Free NYC Weekend Events for Kids May 15-17: Cultural Festivals, Fairs, Fairy Tea Party, Free Mini Camp, Farm Fun, More

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!

Madison Avenue Gallery Walk
Saturday, May 16
11AM-6PM
Madison Avenue between 57th and 86th Street
FREE

Fifty-plus galleries along Madison Avenue help raise money for the Fund For Public Schools at this second annual event. There's a silent auction and all, but the best part is the free guided gallery tours for famlies, by the art teachers of NYC Public Schools themselves.

Cathedral of St. John the Divine Spring Fair
Saturday, May 16
11AM-4PM
Cathedral of St. John the Divine
FREE

Dance Parade and DanceFest
Saturday, May 15
1PM
Starting at Broadway and 29th St, Ending in Thompkins Square Park
FREE

This is the second annual NYC Dance Parade. With over 3000 dancers performing down Broadway, culminating in a four hour free festival with staged performances, social dancing, dance lessons and a DJ Party in Thompkins Square Park at 4PM. Check out the parade route to see where you can catch it.

It's My Park Day
Saturday, May 16
Various Times and Locations throughout all 5 Boroughs
FREE

Crafts, dancing and a ton of other activities go on during It's my Park Day, not to mention family-friendly park clean ups, fence painting and gardening. There are way too many events to list here, but visit the site for more information. Take pride in your park and participate in the awesome events, like the Annual Old Stone House (Saturday, 11-3PM, JJ Byrne Playground/Washington Park), where there's face painting, a free kids' clothing swap and dance performaces.

Fairy Tea Party
Spacecraft, Brooklyn
355 Bedford Ave, Williamsburg
Saturday, May 16th, 11:15-12
FREE

In honor of make-believe, a fairy tea party in the backyard. Fairy stories, fairy crown and wings making, iced tea and cookies will be served and you are welcome to bring additional snacks to share. All ages, feel free to dress up. 

Drums Along the Hudson
Sunday, May 17th
11AM-6PM
Inwood Hill Park--rain or shine
FREE

A multi cultural family-oriented festival, the event includes exhibitions of world dance and drumming traditions as well as Native American crafts and international cuisines. The festival combines a celebration of Native American heritage, culture, and art with the diversity of New York City itself.

Birdland: Cool Birds...Hot Jazz
Sunday, May 17th
11AM-3PM
Van Cortlandt Park South & Putnam Avenue
FREE

Here’s a real ‘tweet’ for the family --get close and personal with live birds of prey from Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary, go birding with the Rangers, play bird-brained games, plant bird habitat with the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park, and enjoy jazz music throughout the afternoon.

Brooklyn's Fifth Avenue Fair
Sunday, May 17th, 11am-7pm
5th Ave from Sterling Place to 12th St in Park Slope
FREE

Rides, live stage performances including Puppetry Theatre Arts, The Persuasions, Star Wars characters, Puppet making and more. 

Free Day of Mini Camp
Sunday, May 17th, 3-5pm
41 Broad St
4-7 year olds
FREE

Swim, play basketball, do crafts and decorate cupcakes, drinks and snacks for grown-ups too. Kids should wear bathing suits under their clothes and bring a towel and bag for wet suits. Must RSVP to camp@claremontprep.org. 

Not free, but still fun:

Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month Performance
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Saturday, May 16th, 2-4pm
Free with Museum Admission (suggested donation)

Performances of the music and dance of China, Korea, India and Japan. Beijing Opera, ancient dances, taiko drumming, and more. Educators will speak briefly about art forms and related museum exhibits. REservations not required. 

Taste of Tribeca
Saturday, May 16th
11:30AM-3PM
Duane and Greenwich Sts
$40 per ticket of 6 tastes ($45 day of event)
Live entertainment and KidZone Activities Free

Help raise money for downtown public schools while treating yourself to delicious bites from some of the area's top restaurants like Bouley, Chanterelle and Tribeca Grill. Kids can play, do crafts and laugh at clowns in the KidZone while you chow down. Live music and performaces will take center stage, while local wine merchants host in-store free tastings, and as Tribeca historian Oliver Allen leads a free walking tour. Buy your tickets in advance on their website, and be sure to get there early.

Farm Fest
Sunday, May 17th
11AM-4PM
Queens County Farm Museum
$3/person

Celebrate the return of spring with sheep shearing demonstrations, cultural exhibits and spring plant sale. Country Western Band, Hayrides, historic house and greenhouse tours, food, pony rides and a petting zoo.

Greenwood Awakening
Saturday, May 16
11AM
Green Wood Cemetery
$10/adult

This event, part historic tour - part live interactive theatre is a rare opportunity to explore G-Wood's natural beauty while both humans and puppets guide you through the countless fascinating stories and legends here.

For even more jam-packed weekend events, be sure to check out our calendar.