Even though the holidays are coming, there are still a ton of free things to do in San Diego with kids this month
The holidays are coming and while that means more money for special occasions, gifts and hot chocolate, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun in San Diego for free. Fleet Week is here and along with it, a bevy of fun, free events the whole family will love. Don’t miss out some (free) special story times at Lido Village Books and Athenaeum Music and Arts Library and one of our favorite times of the year? A chance to explore our local National Parks for free.
Free Things to Do in San Diego That Are Always Free
Become a Skater Babe: Follow in San Diegan Tony Hawk's footsteps and take your board to roll with it, flip, jump and carve at one of San Diego's many thrilling skateparks.
Join a Park Ranger Program at OneofSanDiego’sManyParkTerrains: You can head down to the coast at Cabrillo for Park Ranger walks at the lighthouse, or drive up the coast to Carlsbad’s wildlife viewing with the junior rangers, or move inland for a wildlife tracking hike or nature story time at Mission Trails or go south for a guided bird walk at the Tijuana River Estuary. Click here for the full list of park ranger programs nearby.
Visit Seaport Village: Window shop, wander along the bay, watch the ships go by, listen to live music in the food court, and watch the kites fly—all in Seaport Village.
Hit the Beach: Of course, we can never really get sick of the beach. From stretches of shimmery sand at Coronado's Silver Strand to boogie boarding near the cliffs of Torrey Pines and making waves in Del Mar, nothing is more iconic than a beach day here in San Diego. Want to explore a new beach this summer? Check out our guides to the best local beaches for the kids and the best beaches to take your dog in San Diego.
Visit the Best Playgrounds in San Diego: Discover where kids can slide through a giant bunch of grapes or commandeer a pirate ship on our list of the best San Diego playgrounds.
Explore Chicano Park in Barrio Logan: Vivid, lively murals depict aspects of San Diego’s Mexican-American heritage including mythology and immigration. Kids especially love the Children’s Mural, which represents drawings and paintings from kids that attended two local elementary schools. Chicano Park is a great place to go with kids and give them an art lesson. Visit the park's interactive website to explore the murals' history and artists before your visit.
Get Instagram-famous: Capture a super photo-op at one of these Instagrammable murals.
The Sanford Children's Library at the Central Library: The library's Dr. Seuss murals and thousands of books make it a fun, inviting space for kids. Park in the underground lot and get validation to park for free for the first two hours.
Queen Califia’s Magical Circle: The colorful, whimsical sculpture garden that is Queen Califia's Magical Circle will delight kids. Make a day of it and check out this additional interactive public art for the whole family.
Check Out Not One, but Two Historic San Diego Ranch Houses: The Los Peñasquitos Ranch House is the second oldest standing residence and was built in 1823 by the recipients of the first Mexican land grant in San Diego County. Take a hike around the area, then check out the goats, chickens, veggies, and have some fun in the large open spaces for playtime.
Then head to “Carlsbad’s Sleeping Beauty” to see the Leo Carillo Ranch House and prance with the peacocks and play on authentic ranch and farming equipment. Don’t forget to pack a picnic!
Explore Old Town to see the birthplace of California: Settled in 1769, many of the buildings in Old Town were built in the early 1800s, which is pretty amazing in itself. See the mission, run around on the green or walk through the village, taking in the sights of old San Diego by visiting Old Town.
Uncover San Diego's Hidden Gems: A house perched off the edge of a building, secret messages in the sand and more unbelievable sights that will wow and delight your brood—these free hidden gems in San Diego are fun to discover whether you're a tourist or a bonafide local.
While you pen your New Year’s resolutions consider adding a new tradition: the family bucket list. Whether you’re new to the area or have called DC home for decades, there is always something new to see and hidden gems to explore. Not sure where to start? We’ve created a seasonal checklist of things to see and do in DMV so you can create an epic road map for the year ahead (and, while you’re at it, the decade!). Happy New Year!
