill Building Garden Volunteer Day: Summer Vegetable Gardening
WHEN: Saturday, July 22, 10am-1pm
WHERE: The Wyckoff House Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road, Canarsie
AGES: 13 and older
WHAT: Join the garden team this season for monthly volunteer skill building and training days. Participate in hands-on gardening while helping steward the Wyckoff House Park and helping to grow food for community markets.
WANT TO GO? 718-629-5400. wyckoffmuseum.org.
Back to the Beach Festival
WHEN: July 22-23, Saturday, 11am-9:30pm; Sunday, 11am-8pm
WHERE: Midland Beach Promenade, Richmond Road and Bancroft Avenue, Staten Island
AGES: All
WHAT: Don't miss this two-day community event featuring live music, vendors, games, foods, rides for the kids, and more. There are fireworks after the event on Saturday.
WANT TO GO? FREE admission; prices for refreshments and activities vary. 718-412-1851. binifund.org.
Subway Olympics
WHEN: Through July 23: Saturday-Sunday, 1:30-2:15pm
WHERE: New York Transit Museum, Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Downtown Brooklyn
AGES: All
WHAT: The Transit Museum becomes an arena for the wide world of wacky competitive feats. Become a champion in subway silliness.
WANT TO GO? $7; $5 children ages 2-17. 718-694-1792. nytransitmuseum.org.
FREE Gibney Dance at Brooklyn Bridge
WHEN: Through July 29: Saturdays, 7pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park - Pier 1, Old Fulton and Water streets, DUMBO
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Gibney Dance has invited guest artists from the NYC dance community to perform alongside its resident company, teach open dance classes, and offer entry points into the artistic process through installations expressly created for outdoor, public spaces.
WANT TO GO? 212-348-1400. brooklynbridgepark.org.
Brooklyn Cyclones - Kids Only Giveaway Sundays
WHEN: Through Aug. 6: Sundays, see website for schedule
WHERE: MCU Park, 1904 Surf Ave., Coney Island
AGES: All
WHAT: On a warm summer's night it doesn't get much better than this. Catching a Brooklyn Cyclones games is a great night out, the venue is kid-friendly, the mascots are interactive and fun, and there are loads of kids giveaways.
WANT TO GO? $10-$17. 718-372-5596. brooklyncyclones.com.
'The Reluctant Dragon'
WHEN: Through Aug. 20: see website for schedule
WHERE: Puppetworks, 338 6th Ave., Park Slope
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: Enjoy Kenneth Grahame's 1898 English mystery The Reluctant Dragon. The show was adapted for marionettes by Michael Leach.
WANT TO GO? $10; $9 for children younger than 12. 718-965-3391. puppetworks.org.
FREE Free Family Day
WHEN: Through Aug. 20: Saturdays, 1-4pm
WHERE: The Wyckoff House Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road, Canarsie
AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy engaging, kid-friendly tours, hands-on activities, scavenger hunts, and more every third Saturday of the month. If the weather’s nice, bring a picnic and enjoy our grounds before or after your visit to the house.
WANT TO GO? 718-629-5400. wyckoffmuseum.org.
FREE It's My Park Days 2017
WHEN: Through Aug. 24: Saturdays, see website for times
WHERE: Various parks, see website for addresses, New York
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT: Volunteers will participate in a citywide effort to care for our green spaces with brooms, shovels, rakes, and trash grabbers during It's My Park projects.
WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.
FREE Kayaking
WHEN: Through Aug. 26: Saturdays, 10am-3pm; Thursdays, 5:30-6:45pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 2 Dock, Furman and Clark streets, Brooklyn Heights
AGES: All
WHAT: Glide along the water while kayaking with the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse at the Pier 2 floating dock. Children younger than 18 must have an adult guardian present. All levels are welcome and no experience is necessary.
WANT TO GO? 718-802-0603. brooklynbridgepark.org.
FREE Rowing on Prospect Park Lake
WHEN: Through Aug. 26: Saturdays, 12-4pm
WHERE: The Well House, 200 Well House Drive, Prospect Park
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: The Village Community Boathouse is offering free public rowing on Prospect Park Lake this summer.
WANT TO GO? 212-229-2059. prospectpark.org.
FREE Big and Little Skills Academy Basketball Clinics
WHEN: Through Aug. 27: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4-7pm; Sundays, 12-2pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 2, Clark and Furman streets, Brooklyn Heights
AGES: 9-17
WHAT: Join Big and Little Skills Academy for dynamic youth basketball clinics on Pier 2 that include either yoga to enhance flexibility or flag football for agility training.
WANT TO GO? 718-222-9939. brooklynbridgepark.org.
FREE Pop-Up Pool
WHEN: Through Sept. 4: daily, 10am-6pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, 334 Furman St., Brooklyn Heights
AGES: All
WHAT: Brooklyn Bridge Park provides a great way to beat the summer heat with the Pop-Up Pool near Pier 2. Swimmers of all ages and levels are welcome to enter for 45-minute sessions.
WANT TO GO? 718-222-9939. brooklynbridgepark.org.
FREE Sunset TankerTime, Second Sundays
WHEN: Through Sept. 10: Sundays, 5pm-12am
WHERE: Aboard the MARY A. WHALEN, 190 Pioneer St., Red Hook
AGES: All
WHAT: During TankerTime, PortSide NewYork opens the main deck of the tanker MARY A. WHALEN to the public for passive enjoyment. Hammocks, tables, chairs, stools, info about the ship, and books from the maritime library to read while aboard will be provided.
WANT TO GO? 917-414-0565. portsidenewyork.org/summer-2017.
