Picks Of The Week: August 27-September 1

Take the tots out into the city this week! Let off some mid-week steam at an ¡Arriba! dance party on the High Line, then gear up for some big Labor Day weekend festivals like the New York Caribbean Carnival, a cultural celebration with specific family events, or the NYC Unicycle Festival, a tricks-filled and fun-riddled celebration of all things with one wheel! Finally, close out the week with a tugboat parade on the Hudson and a great family concert from the popular band Hot Peas n’ Butter.

Wednesday, August 27

¡Arriba! Dance Parties
The High Line
7pm-9pm
All ages
¡Arriba! nights transform the High Line into a lively dance party at sunset! Join New York City’s best Latin bands in dancing the night away, enjoying seasonal treats from vendors, and seeing the High Line under the stars. This month’s celebration is inspired by the guajiro musical rhythms of Cuba. Free

Thursday, August 28-Monday, September 1

New York Caribbean Carnival
The Brooklyn Museum
Various times
All ages
In order to promote West Indian culture, tradition, history, and art, the New York Caribbean Carnival is hosting special events all weekend long. Wonderful family friendly offerings include the Stay In School – Youth Fest/College Fair on Friday, August 29th, which showcases talented performances and encourages little ones to stay in school. Don’t miss the Kiddies Carnival Parade, an all-day celebration that marches through Crown Heights, on Saturday, August 30th! Free

Friday, August 29-Sunday, August 31

NYC Unifest
Various locations
Various times
All ages
Join hundreds of unicyclists for three days of one-wheeled madness! Enjoy fun activities like a 13-mile unicycle ride across Brooklyn, a One Wheel stage show, racing, competitions, unicycle sports like basketball and hockey, and opportunities for your family to try your hand at unicycle riding! Free

Sunday, August 31

22nd Annual Great North River Tugboat Race & Competition
Pier 84
10am-2pm
All ages
Come on out to Pier 84 in celebration of NYC’s tugboats! There will be a boat parade and race, nose-to-nose pushing contests and a line competition. For those curious about the history of these sturdy ships, check out the tugboat exhibits. Be sure not to miss the spinach eating contest! Free

Kid/Around with Hot Peas n’ Butter
South Street Seaport
2pm-4pm
All Ages
Bring the little ones to a stellar concert by the popular Hot Peas n’ Butter! This unique band creates and performs special multicultural music just for kids, and have had music videos featured on Nick Jr.! Free

Athletic Association of Yorkville Youths

Serving the families and children of NYC for over 50 years with high-quality recreational activities that foster life-lessons which empower young people to succeed beyond sports. Our programs encourage positive attitudes and growth through teamwork and sportsmanship, attendance, fair play, respect, hard work, integrity and fun. Your child can participate in clinics and leagues in such sports as baseball, basketball, flag-football, lacrosse, soccer, hockey, wrestling, track, and tennis. We also offer weekly dodgeball tournaments, drama and musical theater workshops, and after school programs.

The Wild Center

The Wild Center, nestled within the breathtaking landscape of New York's Adirondack Park, offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature. As visitors approach the Center, they are greeted by the Adirondack Mountains towering in the distance, setting the stage for an immersive adventure. Upon entering the 34,000-square-foot exhibit hall, guests are enveloped in a world of wonder and discovery. Interactive exhibits like Planet Adirondack and Climate Solutions invite exploration, allowing visitors to delve into the rich biodiversity of the Adirondack region. The indoor experience also includes an opportunity to soar on Birdly--a one-of-a-kind VR experience. Also, get up close with an animal ambassador during one of many live animal encounters throughout the day. In addition to its indoor exhibits and programs, the Wild Center also boasts 115-acres of extensive outdoor amenities. One of the highlights in the award-winning Wild Walk. Visitors walk up a trail of bridges to the treetops of the Adirondack forest, 40 feet off the ground. Along the way, interactive exhibits provide insights into the flora and fauna that call the Adirondacks home, from songbirds to black bears. The rest of the campus features more ways to explore. Check out Patrick Dougherty&rsquo;s Stickwork sculpture, an all natural installation of woven sticks that will spark your imagination and nostalgia. Immerse yourself in Forest Music, take a naturalist-lead canoe trip, or get your roll on with Raquette River Roll, a brand-new, oversized, all-natural ball run experience opening in June 2024.

Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND® New York Resort

Monstrous Family fun returns with Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND&reg; New York Resort! &nbsp; The signature children&rsquo;s Halloween event kicks off October 3rd&nbsp;when the Park transforms into a bewitching party filled with candy, seasonal shows, and Halloween themed LEGO characters. The event runs on all operating dates in October, with all festivities included in general admission. Meet LEGO Monster characters like Spider Lady and Wacky Witch and make your way to the treat stations around the Park. Don&rsquo;t forget your costumes! &nbsp; New for 2024: Monster Party Nights at LEGOLAND New York Hotel! Book a Brick-or-Treat overnight package in October to enjoy extra sweet Halloween-themed fun after a day in the Park. Hotel guests will have the opportunity to eat breakfast with a Monster, participate in themed crafts and LEGO builds, rock out at the Monster Dance Party each night, and more! &nbsp; AWESOME AWAITS at LEGOLAND&reg; New York Resort, the ultimate LEGO&reg; theme park destination, for kids ages two through twelve and their families. Ride, climb, and build your way through seven LEGO themed lands. &nbsp;