Tweens & Teens

Beginning this month, the New York City Department of Transportation is sponsoring its fifth season of Weekend Walks, fun neighborhood gatherings that take place right in the middle of New York City streets. These aren't vendor-packed street fairs, massive festivals or the bike-filled Summer Streets; instead, they're casual community celebrations where local businesses, organizations and residents come together to dance, make art, eat, party and play in closed-to-traffic streets.

Activities vary by location, but Weekend Walks usually include live music, arts and crafts, classes and workshops, and kids' programing hosted by cultural institutions and businesses along the route. Since these events are low-key and neighborhood specific, it's probably not worth traveling a long distance to attend one. However, since there will be 20 different Weekend Walks throughout the five boroughs between May and October, there very well may be one near you.

Just because we live in a concrete jungle doesn't mean our kids can't enjoy a summer filled with great outdoor spots. And you don't even need to be a Hilton to afford them.

New York City offers many opportunities for city kids to learn team sports, swimming, tennis, golfing, fishing, kayaking, hiking and more at no cost. Of course registering for these free programs takes a little legwork and, since many of them are first-come, first-serve, punctuality. We've got the scoop on what's available, and how your kids can vie for spots.

Recently we've posted about a lot of cool new exhibits, but one of the great things about New York City is that you don't need to visit a museum to expose your kids to great art. Stroll around and you'll come across public art displays in parks, plazas and even on street medians. The best thing about public art? You can experience it for FREE.

Since we've noticed a bunch of eye-catching installations around town (how can you miss that upside-down elephant or those headless bodies?), we're highlighting five public exhibits so you can take your family on a DIY art tour this spring.

Each spring, the Metropolitan Museum of Art unveils a new exhibit on its roof. This week I attended a press preview of Cloud City by Tomás Saraceno, the museum's latest rooftop installation.

Inspired by bubbles, the architectural sculpture is a collection of pods made out of clear plastic and mirrored panels. Climbing into the structure feels like entering an M. C. Escher drawing. The clear panels give you the sense of floating in space with nothing below to support you, while the mirrored panels create a fun-house effect. It's a bit disorienting, a bit scary, but also lots of fun.

Recently we received an email asking if we knew about any outdoor volunteering opportunities for New York City families this spring. The timing was perfect since this Saturday, May 19 is It's My Park Day. Organized by Partnership for Parks and held twice a year in the spring and fall, It's My Park Day brings together thousands of NYC volunteers looking to help spruce up their neighborhood green spaces. It's an awesome initiative and a great way to teach your kids about the importance of giving back to your community. After all, these are the parks they play in!

There are It's My Park Day events throughout the five boroughs. In addition to cleaning, weeding and other chores, many gatherings feature arts and crafts, giveaways and a celebratory atmosphere. We’ve got the details about how to get involved with It's My Park Day, as well as other ways your family can volunteer outdoors in the city this spring.