Thursday, August 25 marks the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service’s founding, and NYC is ready to celebrate! On August 22 the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation will kick off the centennial celebrations in Brooklyn Bridge Park. The free event will include celebrity appearances–by Bill Nye and Questlove–views of the city skyline, food, family games, and special collaboration activities with One World Trade Center and parks from around the nation. The celebrations are part of the Find Your Park program, initiated in honor of the centennial, which allows people everywhere to become more connected to national parks. The centennial is finally here, and you won’t want to miss the festival at Brooklyn Bridge Park or the events to follow! We’ve highlighted the most exciting aspects of the Brooklyn celebration as well as a few more family-friendly, 100th anniversary events in the greater NYC area.
Highlights from the National Park Service’s 100th Birthday Celebration in Brooklyn Bridge Park on Monday, 8/22:
All events are free & appropriate for all ages.
Ice Cream Social
1:30-3:30pm
There’s nothing better than ice cream in August! The National Park Service’s birthday party is the perfect excuse for you and your kids to indulge in Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory’s famous homemade flavors.
Ramblin’ Dan Performance
2-4pm
It’s not a party without some music, and Ramblin’ Dan, one of NYC’s most popular family musicians, is ready to get your little ones moving around. Feel free to dance with the kids, and sing along to Ramblin’ Dan’s catchy tunes.
Guest Speakers
7:45pm
Bill Nye (Centennial Ambassador for the Find Your Park movement), Sally Jewell (U.S. Secretary of the Interior), Will Shafroth (National Park Foundation President) and Regina Myer (Brooklyn Bridge Park President) will all talk about the NPS anniversary, the celebrations, and the importance of the National Park Foundation. Don’t miss hearing words from these pivotal pillars of the Find Your Park movement (your little ones are sure to recognize Bill Nye!).
Interactive Experience with Bill Nye
7:45-10pm
Work with Bill Nye, and turn the One World Trade Center Spire different colors for the first time ever! You and your kids will be amazed.
Brooklyn Bridge Festival DJ set by Questlove
8-10pm
At 8pm, Questlove will take center stage to perform for the rest of the night! Even your teenagers will want to join in on the fun. Questlove has collaborated with various popular musicians to produce songs such as “You Got Me and The Seed.”
Additional NPS Centennial Events:
The West Point Military Academy Band at Vanderbilt Mansion
August 24, 6:30pm
119 Vanderbilt Park Rd, Hyde Park, NY
All ages
Join The West Point Military Academy Band at the beautiful Vanderbilt Mansion! The band will be performing hits from Jackie Evancho’s album, “Songs from the Silver Screen.” The concert will be held on the lawn in honor of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. Free, nps.gov
Centennial Founder’s Day Paddlefest
August 28, various times (must call for reservations)
Various locations (call for details)
210 New York Avenue, Staten Island
All ages
Celebrate 100 years of protected parks with some National Park Rangers! These rangers will assist the whole family in exciting water activities. Learn to kayak, or take an excursion in a canoe. Free, nps.gov
100 Natural Things Tour
September 3, 9:30-11:30am
Fire Island National Seashore William Floyd Estate, 245 Park Drive, Mastic Beach
All ages
Stop by Fire Island’s William Floyd Estate to partake in the hunt for 100 natural things, in celebration of 100 years of the National Park Service’s founding. Your kids will love searching for little pieces of nature (wildflowers, insects and ferns; oh my!) Free, nps.gov
For even more great family-friendly celebrations, check out National Park Service’s Find Your Park website!
