Weekend: Carousel Opens in Battery, Clifford Hits NYC, Queens Art Party, August 22-23

8/19/15 - By Stephanie Ogozalek

The Battery's aquatic-themed SeaGlass Carousel is about to debut, and we can't wait to experience this virtual ocean ride. Plus, Volkswagen Beetles take over Governors Island, Clifford the Big Red Dog meets his young fans in Bryant Park, Long Island City hosts an art-filled block party and family-friendly shows continue at the Fringe.

Read on for all of our best bets. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar and our Summer Fun Guide.

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All Weekend

SeaGlass Carousel Opening – Battery Park
An August GoList pick: The Battery's aquatic-themed ride opens this weekend and it's a stunner, featuring 30 iridescent fish in an enormous, chambered pavilion reminiscent of a nautilus shell. Riders step into (not on) the fish, and instead of going round and round, you bob and glide throughout the space for a trippy, virtual underwater experience. Expect long lines!

Danny Weinkauf and His Red Pants Band – the Bronx
Rock out to the Grammy-winning bassist (of They Might Be Giants fame) and his new band at the Bronx Zoo as they play kid-centric songs from their latest album No School Today. Free with general admission

FringeJR – East Village
Another August GoList pick: Offbeat family shows continue at the 14th Street Y. This weekend, catch a pair of quirky takes on Rapunzel: Commedia Rapunzel and Rapunzel in the Wild West; get spooked at Haunted Holliot Hildorf Hotel and Shadow’s Unicycle; clap your hands to the percussive Ideas, Not Theories, be moved by the real-life drama Pedro Pan or enjoy the puppet show Solina

Saturday, August 22

LIC Block Party – Long Island City
Get artsy at this third annual fest, cosponsored by the SculptureCenter and the Purves Street Block Association. Enjoy creative activities for all ages, live music, a marketplace and eats from local restaurants. FREE

Word for Word Kids: Clifford the Big Red Dog – Midtown West
Meet every preschooler's favorite oversize pooch for photo ops and storytime as Bryant Park wraps up its outdoor kids' culture series for the season. FREE

Hands-On History: Hoops, Sticks & Whirligigs – Jamaica
​Head to Queens' historic King Manor Museum for an afternoon of 200-year-old pastimes like graces, a vintage version of catch, hoop rolling and period toy making. FREE

Movie Night: Up – the Bronx
Bring your chairs and snacks to St. Mary's Park for an alfresco screening of Disney Pixar's new classic about a grumpy old man who goes on the adventure of his life. FREE

See all Saturday events.  

Sunday, August 23

Family Field Day – Brooklyn Heights
Get your game on at Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 5 with soccer matches, freeze tag, and potato sack and relay races. FREE

Volkswagen Traffic Jam – Governors Island
Get ready for the ultimate game of Punch Buggy at this vintage VW auto show on Governors Island. While on the isle, check out all of the other attractions including mini golf and an Interactive Sculpture Garden. FREE

See all Sunday events.
 

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

SeaGlass Carousel photo by Filip Wolak