1. Snow ball fight! If DC is lucky enough to get a good dusting of snow this winter, the Washington DC Snowball Fight Association (yes, it exists) hosts a flashmob-style, family-friendly snowball fight. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for deets.
2. Cure cabin fever by sliding, swinging, climbing, and jumping around at one of DC’s indoor playgrounds.
3. Skate circles around the Pentagon Row Ice Rink, and then thaw off by snuggling up at one of the rinks fire pits.
4. Visit Mount Vernon, the estate once occupied by George Washington, where this time of the year is filled with super fun candlelight tours, chocolate making demos, and camel sightings (really!).
photo: Kelle Hampton
5. Take a break from the brisk with a spot of hot tea at a “Girlie Girl” tea party.
6. Grab your coats and some hot chocolate, and head out to spy one of the DMV’s spectacular light displays.
7. Get stuffed on handmade pop tarts (think: peppermint fudge) at Ted’s Bulletin. P.S. Don’t worry, there’s still some time before swimsuit season.
8. Let your toddler explore mazes, obstacle courses, tunnels, and slides at Kid Junction, a 10,000 square foot fully-enclosed facility in Chantilly, VA.
9. Want to save some money? Snag a parent-approved free kid’s meal.
10. Spend the morning at the National Aquarium. With over 750 species of underwater critters, puffin feedings, a 4D Immersion Theater, and more, the aquarium has something for everyone.
11. It’s the season of giving so volunteer at Food and Friends, where you and your minis can prep and deliver hot meals to people living with challenging illnesses.
photo: iStock
12. Eat dinner by a toasty fire at one of the DMVs restaurants that keep their fireplaces going all winter long. .
13. Chase butterflies at the Smithsonian’s indoor Butterfly Habitat Garden. Bonus: The climate-controlled environment is kept at a toasty 80 degrees.?
14. Spend the day—watching boaters, exploring historic houses, and noshing on cupcakes—in beautiful Georgetown.
15. Warm up with a bowl of chili (and/or a half smoke) from D.C.’s iconic Ben’s Chili Bowl.
16. Experience a jazz concert designed for young music lovers at the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Gallery.
17. This wouldn’t be a bucket list if we didn’t encourage you to go skiing or snowboarding; and the best part is that you don’t even have to travel far to hit the slopes.
SPRING
18. The Kennedy Center opens its doors for visitors to check out local, national and international talent for free.
19. Kayak, paddleboat or SUP (aka stand up paddle boarding) Head over to the Key Bridge Boathouse to take a class or rent a boat or board.
26. Pack a picnic basket – or toss an extra applesauce pouch into the diaper bag – and chow down next to a towering statue of Teddy Roosevelt or between zip lines at the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School.
27. Waterside fun isn’t just for summer. Check out all the options at District Wharf.
28. Stretch your vocal chords – see what we did there? – with kid-friendly sing-alongs at Bobby McKey’s.
29. Go off to see the Wizard at Watkins Regional Park Wizard of Oz Playground Don’t forget your camera! There’s a real life yellow brick road at this park for your crew to skip down.
43. Head to the Chesapeake for a day or spend the night Follow geotrails, go boating, hunt for fossils, and more!
44. Explore underground at Luray Caverns Whether you want to tire the kids out on an endless hike, ride an elevator 34 stories down, or listen to nature’s pipe organ, the opportunity to go spelunking is just a cave away.
photo: Urban Pirates
45. Take an Urban Pirates Ride on the Potomac Perfect that pirate aaaarrrrrgggghhh!
46. Three words: yoga with goats Yes, goats. What more is there to say about that?
47. Take your team out to the ballgame Of course we’re rooting for the Nationals.
48. Oooh and ahhh at fireworks on the 4th of July Scope out the best spots to set up here.
photo: Smithsonian Folklife Festival
49. Share culture at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival This free festival, which features master artisans and tradition bearers, takes place for two weeks every summer.
