Free Labor Day weekend events for kids in New York City

Tuesday Sept 8

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Saturday Sept 5 | Sunday Sept 6 | Monday Sept 7 | Tuesday Sept 8

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Joseph O. Holmes, courtesy of BBG

FREE Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Tue Sept 8 8am–6pm. 900 Washington Ave at Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn (718-623-7200, bbg.org). Subway: B, Q, Franklin Ave S to Prospect Park; 2, 3 to Eastern Pkwy–Brooklyn Museum.
Take advantage of free Tuesdays at the garden with a relaxing day among the end-of-season flowers. At 1pm, budding botanists can learn about the importance of seeds in a Discovery Workshop, "The Secret Life of Seeds." All ages.

FREE Conservation Quest at Sony Public Plaza
Tue Sept 8 10am–5pm. Sony Plaza, 550 Madison Ave at 56th St (212-833-8100, sonywondertechlab.com). Subway: E, V to Fifth Ave–53rd St; F to 57th St; N, R, W to Fifth Ave–59th St; 4, 5, 6 to 59th St.
A last-minute addition to Sony Wonder Technology Lab’s already jam-packed lineup of attractions, this interactive exhibit teaches kids about a pressing issue: energy conservation and alternatives such as wind, solar and hydropower. The display is on loan from Norwalk, Connecticut’s Stepping Stones Museum for Children through today only. It's a great rainy-day pick! All ages.

FREE NY400 Week: New Amsterdam Village
Tue Sept 8 11am–7pm. Bowling Green Park, Broadway at Beaver St (ny400.org). Subway: 4, 5 to Bowling Green.
In honor of the quadricentennial of Henry Hudson’s historic voyage, the downtown park will be transformed into a mini Dutch wonderland, including replicas of canal houses, a windmill and a stage for cultural performances. Taste what Holland has to offer, literally, with cheese, waffles, pancakes and herring; gaze at beautiful bugs in a greenhouse; check out traditional crafts such as glassblowing and wooden-shoe-making; and even borrow a bike (for free!) to visit related events throughout the city. See the website for a comprehensive schedule of events. All ages.

Meet the Birds at Bryant Park

FREE Meet the Birds at Bryant Park
Tue Sept 8 11:30am–2pm. Le Carrousel, 40th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-768-4242, bryantpark.org). Subway: B, D, F, V to 42nd St–Bryant Park; 7 to Fifth Ave.
Take a breather from back-to-school shopping and stop by the midtown green space to meet exotic winged creatures from the Arcadia Bird Sanctuary and Education Center. Experts will be on hand to answer questions and facilitate interaction with their feathered friends. All ages.