1. Kayaking on the Harbor in New York City
(Weekends and holidays from the middle of May to the middle of October, and on many weekday evenings, weather permitting.)
Pier 40, Pier 96 and 72nd Street
New York, NY
Due the generosity of the Downtown Boathouse, families can go kayaking for free on a first come, first served basis. No kayaking experience is necessary to take one of their kayaks out for a 20-minute paddle inside a protected embankment in front of their boathouse. (They provide life jackets, kayaks, paddles, and some paddling tips.) Please note that all kayakers must know how to swim and that children under 16 must go out with an adult. For the full rules and instructions, please visit www.downtownboathouse.org.
2. Memorial Day Parade
(May 28th)
Memorial Day is a time to think about those who have died in service to our country. To honor them, several parades are held around NYC including the Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Parade in Queens, the 145th Memorial Day Parade in Brooklyn and the 74th Annual Memorial Day Parade in Queens. For a full listing of Memorial Day Parade City Picks, please visit www.nyc.gov.
3. Fleet Week New York 2012
(Through May 30th)
Since 1984, Fleet Week has been an annual event where all ages celebrate those who serve in the sea areas of the military. Thousands of Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen representing the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard will be in Manhattan during this special week. There will be a variety of free activities surrounding their ships. You can find the full schedule of events at www.fleetweeknewyork.com.
4. World Science Festival
(May 30th to June 3rd)
Since 2008, this annual festival has been held in New York City. If your kids like science (or if you simply want to instill a love of science in them), you will not want to miss this fest. With more than 50 planned themed events, there is certain to be something for everyone. Several of the events are even free including Saturday’s “Science-on-Site” exploration and “From the City to the Stars” evening stargazing party that are both being held at Brooklyn Bridge Park. On Sunday, The Ultimate Science Street Fair (another free admittance event) will be held in Washington Square Park. For a full listing of events for kids and families, please visit worldsciencefestival.com.
5. HOWL! Festival 2012
(June 1st to June 3rd)
Tompkins Square Park
500 East 9th Street
New York, NY 10009
Do you want to attend the Village Voice’s 2011 pick for best outdoor festival? If so, then bring the family to the East Village for this popular family-friendly celebration. Named for the poem “Howl” by Beat poet Allen Ginsberg, the festival celebrates the East Village…in a family-friendly way. On Saturday and Sunday, a (free admittance) kid’s carnival is planned. Last year’s carnival included games, arts & crafts, fairway attractions, entertainment and more. Please visit www.howlfestival.com for updates on this year’s HOWL! family programs.
6. Bronx River Festival & Student Symposium
(June 2nd from noon to 4pm)
Bronx River Forest
Bronx Boulevard at Burke Avenue
Bronx, NY
Enjoy a day of celebrating the Bronx River at this free annual festival. The entire family will have fun participating in the day’s activities. Canoeing, bike riding, scavenger hunts and entertainment are on the agenda for the day. This year, students from the Bronx will also be presenting Bronx River projects into competition. For more information, please visit bronxriver.org.
7. Go With The Flow.12!
(June 2nd from 10am to noon)
The entire family can celebrate the re-opening of the restored 103rd Street Footbridge (the East River’s only footbridge) at this free, family event. Art, music, sports, and snacks along the waterfront pathways are all on the agenda for the day’s festivities. Just take a walk across the footbridge for a day of fun! For a detailed list of the day’s entertainment, please visit http://randallsisland.org/events/go-with-the-flow/.
8. KidsFilmFest @ Brooklyn Film Festival
(June 2nd at 1pm)
indieScreen
285 Kent Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Take the family to the Williamsburg area of Brooklyn to celebrate the 8th annual KidsFilmFest. A part of the Brooklyn Film Festival, a popular annual independent film festival, KidsFilmFest offers various films geared towards kids of all ages. While ticket prices for adults are $12 each, children 12 and under are allowed to see the films for free. For the 2012 film lineup, please visit www.kidsfilmfest.org.
{Images courtesy of their respective websites.}