FALL
58. Take to the great outdoors to admire the colorful fall foliage. Or hop on a train if that’s more your speed.
59. Find all things pumpkin at your local grocery store, but for the real deal – plus fun slides, petting zoos and gourds gone wild – check out an areat pumpkin patch.
60. Doctors aren’t the only things apples can keep at bay. A trip to a pick-your-own orchard can be a great way to stave off the ever-charming “I’m booooored” blues.
88. Location is everything, and we are lucky to be close to so much American history. Head down I-95 to Colonial Williamsburg. Take a detour to Great Wolf Lodge – a hotel and water park in one – to earn extra points with the kids. Stay the night or get a day pass.
photo: iStock
89. Take comfort in a bowl of soup as the mercury slowly falls.
90. DC isn’t the only place for museums. Hop on I-95 north to Baltimore to check out all Baltimore has to offer.
91. Go where climbing the walls won’t end with someone in time out: rock climbing gyms.
Ring in the holiday season by cozying up amidst the warm glow of a tree lighting ceremony. Beyond the mesmerizing, twinkling lights, kids can also whisper their wish lists to Santa, sip warm cocoa, sing with carolers, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride and so much more. Read on to see where to take your little snow angels to pave the path to Christmas at tree lighting occasions that shine bright across San Diego.
photo: Kevin Baird
North County Inland
Poway Tree Lighting & Festival
Even Scrooge would be impressed with this free festival in Old Poway Park. From Santa and the missus to horse rides, face painting and model trains, little helpers will have plenty to do at this annual celebration. Free event. Sat., Dec. 14, 3:30-8:30 p.m. (tree lighting at 5:15 p.m.). 14134 Midland Rd., Poway.
San Marcos Tree Lighting & Santa’s Village
Head to Santa’s Village and Tree Lighting at San Marcos Civic Center. This free event includes fun for the whole family. Get a photo with Santa Claus between 1-4:30 p.m. There will be free festive crafts and activities, as well as vendors selling their wares and snacks. Entertainment will be featured in the courtyard, and the tree lighting is at 5:35 p.m. Don’t miss the ‘snow’ right after the tree lighting! Sat. Dec. 7, 1-7 p.m., (tree lighting at 5:35 p.m.). 3 Civic Center Dr., San Marcos.
Fallbrook Tree Lighting
From the moment your little snow angel spots this 50-foot tree their face will light up. Add in caroling, face painting, holiday games and good food and you’ve found the holiday spirit. Free event. Fri., Dec. 6, 5-7:30 p.m. 341 Heald Lane, Fallbrook.
photo: Sally Montiano
Vista Village Winterfest & Tree Lighting
Roaming mariachis, holiday movies, ugly sweater contests, homemade tamales, kids activities, arts and crafts and meeting Santa all add to the magic of this festive SoCal tree lighting event. Free event.Sun.,Dec. 8, 2-7 p.m. Vista Village
North County Coastal
Omni La Costa Resort Tree Lighting
Celebrate the start of the season with a festive tree lighting and a visit from skydiving Santa! Shop the holiday market, sip hot chocolate and cider, sing with the carolers and little hands can make holiday crafts. Free event. Sat., Dec. 7, 3-8 p.m., 2100 Costa Del Mar Rd., Carlsbad.
One Paseo Tree Lighting
At One Paseo’s first Small Business Saturday, several shops will be offering exclusive specials and discounts to encourage guests to shop small. Following Small Business Saturday shopping, One Paseo invites guests to stay for the center’s tree lighting ceremony. The ceremony will take place from 5-7 p.m., and feature live musical performances from the San Diego Children’s Choir and FROSTBITE, visits with Santa, and festive photo opportunities while snow cascades from the rooftops. Free event. Sat., Nov. 30, 5-7 p.m., 3725 Paseo Pl, Carmel Valley.
Encinitas Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
Watch your little elf’s face light up with excitement when Santa arrives and the tree sparkles, followed by a huge festive holiday parade. Free event. Sat., Dec. 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m. (tree lighting at 5 p.m.). Lumberyard courtyard, 937 S. Highway 101, Encinitas.