FREE BK Block Parties
WHEN: Through Sept. 16: Saturdays, 11am
WHERE: Albee Square, Fulton Mall, Fulton and Bond streets, Downtown Brooklyn
AGES: All
WHAT: This annual BK Block Party series takes place every third Saturday of the month on Albee Square with live music, face painting, balloon animals, and more. This year's line-up includes Jah Pan, steel drum and calypso musicians, Shira & Friends, Rolie Polie Guacamole,The Burdetsky Family Circus, and Astrograss.
WANT TO GO? 212-889-0808. downtownbrooklyn.com.
FREE The Rock and Roll Playhouse present Sunset Sounds
WHEN: Through Sept. 23: Wednesday-Thursday and Saturdays, see website for times
WHERE: Industry City, 241 37th St., Sunset Park
AGES: Adult, All
WHAT: Industry City and The Rock and Roll Playhouse teams up for Sunset Sounds, a new series of free shows for music lovers of all kinds. The Rock and Roll Playhouse will hold court on Wednesdays and Saturdays for family concerts and family-friendly DJ dance parties, and popular bands will be featured on Thursdays, offering funk, soul, rock, and more.
WANT TO GO? 917-679-5306. brooklynbowl.com.
Smorgasburg
WHEN: Through Oct. 22: Sundays, 11am-6pm
WHERE: Prospect Park, Breeze Hill, Prospect Park
AGES: All
WHAT: Smorgasburg, the celebrated open-air food fair, returns to Prospect Park featuring over 100 local and regional food purveyors who gather on Breeze Hill to offer a range of cuisines.
WANT TO GO? free admission; food prices vary. prospectpark.org.
Movie Night
WHEN: Through Oct. 29: Sundays, 8pm
WHERE: Habana Outpost, 757 Fulton St., Fort Greene
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT: Habana Outpost presents movies under the stars every sunday at 8pm. See website for schedule.
WANT TO GO? FREE with food/drink order. 718-858-9500. habanaoutpost.com.
Hot Jazz/Cool Garden: The Anderson Brothers
WHEN: Saturday, July 22, 2pm
WHERE: Louis Armstrong House Museum, 34-56 107th St., Corona
AGES: All
WHAT: Clarinet and saxophone virtuosos Peter and Will Anderson are known for their unique renditions of classic jazz songs and innovative original music.
WANT TO GO? $20. 718-478-8274. louisarmstronghouse.org.
FREE Saturday Sculpture Workshop: Masks for MVMT with Brandon Perdomo
WHEN: Saturday, July 22, 12-3pm
WHERE: Socrates Sculpture Park, 32-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Attendees will learn how to create papier-mâché masks and may have their creations documented via interactive photobooth to take home. Or, they can donate their masks as contributing elements to the artist’s Living-Sculpture Garden popping up in the park on July 24 from 12-2pm and July 26 from 7-9pm.
WANT TO GO? 718-956-1819. socratessculpturepark.org.
The Magic of Rogue
WHEN: Sunday, July 23, 2 and 4pm
WHERE: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 14 United Nations Ave. S., Flushing
AGES: All
WHAT: As seen on America’s Got Talent, Rogue brings a combination of magic and comedy. With audience interaction, this show is a mixture of music, flowers, fire, and animals.
WANT TO GO? Rides and concession prices vary. 718-788-2676. nycgovparks.org.
Savory Asian Pancakes Workshop
WHEN: Sunday, July 23, 12pm
WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT: Create traditional pancakes from Asia. Made from dough, not batter, Asian pancakes are a typical street food in China, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, and of course Flushing.
WANT TO GO? $15. 718 463 7700. flushingtownhall.org.
Taking it to the Streets: 1950s NY through the Lens of Flushing Photographer Frank Oscar Larson
WHEN: Through Aug. 6: Saturday-Sunday, 12-5pm
WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing
AGES: All
WHAT: Before cell phones documented nearly every aspect of daily life, street photographers captured the humble, the mundane, and the ordinary. Opening reception on June 25 at 1pm.
WANT TO GO? $5. 718 463 7700. flushingtownhall.org.
Angry Birds Universe
WHEN: Through Aug. 27: Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm
WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona
AGES: All
WHAT: Attendees can use giant slingshots to launch Angry Birds in this summer exhibition, then test structures they have built by propelling balls adorned with the images of characters from the famous Angry Birds video game. Build and race handheld vehicles, learn about the creation of the Angry Birds video game, and discover real bird characteristics such as egg sizes and wingspan lengths.
WANT TO GO? $16; $13 children ages 2-17. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.
Queens Botanical Garden Activity Table
WHEN: Through Aug. 27: Saturday-Sunday, 2-4pm
WHERE: Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing
AGES: All
WHAT: While visiting the garden, stop by the activity table to create something beautiful.
WANT TO GO? $6; $4 senoirs and students with ID; $2 children ages 4-11; free for children 3 and younger. 718-886-3800. queensbotanical.org.
Picturing Female Robots and Androids
WHEN: Through Sept. 3: Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday 10am-6pm
WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona
AGES: All
WHAT: View images of female robots, mannequins, and dolls in films, television, video games, and more. This exhibit, curated by Julie Wosk, is based on her recent book My Fair Ladies: Female Robots, Androids, and Other Artificial Eves.
WANT TO GO? $16; $13 seniors and children ages 2-17. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.
Queens Zoo Quests
WHEN: Through Sept. 4: Wednesday-Sunday and holidays, 11am-3pm
WHERE: Queens Zoo, 53-51 111th St., Corona
AGES: All
WHAT: Learn about amazing animals, the importance of conservation, and ways to enjoy the outdoors, in this program sponsored by Bank of America. Look for a Quests leader in an orange T-shirt to begin your adventure.
WANT TO GO? $8; $5 children ages 3-12; free for children 2 and younger. 718-271-1500. queenszoo.com.
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