Film

Stills from films to be shown at the Jackson Heights Film Festival 

If you do one thing this weekend, head over to the 3rd annual Jackson Heights Kids Film Fest where you can catch 14 short children's films, many of which are award-winning and hot off the film festival circuit. This year's selections include films that explore themes of both American and immigrant life, the avant-guard and classic video games. Held at the Eagle Theater, Jackson Height's very own Bollywood venue, the event draws families in search of a kid-friendly afternoon of movies that go far beyond the usual Disney fare. Really, where else can you watch a range of cool short films while munching on a samosa and holding your toddler in your lap? As an added bonus, after the films join the post screening dance party with the Opus Ditty band. $10 (kids under 10 free) Sunday. 10:30AM - 12 PM.

Plus.... Read more »

The school year has started back up and with it comes a whole new wave of fun weekend activities for kids. This weekend is especially packed with cool alternative events especially fun for kids like the River to River Festival's Big Draw, Howl Kidz, The Art Parade and Circus Amok plus some cool street festivals, a county fair in Staten Island and more. Read more »

Summer is closing in on us so make the most of it with this weekend's line-up of FREE events! 

Photo Credit: Theodora Ravago

RiverFlicks for Kids - if you still haven't caught any outdoor movies this summer, here is your chance. Head over to Hudson River Park to catch the original Willie Wonka and munch on some free popcorn. Check out our Free Outdoor Movies for Kids post for a full line up of other outdoor movie festivals. Friday, movie starts at 8:30pm. FREE

Summer Streets - enjoy the 6.9 miles of car free route Read more »

We all know you secretly sing along to Laurie Berkner, but that doesn't mean you don't occasionally enjoy real grown up entertainment. This week our family friendly activities really are fun for the whole family, focusing on stuff that the grown ups will enjoy for themselves, but we think cool NYC kids will love too.

The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. What a great way to set the stage and introduce your kids to Chinese culture and the Olympics! This weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, enjoy two days of dragon dances, martial arts performances, and arts and crafts tent including Chinese calligraphy, rice doll making, paper cutting and other crafts. Plus of course the dragon boat races!

Here's the perfect family event, in my book: Read more »

Reader, Bess, from Brooklyn gave us the heads up about yet another place to enjoy free family friendly outdoor movies this summer—Waterside Plaza. Waterside Plaza is the apartment complex/community east of the FDR in the 20s. It can be reached by the 25th Street footbridge over the highway or by taxi or bus at 23rd St.

In August there will be a series of movies, music and dancing on the plaza with views of the East River.

Movies are Monday nights at 8:30. Free popcorn and beverages are available. There is limited seating. You should bring your own folding chairs or blankets. Here's the line-up of free family friendly films: Read more »

You read our post about free outdoor movie series this summer, but there are also some regular indoor movies in theaters that kids can see for free or for just $1. Read more »

New York City has gone nuts for outdoor movies in recent years and with good reason, there's something magical about lying back on a picnic blanket and watching your favorite movie with hundreds of other New Yorkers.

Outdoor films are also the best way for grown ups to go see kid movies because you can just enjoy being out on a nice summer evening even if you aren't that into the movie. And, depending on your kids, it can be a great way to get out to see a grown up movie without spending the college savings on a sitter, as many kids will enjoy the classic films frequently shown or will just enjoy being out at night enough to sit (or sleep) through it.  Films begin at dusk which is generally at around 8:30 and many of these series include other entertainment.

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

For many New Yorkers, as soon as the weather warms up, it signals a primordial urge to flee, but summer is one of the most fun times to be in New York. In the summer you can take advantage all the City has to offer — amazing beaches, gardens, pools, outdoor concerts and movies, events and activities. And much of it is completely free, turning New York in the summer into one big fest...and we don't mean a big "sweat-fest" — there's a million ways to stay cool and enjoy the summer in NYC with your family.

Whether you are visiting New York for the day, a week or hanging here with your kids for the whole summer, our Summer Fun Guide will tell you everything you need know to have an incredible summer right here in the city with the kids.

Be sure to check out our Free Fun Summer: A free activity a day for the entire summer!

Summer Concerts and Festivals

The Best Grown-Up Outdoor Music Festivals for Families

The Under(play)ground Music Scene

Free Outdoor Shakespeare for Families

Free Outdoor Movie Festivals

Free Outdoor Movies at Waterside Plaza

Water Fun

Best Free and Cheap Swimming pools

Best New Swimming Pools for NYC Kids

Best Free Swimming Pools in Brooklyn

Swimming Classes

Top 5 Beaches Near NYC for a Family Daycation

5 Water Theme Parks Close to NYC

Best Water Playgrounds around NYC

Best Boat Rides for Families in NYC

Do-It-Yourself Pool Party

Outdoor Fun

Four Excellent Summer Outings for NYC Kids

Where to discover wildflowers in NYC

Free Sports Programs in NYC Parks

Free Summer Sports Activities for Kids in NYC

Free Exercise Spots in NYC

Free Bike Rentals in Manhattan

Children Blossom at Free Brooklyn Botanic Garden Programs

Go Around to NYC's Nine Carousels

Indoor Activities

Lefferts Historic House

The Secret Glass Garden

5 Great Indoor Activities

The Early Childhood Resource and Information Center

Story Times Around the City

5 Museums You've Never Heard Of

Free Movies in Theaters Now 

Free Family Museum Programs:

Cool Stuff at the Queens Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

MoMA

Rubin Museum of Art

Tips for visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art with Kids

Day Trips and Daycations

Long Island Farms to Visit with Kids

Farm Fun for City Kids at NY State County Fairs

Day Trips: Long Island's Best Parks

Four Ideas for Day Trips from NYC

Summer Family Travel

Top Resources for Family Travel

Taking a Babysitter on Vacation with You

House Swapping

Get Outta Town: New Orleans

Get Outta Town: San Francisco

How to bring your own water on the airplane

Car Travel Tips

Neighborhood Outings and Expeditions Exploring the city is another great thing to do while the weather is warm. Just hop on the train or bus and head to a neighborhood you haven't been to before or would like to explore more. We've got loads of neighborhood outings and expeditions for you to explore in our Neighborhood Guide.

Summer Camps Just looking at all this make you exhausted? It's not too late to find a camp. Check out our Camp Guide.

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Learn to juggle or just watch the fun, see Irish short films for kids, see a children's version of the opera Carmen and more all for free with our weekly list of free family activities for New York kids.

NYC 7th Annual Juggling Festival:
JUGGLE THIS! - NYC 2008
Friday March 7-Sunday March 9, 2008

Adults and kids can learn to juggle or just come and watch. Three days of open juggling, workshops, juggling games, and more. The main event will be the juggling spectacular Read more »

Buster Keaton in One Week

It must be Oscar Season because it seems like there's an unlimited supply of interesting movie events for parents who are hunting for some high-quality indoor entertainment. Read more »