Weekend Fun for NYC Kids: Free Dance Parade, Whitney Kids Opening, New Exhibits May 16-17

5/13/15 - By Stephanie Ogozalek

Three highly anticipated exhibits open this weekend: the art and nature-filled Frida Kahlo: Art, Garden, Life at the New York Botanical Garden, the Children's Museum of the Arts' fantastical Far, Far, Away... and the cool, interactive public art installation Please Touch the Art in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Plus if you haven't seen the new Whitney Museum of American Art yet, you can check it out during its Opening Family Day on Saturday.

Two annual outdoor favorites also take place this weekend: Manhattan's FREE Dance Parade New York and Aviator Sport's old-fashioned Kings County Fair.

These are just a few of the great things going on this weekend. All of our best bets are below. Remember, there are even more options in our Event Calendar and our Spring Fun Guide.

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Kings County Fair – Marine Park
One of our May GoList picks: Head to Aviator Sports & Events Center for old-fashioned fun like a massive Ferris wheel, cool kiddie rides, carnival games, cotton candy, corn dogs and live entertainment.

Far, Far, Away... – Hudson Square
The Children's Museum of the Arts' new exhibit tells fantastical stories without words through beautifully crafted make-believe landscapes. Free with admission

Frida Kahlo: Art, Garden, Life Exhibit Opening Weekend Celebration – the Bronx
Also from our May GoList: Introduce your kids to the work of the celebrated Mexican artist, best known for her evocative, nature-filled self-portraits, at the New York Botanical Garden's new installation. After touring the exhibition, families can enjoy thematically related activities like drop-in art activities, live music and dance performances. Free with All-Garden Pass

Ninth Avenue International Food Festival – Midtown West
Chow down on eats from different countries including Poland, Italy, Spain, Greece, Thailand and more. While there are live performances and various children's activities, the main attraction is the cuisine. Free admission, but bring money for food

New York Baby Show – Midtown West
Find everything for new moms, babies and toddlers under one roof at Pier 92 including hot baby gear, a Stroller Test Track, local entertainers, demo classes, and seminars on breastfeeding and other important parenting issues. No need to hire a sitter since there's fun for kiddos, too, like a play area and Parent and Me classes. Mommy Poppins will also be there with a giveaway from our friends at Big Apple Portraits and this cute Clothespin Creature craft for kids.
 

Saturday, May 16

Dance Parade New York and DanceFest – Flatiron to the East Village
And another May GoList pick: Watch as 10,000 movers and shakers shimmy down Broadway in elaborate costumes doing more than 75 dances, including salsa, tango, African, the hula, break dancing and more. Then hit the after-party in Tompkins Square Park for dance workshops and four performance stages. FREE

Whitney Kids Opening Day – Meatpacking DIstrict
If you haven't seen the new Whitney Museum of American Art yet, this is a great day to go. Enjoy family tours of the inaugural exhibit, America Is Hard to See, art-making workshops and performances by the Circus Amok Band. Free with admission

Touch-a-Truck – Upper West Side
Explore a wide variety of vehicles at this annual fundraiser—last year's edition featured NYPD cruisers, an ambulance, an FDNY fire truck and even a refrigerated Fresh Direct truck. Arts and crafts, games and live music round out the fun. Free admission, but tickets required for certain activities

Super Sábado: Block Party – East Harlem
Celebrate the vibrant culture of Spanish Harlem at this annual block party, which will be held inside El Museo del Barrio and outside on the street. Enjoy kid-friendly gallery tours, create musical instruments, and watch live dance and music performances. FREE

Bay Ridge Viking Festival – Bay Ridge
Marvel at an authentic-looking Viking ship, catch dance demos and participate in a themed scavenger hunt in Owl's Head Park.

Go Fish! – Battery Park City
Drop a line in the Hudson River at Battery Park Conservancy's first Go Fish! of the season. Other fun on tap includes arts and crafts, bird-watching and live music from Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem. FREE

See all Saturday events.
 

Sunday, May 17

The Big Family Quiz Thing – Chelsea
Also from our May GoList: A trivia competition created just for families. Enjoy six fast and funny rounds of multimedia questions that run the gamut from sports to pop culture to history. Prizes include Broadway tickets, among other kid-friendly surprises.

Mamapalooza – Upper West Side
Catch moms rocking out, reading poetry, doing comedy and other types of family-friendly performances at this annual fest in Riverside Park South. There will also be kids' activities, vendors and fitness demos. FREE

Go Out and Play! Old Time Street Games at Eldridge Street – Lower East Side
Introduce your kids to old-fashioned street games like stickball, stoopball, handball, hit the penny, jump rope and jacks at the Museum at Eldridge Street. Afterward, there will be a stop at the local candy store.

Please Touch the Art Opening Weekend – Dumbo to Brooklyn Heights
Brooklyn Bridge Park's playful public art exhibit opens today. As the title implies, the art is meant to be touched and was created specifically for public engagement. The two largest pieces are the play fountain "Appearing Rooms," with H2O shooting up from the ground to create water walls, and "Mirror Labyrinth," shiny, stainless steel mirrors of differing heights that provide a carnival fun house-style experience. FREE

See all Sunday events.


Don't forget: There's even more fun to be found in our Event Calendar.