Things to Do
Things to do with kids in New York, including events this week, free things to do, fairs and festivals, story time, theater for kids, and kids' entertainment
Things to do in New York
The best things to do in New York with kids
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Upcoming NYC events and festivals for kids
Rubin Museum Block Party
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.
State Fair Meadowlands
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.
Spectacular Fireworks Night
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.
Summer Family Theater Festival
The first Summer Family Theater Festival will give families a cool place to hide from the sun. Productions by Vital Theatre Company, Doppelskope, the Amazing Max and Ragtag Theatre Company are all part of a lineup of kid-friendly plays. Catch Pinkalicious The Musical, a silly story about a girl who eats so many pink cupcakes, she develops a skin condition that turns her entire body pink! (July 16–August 27, select Sat and Suns 11am) Flight School The Musical follows the story of a penguin who wishes he could fly (July 16–August 6, select Sat and Sun 1pm) and the Amazing Max will wow children with his magic tricks (July 16–August 26, select Sat and Sun 3pm). Premium ticket holders will want to arrive 25 minutes early to the magic show because those kids who do will receive Amazing Max memorabilia, have front row seating, participate in a magic lesson and will go home with a magic trick to try on their friends. Other festival productions include Ragtag Theatre’s Cinderella (July 29–August 27, select Sat and Sun 3:30pm) and Gruff! (August 4–27, Fri 7pm and Sat and Sun 1pm). If your kid feels inspired to jump on stage, Pinkalicious Performance Camps will run through the summer and will culminate with a performance by the kiddos (July 10–Aug 25, Mon–Fri 9am–12pm)! Various ages.
