Family Fun in NYC This Week

Let’s go through a few NYC neighborhoods this week to see what events might be closest to you! This week’s list covers Free events in these NYC areas.

Family Fun in NYC This Week

Manhattan

Tuesdays at The Pavillion – Union Square Pavillion

Date: April 21, 2015 through October 13, 2015
Hours: Every Tuesday through Oct. 13, 3-5pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All Ages
Address:
33 E. 17th St. – map it
Union Square, NY 10003
Website: nycgovparks.org
Description: Regular arts and crafts workshop in Union Square.

Young Sprouts Gardening – Nelson A. Rockefeller Park: Children’s Garden

Date: May 02, 2015 through October 29, 2015
Hours: Every Tuesday, May 5 through Oct. 5, 3:15-3:45pm
Cost: Free
Ages: Pre-school & younger, Young elementary
Battery Park City, NY 10282
Phone: 212-267-9700
Website: bpcparks.org
Description: A gardening program for children ages 3-5 years and an accompanying adult. Among the simple gardening projects appropriate for preschoolers are: planting seeds, watering the garden, and tasting fresh greens and vegetables – all organically grown. Children will see a variety of plants, butterflies, insects, worms, and birds – all part of the natural cycle of the garden. Feel cool water on a hot day and the different textures of leaves and plants in the garden. They will smell herbs (lemon verbena, dill, mint, and basil) and flowers (lavender, marigold, and scented geraniums). Each week there is a new, garden-themed lesson, including learning about pollinators, worms, seeds, weather, flowers, birds, and more. Young children will have fun in the garden doing plant scavenger hunts, and reading nature books related to the day’s theme.

Wednesdays in Teardrop Park – Teardrop Park

Date: May 06, 2015 through October 28, 2015
Hours: Wednesdays, May 6 through Oct. 28; 3:30-5:30pm
Cost: Free
Ages: Young elementary, Tween
Address: Park Place West – Battery Park City, NY 10282
Phone: 212-267-9700
Website: bpcparks.org
Description: Come down to Teardrop park for fun-filled afternoons of art projects and games for ages 5 and older.
Each week children can enjoy a different art project; drawing, sculpting, and creating group projects such as murals. The art portion of the afternoon will be led by the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy’s Artist/Educators. BPCPC’s Parks Programming Leaders (specially trained Play Leaders) plan games based on their understanding of the various stages of child development, and teach games that encourage a sense of community through cooperative play. Participating children are always welcomed to suggest games. Parks Programming Leaders are prepared to help get games started with perennial favorites such as red light green light, Mr. Fox, asteroids, Wiffle Ball and four square. All art materials and play supplies are provided.

Down to Earth Farmers Market – Morningside Park

Date: May 23, 2015 through December 05, 2015
Hours: Saturdays through Dec. 5; 9am-5pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All Ages
Address: W. 110th St. and Manhattan Avenue – Morningside Park, NY 10026
Phone: 757-633-6000
Website: downtoearthmarkets.com/
Description: This Saturday market runs from May until December and features the best seasonal produce as well as bread, meat and poultry, beverages, dairy, plants and speciality foods. Upcoming Events at Morningside Park : Morningside Lights – 09/19/15 – 09/26/15

Urban Farm Exploration Days – Randall’s Park Alliance

Date: June 06, 2015 through September 26, 2015
Hours: Every Saturday June- September, 11am-3pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All Ages
Address: 20 Randall’s Island Park – Randall’s Island, NY 10035
Phone: 212-860-1899 ext 722
Website: randallsisland.org
Description: Come discover the Randall’s Island Urban Farm with these discovery days. Meet the chickens and explore the farm, an expert will be on site to answer questions.

Brooklyn

Toddler Story Time in the Nolen Library – Metropolitan Museum of Art

Date: December 01, 2014 through December 01, 2015
Hours: Most weekdays at 10:30-11am and 3-3:30pm. Subject to change, please check website for details
Cost: Free
Ages: Pre-school & younger
Address: 1000 Fifth Ave. – Upper East Side, NY 10028
Website: metmuseum.org/events/programs/family-programs/storytime-in-nolen-library
Description: Gather around to look, listen, sing, and have fun with picture books; then continue your adventure with a self-guided gallery hunt (requiring admission fee) in the Museum. For families with children ages 18 months–3 years. Space is limited; first come, first served.

Open Play Community Day – ATLAS Foundation for Autism

Date: January 03, 2015 through December 26, 2015
Hours: Every other Saturday: 10am-12pm, May 9, 23, June 6, 20
Cost: Free
Ages: All Ages
Address: 252 W. 29th St. – Chelsea, NY 10001
Phone: 212-256-0846
Website: atlasforautism.org
Description: It is estimated that 1 in 68 children (in multiple communities) in the United States has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)*. However despite these numbers, families living with autism find it more difficult to get out and about.
Every other Saturday ATLAS opens the doors of its 7,300 sq. ft. facility and welcomes members of the autism community and their families to drop in, play, gather & connect in a worry-free environment where acceptance is the norm.
This event is free but donations of any amount are appreciated will help provide refreshments and materials for Open Play Community Days.
*Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder among children aged 8 years – Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 sites, United States, 2010.

Yippee Skippy Puppet Theater Presents Fractured Fables – Bank Street Bookstore

Date: March 01, 2015 through September 27, 2015
Hours: Every Saturday and Sunday at 1pm
Cost: Free
Ages: Pre-school & younger, Young elementary
Address: 2780 Broadway – Upper West Side, NY 10025
Phone: 212-678-1654
Website: bankstreetbooks.com/
Description: An improvisational, audience-participation, puppet show with live music, where you choose which classic tales are retold with a twist of comedy. Each show is unique and sometimes features special guests. For ages 3-8.

Chelsea’s Down to Earth Farmers Market – 23rd Street

Date: June 06, 2015 through December 19, 2015
Hours: Saturdays through Dec. 19; 9am-5pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All Ages
Address: West 23rd Street and Ninth Avenue Chelsea, NY 10001
Phone: 914-923-4837
Website: downtoearthmarkets.com/
Description: Down to Earth Markets bring together two kinds of vendors: local farmers and area food makers who source locally. So expect food entrepreneurs as well as farmers and a range of produce and goods to try.