Free NYC Weekend Events for Kids May 29-31: Biking, Family Festivals, Sushi Samplings, Concerts and More!

It seems as if we have been in a rain spell for weeks. But this weekend it's going to be sunny and over 70, perfect weather to hop on a free, rented bike (or the one you own) and hit the ground spinning or, if you prefer two feet to two wheels, try some street fairs, family festivals, sushi and other Japanese cuisine samples (as well as concerts), burlesque shows for moms (what?, that's right) and the opening of Governor's Island. Memorial Day was last weekend--it's time to start celebrating summer! And NYC is full of activities to get you started.

Mamapalooza
Sunday, May 31
Noon-5PM
Pier 1 (70th St) Summer on the Hudson
FREE

Celebrate mothers and the people who love them at this annual music and art filled afternoon featuring fam-friendly acts Swingset Mamas, AudraRox and Moey’s Music Party, Gymboree Play Tent, arts & crafts, eco-environmental information, food and more. There is also a special Yoga-Thon pre event at 11am. Weather permitting.

Madison Sq. Park Kids Fest
Saturday, May 30
10:30AM-1:30PM
Madison Square Park
FREE

This sure-to-be-packed event will feature face painting with the Vital Children's Theater, Mandala making with the Rubin Museum of Art, Yoga lessons from Karma Kids Yoga, Songs for Seeds by Appleseeds, a performance from the Deedle Deedles Dees, magicians and more. Free kids yoga and mandala making sounds especially cool, just prepare to face the crowds. 

Construction Day
Sunday, May 31
10:30AM, Teardrop Park in Batter Park City
FREE

NYC feels like one big construction zone lately, so why not embrace it. Kids can mix cement, use hammers and saws, and balance on an I-beam. Hard hats & tools provided. For age 4 and up with an adult.

Brooklyn Bike Jumble
Sunday, May 31
10AM-2PM
JJ Byrne Park, Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY 5th Ave between 4th & 5th Streets
FREE

Need a new bike? Trying to get rid of your old ones the kids outgrew? Head to New York’s first outdoor bicycle flea market and celebration of New York City bicycle culture. Bicycles and bike parts will be available for sale and trade, and free lessons will be provided for new riders.

Japan Day in Central Park
Sunday, May 31
10AM
East Meadow (entrance at Fifth Avenue and 97th Street)
FREE

The Japan Day Run kicks off this free cultural (and pretty popular) event at 8AM. The festival starts at 10AM, where tents offering a wide range of Japanese traditional and family-friendly activities are set up, and there are free samplings of popular Japanese cuisine and stage performances from top entertainers from New York and Tokyo. The stage shows begin at 10:30AM, and free samplings of Japanese cuisine begin at 11am. Last year tens of thousands of people attended, so get there early.

Touch a Truck Street Fair
Saturday, May 30
10AM-4PM (rain or shine)
West Side YMCA at 64th St
FREE

The Touch-a-Truck Street Fair gives kids a chance to explore an NYFD fire engine, NYPD police vehicles, an ambulance, sanitation vehicle, double-decker bus and more. The children’s musical group Hot Peas ‘N Butter  will perform two live shows at 10:30am and 1:00pm. There's also the standard street fair fare-- face painting, a bouncy castle, arts and crafts, a raffle, giveaways, food vendors and more.
 

Govenor's Island Family Festival
Saturday, May 30
Noon-4PM
Govenor's Island
FREE

There is so much happening on this little island on Saturday. Bike decorating, marine and oyster restoration education, free helmets, clowns, puppet making, performances from The Arm and Sea Theater, Jeff and Vida Band, Mad Tea Party and so much more I'm out of breath thinking about typing it all here. Check out the link for info on how to get there, times of events, etc.

And now, if you are in the mood for a fun night out without the kids on your mind...

Hot Mama Burlesque Show
Friday, May 29
8pm (doors open at 7pm)
The Slipper Room (167 Orchard St.)
$10

Definitely sounds like a night of fun girls:
The all-moms burlesque revue is back for its second annual installment. Featuring a slew of bodacious burly-Q breeders exploring motherhood through striptease and song. Audience members are invited to get in on the action with campy contests and fun giveaways from female-friendly sex shop Babeland, burlesque legends The World Famous Pontani Sisters, The New York School of Burlesque and cabaret hot spot Don't Tell Mama.

Photo Credit: NorthCountry Boy