Submitted by Melanie on
Fireworks, comedic dogs and tractors. Hmm..makes for an interesting weekend, right? If you’re looking for some great, fun and interesting activities to take part in, keep reading to see what we’ve got lined up for you and your family!
Submitted by Mary Beth Lawlor on
This week was a hot one and on days when it hits the 90's we like finding free and easy air-conditioned play spaces for the little ones. Check out our post on 5 Free Indoor Play Spaces in Fairfield County. If you find yourself in the NW corner of the state you can read our 20 Family Friendly Day Activities in Litchfield County. For the Weekend Round up....
Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on
We realize that seeing the final Harry Potter film may be the main event for many families this weekend. But catch it early in the morning! Not only will you beat the crowds, you'll also have leave plenty of time to check out some of the other cool things going on this weekend, like the opening of the Jim Henson’s Fantastic World exhibit at the Museum of the Moving Image, live concerts by Laurie Berkner and Dan Zanes, water-centric festivals City of Water Day and Tug & Barge Week, and an amazing display of animals made entirely from Legos at the Bronx Zoo.
Of course, you may be looking to cool off, too, so save time to hit a beach, a pool or a water playground. And if you're looking for a little inspiration, we've compiled 42 summer outings (some in NYC, others nearby) recommended by our readers. You can find that plus a lot of other seasonal fun in our Summer Fun Guide.
Our best bets for the weekend are below. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar.
Submitted by Raven Snook on
It's time to play the music, it's time to light the lights, it's time to meet the Muppets in Astoria tonight! The recently renovated Museum of Moving Image is the last stop on a multicity tour for the Smithsonian traveling exhibition Jim Henson's Fantastic World, which opens this Saturday, July 16.
If you're as obsessed with the Muppets as I am (I am seriously counting down the days until the new movie movie opens in November), you'll love this incredible retrospective of the Muppet master's work. The coolest thing about the exhibit (aside from seeing Miss Piggy and Kermit up close!) is that it explores Henson's career beyond his signature creations. Long before he came to Sesame Street, he was an aspiring New Yorker cartoonist, an Oscar nominated experimental filmmaker and an adman with a knack for comic commercials.
While kids may not be as fascinated by the archival photos, storyboards, sketches, posters and other artifacts as parents, the exhibit is smartly designed, with a cute alcove where children can watch a montage of clips while mom and dad delve deeper. Plus, the lineup of hands-on workshops and screenings—many free with museum admission—should excite even the youngest Muppets' fans.
Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on
The New York Botanical Garden has long been one of my favorite places in the city. Although I enjoy sharing my beloved haunts with my 6-year-old son, we had only visited this 250-acre Bronx oasis for the annual Holiday Train Show because I worried that he just wouldn't be that into plants and flowers.
But I was so intrigued by the garden's slate of seasonal programing for kids, I decided to bring him and I'm so glad that I did. The NYBG is a fantastic destination year-round, but in summer it's a particularly vibrant place with lots of enriching activities for families. During our visit, we smelled, explored, planted, tasted, cooked and learned a lot. In fact, my son loved our outing so much, he didn't want to leave! (He's still bummed that we never made it to the Rose Garden).
Here are the best things to do at the New York Botanical Garden this summer with your kids in tow.
Submitted by Raven Snook on
I take my kindergartner to a lot of theater. (I'm not kidding when I say I think she's seen more live shows than your average adult New Yorker.) So parents are always asking me to recommend productions for little or even first-time theatergoers.
The Berenstain Bears LIVE! in Family Matters, the Musical is just such a show. Most kids two and up already know the characters, and even if they aren't familiar with the brand...er, I mean books, what's not to love about this tight-knit furry family?
Although it's done on the cheap (the music is canned, the backdrop is cardboard), the production has a lot of spirit and the young performers are strong singers who keep their cloying to a minimum. The biggest kick parents will get out of the show is watching their kids have fun, but that's really the point of going, isn't it?
Submitted by Anonymous on
Nestled within the great town of Morristown is Morris County’s hidden gem: The Morris Museum. This medium- sized kid-friendly museum has undergone a huge transformation over the last few years and has become one of my family’s favorite destinations, combining art, culture and interactive exhibits. We experienced “one great day” at the Morris Museum on the Morris County free museum day.
Submitted by Allison on
Playgrounds don't need to be newfangled to be special. As any in-the-know Upper West Side parent will tell you, Hippo Playground, which is located at 91st Street inside Riverside Park, is a popular vintage tot spot.
On summer days when NYC feels as hot as the Sahara, this haven is cool, shady and wet. Featuring a herd of water-spouting hippo statues at its center, the playground has lots of equipment and activities to keep kids happy. Since it's well known, it attracts an interesting mix of locals and families who've traveled to get here, often to attend a birthday party.
So pack a snack (you may want to stay a while) and take your family on a Hippo hunt.
