Looking for exciting, enriching, and fun-filled activities for the whole family this August? New York City is buzzing with seasonal festivals, outdoor events, interactive pop-ups, and cultural experiences designed for children and families across all five boroughs. It doesn´t matter which borough you are in; there’s no shortage of ways to explore the city while making lasting memories.
Here’s your curated roundup of family-friendly events in NYC to keep your summer calendar packed with smiles.
NYC Summer Festivals and Pop-Ups for Families
This month, don’t miss the return of Gabby’s Dollhouse MEOWseum Discovery Days, an immersive, multi-sensory pop-up perfect for preschoolers and fans of the hit show. Hosted at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum and other city locations, the event features hands-on crafts, themed games, and character meet-and-greets, making it an ideal weekend family outing.
Another highlight is Summer Streets, a signature NYC event happening every Saturday through August 23. For five weekends, stretches of major avenues in each borough are transformed into car-free zones, opening the streets for live performances, fitness classes, public art, and interactive family games. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy the city safely and actively with children.
In Queens, head to Flushing Meadows Corona Park on August 9–10 for the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, where cultural performances, live music, and traditional boat races come together to create a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of Asian heritage.
For a more vintage twist, families can attend the Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island, where dance lessons, costume parades, and classic jazz tunes create a unique throwback experience the whole family can enjoy.
Cultural Events & Outdoor Movies in NYC for Kids
A borough-wide gem is the Festival of Cinema NYC, held in Forest Hills, Queens. This international film festival features a curated lineup of family-appropriate films in early August, exposing kids to a world of storytelling and creativity.
Tennis-loving families should check out Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. As the kickoff to the US Open, this event combines tennis clinics, games, and live entertainment, making it both an active and educational experience.
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NYC Concerts & Live Shows for Families
Older kids and teens will love Anime NYC, a four-day pop culture event hosted at the Javits Center. With cosplay, gaming zones, anime screenings, and panel discussions, it’s a great way to engage with creative communities in a welcoming environment.
For younger audiences, enjoy a mix of music and education with performances like Mozart for Munchkins at Hudson Yards or family jam sessions from the Rock & Roll Playhouse series, which take place in venues across the city and often feature kid-friendly takes on popular music.
Resources to Plan NYC Family Activities
If you’re looking to fill your calendar, visit Time Out’s NYC August Events Calendar for borough-wide listings, including indoor and outdoor kids’ activities. The Secret NYC “Best of August” guide also highlights open-air concerts, rooftop shows, and US Open tie-in events that welcome families.
Sites like New-York-Tickets.com and Parents.com provide additional reviews and direct booking options for performances, classes, and exhibits suited for all age ranges.
Explore the Best of NYC With Your Family This August
New York City offers families endless ways to play, learn, and connect. Whether you’re picnicking in the park, cheering on a dragon boat race, or dancing to jazz in costume, these events help you experience the city through your child’s eyes and create traditions your family will treasure.
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