All Weekend

Hudson Valley Balloon Festival - Cornwall
Head to one of the launch sites to see beautiful hot air balloons get ready for launch. Some sites offer other attractions, such as wine tastings and kids' activities. Read our in-depth profile for more details. Friday through Sunday. FREE

Saturday, July 11

Pirates of the Hudson: The Greatest Pirate Story Never Told! - Sleepy Hollow
The audience of this pirate adventure-musical helps create and direct the performance for some improvisational hilarity.

Haverstraw RiverArts & Music Festival - Haverstraw
Set along the Hudson River, this compelling event celebrates art in an unusual way. Watch sculptors sculpting in various media, participate in a community tile mural project, enjoy funky musical performances (one style is billed as “modern Colombian groove”) and enjoy kids’ activities like a magic show.

Pleasantville Music Festival - Pleasantville
In addition to a long lineup of acclaimed musicians (including The Gin Blossoms and Marshall Crenshaw), this festival—now in its 11th year—offers food, crafts, face painting and more.

Bastille Day - Piermont
Though the anniversary of the French Revolution isn’t widely celebrated 'round these parts, the village of Piermont has been doing so for years at their annual Bastille Day bash. Much of the day’s festivities are devoted to entertainment and eating, but there’s also a re-enactment of the storming of the Bastille and Provencal bowling. Period attire encouraged! FREE

Adventures of Captain Underpants - Ossining
If your kids can’t get enough of Captain Underpants, bring them to this event that’s devoted to the story series, where they can test their knowledge at trivia games and participate in other related activities. Space is limited. FREE

The Creature from the Black Lagoon in 3D - Yonkers
So bad it’s good, this 1954 B movie offers the opportunity for you and your teen to groan and gasp together at the sheer campiness. This one’s in 3D.

See all Saturday events.

Sunday, July 12

New York Metro Reptile Expo - White Plains
If your kids are crazy for reptiles, then this is the place to go! Imagine more than 250 tables of reptiles and amphibians on display—and some for sale.

Summer Family Festival - Purchase
The second of the Neuberger Museum’s summer family festivals in conjunction with a current art exhibition, this event is based on the current exhibition GOLD, with themed events such as a treasure hunt and other “golden opportunities.”

See all Sunday events.

Beyond Westchester

Your kids can boast that they danced at Lincoln Center when they take a spin at this event geared specifically for kids—the Midsummer Night Swing: Kids Dance. At this FREE program, the younger set learns the basics of a variety of ballroom dance styles—from swing to merengue and even the tango.

For another Francophile opportunity, celebrate French culture and cuisine at Bastille Day on East 60th Street. Taste freshly made crêpes and éclairs, enjoy live French music and mime performances, browse handmade wares at the market, check out classic Citroën cars and hit the Kids’ Corner for face painting and arts and crafts.

Don't forget--there are more ideas for fun family outings in our Events Calendar.

Photo credit: Historic Hudson Valley, Pirates of the Hudson