Weekend Planner: Fun Family Activities In NYC (August 7-9)

Summer in the Square: "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" in Union Square Park

Bring a blanket and plop down on the grass to watch the 1971 classic “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” in Union Square Park with the entire family. Join Charlie on his sweet journey while you sit in the beautiful outdoors. Seating begins at 6:30, and the movie starts at dusk. (Thursday)

The New York Pops at Forest Hills Stadium

Join The New York Pops for an evening of live music at their new summer home, Forest Hills Stadium in Queens. The orchestra’s premiere concert on Thursday night will spotlight Broadway superstar Sutton Foster as the show’s guest artist. Friday’s concert will feature Pink Martini, a musical group that mixes jazz with Latin, classical, and pop music.Children are free with the purchase of one full-price adult ticket ($10).(Thursday and Friday)

Kahlil Gibran's "The Prophet" at Landmark Sunshine Theater

Among the most popular volumes of poetry ever written, The Prophet--by celebrated Lebanese author Khalil Gibran--comes alive as an animated feature film, opening at the Landmark Sunshine Theater. Directed by Roger Allers ("Lion King"), the story is about Kamila (Salma Hayek) who goes on a journey with her free-spirited daughter and the exiled artist and poet Mustafa (Liam Neelson). The film features music from Damien Rice, Glen Hansard, and Yo-Yo Ma. Rated PG. (Opens Friday)

DUMBO Family Fest in Brooklyn Bridge Park

This Saturday, preview the newest parkland at Brooklyn Bridge Park, and enjoy an afternoon of free family entertainment, music, and food during the DUMBO Family Fest. All ages will be treated to arts and crafts, face painting, and a performance from the Hungry March Band. Food trucks such as Hard Times Sundaes and Coolhaus will be serving up delectable munchies for a fee. While you're there, we also recommend checking out the kid-friendly public art sculptures at "Please Touch The Art" (like the one pictured above). (Saturday)

The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Take a trip to Flushing Meadows Corona Park for a remarkable sporting event and cultural celebration: The 25th Annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. Throughout the weekend, watch martial arts demonstrations from Shaolin Temple monks, witness the dragon dance, see diverse musical performances, and create traditional crafts. And, of course, don’t forget to watch the various dragon boat races! More than 200 teams will race in colorful, custom-made teak dragon boats, each lavishly decorated and manned by approximately twenty paddlers competing for cash and prizes. (Saturday and Sunday)

5th Annual History Day at Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park on Coney Island

Discover the history of Deno’s Wonder Wheel with the Coney Island History Project this Saturday! In honor of the wheel’s 95th anniversary, the amusement park will host a free afternoon of music, dance, and history. Visitors can also learn about Spook-a-Rama, a sit-in-the-dark ride that is celebrating its 60th birthday. Plus, don’t miss music from DJ George Marchelos, a dance performance by Brooklyn Swings, and a magic show from magician Bob Yorburg. (Saturday)

Summer Streets 2015

The streets along Park Avenue from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park will be closed to car traffic for Summer Streets, an annual health initiative where runners, bikers, rollerbladers, and walkers can enjoy almost seven miles of NYC streets along with free activities for all. This year’s festivities include a Vita Coco-sponsored beach with a water slide and zipline rides, free bike and rollerblade rentals, food samples courtesy of Whole Foods Market, health and fitness classes, live music and dance performances, and much more. (Saturday)

SummerStage Kids Family Day at the Lower East Side's East River Park

Sing along to Michael Jackson’s greatest hits like “Thriller,” “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” and “Man in the Mirror” at “INVINCIBLE,” a spectacular live, multi-media Michael Jackson tribute show at East River Park on the Lower East Side. After, don’t miss miss Marika Hughes & Bottom Heavy perform her funky tunes! (Sunday)

Hip Tot Family Day: Rolie Polie Guacamole at Lakeside Rink

See a free concert by Rolie Polie Guacamole at Prospect Park's Lakeside Rink, where families will get to hear about natural living, eating healthy, and staying active through their blend of acoustic rock, funk, and folk. There will also be dance performances and activities and small giveaways by the Brooklyn Public Library! (Sunday)

"Norte Maar's Dance at Socrates" in Socrates Sculpture Park

Movement, multimedia installations, and large-scale sculptures come together at “Norte Maar’s Dance at Socrates.” In its third season, this summer dance series brings New York-based choreographers to the waterfront of Socrates Sculpture Park. (Sunday)

Endless Summer Bucket List

From fresh weekend trips to fun-filled city itineraries, our Endless Summer Bucket List has 20 ways to savor every last drop of summer!

10 Great Events for August

Coney Island Sand Sculpting Contest, FringeJr, Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, and more!