Free NYC Weekend Events for Kids May 9-10: Kite Flying, Oragami, Bluegrass and Jazz, Mother's Day Extravaganzas More

There are so many events going on to celebrate Mom that it could easily be renamed "Mother's Weekend." Of course, we've got all those events covered, plus plenty non-mom themed ones, too. And since the sun is supposedly going to rear its head this weekend, it might be the perfect opportunity to head out and celebrate by spending time with the family (or send someone else out and enjoy some me time). Some not-to-be-missed highlights: Oragami workshops, International Kite Flying Extravaganza, a little vaudeville and some sweet Bluegrass and Jazz.

International Kite Flying Extravaganza
Saturday, May 9 2009 (Raindate May 10)
10:30am to 4:00pm Pier 1 at 70th Street in Riverside Park South
FREE

The Parks Department, in partnership with FlyNY, is hosting this kite flying extravaganza. You can bring your own original kite design and present it at the inaugural kite flying competition, or get there in the morning for workshops on kite-making and non-competitive flying time. If you've already got an awesome kite, bring that to fly, too. For more information about FlyNY, and to register your kite design, please visit www.flyny.org.

Hershey's Track & Field Games
Saturday, May 9 (Raindate may 30)
9AM-1PM
Van Cortlandt Track - Broadway and W. 242 Street, Van Cortlandt Park
FREE

Children ages 9 to 14 have the opportunity to compete in the following events: 50 meter, 100 meter, 200 meter, 400 meter, 800 meter, 1600 meter, 4x100 meter relay, standing long jump, and softball throw. Participants compete against other children from their local area and have the opportunity to advance to state and regional competitions and ultimately qualify for the North American Finals in Hershey, PA. Registration is on the day of the event only, no pre-registration is necessary.

Mamitas Day
Saturday, May 9
12PM-4PM
Ballet Hispanico, 167 West 89th St
FREE

Ballet Hispanico is celebrating Moms by asking the whole family to come join in on the dancing festivities. There will be a Mamita and Me dance class, arts & crafts, student performances, salsa and hip hop classes and a pre-school dance workshop.

Celebrate Mother's Day with your little ones at the Schoalstic Store, with a free book reading and arts & crafts.

Bluegrass at the Battery
Saturday, May 9
6:30-8:30PM
Esplanade Plaza (Liberty St in Battery Park City)
FREE

Bluegrass lovers don't have to venture below the Mason-Dixon Line to get their fix this weekend, as Battery Park and the Ebony Hillbillies host a family dance. Turns out, May is International Bluegrass Month (who knew?), so head down for some foot-stompin' fun.

Hudson River Pageant
Saturday, May 9 (Raindate May 10)
1PM-6PM
Warren Street to Gansevoort Street, in the downtown section of the Hudson River Park
FREE

The new Hudson River Pageant has a goal of restoring the Hudson River and addressesing climate change in New York City. There are some quirky and pretty cool events and visuals scheduled, like the Floating River, Giant River Spirit Puppets, Frozen Sculptures of Glaciers, Historic Ships, River Chants, Dance of the Boats, Marching Bands and a Live Fish Release.

The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus: Buckaroo Bindlestiff's Wild West Jamboree
Saturday, May 9
1PM
Brooklyn Public Library (Center Library, Dweck Center)
FREE

If you missed the Blindlestiff Family Cirkus, see them for free at the Brookyln Public Library. It is a humorous and educational look at the Wild Wild West, with sing-alongs, audience participation and live music. 

Wildflower Week
Various Locations Citywide
Saturday, May 9 & Sunday, May 10
Various times

Learn about native plants through fun events staged throughout all five boroughs. Check the site for exact locations, times and for more information.

And a couple of activities worth the price: 

Okaasan Arts Festival
Saturday, May 9
Children's Museum of the Arts
$10 (per person)

Celebrate Mother's Day a little bit different this year--through a variety of art experiences all while learning about Japanese arts and culture. The festival will feature an Origami Workshop (12-5pm), performances by the Yosakoi Dance Project, (2 and 2:30pm) guided tours of the Okaasan exhibition with the Gallery owner (1 and 3pm) and the opportunity to create art with painting, sculpture and clay (12-5pm).

The Fun and Funny Juggling Show
Saturday, May 9
4:30PM
The Brooklyn Lyceum, 227 4th Ave (at Union St)
$10 (under 2, Free)

If you haven't quenched your circus cravings yet, be sure to check out this show filled with juggling, hat tricks, music, balance tricks, sight gags, cowboy rope spinning, boomerangs and spinning tops. There's lots of audience participation and it sounds particulary unique because their "offbeat but sophisticated clowning" is steeped in the traditions of the great comedians from the silent film era to the present.

Hayes Greenfield’s Jazz-A-Ma-Tazz
Sunday, May 10
12PM
The Bowery Poetry Club
$10

Scat, dance and sing at this interactive Mother's Day event, designed to get the whole family (including dads) involved. Kids are encouraged to bring their own instruments, too. Moms get serenaded, dads get to rock (or jazz) out and kids get introduced to some hip music--sounds like a unique and cool way to celebrate.
For even more ways to celebrate Mother's Day, check out our posts on more Mother's Day events and gifts.

Photo Credit: Narradora