Free Family Events This Weekend! (July 27-29)

The High Line’s Sing! Festival will take place this Saturday! Photo via thehighline.org.

Have an amazing weekend without opening your wallet! For even more activity inspiration, check out our Weekend Planner.

Through Friday, August 24

Hip to Hip Theatre Company: “King Lear”
Various times
Various locations throughout NYC
All Ages
Join Hip to Hip Theatre Company for a staged reading of King Lear. In the play, King Lear decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters based on how much they love him. The tragedy takes flight from there. Check the website for specific dates, times, and locations.

Friday, July 27-Sunday, July 29

“Twelfth Night”
Friday & Saturday at 7pm; Sunday at 3pm
Bryant Park
All Ages
In the famous Shakespeare comedy, twins Sebastian and Viola stumble upon the flamboyant, technicolor world of Illyria, inspired by the The Wizard of Oz, Yellow Submarine, and the works of Doctor Seuss. Check the website for times.

Friday, July 27

Movie Night: “Vertigo”
8:45pm
Narrows Botanical Gardens
All Ages
Watch this Alfred Hitchcock film with the kids at sunset in Narrows Botanical Gardens!

Saturday, July 28

Sing! It’s A Family Festival
10am-1pm
The High Line
Ages 12 and under
Join the High Line for its Sing! It’s A Family Festival. Families with children ages 12 and under are welcome during this morning of free programming. Activities include storytime in American Sign Language, a musical performance from Matthew Silvera, art making with ArchForKids, and a mobile garden workshop. Reservations are encouraged. This event will be held rain or shine.

Lincoln Center Out of Doors Family Day
11am-2pm
Lincoln Center
All Ages
Family Day hosted by Lincoln Center Out of Doors will be a day full of dancing and music. Start off with a dance workshop led by Mark Morris Dance Group, watch a performance by the Marching Cobras, and then wrap up your busy afternoon with a concert from Soul Science Lab. Check the event’s website for more details and times of each event.

Stop ‘N’ Swap
11am-4pm
Near the corner of Mott & Pell Streets
All Ages
Bring clean, reusable, portable items such as clothing, housewares, games, books, and toys you no longer need, and take home something new—for free. You don’t have to bring something to take something. Located on Mott Street between Doyers & Pell Streets.

Pop-Up Beach Party
4pm
Albee Square
All Ages
Head over to Albee Square to listen to live reggae, play badminton, make sand art, taste sweet treats, sit for a beach-themed photo booth, and more.

Saturday, July 28-Sunday, July 29

8th Annual NYC Children’s Poetry Festival
11am-5:30pm
Governors Island
All Ages
The 8th Annual NYC Children’s Poetry Festival is coming to Governors Island this weekend for two straight days of nonstop poetry! As part of the larger NYC Poetry Festival, this free fest sponsored by Writopia provides an amazing opportunity to experience and celebrate New York City’s vibrant poetry community. Children are invited to share their own poetry on a kids-only stage, enjoy readings, and participate in a scavenger hunt.

Sunday, July 29

Music in the Grove on Sunday: Rolie Polie Guacamole
11am-12pm
Fort Greene Park
All Ages
Join Fort Greene Park for a free summer concert with Rolie Polie Guacamole! This event will be held rain or shine.

Brooklyn Roots Festival
1-7pm
Prospect Park
All Ages
Celebrates Brooklyn’s traditional artists and immigrant communities with performances, workshops, activities, and more. A children’s section at the Lefferts Historic House presents acclaimed “King of the Dance Party” Father Goose Music with a journey through Caribbean and multicultural music, East Asian folk children’s group Rabbit Days and Dumplings featuring Elena Moon Park, and puppetry presentations by the Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre. City Lore is also partnering with BAC to present the multimedia theater piece What We Bring: Stories of Migration.

Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Nueva York’s Guelaguetza Festival
2-5pm
Socrates Sculpture Park
All Ages
Attend the 6th annual Guelaguetza Festival New York City for a celebratory event full of music, dance, and crafts that represents the eight regions of Oaxaca. The event is brought to New York by Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Nueva York.

Laurissa Jane Music

Laurissa Jane Music Studio is a dedicated institution that offers a solid foundation for students to explore the captivating world of music and arts. With experienced instructors, we offer private and group lessons in piano, voice, and guitar, for all ages and skill levels. We provide year-round training for renowned programs such as NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) and ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music). LJMS runs an annual Summer Musical Theatre Arts Program from July-August which offers a creative environment for young individuals with a passion for acting, singing, and dancing. We are proud to serve the vibrant communities of Jamaica Queens and can also provide classes virtually. At LJMS, we firmly believe in the transformative power of the arts. Call us today!

Basketball City

Beginning June 2024, Basketball City will be running a full weekly schedule of Summer Basketball Camps. We will have our professional staff of coaches teaching your kids weekly. Our camps are designed to teach kids the skills they need to become a better basketball player by using specific drills and fitness work that focus on the fundamentals of the game in a fun, safe and inclusive environment. &nbsp;The camps run weekly varying in time and the number of days for ages 6-17. We have 3-, 4- &amp; 5-day options with times ranging from 9-4pm or 9-3pm. Every camper will receive a jersey once they are registered and arrive. We are limiting the number of camp participants each week to ensure a safe and healthy environment for your children. The limited number of campers will also ensure that your child receives individual attention needed to improve their basketball skills. Our camps in the past typically include current and past NBA players and a collaboration with the Jr. Knicks, the National Basketball Players Association, as well as 5 Star Basketball, and our ever-popular Basketball City FUNdamentals Camp along with our Jr. NBA/NBA Cares NBA Draft/Skills Challenge Camp with future NBA talent.

Play On! Studios

Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games! Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun! Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show! During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us. &nbsp;