17th Annual Lighting of The Forum
The 17th Annual “Lighting of the Forum” will feature a live stage show by the Crown City Bombers, Santa’s Grand Arrival on a horse-drawn sleigh and Holiday Light Show and Magical Snowfall just after Santa flips the switch to light the tree. Santa will be welcomed in style with an escort by the La Costa Canyon High School Marching Band. Complimentary refreshments will be available after the tree lighting provided by some of the restaurants at The Forum Carlsbad. Once Santa fulfills his tree lighting duties and oversees the Holiday Light Show and Magical Snowfall, he will visit with children for the rest of the event listening to gift requests! Free event. Sat. Nov. 30, 6-9 p.m., 1923 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad.
Del Mar Tree Lighting & Santa By the Sea
Holiday photo-op with Santa and the Missus at this festival by the sea. There’ll be caroling, letters to Santa, making crazy Christmas hats, free refreshments and of course the finale lighting of the holiday tree. Free event. Sun., Dec. 8, 3-5 p.m. (tree lighting at 5 p.m.). Northwest corner of Camino Del Mar and 15th St., Del Mar.
Solana Beach Tree Lighting
There’ll be beautiful views and a brilliant tree lighting. Join Santa for live music, cookies, holiday treats, and merrymaking. Free event. Sun., Dec. 8, Begins at 4:30 p.m. Fletcher Cove Park, 111 S. Sierra Ave., Solana Beach.
Oceanside Tree Lighting
Come for the tree lighting countdown, stay for the live music, family-friendly entertainment and games, horse and carriage rides, amusement rides, zip lines, bounce houses and more. There will be free cookies and milk for kids and free holiday arts and crafts projects. There will even be a special visit from Old St. Nick who arrives via firetruck. Free event. Thurs., Dec. 5, 5-9 p.m. (tree lighting at 6 p.m.) Regal Plaza, 401 Mission Ave., Oceanside.
The Village Pacific Highlands Ranch
Enjoy live music, photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, sweet treats, and, of course, a tree lighting ceremony. Free event. Sat., Nov. 30, 5-7:30 p.m. Village Square, 13490 Pacific Highlands Ranch Pkwy., San Diego.
San Diego
Liberty Station Tree Lighting & Festivities
This 88-foot Norfolk Pine lights up to usher in holiday cheer. Pack a picnic and stay for the showing of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas on the lawn. Free event. Fri., Nov. 29, starts at 4-9 p.m. (tree lighting at 6:15 p.m.). 2875 Dewey Rd., San Diego.
Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
Santa arrives by horse and carriage and there’s plenty of shopping to do. Head to the Piazza for the tree lighting, and kiddos can do crafts. Free event. Sat., Dec. 7, 4-8 p.m. (tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.). Piazza Basilone, Fir St. and India St., Little Italy.
photo: Richard Benton on behalf of the Balboa Park Conservancy
Pacific Beach Tree Lighting
A uniquely SoCal holiday gathering. Meet Santa & Mrs. Claus, enjoy food and entertainment and a lighting of the pier tree at sunset. Professional pics with the big guy are $10 or $5 when you bring school supplies to support the schools. Sat., Dec. 7, 2-5 p.m. (tree lighting at sunset). End of Crystal Pier, Pacific Beach.
Christmas on the Prado & Tree Lighting ‘Tis the season for the 4th Annual Children’s Coalition Christmas on the Prado. Bring a gift for Toys for Tots and enjoy music, entertainment, photos with Santa, an elf contest, tree lighting, kids crafts and Nativity scenes. Sat. Nov. 30, 1-8 p.m., Balboa Park, Spreckels Organ Pavilion, San Diego.
