There’s nothing like the ring of that last school bell. Here are some fun after-school and weekend activities for children of all ages and their caregivers. Each borough has its special gems, including museums, parks and zoos that welcome families and provide hands-on experiences for young New Yorkers. Visit their websites to learn more.
Great Outings for Parents and Children
Citywide Programs
- The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation holds free family events around the five boroughs all year long. Visit the online calendar.
- The New York Public Library online events calendar lists free, fun and educational events for families and students at public libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. The Brooklyn Public Library events calendar covers public libraries in Brooklyn
The Bronx
- The Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Park, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx. The zoo is one of the world’s leading international centers for environmental education and a facility for rare and endangered species. It also offers summer camp programs. www.bronxzoo.com
- Wave Hill, A Public Garden & Cultural Center, West 249 Street & Independence Avenue (Front Gate), Bronx. www.wavehill.org
Manhattan
- North Meadow Recreation Center, Central Park, Mid-Park at 97 Street. Known as Central Park’s largest open space, the center includes 12 sports fields, for baseball, softball and soccer. www.centralpark.com
- Bike Rentals in Central Park, www.CentralParkBicycleShop.com. 1 hour $8; 2 hours $14; 3 hours $18
- Rose Center for Earth and Space at the American Museum of Natural History (Hayden Planetarium), Entrance on 81 Street just off of Central Park West. www.amnh.org/rose
- The South Street Seaport, 12 Fulton St., New York. www.seany.org
Queens
- New York Hall of Science Museum, 47-01 111 St., Queens. In addition to housing more than 450 permanent exhibits, NYSCI features a dynamic schedule of features exhibitions, events, programs and workshops. www.nysci.org
- USTA, the U.S. Tennis Association, Flushing Meadow Corona Park, Corona, Queens. The tennis courts are open to the public throughout the year. There are indoor and outdoor courts and programs for adults, youths and seniors. www.usta.com
Brooklyn
- The Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Brooklyn. One of the world’s oldest museums for children. www.brooklynkids.org
- The New York Aquarium, 602 Surf Ave., Coney Island, Brooklyn. Sharks, penguins, sea lions and more. www.nyaquarium.com
Staten Island
- Staten Island Institute of Arts & Sciences, 75 Stuyvesant Pl., Staten Island. Come learn about the the art, science and cultural history of Staten Island through exhibitions taken from a collection of more than two million artifacts, along with traveling exhibits. It’s a four-minute walk from the Staten Island ferry dock. www.statenislandmuseum.org
- Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway, Staten Island. Open seven days a week. www.statenislandzoo.org
Other Resources
Time Out New York magazine provides a calendar of current and upcoming fun activities for all ages. Pick up the magazine or visit the kids’ section online at timeoutnewyorkkids.com