Free summer events for kids in New York City

Clearview summer movie series
Thursdays at 10:30am through Aug 20.
•Clearview Chelsea, 260 W 23rd St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (212-691-5519)
•Clearview First & 62nd, 400 E 62nd St at First Ave (clearviewcinemas.com). See website for schedule.
July 2 marks the first Thursday that the folks at Clearview Cinemas are handing over two of their Manhattan theaters to a “growing” customer base. Families can enjoy such faves as Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa and The Tale of Despereaux on the big screen while cooling off in industrial-strength AC (that’s our idea of thrills and chills). Tickets go fast; please arrive no later than 10am. Ages 2 and up.

BAM Rhythm & Blues Festival
Thursdays, noon–2pm. BAM at MetroTech Commons, Flatbush Ave at Myrtle Ave, Downtown Brooklyn (718-636-4100, bam.org)
Whenever the big imaginations at BAM are involved, even a full-price event can feel like a bargain—so this lunchtime series of ten free outdoor concerts is a true windfall. This Thursday, July 2, catch Toshi Reagon. All ages.

Global Story Hour at Mercy Corps
Fridays at 3:30pm. Mercy Corps Action Center, 6 River Terr west of North End Ave (212-537-0511, actioncenter.org).
Teach kids to be socially conscious before they’re conscious you’re teaching them. Mercy Corps is a humanitarian aid organization (and Nobel Prize nominee!) that fights hunger and poverty around the world. Every Friday at its interactive learning center in Battery Park City, children can listen to stories and participate in activities that promote cultural understanding and green practices. The spanking-new HQ, built as part of the 9/11 redevelopment, is worth the trip in itself. All ages welcome, but recommended for kids under 7.

Today show concert series
Friday mornings. Arrive by 6am for best viewing. Rockefeller Center Plaza, 49th St near Fifth Ave (today.msnbc.msn.com).
Kids up at dawn every day? Then you might as well go claim a spot at Rockefeller Center and enjoy a free Friday morning concert. This Friday, July 3, catch Rob Thomas. Arrive early for best view. All ages.

Overnight camping
Friday and Saturday evenings. Times and locations vary. Visit nycgovparks.org for a complete schedule..
Just because you can’t get a Zipcar doesn’t mean you have to miss out on one of summer’s sweetest pleasures. On Friday and Saturday nights in July and August, Urban Park Rangers will take families camping at predetermined parks throughout the five boroughs. Activities include alfresco cookouts, ghost stories and starlit hikes before participants retire to tents. Bring your own sleeping bags; all other gear is provided. Advance online registration required. All ages.

Governors Island
Fridays 10am–5pm; Saturdays, Sundays 10am–7pm. Ferry leaves Lower Manhattan from the Battery Maritime Building, adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal (212-440-2202, govisland.com).
Much of this national monument’s land-that-time-forgot vibe springs from its having been off-limits to civvies for so long. The island, now owned by the city, is making it up to us by offering loads of weekend freebies through Oct 11, starting with the ferry ride, an 18-hole mini-golf course, Friday bike rentals and kayaking lessons. Children’s Museum of the Arts will sponsor a tented open-art studio, with activity stations, a dress-up theater and guided workshops for visitors young and old. All ages.

Wave Hill Family Art Projects
Saturdays 9am–noon. Wave Hill, 675 W 252nd St gate at Independence Ave and 249th St, Bronx (718-549-3200, wavehill.org).
On Saturdays, the Bronx cultural institution waives its admission fee until noon. Bargain hunters can explore 28 bucolic acres before heading over to the learning center for themed art activities, held weekend days from 1 to 4pm. Both in the center and out in the lush gardens, kids will create works like panoramic paper scrolls of Hudson River vistas. Check the website for specific project information. Ages 3 and up.

Kayaking on the Hudson
Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-5pm.
•Riverside Park at 72nd St (downtownboathouse.org). Subway: 1, 2, 3 to 72nd St.
• Pier 96, Twelfth Ave at 56th St (downtownboathouse.org). Subway: A, C, D, 1 to 59th St–Columbus Circle.
• Pier 40, West St at Houston St (downtownboathouse.org). Subway: 1 to Houston St.
It’s no fun being taken for a ride…unless, of course, it’s a free family boat trip. The New York City Downtown Boathouse is offering complimentary kayaking every weekend through October at three Hudson River docks. No need to make a reservation; just walk right up and wait on (a bit of a) line. Don’t worry if you’ve never kayaked before: The nautical experts provide the equipment and the know-how—although they do ask that you sign a liability waiver. Now’s a good time to review your swimming skills. Kids under 16 must be accompanied by an adult in the same boat. Ages 2 and up.

Abracadabra Magic Show
Sundays at 3pm. 19 W 21st St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-627-7523, abracadabrasuperstore.com).
Escape the glaring summer sun in the dark shadows of Chelsea’s Abracadabra magic and costume store. The shop puts on a 20-minute kid-friendly show every Sunday, no purchase required. After witnessing simple feats of legerdemain and, um, scarf-barfing, kids can wander around the shop and try on a new identity or two. All ages.

JCC Rooftop

Photograph: Caroline Voagen Nelson

JCC Rooftop
Sundays, noon–4pm. 334 Amsterdam Ave between 75th and 76th Sts (646-505-5708, jccmanhattan.org).
When the parks are just too crowded, head to this 3,000-square-foot playground, which the JCC opens to nonmembers free of charge every Sunday in July. Nine stories above street level, it contains enough equipment for all, including a playhouse, jungle gym, seesaw, slide, cars and trikes. A ten-foot steel-and-glass enclosure affords fantastic views of Central Park. The convenient and clean rooftop bathroom is a big bonus. All ages.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Sundays. (718-318-4340, nyharborparks.org).
There are plenty of places to glimpse flora and fauna in and around the waters of New York City, but none beat the otherworldly sanctuary abutting JFK Airport. Biologists-to-be can get a gander at sunning snakes, beached horseshoe crabs, shy turtles, radiant butterflies, maybe even a glossy ibis—more than 330 species of feathered creatures make the place a birder’s nirvana. Explore the trails on your own, or reserve your spot in a weekly nature walk, and a park ranger will share his or her knowledge of bird migration routes, local wildflowers or turtle species. All ages.

Find events in...

JUNE | AUGUST