Your Awesome New York Kids Weekend: August 12-14

Here’s your guide to another awesome weekend in New York City! Play retro video games at the Cradle of Aviation Museum, celebrate Taiwanese culture at Queens Botanical Garden or pursue sand sculptures at Coney Island. We have some great options for you to choose from.

Pop By Pop In The City

Midtown Manhattan | Details

Celebrate New York culture at Pop In The City, the bounciest and most surreal pop-up exhibition to hit the streets of midtown Manhattan. Now through August 28th, the exhibition will showcase immersive and abstract artistic interpretations of New York City. Experience the exhibition’s giant slide, ball pit, performances and more.

Have a Wild Time In Times Square

Times Square | Details

You don’t have to leave the city or even go to the zoo to see some wild animals this summer. Concrete Jungle, the first large-scale app-based augmented reality experience, is virtually bringing animals to Times Square this month. Users will be able to engage with five different viewing zones with the app: Insects, Reptiles, Birds, Jungle and Savanna. The app also features virtual games, 3D puzzles and the ability to take photos with the virtual animals.

Check Out The 41st Annual Battery Dance Festival

Rockefeller Park | Details

The Battery Dance Festival, New York City’s longest-running free public dance festival, begins this Saturday. Check out in-person performances at Rockefeller Park or tune into live-streamed performances from the comfort of your home.

Celebrate an “Archipelago of Culture” at the Arts for All Festival

107 Suffolk Street, Lower East Side | Details

The Arte pa’ mi Gente/Arts for All Festival, organized by bilingual arts-in-education organization TeatroSEA, brings together artists for a three-day celebration of Latin American culture and identity. The theme of this year’s festival is “Archipelago of Culture,” which focuses on Afro-Caribbean artistic traditions. The festival will feature outdoor performances, film screenings, concerts and workshops all designed for families.

Build Sandcastles at the 30th Annual Coney Island Sand Sculpting Competition

Coney Island Boardwalk | Details

The 30th Annual Coney Island Sand Sculpting Competition is happening this Saturday. Head down to the beach at West 12th Street and check out the sand sculptures! It’s sure to be a fun-filled day for the whole family.

Take a Trip To Central Park

Central Park | Details

Central Park, the heart of New York City, is full of weekend activities for you and your family to explore. It’s easy to turn a visit to Central Park into a whole day trip. Drop by the Central Park Zoo and visit the animals, rent a boat for a picturesque afternoon on the Central Park Lake or bring your children to play on one of the park’s 21(!) playgrounds. There’s no shortage of fun activities perfect for the whole family.

Learn About Taiwanese Culture at Queens Botanical Garden

Queens Botanical Garden | Details

Queens Botanical Garden is hosting the ninth annual “Taiwan: A World of Orchids” exhibition this weekend. Included with admission is the ability to see over 750 pots of orchids and learn all about Taiwanese art and culture. Guests can make crafts, watch a tea ceremony and calligraphy demonstrations, listen to ancient storytelling and much more. The exhibition features three days of programming.

Play Retro Arcade Games

Cradle of Aviation Museum | Details

Introduce your kids to your favorite childhood games at the Long Island Retro Gaming Expo. Play games from different eras of video game history in the free play area, listen to panels with professionals like game designers and video game streamers or catch a performance by musical guests. The expo also features a marketplace where you can buy products from all sorts of vendors and a museum that showcases rare consoles, with many of the rare showings being open for freeplay. It’s the perfect weekend activity if you’re a family who loves gaming.

Color Me Mine

Color Me Mine Upper West Side proudly stands as a minority woman-owned studio, and we've been an integral part of the Color Me Mine franchise system since 2018! Pottery painting isn't just an activity; it's a captivating and inclusive experience that transcends age and skill levels. At Color Me Mine Upper West Side, we extend a warm invitation to dive into a realm of creativity, self-expression, and connection. Families, friends and teams grow stronger bonds when they create memories together, and at Color Me Mine, we're here to help facilitate those moments. Whether you're seeking a delightful family outing, a unique date night, or a solo adventure, our paint-your-own-pottery studio offers boundless possibilities. Step into our welcoming space in the heart of Lincoln Center and unleash your inner artist. Create unforgettable memories as you craft beautiful ceramic masterpieces to cherish for many years to come. Color Me Mine Upper West Side is also the preferred venue for celebrations of all kinds. Whether you're planning a birthday party, a baby or bridal shower, a team-building event, a gathering for college groups, an enriching field trip, or an adventure with scouts, we've got you covered. Our versatile space and passionate team provides the perfect setting for creating unforgettable memories and fostering creativity in every guest. Join us at Color Me Mine Upper West Side, at 177 Amsterdam Avenue in New York City where every visit promises a fun journey of color, joy, and artistic exploration!

The Music Institute of Long Island

Established in 1990, the Music Institute of Long Island (MILI) is a classical music school staffed by exceptional instructors from many of the most prestigious conservatories and graduate music schools in the United States and Europe. Long Island&rsquo;s foremost musical academies, its instrumental programs include violin, viola, cello, piano, flute, clarinet, saxophone and voice classes. MILI has been voted # 1 BEST MUSIC SCHOOL Consistently.&nbsp; They teach the Traditional, Suzuki, and ABRSM methods. Students participate in All-National, All-Eastern, All-State, youth orchestras, and score highly in NYSSMA and Royal Academy Music Festivals. First prize winners of competitions earn solos at Carnegie Hall and with orchestras. MILI offers Fall/Spring semesters plus Summer Sessions. Semesters include 15-17 weeks of private lessons, solo recitals with a final GALA Concert featuring chamber music. About the Directors: Carol &amp; Geri Kushner: The sisters are violinists, violists, chamber coaches &amp; performers. They believe in instilling the love of music, &nbsp;fostering proficiency, success, confidence &amp; believe all MILI students achieve success. Degrees BM, MM (+), K-12 certifications, attended Manhattan School of Music, Queens College &amp; Stonybrook University.They have been adjunct professors at Syracuse University, Aaron Copland School of Music Pre-College &amp; Five Towns Colleges, Stonybrook University &amp; have taught in L.I. public schools.

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!