Free summer events for NYC kids and families: July

june 27-july 3

River to River- New York Classical Theater

JCC Rooftop Playground
Photograph: Randi Lauren Klein67.ft.67jccrooftop01.JPG1485571
JCC Rooftop Playground
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Madison Square Park Kids Concerts
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Music in the Grove at Fort Greene Park
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River to River- New York Classical Theater
Photograph: Courtesy of New York Classical Theater67.ft.67rivertoriver03_3.jpg1485655
Saturday Sculpture Workshops
Photograph: Courtesy Socrates Sculpture Park67.ft.67saturdaysculptureworkshops02_11.JPG1485676
Saturday Sculpture Workshops
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Summer in the Square
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SummerStage
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SummerStage
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JCC Rooftop Playground

Photograph: Randi Lauren Klein

July 1 - 4

Coney Island Fireworks
The famed Cyclone roller coaster and Deno’s Wonder Wheel sponsor a stunning fireworks display every Friday night, and the Brooklyn Cyclones shoot off their own after select Saturday games. July 1 at 9:30pm. Coney Island Boardwalk, Boardwalk at 10th St, Coney Island, Brooklyn (718-449-8836, coneyisland.com). All ages.

Sing for Hope’s Pop-Up Pianos
Kids may feel the need to show off their hard-earned piano skills when they see one of the 88 pianos to be stationed in popular city spots in all five boroughs. The instruments, which have been spruced up and decorated by professional artists, will be donated to under-equipped schools and hospitals when the two-week event ends. Visit singforhope.org for a full list of locations. July 1, 2. Various locations (212-966-5955, singforhope.org). All ages.

Cityparks Puppetmobile Presents Bessie’s Big Shot
The roving puppet truck rolls out a summer production that tells the story of Bessie (a cow, natch) who dreams of the circus life. July 1 at 10:30am, July 3 at 2pm. Various locations; visit cityparksfoundation.org for schedule. All ages.

Dumbo Kite Flying Society
Every first Saturday of the month, Dumbo’s Galapagos Arts Space takes kids on a high-flying adventure with a free cloth-kite clinic. Don’t worry if your little one is more Charlie Brown than Ben Franklin—they provide loaner gliders and lessons. July 2 10am–noon. Brooklyn Bridge Park, Main St at Fulton Ferry Landing, Dumbo, Brooklyn (718-222-8500, galapagosartspace.com). All ages.

Ezra Jack Keats Story Hour
Sit with the statues Peter and Willy, two of Keats’s beloved characters, for an hour-long performance from storyteller Tammy Hall The series lasts through the summer. July 2 2–3pm. Prospect Park, Imagination Playground, Ocean Ave between Parkside Ave and Lincoln Rd, Prospect Park, Brooklyn (718-965-8951, prospectpark.org). All ages.

Saturday Sculpture Workshops
Drop into Queens’ inspirational outdoor sculpture park for free family classes led by a different local artist each week. Some of our favorite workshops this summer include saurkraut making with Linda Ganjian (June 18), bubble blowing with Harriet Salmon (July 16) and T-shirt decorating with Darren Goins (Aug 27). On June 24, McKendree Key lets kids smash plates, Greek-wedding style, then teaches them how to create mosaics out of ceramic shards. See socratessculpturepark.org for the full lineup. July 2 noon–3pm. Socrates Sculpture Park, 32-01 Vernon Blvd at Broadway, Long Island City, Queens (718-956-1819, socratessculpturepark.org). Ages 3 and up.

Tribattery Pops: Independence Day Weekend Celebration
The downtown volunteer community band celebrates the Fourth of July with an eclectic set, including tunes that range from the obvious (Sousa) to the quirky (Gaga). Sat 2 at 2pm. Zuccotti Park, Broadway between Liberty and Cedar Sts. All ages.

Eagle as Icon
Little conservationists will enjoy this presentation on our national bird and the role the bald eagle has played in shaping the nation’s identity. Then they’ll put their creativity to use in an avian-inspired craft workshop. July 2, 3 1–3pm. Prospect Park Audubon Center, enter at Ocean Ave and Lincoln Rd, Prospect Park, Brooklyn (718-789-2822, prospectpark.org). Ages 5 and up.

Kayaking On The Hudson
The New York City Downtown Boathouse offers complimentary kayaking every weekend through October at three Hudson River docks. No need to make a reservation; just walk right up and wait in (a bit of a) line. Never kayaked before? Not to worry: The nautical experts provide the equipment and the know-how—although they do ask that you sign a liability waiver and wear a bathing suit, shorts and T-shirt. Kids under 16 must be accompanied in the boat by an adult. July 2, 3 10am–5pm. Pier 40, Hudson River at Houston St (downtownboathouse.org). Ages 2 and up.

Shakespeare in the Park
As it did last summer, the Public Theatre is running two plays in repertory at the Delacorte. The grown-up fairy tale All’s Well That Ends Well, which follows resourceful Helena’s gambit to win the heart of snooty Count Bertram, is probably more kid-appropriate than Measure for Measure, which might be too raunchy and Machiavellian for children weaned on Elmo and Abby Cadabby. July 2, 3 at 8pm. Delacorte Theater, Central Park at 81st St (shakespeareinthepark.org). Ages 10 and up.

Abracadabra Magic Show
Cool down with cool tricks at the Chelsea mega-emporium, which hosts a 20-minute magic show every Sunday, with tot-friendly tricks like collapsing wands, disappearing coins and a seemingly endless stream of scarves. The show is free, but the pre- and postperformance sales pitch may make your cash disappear. July 3 at 3pm. Abracadabra Superstore, 19 W 21st St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-627-5194, abracadabrasuperstore.com).

Freedom Strut
Commemorate the end of slavery at this storytime and craft event. Kids listen to storyteller Hasan Bakr tell about the fight for freedom, then create their own Emancipation Day button. Sun 3 1–4pm. Lefferts Historic House Museum, Prospect Park, Flatbush Ave at Empire Blvd, Prospect Park, Brooklyn (718-789-2822, prospectpark.org). Ages 3 to 12.

JCC Rooftop
The Big Apple has some great public play spaces, but the JCC’s is tops—and not just because it’s nine stories above street level. Every Sunday in July, the UWS institution opens its 3,000-square-foot playground to nonmembers. Kids can play on the jungle gym, in the playhouse, and on a slide, seesaw, cars and trikes. Our favorite feature, though: a blessedly, clean and convenient bathroom. July 3 noon–4pm. JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave at 76th St (646-505-5708, jccmanhattan.org). Ages 2 and up.

Summerstage Kids’ Bronx Family Day
This blow-out festival features top-name performers including Grammy Award-winning storyteller Bill Harley, kid-friendly rapper Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, local latin-infused band Moona Luna and Illstyle & Peace Productions, a multicultural dance company this melds tap, beatboxing and more. Kids can also check out art workshops and puppet shows. July 3 at 3pm. St. Mary’s Park, 146th St at St. Ann’s Ave, Bronx (212-360-8290, cityparksfoundation.org). Ages 3 and up.