All Weekend

Thunderbird American Indian Mid-Summer Pow Wow – Douglaston
Watch more than 40 Native American tribes perform traditional dances at the Queens County Farm Museum, and browse jewelry, crafts and food at the marketplace. Afterward, explore all the other fun at the working farm.

New York City Poetry Festival – Governors Island
Hit Governors Island for a weekend full of rhymes and verse. The highlight for families is the Children’s Poetry Festival featuring writing games and a stage dedicated to young ode makers. Afterward, check out all of the other attractions on the activity-packed isle. FREE

Bountiful Butterflies Weekend – Riverdale
Celebrate butterflies at the bucolic Wave Hill. Kids of all ages can craft a habitat for the winged insects, while children 10 and up can go on a naturalist-led butterfly walk through the gorgeous grounds (advance registration required). Activities are free with admission, which is waived on Saturdays until noon.

Space and Science Festival – Midtown West
Celebrate STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects at the Intrepid's fourth annual fest, which takes place in the museum and outside on Pier 86. Check out state-of-the-art space suits, learn about the future of intergalactic travel, meet real-life astronauts and enjoy themed tours of the ship. Activities on the pier are free; others require museum admission

Saturday, July 25

Waterfight – Central Park
Cool down at this epic water battle in Central Park. While this annual favorite is aimed at adults, children are welcome to play alongside their parents. Bring your own water shooters! FREE
Update: The Central Park Conservancy informed us that this event is not permitted and won't be allowed to happen. We contacted the organizers who said it will be moved to paved areas of Central Park to avoid damaging the Great Lawn. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for timely event updates.

Lincoln Center Out of Doors Family Day – Upper West Side
A July GoList pick: Enjoy a day of dance-themed entertainment on Lincoln Center's grounds, including a Baby Loves Disco dance party and an interactive National Dance Day celebration. Stick around until evening and you can also see Grammy and Oscar winner Randy Newman in concert. FREE

High Bridge Festival – Washington Heights & the Bronx
Another July GoList pick: Celebrate the recent reopening of the oldest bridge in NYC at the Parks Department's fest. The fun takes place on both sides of the Harlem River and includes walking tours, puppet shows, art projects with the Bronx Children’s Museum, a scavenger hunt, a children's obstacle course and a chance to explore a funky public art installation. FREE

Dan Zanes and Friends in Concert – the Bronx
Catch the Grammy-winning godfather of kindie rock in his only NYC appearance this summer. Zanes and his talented pals play a pair of outdoor concerts at the Bronx Zoo's Astor Court. Free with general admission

Sprinkler Day – Upper East Side
Grab your towel and head to athletics complex Asphalt Green to romp in giant, high-powered sprinklers set up on its large outdoor lawn. Don't forget to grab a frozen treat on your way out. FREE

The Wiz – Roosevelt Island
Tram over to the activity-packed isle for an outdoor screening of this 1978 movie musical, an African-American reimagining of The Wizard of Oz starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. FREE

Madison Square Park Art Yard: Story Pirates Junior Puppeteer Workshop – Flatiron
Learn all about puppets from the pros at Story Pirates in Madison Square Park. The troupe members will teach kids how to develop a story, craft a puppet and put on a show. FREE

Oye Corona – Corona
Enjoy an eclectic lineup of multicultural activities at this Queens Museum-sponsored community festival in nearby Corona Plaza. Outdoor workouts, silk-screening demos, cool art projects and a live performance by Afro-Colombian trio Grupo Rebolú are just a few of the fun activities on tap. FREE

Celebrate Caribbean Islands Day – Crown Heights
Immerse yourself in Caribbean culture at the Brooklyn Children's Museum. Enjoy face time with island creatures; catch spoken word, music and dance performances by Something Positive INC; try stilt walking and design Puerto Rican Vejigante masks. King of the dance hall party Father Goose will also be on hand with his kid-friendly tunes. Free with admission

See all Saturday events. 

Sunday, July 26

Please Touch the Art Family Day – Brooklyn Heights
If you haven't had a chance to explore this amazing interactive art installation in Brooklyn Bridge Park, this is the day to go! The Children's Museum of the Arts will be leading a variety of drop-in art projects inspired by the exhibit. FREE

Antique Car Rally – Dumbo
Gawk at 20 beautifully restored vintage vehicles courtesy of the Model A Ford Club of Long Island. Other festivities include Gatsby-era crafts for kids and a concert by Jan Bell and the Maybelles. FREE

See all Sunday events.

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