The dog days of August means keeping the kids busy until school starts. Shake things up taking a trip into the city. If you’re wondering what do once you’re there take a look at these choices – all fun, family-friendly, economical adventures.
See a Puppet Show
See the story of Puss in Boots. This classic story, with a twist, comes to life with dazzling puppetry. Looking to change his dull and penniless lifestyle, Puss dons a snazzy pair of boots and sets off on a magical journey, proving himself a caring friend willing to help at any cost. Weekdays, 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m,. until August 25. For all ages. $12 adults, $8 children under 12, children 18 months and under free. Reservations required.
Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, 79th St. and West Dr., New York. 212-639-1697. cityp
Explore an Island
Manhattan may be an island but so is Govenors Island! Explore this car-free, 172-acre island gem in the heart of New York Harbor. Enjoy Slide Hill, play fountains, hammocks, biking, kayaking, food trucks and many other activities throughout the summer. Check website for schedule of free events. Weekdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. until Thursday, Oct. 31. For all ages. Ferry fares: $3 adults, children under 12 free. Ferry is free on Saturdays and Sundays before noon. Reservations not required.
Governors Island, New York Harbor (Ferry leaves from 10 South St.). govis
Go Indoors for Nature
Heat got you down? No worries, explore water to cool off. The Susan Environmental Center at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan hosts one of the NYC favorite summer exhibits for kids, Dynamic H2O. In this interactive exhibit, children get to cool off in a different way. An interactive, water table teaches kids about how NYC gets its water, where it flows through the city, and the role of water in the local environment. Kids get to build their own city, release rain showers, create waterfalls, construct dams, and pump water to the top of a skyscraper. Dynamic H2O engages the mind in an imaginative and educational way. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (weather permitting). For all ages. $15 children and adults. Reservations not required.
Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd St., Upper West Side, Manhattan. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.
Visit a Real Castle
Feel like royalty as you explore the newly reopened Belvedere Castle in Central Park. One of the five visitor centers in the Park, and co-designed by Frederick Law Olmstead (who also co-designed Central Park) the Castle has exhibit rooms, an observation deck and surprise – house the official Central Park weather station. Enjoy views of the Great Lawn, Turtle Pond, and the Delacorte Theatre. To learn more about Castle’s history and preservation take The Belvedere: Beautiful View Tour, see website for times, $15. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Belvedere Castle, in Central Park at 79th St., 212-628-2345. centr
