Free & Fun Things to Do this Weekend with NYC Kids: Coney Island Mermaid Parade, Adventures NYC, Historic Ship Fest June 22-23
Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on
Welcome to one of our favorite weekends of the year when summer officially arrives! There are lots of FREE ways to celebrate the new season. Throw on your best sea-themed costumes for the annual Mermaid Parade in Coney Island, board a vintage vessel and hit the water at Tribeca's North River Historic Ship Festival or head to Central Park for some athletic outdoor Adventures NYC.
There's also some great culture on tap for the weekend, like a pair of art fests in Queens—the QAX Block Party in Astoria and the Jackson Heights Arts Festival—plus the kickoff of the Carroll Park Kids' Concert Series with the ukelele stylings of Mil's Trills.
Speaking of cool music, Friday brings Make Music NYC, a one-day festival featuring hundreds of FREE public concerts throughout the five boroughs, including kids' bands and local schools. Browse the full schedule or just keep your eyes and ears open.
And don't forget to book your tickets to Mommy Poppins' special family event next Saturday: Ships, Sails and Tales of the Sea with Bill Gordh & Manhattan by Sail. Join us on a fun-filled 90-minute cruise on New York Harbor with master storyteller Bill Gordh and his banjo, an eye-spy scavenger hunt with the New-York Historical Society's DiMenna Children's History Museum and other enriching fun.
All of our best bets for this weekend are below. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar and our Summer Fun Guide.