Free and Fun Things to Do for NYC Kids and Families: Children's Day, Fishing Festival, Hunts Point Fish Parade June 25-26
Say hello to the first weekend of summer! If you're planning an all-season staycation, there's plenty to do in NYC. We've got lots of options in our Summer Fun Guide, which features roundups of free concerts, free outdoor movies and free storytimes, as well as a list of 100 free things to do this summer, with ideas for every single day through the end of August, plus anytime activities.
This weekend's no-cost amusements include Morris-Jumel Mansion’s Family Day, a pair of fishing festivals, the colorful Hunts Point Fish Parade and Festival, an outdoor concert by Erin Lee and the Up Past Bedtime Band and the South Street Seaport's annual Children’s Day celebration, starring Gordon and Elmo from Sesame Street.
Read on for this weekend's best bets and remember, the Mommy Poppins Event Calendar contains many more options.
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All Weekend
Pixar Revisited – Midtown West
MoMa is celebrating Pixar's 25th anniversary by screening all 11 films made by the groundbreaking animation studio, including Finding Nemo, A Bug's Life, Cars, Toy Story 1, 2, and 3, and lots of wonderful shorts. The series kicks off on Saturday with Toy Story, and continues through July 9. $10 for adults, free for kids.
Saturday, June 25
Children’s Day – South Street Seaport
Pier 17 hosts an afternoon of kiddie entertainment, including readings, sing-alongs, puppet shows and a special appearance by every preschooler's favorite red monster: Elmo. Unlike previous editions, there won't be fireworks this year, but Sesame Street's Gordon returns as host. Afterward, be sure to spend a little time in the awesome Imagination Playground. FREE
Erik’s Reptile Adventure – Douglaston
Kids get an up close look at lizards, snakes, turtles, tree frogs, toads, salamanders and even an alligator at this hands-on presentation at Alley Pond. $10 for adults, $8 for kids. Pre-registration required.
Family Fishing Celebration – Northern Central Park
In honor of New York State's Free Fishing Days (which take place this weekend), families can cast a line at the Harlem Meer, no permit required. Catch and release largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, bluegill sunfish, carp and chain pickerel, and enjoy fish-themed art projects and stories. Equipment provided. FREE
Harlem Piers Fishing Festival – Harlem
The second fishing fest takes place by the Hudson. Experts from the Parks Department will show you the ropes, provide the rods and reels, and talk about the biodiversity of the river. FREE
Hunts Point Fish Parade and Summer Festival – the Bronx
Inspired by Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade, this procession boasts colorful costumes, floats and creativity. After the parade, join the festivities in Barretto Point Park, which include Native American drum circles and dance.
East Harlem Children's Book Festival – East Harlem
The soon-to-be-completed Museum of African Art is hosting a literary festival for families featuring storytelling, readings, book signings, and arts and crafts. FREE
Morris-Jumel Mansion: Family Day – Harlem
The headquarters for George Washington during the Revolution, this historic house is hosting a day of retro fun, including colonial games and crafts. FREE
Adventures NYC – Southern Central Park
A day of outdoor adventure awaits you at this fest, which is presented by the Parks Department and Backpacker Magazine. Try rock climbing, kayaking, cycling and yoga. Plus there will be free bike rentals and helmet giveaways, and a kids' zone. FREE
Erin Lee and the Up Past Bedtime Band – Midtown West
The Bryant Park Reading Room hosts this cool concert, with the genre-spanning kiddie group. FREE
Inti Raymi: Festival of the Sun – Financial District
Welcome summer at Inti Raymi, the festival of the sun, which is celebrated by the indigenous peoples of the Andes. Enjoy performances by the Ayazamana dance troupe and Sinchikuna (Kichua) musicians, and make a gold foil pendant with an image of a Nazca sun. FREE
Raritan Bay Festival – Staten Island
Celebrate the borough's waterfront at this family festival, complete with a petting zoo, fishing demos, kayaking on the bay, live tunes and more. FREE
Iron Man 2 – Roosevelt Island
Pack a picnic and tram over to the isle for the first offering of its outdoor summer movie series: Iron Man 2. FREE
See all Saturday events.
Sunday, June 26
Summer Solstice Celebration – Flushing
The Queens Botanical Garden welcomes the ew season with a multicultural array of artists, including the Quintet of the Americas, Thiago de Mello with his organic percussion instruments, and the Fresh Meadows Poets. Kids can hit the origami table or try other crafts and activities. Free with garden admission
Colonial Living – Fort Greene
The Fort Greene Park Visitor Center hosts old-school fun—as in circa 1776. Try your hand at period chores, games and crafts like candle making and outdoor cooking. FREE
Little Club Heads Family Dance Party – Financial District
If you can't remember the last time you went clubbing, hit the dance floor with the kids in tow at this all-ages party. In addition to the DJ, there are also lots of activities like face painting, clowns, balloon twisters and games. The theme is princesses and superheroes so be sure to dress up. $15
New York Family Arts Festival: Harlem Speaks – Harlem
The finale of this month-long arts festival at Riverside Church is a performance by the acclaimed All Star Swing Band from the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. FREE
Also, Sunday is the Gay Pride March down Fifth Avenue, so expect street closures from 35th Street to Christopher Street, and crowds in the Village.
See all Sunday events.
Outside NYC
In New Jersey, grab a scoop at Holsten's in Bloomfield, which makes sundaes the old-fashioned way. It was popular long before it was featured on The Sopranos. Another fun summer destination is the Cape May County Park, where you'll find the 85-acre Cape May Zoo.
Pack a picnic and hit up a lovely Long Island spot. We've rounded up seven destinations, including historic gardens, sandy beaches and giant parks.
Summer in Connecticut means lots of outdoor activities like rafting down the Housatonic River, paddling around Lake Waramaug in Litchfield County or picking your own strawberries.
Don't forget: There's even more fun to be found in the Mommy Poppins Event Calendar.
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