Your ultimate guide to New York for kids

Enjoy an afternoon of arty fun at the Rubin Museum’s annual outdoor fete, where the whole family can watch live music and dance performances, participate in art making and nosh on Van Leeuwen ice cream and Himalayan snacks from Café Serai. This year’s edition gives a nod to the Rubin Museum’s exhibition, “The World is Sound,” with activities and performances inspired by the exhibit. Make sure to spend some time wandering around inside the Rubin, which has free admission all day. All ages.  

New Jersey’s iconic state fair is back for its 31st year! As always, the giant event offers more than 150 rides and attractions, plus tons of free entertainment, an open-air circus, a petting zoo and plenty of live music. More specifics will be announced in the coming months, but mark your calendar for June 27—when kids under 12 get free admission—and for July 3 and 4, when the fair will put on a fireworks extravaganza at 11pm. Check the website for the full schedule. All ages.

New Jersey’s state fair offers more than 150 rides and loads of shows and activities to keep the whole family entertained. Free shows include open-air acrobatics, racing pigs, cuddly animals at the petting zoo and a high dive show. At 11pm, nab a spot with the littles to watch the sky light up with fireworks. All ages.

Families can participate in historic games, crafts, blow bubbles and learn how to make ice cream. Remember to pack a lunch and blankets to enjoy a breezy picnic on the grass! All ages.