East County
Santee Holiday Tree Lighting
From snow sledding and train and trolley rides to a petting zoo, crafts and a firetruck, this annual tree lighting is sure to amp up your holiday spirit. Fri., Nov. 22, 5:30–8:30 p.m. (tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.). Santee Trolley Square, 9884 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee.
photo: City of Santee
Julian Tree Lighting & Country Christmas
Country Christmas commences the holiday season with music, dancers, the arrival of Old St. Nick (and the Mrs.) and lighting the town Christmas tree. Sat., Nov. 30, 1-7 p.m., Pioneer Park, 2811 Washington St., Julian.
Lakeside Spirit of Christmas Tree Lighting
Get spirited away with the sounds and sights of the Holidays. From school performances and Santa to crafts and lighting of the Christmas tree, you’re sure to have a good time. Sat., Dec. 7, 3:30-8:30 p.m., Maine Ave., Lakeside.
photo: Otay Ranch Town Center
Ramona Christmas Tree Lighting
Head to downtown Ramona on Main Street for the 27th Annual Tree Lighting and holiday fun. You can shop, take a sleigh ride, do a winter craft and more. Sat., Dec. 7, 5-8 p.m., Main Street, Ramona between 6th Street & 8th Street.
South Bay
Otay Ranch Town Center
Santa Claus arrives by firetruck just in time for this tree lighting ceremony. Little hands get crafty, eat cookies, drink cocoa, while you cross a few names off your shopping list. Free event. Tues., Nov. 19, 5-7 p.m. (tree lighting at 7 p.m), Otay Ranch Town Center, 2015 Birch Rd., Chula Vista.
Coronado Tree Lighting & Holiday Parade
Watch the mayor (along with a local family) flip the switch at this Christmas tree lighting festivities. Come early to see Santa (he arrives by firetruck), then stay for the holiday parade. Free event. Fri., Dec. 6, 5 p.m. Rotary Park, Orange Avenue at Isabella Avenue, Coronado.
In case you haven’t had time to create your own list full of action-packed, sun-drenched ideas for things to do with kids in Washington DC with rainy-day backup plans (let alone made a pinnableorinsta-fablulous version), we’ve got you covered. Here’s our ultimate summer bucket list that will take you straight through to Labor Day.
Photo: National Harbor
#1 Take in an outdoor movie Check out this DMV-wide schedule for family friendly flicks.
#2 Kayak, paddleboat or SUP (aka stand up paddle boarding) Head over to the Key Bridge Boathouse to take a class or rent a boat or board.
#3 Pick some berries Wherever you live, there is a pick-your-own farm not too far away.
#12 Spread out at the Georgetown Waterfront This iconic neighborhood may require a double header–come back the next day for more fun.
#13 Head to the Chesapeake for a day or spend the night Follow geotrails, go boating, hunt for fossils, and more!
#14 Explore underground at Luray Caverns Whether you want to tire the kids out on an endless hike, ride an elevator 34 stories down, or listen to nature’s pipe organ, the opportunity to go spelunking is just a cave away.
#15 Go off to see the Wizard at Watkins Regional Park Wizard of Oz Playground
Don’t forget your camera! There’s a real life yellow brick road at this park for your crew to skip down.
Photo: Urban Pirates
#16 Take an Urban Pirates Ride on the Potomac Perfect that pirate aaaarrrrrgggghhh!
#17 Three words: yoga with goats Yes, goats. What more is there to say about that?
#18 Take your team out to the ballgame
Of course we’re rooting for the Nationals if the Orioles.
#19 Oooh and ahhh at fireworks on the 4th of July Scope out the best spots to set up here.
#20 Celebrate at the Capital Pride Festival There are family friendly Pride activities scattered across the DMV throughout the month of June.
Photo: Smithsonian Folklife Festival
#21 Share culture at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival This free festival, which features master artisans and tradition bearers, takes place for two weeks every summer, overlapping the Fourth of July holiday.
#23 Check out some of your favorite monuments at night. These ones are particularly stunning under the stars: Jefferson, FDR, Lincoln, MLK
#24 Relax with Jazz in the Garden Insider secret: Jazz is a great way to lull a sleepy baby into dreamland.
