Summer seems to be flying by, but we’ve found the events that will help you and your family make the most of it! From festive parades in Manhattan and Queens to fireworks over Brooklyn, science experiments on Staten Island, and paddling in the Bronx, we’ve curated events across New York City to keep the fun going all month long.
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New York Family’s Top Pics for August
The beloved inhabitants of Moominvalley have arrived at New York Botanical Garden for Summer of Moomin, inviting families to step into the imaginative universe created by Finnish artist and author Tove Jansson. Experience the Garden through the spirit of Moominvalley, evoking the joy and wonder of nature with a clue-based quest, hands-on nature crafts, and a larger-than-life character photo moment. Tuesdays – Sundays, 10 am – 6 pm, through Sept. 13. All ages. Included with admission: $15-$35. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx
Presented with the West Indian American Day Carnival Association, guests will feel the rhythm of Carnival culture with steel drums, stilt walkers, and costumed dancers when they Celebrate the Caribbean. Get moving at Afro-Caribbean dance workshops, play steelpan, create a carnival headdress, and enjoy the flavors of the islands at a pop-up food marketplace. Saturday, Aug. 8, 11 am – 5 pm. Ages 10 and younger. Included with admission: $15. Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Brooklyn
This special The Little Mermaid Movie Screening and Sing-Along features Tinny Kenny Jones and a Meet & Greet with Princess Ariel! Wednesday, August 12, 4 pm. All ages. $20. St. George Theatre, 35 Hyatt St. Staten Island
New York Family’s Top Free Picks for August
Experience the largest Dragon Boat Festival in the U.S., celebrating the centuries-old tradition of dragon boat racing at the 36th Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. Aug. 8 – 9, Saturday and Sunday beginning at 9 am. All ages. Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 11101 Corona Ave., Queens
Storytelling, children’s entertainment, arts & crafts, double dutch competitions, and face painting are just some of the fun to be had at the Harlem Week NYC Children’s Festival. Aug. 15 – 16, Saturday and Sunday, noon – 5 pm. Ages 5 – 12. Howard Bennett Playground, W 135th St., Manhattan
See over 100 kid-built, soap box vehicles made from recycled materials take to the streets at the 19th Annual South Slope Derby. Saturday, Aug. 29, noon – 3 pm. All ages. Open Source Gallery, 306 17th St., Brooklyn
More of New York Family’s Favorite August Events
Selfie Studio
Staten Island Mall, 2655 Richmond Ave., Staten Island
Mondays – Saturdays, 10 am – 8 pm, Sundays, 11 am – 6 pm, through Aug. 18
All ages
Free
Explore a world of color at Selfie Studio and discover a vibrant side of your personality: your inner color. Are you a playful pink? Or maybe a methodical blue? You’ll have the chance to explore eight different color personalities to find the hue that speaks to you. Then, step inside your color zone and snap your best selfie yet!
Kosher Wonderland at the Jewish Children’s Museum
Jewish Children’s Museum, 792 Eastern Pkwy., Brooklyn
Sundays – Thursdays, 8 am – 5 pm, through Aug. 31
Ages 8 and younger
Included with admission: $16-$19
Step into a magical world of giant treats and kosher adventures! Kids will explore kosher food and brachos (blessings) through hands-on stations and whimsical scenes.
Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, Nature Interpretive Center, 2351 Veterans Road West, Staten Island
Thursdays, 10 am – noon, through Aug. 27
Ages 5 – 12
Free
Children will become naturalists during this weekly nature program! Each week they’ll explore a new topic like birds, amphibians, trees, and more.
Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building M, Staten Island
Thursdays, 4 – 4:45 pm, through Sept. 3
Ages 8 and younger
Included with admission: $10
This hands-on STEM workshop series offers kids the chance to experiment with bubbles, balloons, electricity, and more! These workshops are 100% interactive and have limited spots available, so make sure to reserve your spot at the front desk.
Coney Island Beach, West 16th St., Brooklyn
Fridays, 9:45 pm, through Aug. 28
All ages
Free
See the skies light up every Friday night this summer with a spectacular fireworks display over Coney Island!
44th Annual National Dominican Day Parade
Parade takes place on 6th Ave. bet. West 37 St and West 38 St., Manhattan
Sunday, Aug. 9, 11 am
All ages
Free
Celebrate Dominican culture and pride with festive floats, live performances, first responders, and local leaders.
Parade takes place on 37th Ave. bet. 69th St. to 89th St., Queens
Sunday, Aug. 9, noon – 3 pm
All ages
Free
Celebrate the rich heritage and vibrant cultures of the South Asian community at this festive parade, featuring traditions from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives.
Community Paddle at Concrete Plant Park
Concrete Plant Park, Bronx River bet. Westchester Ave. and Bruckner Blvd., Bronx
Saturday, Aug. 15, 11 am – 3 pm
All ages
Free
Join the Bronx River Alliance for a free community paddle and see your neighborhood from the river’s perspective!
Parade takes place along Madison Ave. bet. E 38th St. and E 27th St., Manhattan
Sunday, Aug. 16, noon
All ages
Free
Considered the largest parade outside of India, this event features more than 50 marching bands and over 40 colorful floats showcasing exuberant pageantry. Each float is meticulously crafted according to its respective theme, representing India’s rich culture and historical legacy. After the parade, head to E 26th St from Madison Ave. to Park Ave. to continue the fun with a post-parade festival.
Parade takes place on 37th Ave. bet. 69th St. and 89th St., Queens
Sunday, Aug. 16, noon – 3 pm
All ages
Free
Celebrate the culture and history of Bolivia with festive floats, stunning costumes, live performances, and more.
The Wiggles Tree of Wisdom Spectacular
Beacon Theatre, 2124 Broadway, Manhattan
Saturday, Aug. 22, 3 pm & 6 pm
Ages 8 and younger
Tickets start at $55
The Wiggles are coming to town with a magical live show experience that will have the whole family singing, dancing and Wiggling from start to end! Join in this all-ages celebration featuring timeless hits and sing-along moments from all your favorites including Rock-A-Bye Your Bear, Fruit Salad Yummy Yummy and Hot Potato! Plus all new favorites like Big Red Ute, Bin Night and so much more.
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadow – Corona Park, Queens
Sunday, Aug. 23, 9:30 am – 6 pm
All ages
Free
The US Open’s annual celebration that honors the life and legacy of tennis champion and cultural icon Arthur Ashe, who tirelessly championed youth participation in the sport, features a variety of family-friendly entertainment and activities throughout the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Visitors can watch their favorite players practice ahead of the US Open Singles Championships, enjoy live musical performances and player appearances on the Fountain Plaza Stage, participate in interactive games and family activities, and attend the star-studded Arthur Ashe Stadium Show.
Family Day August 2026: Art-Making for All Ages
The Bronx Museum, 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx
Saturday, Aug. 29, 1 – 3 pm
All ages
Free
Everyone is invited to the August 2026 Family Time featuring art activities inspired by current exhibitions. Bronx Museum educators will be on hand to guide you through art-making activities that are designed to be fun for all ages and accessible to young children and their caregivers.
Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx
Saturday, Aug. 29, 7 pm
All ages
$31.15; $5 ages 10 and younger when you purchase through the box office
Experience the elegance, power, and artistry of the world-renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem in an exclusive one-night-only performance in the Bronx. Celebrated for its groundbreaking legacy and breathtaking repertoire, this extraordinary company brings together classical ballet, contemporary works, and unmatched athleticism in an evening that promises to inspire audiences of all ages.
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