All Weekend

Adventures NYC – Central Park & Marine Park
One of our June Go List picks: In honor of its 10-year anniversary, this annual outdoor summer sports fest has been expanded to two days in two locations. On Saturday, hit Central Park to try rock climbing, kayaking, standup paddle boarding, cycling and snag a complimentary bike helmet. On Sunday, head to Brooklyn's Marine Park for guided hikes and canoe tours of the salt marsh, pedal boating, kayaking, cycling and ranger-led activities in the nature center. FREE

North River Historic Ship Festival – Tribeca
Another June Go List pick: Explore five meticulously restored historic ships, including the Fireboat John J. Harvey, the schooner Pioneer and the 1904 tugboat Pegasus at Pier 25. In addition to touring these notable vessels, if you come on Saturday, you may be able to take a FREE river ride (no-cost tickets will be given out first-come, first-served beginning at 11:30am). Other fun includes knot tying, fishing and Showboat Circus, a vaudeville-style, circus arts show aboard the Lehigh Valley Barge No.79 (a.k.a. Red Hook's floating Waterfront Museum). All activities are FREE save for Showboat Circus which is $13-$15 for adults, $10-$13 for children and requires advance tickets

SummerStage Brooklyn Family Day – Brooklyn Heights
Head to Brooklyn Bridge Park for the first SummerStage Family Day of the season. Catch the U.S. debut of France's Barolosolo Cirkus Company's ile O, a mash-up of slapstick and acrobatics presented in a shallow pool of water. In between performances, there will be circus arts workshops, face painting, Disney giveaways and other fun. FREE

The Ballad of Pondlife McGurk – Midtown West
I realize we recommended this one-of-a-kind solo show last weekend, but my son and I saw and loved it so much I wanted to give its final performances a plug. You actually sit on the stage for this intimate and interactive show starring the chameleonlike Andy Manley, who plays a bunch of different young students in this tale of childhood friendship. $25
 

Saturday, June 21

The Mermaid Parade – Coney Island
Another June Go List pick and one of our favorite events of the whole year: Head to Coney Island to watch revelers decked out in their most outrageous aquatic-themed costumes. This year's royal King Neptune and Queen Mermaid are Mayor de Blasio's kids who will lead mermaids, mermen, pirates, fish, showgirls, vintage cars, funky floats and a fair amount of scantily clad folks through the streets and onto the boardwalk. After the parade, stick around to enjoy all the family fun the area has to offer. Warning: Expect crowds, mild nudity (mostly topless ladies) and no parking. FREE

Make Music New York – Citywide
And another June Go List pick: Keep your ears open for beautiful (and weird and wild) music all day as hundreds of no-cost concerts take place in parks, plazas and other public spaces throughout the city. Every genre is represented, even kids' bands, and some events encourage you to bring your own instruments so you can join in. Check the schedule of performances on the website, or just wander the city, ready to be surprised. FREE

Hunts Point Fish Parade and Summer Festival – the Bronx
Like a more modest version of the Mermaid Parade, this celebration of the Bronx waterfront features colorful costumes, floats and artistry. After the parade, hit the beautiful Barretto Point Park for local youths performing poetry, Shakespeare, dancing and more. FREE

Jackson Heights Arts Festival – Jackson Heights
Head to Diversity Plaza for no-cost art workshops, hourly music performances, an alfresco exhibit of local artists and other creative fun. FREE

Seining the River Wild – Dumbo
Learn about the ecosystem under the Manhattan Bridge with environmentalists who'll help kids catch, log and release fish and other East River creatures. FREE

Hawaiian Festival – Tribeca
Aloha! Hawaiian Airlines sponsors the Liberty Challenge, the largest outrigger canoe race on the East Coast. But the main attraction for families is the concurrent festival in Hudson River Park. Hit the family tent for Hawaiian music, dance and storytelling performances; traditional crafts and vendors. Afterward, visit nearby Pier 25 for the North River Historic Ship Festival, or to romp in the popular playground and play a round of mini golf. FREE

Summer Solstice – Jamaica
Celebrate the new season at the King Manor Museum with old-fashioned craft and food activities, including making period ice cream. FREE.

See all Saturday events.

Sunday, June 22

Snakes of New York – Riverdale
Visit the gorgeous Wave Hill to learn about the slithery snakes that call New York State home. Enjoy face time with the reptiles and educators from the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum will explain what makes them special. Advance reservations recommended. Free with admission: $8 for adults, $2 for children ages 6 and up

Pier Kids: Little Red's Hood – Brooklyn Heights
Catch CityParks PuppetMobile's contemporary take on the old Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale in Brooklyn Bridge Park. In this version of the oft-told story, Red is a sophisticated and cynical city kid obsessed with her smartphone who runs into a wolf when she visits her granny in the 'burbs. FREE

KidAround! with Billy Kelly – South Street Seaport
Groove to the funky kiddie tunes of Billy Kelly at the Seaport. The peppy songster puts on super-fun shows with over-the-top props like giant notepads. FREE

Festival de las Flores & Summer Solstice Celebration – Flushing
Welcome summer at the Queens Botanical Garden by creating Silletos, large floral medallions from Colombia. Bilingual storytelling, a petting zoo, face painting and live music are also on tap. Free with admission: $4 for adults, $2 for children ages 3 and up

See all Sunday events.

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