#25 Experience ‘No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man’ at the Renwick Gallery Immersive room-sized installations, costumes, and jewelry will keep your kids wanting to see more and more of this exhibit.
Photo: Badlands
#26 Play and stay dry at an indoor playground If you haven’t visited Badlands yet, a rainy summer day is the perfect time to do it!
#27 Check out your local library website for Summer Reading Here’s a story time cheat sheet for all ages.
Spring has sprung — and NYC is read to party! Celebrate the opening day of a baseball diamond, a roller rink, or a foodie destination. Take part in a giant pillow fight for a good cause, rock out at an exhibit in Queens, or drop in to a carnival just for kids. But wait, there’s more! Read on to fill your April with all kinds of fun!
Pillow Fight NYC The Urban Play Movement and newmindspace host this free event that this year, benefits Dare2B, which fights to eliminate child poverty and homelessness in New York City. Bring a feather-free pillow to Washington Square Park for some old school pillow fight fun, and donate it after the hilarity ends. Note: there are de-linting stations on site, too. Whether you participate or just watch, it’s a once-a-year event worth checking out!
April 2, 3-6 p.m.
Washington Square Park
West Village
Online: facebook.com/events
Prospect Park Opening Weekend Join the Prospect Park Alliance for a weekend full of events celebrating the park and the start of baseball season and more. On Sat., April 2, from 10:00-10:30, more than 1,000 junior baseball players ages four to 18 will parade down Seventh Avenue led by a marching band and civic leaders. It all ends at the Long Meadow Ball Field, where a ribbon cutting and ceremonial first pitch will the thrown. Hit the opening weekend of food cart market Smorgaburg from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Breeze Hill in the park, stop by the Lefferts Historic House to plant some spring seeds (and take one home) or visit the park’s Audubon Center for bird watching and nature exploration.
April 2 & 3
Tickets: free; suggested donation of $3 at Lefferts Historic House
Prospect Park
Online: prospectpark.org
Yankees & Mets Opening Day The Bronx Bombers up against the Houston Astros on April 4, while the Mets take on the Philadelphia Phillies on April 8. Of course, tickets are hard to come by now, but maybe you know a guy who knows a guy?
Queens County Farm Museum Children’s Carnival Head to the farm on two weekends in April for a kid’s carnival full of amusement park rides, midway games, pony rides, hay rides and children’s entertainment. Plus, a seasonal petting zoo for an additional fee.
April 9 & 10; April 16 & 17, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tickets: $12
73-50 Little Neck Pkwy
Queens
718-347-3276
Online: queensfarm.org
Hey! Ho! Let’s Go!: The Ramones and the Birth of Punk Got a rocker in the house? Head to this exhibit at the Queens Museum celebrating the hometown ruffians known as The Ramones. Marking the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the group’s first album, this show explores The Ramones’ roots in Forest Hills, while also reviewing the band’s significant influence on rock music, fashion, art, comics and more.
April 10-July 31
Tickets: $8/adults; $4/seniors, free/children 18 and under
Queens Museum
New York City Building
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
718-592-9700
Online: queensmuseum.org
photo: via Peppa Pig Live! Facebook page
Peppa Pig Live!: Peppa’s Big Splash
UK sensation Peppa Pig crosses the pond for the first time for Peppa Pig Live!: Peppa’s Big Splash! Life-size puppets hit the stage for lots of singing, dancing, games and jumping in puddles, of course.
April 9 & 10
Tickets: $40-$60
Beacon Theater
2124 Broadway at 74th St.
Upper West Side
212-465-6500
Online: peppapigliveus.com
photo: New Victory Theater
Bello Mania The high-flying, seventh-generation clown with the sky-high hairdo is returning to the New Victory Theater for another springtime run. (The two previous ones have sold out.) Recommended for kids ages five and up.
