The long, summer days have finally arrived and, with the kids off from school, there’s no better time to trade in routine activities for a day out in New York City. Whether your family’s into baseball, dinosaurs, or shows, our neighboring Big Apple has a little something fun for everyone.
City of Water Day
212-935-9831, cityofwaterday.org
Celebrate all things water by taking a trip out to Governor’s Island for City of Water Day, a free festival, featuring hundreds of unique waterfront activities. On July 12 from 10 am–4 pm, enjoy on-the-water activities, ferry rides, live music, boat tours, great food, and much more.
Design Lab
718-699-0005, nysci.org
If your family’s idea of a good time involves creating and exploring, head to the New York Hall of Science right away for this new permanent exhibit, which opened in mid-June. Featuring five distinct areas, your little designers and scientists can build structures, explore gravity, create light shows, and much more.
Dinosaur Safari
718-220-5100, bronxzoo.com
The dinosaurs are back, and this summer, they’re bigger and badder than ever. Head to the Bronx Zoo for a prehistoric day of (animatronic) dino encounters, fossil digging, and more,plus explore the rest of the famed zoo. Don’t wait too long to take your little paleontologists—these dinos go extinct in the fall.
Kid-Friendly Broadway
212-541-8457, broadway.com
Escape the heat all summer long by going to see one—or more—of Broadway’s numerous kid-friendly musicals. From new favorites like Aladdin, Cinderella, and Matilda to award-winning classics like The Lion King, Newsies, and Wicked, the Great White Way is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Mr. Met Dash
718-507-8499, newyork.mets.mlb.com
Take the whole family out to the ballgame at Citi Field for Mets’ Family Sundays. Hit some homeruns on a mini replica field, bounce on themed inflatables, test your skills in the batting cages, make a splash at the speed-pitch dunk tank, and run the bases after the ninth inning on July 6 and 13, and August 3, 17, and 31.
River Flicks: Family Fridays
212-627-2020, riverflicks.com
Forget about stuffy movie theaters this summer—pack a picnic basket and blanket, and head over to Pier 46, Manhattan’s west side waterfront, for free films (and popcorn) under the stars. Beginning at dusk (think 8:30 pm) on Fridays from July 11– August 22, Hudson River Park will screen family flicks, including Despicable Me 2, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2, and The Wizard of Oz.
Space and Science Festival
877-957-7447, intrepidmuseum.org
If you’re in search of an out-of-this-world summer outing in the Big Apple, look no further than this annual Intrepid Museum festival. Your little astronauts-in-training will be dazzled by NASA displays, an astronomy night, a space-themed movie, astronauts meet and greets, and more from July 16–20.
SummerStage Kids
212-360-1399, summerstage.donyc.com
Take your town’s music-in-the-park event to a whole new level by heading into NYC for this series of free family shows. Sponsored by the City Parks Foundation, circus acts, musical artists, and theater companies will put on performances—complete with workshops and face painting—throughout the city on July 6, 13, and 20, and August 17.
More ideas for fun excursions from NJ Family:
