Things to Do

Take away the taxis, Ubers and trucks and what do you have? A very quiet NYC street. During Summer Streets, the three-Saturday event turns seven miles of NYC turf into a car-free zone, but those empty streets certainly don't go to waste. The Brooklyn Bridge all the way to Central Park will be cleared of vehicles, creating a pedestrian paradise complete with food and entertainment. This year's offerings include Potting with the New York Botanical Garden (Aug 11), learning about the importance of Color Theory (all weekends), kite-making with Brooklyn Children's Museum (Aug 18), theater, music, dance, tai chi and so much more. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for outdoor art installations, too. Get the full list of events here. From Park Ave at 72nd St to Centre St at Brooklyn Bridge. All ages.

Kick off the 2017 U.S. Open in style at this annual tennis and music fest. The live stadium show features live performances from big names in music (TBA for this year) and past preformers have included Flo Rida, Zara Larsson and Troye Sivan. There will be exhibition matches and skills competitions with tennis pros. Be sure to come by with the family beforehand to check out the free activities on the grounds, like youth tennis workshops. hair braiding, face painting and autograph signings. All ages.      

Some of New York's best barbecue joints head to Hudson River Park's Pier 97 for this 19th annual bonanza. Chow down on savory, finger-licking offerings from restaurants like Dinosaur BBQ, Mighty Quinn’s BBQ, and Pig Beach and some sweet treats from Melt Bakery. Between bites dance to music from musicians like The Slam Allen Band and Canadian blues singer Dawn Tyler Watson. All ages.

At this celebration, kids enjoy free fun like a puppet show, an amazing circus show, dance performances and more. You can even use the visit as an excuse to grab a burger and a strawberry shake at Shake Shack. Ages 12 and under.