All Weekend

Atlantic Avenue ArtWalk – Brooklyn
Families can take self-guided tours of local artists' studios, exhibits and public art on Atlantic Avenue. The whole neighborhood gets involved, as businesses host special events and restaurants offer great deals. Family-friendly highlights include free ballet classes for kids at Brooklyn Ballet, a children’s art workshop at Invisible Dog Studios and a reading by Melanie Hope Greenberg, who wrote the wonderful, Coney Island-set picture book Mermaids on Parade. There will also be kids' activities in Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Transit Museum is offering two-for-one admission and free workshops. FREE

Howl! Fest – East Village
Inspired by Allen Ginsberg's seminal poem, this festival celebrates the artistic spirit of the neighborhood. This year, the organizers are debuting the Great Howl! Out Loud Carnival for Kids of All Ages in Tompkins Square Park, with storytelling, face painting, sand art, clowns, entertainment and a slew of art projects, so children can scribble around the park to their hearts' content. FREE

City Island Arts & Crafts Fair – the Bronx
Although you can't take the Seaside Trolley to the Island on the weekend (it does run this Friday evening), it's worth taking public transportation to the isle to check out this annual fair, which features more than 50 artisans and craftsmen selling their wares. Expect jewelry, ceramics and other handmade items. FREE

Saturday, June 4

Dora & Diego’s 4-D Adventure – Upper East Side
This popular short makes its Central Park Zoo debut at the spot's new 4D theater. To celebrate the premiere, the title duo will be on hand to greet guests, and zoo staffers will be giving free tours highlighting animals featured in the animated film. Free with Total Experience Zoo Admission.

Spring Kids Fest – Flatiron
Madison Square Park throws its annual shindig, which is best for the preschool set. Kids can enjoy a concert by Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights, storytime yoga, arts and crafts, face painting and complimentary snacks. FREE

ID Day – Upper West Side
Got an old fossilized you-don't-know-what hanging around the house? Bring it by the American Museum of Natural History and see if scientists can tell you what it is. Free with museum admission.

Science on Site: Explorations on Governors Island – Financial District
The day before the World Science Festival's big Street Fair, head to Governors Island for all kinds of hands-on science experiences, including sungazing, learning about oysters, bug and flower hunts, and birding. FREE

Sea Tale: Presented by the Poets House and the Touchstone Center Theatre Ensemble – Battery Park City
Teardrop Park South, which has amazing water features in its playground, is the setting for this mythic tale starring children and a very old crab. FREE

Sea Lion Samba – Prospect Park
Shake your body with Samba NY, or watch as the sea lions BeeBee and Stella perform dance moves in the water. Free with zoo admission.

Stories at the Statue – Upper East Side
A new season of the outdoor Hans Christian Andersen storytelling series kicks off in front of the Central Park statue of the beloved author. This weekend's tale: Thumbelina told by Bill Gordh. FREE

Bronx Culture Trolley: Viva Cultura! – the Bronx
Catching a ride on the trolley is a great way to explore the vibrant South Bronx. This edition celebrates Puerto Rican pride (the big parade's next week!) by taking riders to see happenings at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, the Mott Haven Library, the Longwood Art Gallery and other local art spaces. We took a ride on it last month and just loved it. FREE

Hot Peas 'N Butter – Flushing
Groove to the band’s multi-genre tunes, which incorporate jazz, folk, rock and Latin and Afro-Caribbean beats. Arrive early to participate in a pre-show music workshop. FREE

Sunday, June 5

The World Science Festival Street Fair – Greenwich Village
The streets around Washington Square Park host hundreds of booths, each one featuring hands-on science projects for kids. Also check out cool live shows mounted by traveling science museums and zoos, and explore the Math Midway. FREE

Gustafer Yellowgold – Tribeca
The little yellow alien and his human alter ego (dad Morgan Taylor) sing about their amazing adventures. We saw Gustafer's concert/show earlier this year and really enjoyed it. $15

Community Festival – Murray Hill
The delightful Enid A Haupt Glass Garden hosts an afternoon of live animals, nature crafts, planting projects and pony rides. FREE

Williamsburg Annual Kite Festival – Williamsburg
Fashion a flyer and make it soar along the waterfront, while AudraRox and the Hungry March Band play in the background. Arts and crafts, and carnival rides round out the fun. FREE

Circus Minimus – East Village
A literal one-man circus, this show invites kids to join in, and you never know what's going to happen. Probably the only time you'll ever see a full circus complete with tents and lights emerge from a little suitcase! $10

A Clearing in the Forest: Music – Upper West Side
Celebrate World Environment Day in Central Park's Peter Jay Sharp Children's Glade with a concert featuring Music with Patrick and his nature-themed tunes. FREE

Outside NYC

With temperatures in the 80s, the beach beckons. Hit the sand on Long Island’s south shore. About an hour from NYC, Jones Beach features sand, a nature center, plenty of playgrounds and even a pool. Or hit the beach and recently remodeled playground at Corey Creek in Blue Point.  

If your kids love putt-putt golf, they'll flip for indoor glow-in-the-dark monster mini golf in Fairfield, New Jersey. Or hit a Garden State beach like Cape May or the Atlantic Highlands. 

Connecticut families are gearing up for berry picking season, which should start this weekend. If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, check out the drive-through safari at Action Wildlife in Goshen. 

Don't forget: There's even more fun to be found in the Mommy Poppins Event Calendar.

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