Fun Festivals and Weekend Events for Kids and Families in New York City: April 24 - 25, 2010

4/22/10 - By Stephanie Ogozalek

You guys all know that New York City isn't just Manhattan, right? Of course you do, and this weekend really proves that all 5 boroughs of this amazing city are vibrant, community minded and full of fun events and activities. This weekend the Big Apple has festivals of every ilk – in every corner of the city.  Check out the cherry blossom festival in Queens or the St. George Day Festival in Staten Island.  Visit one of the many Earth Day, National Park Week or 12th National Puppetry Day Celebrations taking place around town.  Plus, The Tribeca Film Festival kicks off this weekend, too, families can watch the classic film, Big, under the stars at the "Drive In" on Friday night.

If you are going to be out of town this weekend, try visiting The Planting Field Arboretum in Oyster Bay, Long Island, an amazingly beautiful 400 acre garden with historic buildings and greenhouses.  They are throwing a huge Arbor Day festival with lots of fun activities like tree climbing, live music and even tree seedlings to plant and take home.  We were so excited about this one that we accidentaly posted it last weekend!  It is going on this weekend - so don't miss it.

If you are car free but want to get out of the city, take the kids and head right across the harbor (via Hudson Bergen light rail) to Liberty State Park, for the Garden State's largest Earth Day festival.  Kids can bounce till they drop in the Earth Day Kingdom or choose arts and crafts, interactive displays, games, contests and food.  You can also walk across the street and visit The Liberty Science Center and see what they have going on for Earth Day.

Whatever you choose to do this weekend – we hope you have a great one!

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Saturday, April 24, 2010


12th National Day of Puppetry Celebration – Midtown East
Enjoy a live show by the puppeteers of the Puppetry Guild of New York as they perform in honor of their national day.  FREE

6th Annual Sakura Matsuri – Flushing, Queens
Celebrate Japanese culture surrounded by the pink blossomed cherry trees in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.  Take in karate demonstrations, a tea ceremony, dancing performances, music, drumming and parades.  FREE.

Prospect Heights Craft Fair – Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
Drawing on independent artists from around Brooklyn (as well as other places) this fair should actually be called an artisan market instead: clothing, jewelry, metal and wood items, kids gear – all handcrafted will be up for grabs at this fair.  Proceeds will support the art programs for the local public school (PS 9).  The best part is they will have a ton of stuff going on to occupy the kiddies including child care, 30 minutes for $5 - so you can shop in peace.  FREE

Junior Ranger Day—Gateway National Recreation Area

It is National Parks Week all across the country and to celebrate our local National Parks (yes, we have them here, too!) are letting little urbanites experience nature and become Jr. Park Rangers.  Events will be held in Staten Island and Brooklyn where families can experience the history and learn about the flora and fauna of the area.  FREE

St. George Day – St. George, Staten Island
The neighborhood of St. George asks us to re-think the famous legend of dragon slaying in a less violent way at their annual community festival celebrating the arts through literature with books swaps and live readings; dance with belly and step dancing performances, plus lots of art on display and to make. The event will also feature a 30 foot puppet dragon parade (kids can dress up as a dragon and join in) and earth friendly eco events.  The shindig is easily walk able from the ferry, too. FREE.

5th Avenue Family Festival of Park Slope—Park Slope, Brooklyn
Visit the area surrounding the historic “Old Stone House” in Park Slope for a free family festival.  Earth Day activities, games and crafts plus bouncy houses, costumed characters and lots more.  First 200 kids get a free goodie bag.  FREE

Teen Skate Night—Chelsea

A fun ice skating night for teens with a live DJ and games at The Sky Rink.  A great bargain, too. Just ten bucks to skate and free rentals.  


Sunday April 25, 2010

Klutz Crafting Hour for Kids—Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Get crafty with those clever Klutz craft kits for kids. Spend the morning at  Word bookstore, making 'hand art': handprint turkeys, families, spiders and anything else kids can think of.  All materials provided along with some healthy snacks and story time, too. FREE.

Wave Hill Family Project Anniversary Celebration – The Bronx
The educators at Wave Hill have been providing families the experience of creating natural art for 20 years and to celebrate they are asking families to come and create paper flower hats and shakers and then march with them in a gala musical parade.  FREE with grounds admission.

Hippo Playground Spring Fair – Upper West Side
The famous and fabulous Hippo Playground is hosting their annual spring fair.  Lots of fun for all to be had here – kids can get their face painted, run a maze or bounce in a bouncy thing.  All proceeds go to support the playground allowing them to continue their great work.  FREE

7th Annual Kite DIY & Fly—Long Island City, Queens

Create a kite out recycled materials and see if it will fly.  Great kite flying location – breezes from the East River and not too many trees to get tangled up in. Plus, participants get a sneak peek at the upcoming park exhibition Cityscape: Surveying the Urban Biotope, set to open in May, 2010 and a visit to the newly renovated Noguchi Museum.  FREE

Tap Kids--Brooklyn
A contemporary spin on a classic dance form in a family friendly performance, don’t miss their only NYC appearance. The show’s story follows 8 young kids on the verge of graduation as they tackle the challenges pending adult hood has for them.  Tickets: $6.00


Still looking for something to do? Visit our events calendar to see what else is going on around town.  

If you are planning an event, don’t forget to let us know.  Enter it into our calendar.

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