Brooklyn

I don't know about you, but this summer we've pared back on camps and vacations in an effort not to spend money we don't have. But our loss is your gain because, instead, what we're going to be doing this summer is exploring New York City and all the fun stuff we don't always have time to do during the school year.

To get organized for a full summer of fun NYC style (and 62 scarily empty days), I planned out an activity for just about every single day in July and August, 'cause, as my son would say, "that's what me do."

The following list is not comprehensive. These are the things I'm looking forward to doing this summer. These are the coolest family events coming up this summer, plus some great places I've just been meaning to get to. And most of them are free.

The Hamptons isn't all that, hang with me right here in New York. It's gonna be a blast (and don't forget to check out our Summer Activity Guide for even more great things to do with kids in NYC this summer).  I hope to see you there.

50 Things to Do This Summer With Kids in New York City:

There are plenty of free swimming pools in NYC, but if the idea of putting your kids in a public pool makes your skin crawl, then you need another option. Ideally, you have wisely cultivated a friend with access to a free pool in their building, but for those of us who are mooch-challenged, don't worry. It's not commonly known, but there are plenty of private pools in New York that you can pay to swim in just for one day, or even have a moderate membership fee.

You can check the websites of each swimming pool for their varying hours, which change by season, but I strongly recommend that you call before you go because many of them close randomly for events or may have changed their policy.

This Sunday is Father's Day and so it's time to celebrate dads.  All year long Dads take the kids to kid-centric weekend activities. For Father's Day Weekend let there be no kiddie music or bouncie castles. This weekend treat dad to some fun family activities that he will enjoy as much as the kids will. There's a sports carnival, family field day, hip hop family festival, baseball games, great music and much more. And most of it is completely free!

Top events for Father Day Weekend in New York City

What's not to love about free outdoor movies in the the city? Enjoy a summer evening under the stars, just as the day is starting to cool off and chillax. There are a growing number of these outdoor film series and many of them show films your whole family can enjoy. Movies begin at dusk which is generally at around 8 or 8:30pm and many of these series include other entertainment that help you pass the time until the show begins.

Here's a rundown of the best free outdoor movies for kids in NYC this summer:

Every single event in this post is free (not even one pay-as-you wish!). Not that there aren't cool events worth paying for this weekend, but there's just so much goodness going on for absolutely free, why pay: Giant BBQs, monster art festivals, science fairs (and not the 5th grade kind) and tons of free music, food, shows and so much more. Isn't summer in the city great?

Summer in New York City means festivals and this summer the city isn't wasting any time jumping head-long right into the festivals. There are over 15 festivals for NYC families going on just this weekend. There are arts festivals, a fish parade, an Italian extravaganza, a pooch parade and bike parade and more than one Strawberry Festival. (So, if a big festival is a"palooza" does that make this weekend a "palooza-palooza"?) Of course, don't forget the summer music festival season has started too. So go get paloozapaloozing. 

Why buy locally? Well, it ensures good independent businesses are here for the long run; it’s beneficial for the environment; and you can get some pretty cool one-of-a-kind items. Finally, these businesses provide excellent learning opportunities: Use shopping trips as a way to educate your child about how local companies operate. If you're already buying locally, take it a step further by increasing the products you purchase. You'll be surprised at how many fine items are made right here in New York City.

One way to shop locally is to visit the flea markets and craft fairs where local artisans and retailers often sell their wares. Brooklyn seems to be the epi-center of these markets now. Below are some of the best markets to buy locally, plus, surprisingly, an online source for local shopping as well.

It seems as if we have been in a rain spell for weeks. But this weekend it's going to be sunny and over 70, perfect weather to hop on a free, rented bike (or the one you own) and hit the ground spinning or, if you prefer two feet to two wheels, try some street fairs, family festivals, sushi and other Japanese cuisine samples (as well as concerts), burlesque shows for moms (what?, that's right) and the opening of Governor's Island. Memorial Day was last weekend--it's time to start celebrating summer! And NYC is full of activities to get you started.

Hot dogs and hamburgers (and veggie burgers too) usually come to mind when Memorial Day rolls around, but there's so much more to the weekend than the BBQ fare. In New York City, Memorial Day also means that the beaches will be opening. Plus the playground sprinklers will be turned on, giving you the assurance that summer really is here. Of course, Memorial Day Weekend also means an extra day off, which means an extra day for fun activities like Fleet Week, a Dragon Boat festival, tug boat and barge tours, an arts festival and some ballet dancing! Check it out.

This weekend there are more than the usual share of great free events. While there may be no desks and talking may actually be encouraged, make no mistake, this city is filled with opportunities to learn--even on weekends. So ditch the books and let them learn the old fashioned way, through exploring.  Don't miss a Gallery Walk, cultural events like the Korean American Children's Festival, a Native American Festival and an American Indian Children's festival, not to mention It's My Park Day, Raptors, more Spring Fairs, a Dance Parade and Festival, a fairy tea party, a free mini camp and lots more. Don't forget to check our event calendar for even more fun stuff to do this weekend. Happy exploring!