All Weekend

Kids Rule Weekend – the Bronx
Head to the Lehman College campus for two days of outdoor family fun including games, magic shows, performances by the Children’s Theatre Company, water slides and pony rides. FREE

Cirque du Soleil: Varekai – Fort Greene
Hit the Barclays Center to catch the renowned Canadian circus troupe's latest spectacle about a young man alone in a strange, new world. Expect over-the-top costumes and sets, and incredible acrobatic feats. $45-$125 for adults, $36-$101 for children but save on select performances through our affiliate Goldstar.
 

Saturday, August 2

Summer Streets – Manhattan
An August Go List pick. For three consecutive Saturdays, families can cycle, scooter or stroll a car-free, seven-mile route from the Upper East Side to the Brooklyn Bridge. You'll find plenty of activities along the way at multiple interactive rest stops, including cycling lessons, bike tuneups, complimentary bike rentals, helmet giveaways, cool live performances, yoga sessions, parkour demos, a zip line, a rock climbing wall and Risa Puno's popular public art/mini-golf course, The Course of Emotions at the 52nd Street rest stop. Read our Summer Streets post for more info. FREE

Hindu Lamp Ceremony – Dumbo
Celebrate peace and harmony in Brooklyn Bridge Park by making a lantern and setting it afloat on the East River. FREE

No Longer Bored Family Day: Feeling Good – Harlem
Explore the installation If You Build It and then enjoy a workshop with participating artist and educator Élan Ferguson followed by a session with the Urban Yoga Foundation. FREE

Color Me Haring – East Harlem
Explore the Museum of the City of New York's graffiti exhibit City as Canvas and then create your own coloring book using reproductions of Keith Haring's street art. Free with admission: $10 for adults, free for children under age 13

Word for Word Kids: Lou Gallo and Jean Rohe from The Very Hungry Band – Midtown West
Catch two members of the quirky band in concert in the attraction-filled Bryant Park. FREE

See all Saturday events. 
 

Sunday, August 3

The Museum of Interesting Things: The Wind-up Circus Toy Show – Coney Island
Another August Go List pick. Head to Coney Island USA to marvel at vintage wind-up circus toys from the Museum of Interesting Things. Curator Denny Daniels is a big kid himself and even let's children try out the playthings. Afterward, check out all of the other fun things to do in Coney Island. $10

Astoria Park Shore Fest – Astoria
Enjoy car-free fun in Queens as Shore Boulevard is closed to traffic and opened to cool activities. This week's theme is "We Like to Move It!" so expect lots of physical fun for the whole family, even your dog. FREE

Nostalgia Ride: To the Rockaways by Rail – Brooklyn Heights & the Rockaways
Hop on a 1950-60s-era subway bound for Rockaway Beach courtesy of the New York Transit Museum. Soak up the sun, sand and surf before making the return trip home. $50 for adults, $25 for children

Pier Kids: Shine & the Moonbeams – Brooklyn Heights
Enjoy the final show of Brooklyn Bridge Park's family performance series: a soul- and funk-filled concert by kindie favorite Shine & the Moonbeams. FREE

Get Up & Go: Family Adventure Race – Corona
Head to Flushing Meadows Corona Park for old-school challenges like jumping rope, shooting hoops, leaping hurdles and even throwing javelins. All participants snag T-shirts and awards are given to the top teams. Preregistration required. FREE

Dumbo Car Rally – Dumbo
Gawk at 20 perfectly preserved Model A Fords (the precursor of the better known Model T) parked in the Manhattan Bridge Archway Plaza and enjoy live tunes by the Jan Bell Country Trio. FREE

See all Sunday events.

Don't forget: There's more fun to be found in our Event Calendar. Before heading out on your adventures, be sure to download our FREE Mommy Poppins Kids on the Go app so you can find the best family destinations wherever you happen to be in NYC.