April 15-May 1
Tickets: Starting at $15
209 W. 42nd St.
Times Square
646-223-3010
Online: http://www.newvictory.org
Earth Day Celebration in Union Square
Celebrate Earth Day a little early (the Sunday before) at this annual event dedicated to preserving and protecting the third planet from the Sun. Learn more about environmental campaigns, green lifestyle products, and people doing great green work in NYC. Expect dozens of exhibitors, interactive displays, live performances, and kids’ activities. Also, learn more about the #carfreenyc initiative, a citywide campaign to promote greener and healthier modes of transportation in the city.
April 17, Noon-7 p.m.
Union Square North Plaza
Union Square
Online: earthdayinitiative.org
Earth Day
Celebrate Earth day at a place that’s all about earth! The New York Botanical Garden will be holding interactive gardening activities for kids at the Howell Family Garden; kids will be invited on a vernal investigation in the Adventure Garden, as they look for signs of spring, and the whole family can learn about composting with worms at the Howell Adventure Garden. (See website for times.) Visitors can take in a tour of the Native Plant Garden or the Forest, too.
April 22, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tickets: $20/adults;$18/student/senior; $10/kids two–12; free for children under two
2900 Southern Blvd.
Bronx
718-817-8700
Online: nybg.org
St. George Day on Staten Island
This all-volunteer community festival celebrating Earth Day and the arts is a veritable explosion of music, dance, art, puppetry, and more. In addition to a parade featuring giant puppets in the form of dragons and other creatures, the fest also has a dedicated Kid Zone, arts and crafts, a “free store” (for swapping goods) and a book fair.
April 23, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tompkinsville Park
Staten Island
Online: stgeorgedaysi.com
Arbor Week at Wave Hill
Wave Hill dedicates and entire week to celebrating trees, with a variety of family art projects, tree walks, a bike ride, demonstrations on how to grow trees! The week opens with weekday family art-making and extends into a weekend celebration with tree walks, a bike ride, a cooking demo, a tree-themed Family Art Project, a demo on growing trees and shrubs in containers and drop-in art workshop all about the art of sgraffito.
April 26-May 1
West 249th Street and Independence Avenue
Tickets: $8/adults; $2/children over six; free/children under six and members
718-549-3200
Bronx
Online: wavehill.org
Sakura Matsuri 2016 at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden Some call this yearly celebration of cherry blossoms the true kickoff to spring in NYC. This year marks the 35th annual festival, and the garden is pulling out all the stops for this kid-friendly event. Expect more than 60 cultural events and performances over two days, including traditional tea ceremonies and dance, high energy sets from J-pop stars, cos play, a J-pop dance party, martial arts, and much more — plus a glorious display of blossoms. Tip: members and advance ticket holders skip the line to get in, so buy tickets now.
Sakura Matsuri
April 30-May 1
Tickets: $25/adults; $20/seniors; free/kids 12 and under and members
990 Washington Ave.
Crown Heights
Online: bbg.org
Meet Me at the Fountain
In this site-specific, interactive adventure set across the sprawling Lincoln Center campus, audiences young and old help a secret crime-fighting team to stop a diabolical plot to sabotage an opera diva on her big night.
9th Annual Street Games Take in some old school fun at this free festival in Harlem celebrating low-tech and high energy fun like hippity-hop, double dutch, hula hoop, skateboarding, street hockey, yo-yo-ing, pogo sticks and more! Live entertainment and DJs will be on hand, as will dancers from Dance Theater of Harlem.
April 30, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Tickets: free
Thomas Jefferson Park
114th Street and fourth Avenue
Harlem
212-360-1319
Online: nycgovparks.org
Home Games Opening at Staten Island Museum Head to the opening day of this exhibit that celebrates sports heroes from Staten Island for family fun activities from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
April 30, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tickets: $8/adults; $2/children 2 – 12;
Staten Island Museum in St. George
75 Stuyvesant Pl.
718-727-1135
Online: statenislandmuseum.org
What is your go-to event for April? Tell us in the comments below!
