All Weekend

Ropes, Whips and Songs about Cows – Soho
Lasso twirler, bullwhip master and hot shot singing cowboy, Chris McDaniel, brings his Western-style tricks to the cozy Canal Park Playhouse. Little cowgirls and cowboys are sure to enjoy this family show. $20

A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Upper West Side
Introduce the brood to the Bard at this kid-friendly version of his fantastical romantic comedy performed by Drama Tunes in the lush West Side Community Garden. FREE

SpaceFest – Midtown West
In honor of the opening of the Intrepid's Space Shuttle Enterprise Pavilion, families can enjoy a weekend jam-packed with displays, exhibits and demos spotlighting space exploration of the past, present and future. Former astronauts will be on hand to talk about their adventures and of course kids can check out the Space Shuttle Enterprise, which will be on permanent exhibit right here in NYC. Free with admission: $30 for adults, $23 for children ages 7-17, $16 for children ages 3-6, free for kids under 3. Save $2 per person by ordering your tickets in advance online.

Saturday, July 21

Sand Sculpting Contest and Unity Day – Coney Island
Head to the beach on Coney Island for the nabe's annual contest and festival. Kids and adults, amateurs and pros are all invited to compete, or you can just gawk at the amazing entries. There will also be plenty of entertainment on the boardwalk like face painting, clowns and live music. FREE

New Museum Block Party – Lower East Side
The avant-garde art institution throws its annual outdoor party in Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Enjoy offbeat musical performances, participate in funky collaborative art projects and enjoy free tours of the museum's brand-new tech exbihit Ghost in the Machine. FREE

El Museo's Block Party: Super Sábado! – East Harlem
At this edition of the museum's monthly family festival, the activities spill out into the street! Kids can enjoy hands-on art projects inspired by the exhibit Caribbean: Crossroads of the World, catch a performance by the Welfare Poets, play dominoes on the sidewalk and bust a move with El Barrio’s KR3Ts. FREE

Dragon Boat Family Day – Corona
Get ready for Flushing Meadows Corona Park's upcoming Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival at the New York Hall of Science, where families can build their own boats and watch the Golden Dragon Acrobats perform amazing feats. Free with admission: $11 for adults, $8 for children ages 2-17.

Family Art Workshop: Art Terrariums – Flatiron
Check out Madison Square Park’s current interactive art installation, Pet Sounds, and then create a mini terrarium with art inspired by the piped works. Afterward, skip Shake Shack and grab a bite at one of the other kid-friendly restaurants in the area. FREE

Family Day at the Center: Explore Governors Island – Governors Island
Learn about the isle's historic forts and buildings with experts from the Center for Architecture Foundation. $20 for a family of four. After the tour, explore everything Governors Island has to offer, including free mini golf, an interactive sculpture garden and art projects courtesy of the Children's Museum of the Arts.

Erin Lee and the Up Past Bedtime Band – Midtown West
Bop along with the mommy rockers as they play an outdoor concert in Bryant Park's Reading Room. FREE

Hands on History: It’s Time to Play – Jamaica
Head to the historic King Manor Museum for an afternoon of old-fashioned games from 200 years ago. FREE

Crown Heights Kids Day 2012 – Crown Heights
Franklin Avenue is transformed into a carnival with rides, games and activities. This year's theme is Coney Island so we expect there will be some water fun too. FREE

Muppet Vault: The Bird, the Grouch, the Legend! – Williamsburg
It's time to play the music, it's time to light the lights! The geeks of Muppet Vault are screening rare and unreleased clips of The Muppets and Sesame Street at Nighthawk Cinema, with a heavy emphasis on the characters of Carroll Spinney, who performs Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch. Also expect sing-alongs and giveaways. $11 for adults, $9 for children.

Open Studio: Obliteration Station – Upper East Side
Drop into the Whitney Museum’s studio to work with educators on art projects inspired by Yayoi Kusama’s current retrospective. Free with admission: $18 for adults, free for children under 19.

See all Saturday events.

Sunday, July 22

Skippyjon Jones – West Village
Fans of Judy Schachner's book series should enjoy this musical about a Siamese cat who desperately wants to be a Chihuahua. This is TheatreWorksUSA's annual free summer show and there are performances through Sunday, August 17. FREE

Learn to Fly Day – Staten Island
Aspiring aviators can hit the Field of Dreams in the Greenbelt to learn how to fly radio-controlled planes. Afterward, explore everything the massive Staten Island green space has to offer. FREE

Mario the Magician – Tribeca
Mario and his sidekick, a live dove named Mozzarella, hit the stage for an interactive magic show inspired by old-time vaudeville and sprinkled with slapstick and a dash of rock 'n' roll. $20 for adults, $10 for children under 12.

Olympic Sports Festival – Marine Park
If you can't wait until the London Olympics start, head to the Aviator Sports Center for this athletic fest where kids can participate in various athletic activities, and also enjoy arts and crafts, and water fun. $21

Mil's Trills Summer Bash: Uke Can Change the World – Gowanus
The popular music series returns with a brand-new band playing world instruments like Australia’s Didgeridoo. Bring your own drum to take part in a drum circle or learn dance moves with the Jamal Jackson African Dance Company. $15

See all Sunday events.

Outside NYC

Can’t wait for Manhattan's San Gennaro Fest in September? Then head across the river to Hoboken, New Jersey, for the annual St. Ann's Feast featuring rides, games, food and live music.

Don't forget: There's more fun to be found in our Event Calendar.