Weekend Fun for NYC Kids: Mermaid Parade in Coney Island, Adventures NYC, Make Music, Historic Ship Festival June 21-22

Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on

Summer officially arrives this weekend and there are lots of FREE ways to celebrate. Put on your best sea-themed costumes for the iconic Mermaid Parade in Coney Island, enjoy no-cost outdoor concerts as Make Music takes over the five boroughs, or hop on a vintage vessel at the North River Historic Ship Festival in Tribeca.

There's some great culture on tap, too, including SummerStage Brooklyn Family Day featuring France's Barolosolo Circus Company, the Jackson Heights Arts Festival and the final weekend of the New Victory Theater's The Ballad of Pondlife McGurk. And looking ahead, since NYC public pools open for the season next Friday, the Parks Department is currently holding its online lottery for FREE summer swimming lessons for all ages.

These are just a few of the great things going on this weekend. All of our best bets are below. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar and our Summer Fun Guide. Before heading out on your adventures, be sure to download our FREE Mommy Poppins Kids on the Go app so you can find the best family destinations wherever you happen to be in NYC.

Fimi's Forest Adventure: A New Musical Show at the Bronx Zoo

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on

We've written a lot about our sponsor the Bronx Zoo in the past, because it really is such a great family experience. In addition to seeing beautiful and exotic animals, and traipsing through the fantastic and interactive Children's Zoo (currently under renovation), there's so much to do—from the Butterfly Garden to the Bug Carousel and more. No matter how many times you visit (my family goes several times each year), you are bound to find something new. The Bronx Zoo also has special exhibits and events, including Dinosaur Safari, which debuted last year, the popular overnight sleepover and much more. This summer, the Bronx Zoo debuts a new show and campaign to raise awareness about the threats facing African forest elephants. Read on for more details about this gentle and educational show, the 96 Elephants campaign and what else you can expect this summer at the Bronx Zoo.

Learn to Sail and Learn to Row Programs (Fairfield County)

Submitted by Brandee Gilmore on

Of all the things I've experienced, little could compete with the ruggedness and romance of learning to sail.  It is unfettered adventure in the eye of face-whipping, fresh air -- exactly the sort of thing you associate with living in Fairfield County, and precisely the full-sensory experience our over-digitized millennials need.  On the flip side, learning to row on one of the county's many Sound-bound rivers could provide the tranquility and focus your particular tween or teen is lacking.  Either way, several clubs are available to unfurl the fun these sports can provide for a lifetime.

Free Summer Children's Shows in Nassau County

Jaime Sumersille's picture Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on

Not all summer entertainment for children has to come with a hefty price tag. In fact, several shows across Nassau County on Long Island are being offered for free. We've rounded up those local concerts--now all parents need to do is grab a lawn chair or picnic blanket and get ready to shimmy, shake and smile with the little ones! And we have a roundup of free Suffolk shows, too.

Looking for more cool things to do together? Check out our Summer Fun Guide of the Best Things to Do With Long Island Kids.

Mostly Fun & Free Things To Do With NJ Kids This Weekend June 21-22: NJ State Fair, Firefly Fest, NJ Birthday Bash & More!

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

It’s official- summer kicks off this weekend! The kids are done with school, camp’s around the corner and parents need some warm-weather fun to fill the gap. Look no further.  Mommy Poppins has the recipe for a jam-packed weekend. Blast off the summer at the Meadowlands energetic New Jersey State Fair. Brighten up the weekend at Terhune Orchards’ Firefly Festival. Put on your party hats and Celebrate New Jersey’s 350th Birthday at the New Jersey State Museum and Planetarium. Chill out at the theatre with family-friendly performances of The Little Engine That Could or the Frozen Movie Sing-A-Long, where it’s okay for kids (and adults) to belt out “Let It Go.” Check out the full list of weekend activities on our Event Calendar.

Corn Husk Paper Craft for Kids

Submitted by Anna Fader on

Your kids will love turning the husks from the corn at your next summer BBQ into pretty paper that they can paint on or even make into a sketch book cover. There's no messy blender involved like regular paper making. Corn paper turns out a little bit like papyrus, so it would be perfect for a project for Ancient Egypt in school too.

Adaptive Water Sports for NYC Kids with Special Needs: Swimming, Boating, Water-skiing & More

Submitted by Michaela on

For NYC kids, one of the greatest pleasures of summer is getting all wet in pools, at beaches and on boats. However, for children with special needs like my son, water play can spark a variety of anxieties and sensory issues.

Happily, the tri-state area is home to a number of adaptive water sports programs specifically tailored to children with autism and other special needs. So they can learn to swim, sail and even water-ski in a supportive and understanding environment. Bonus: Many of these special needs water play programs are FREE or inexpensive.

2-Ingredient Ice-Cream Muffins Easy Recipe for Kids

Submitted by Anna Fader on

This has to be the easiest muffin recipe. It may seem crazy, but if you think about it, it actually makes sense. After all, ice cream is pretty much the same ingredients we usually use for baking: eggs, sugar and cream (which turns into butter if you churn). Add that to self-rising flour and you've got all the makings of muffins. Not only is it easy enough for a toddler to mix up, they'll love baking with ice cream, too!

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