Hi loopers,
Apologies for the delay. Between step-up ceremony crafts with my fellow class parents and that wild Knicks comeback, I got a little distracted. Wow!
There’s a lot happening: the end of the school year, the Knicks on Saturday, the World Cup kicking off today (¡Viva México!), National Children’s Day on Sunday, and 4th of July planning. If you’re staying in the city, I’ll share ideas soon.
Congratulations to Nicole, winner of our The Parent Loop x Muse Arts giveaway! Didn’t win this time? Muse Arts is offering all Parent Loop families one free Music Together® trial class at their UWS locations (ages 0–5) from June 12–18. Select your class here and use code PLCHILDRENSDAY26 at checkout. Bonus: enroll in a Music Together® membership by June 18 and get 15% off your first payment. Just mention The Parent Loop discount on the enrollment form.
Now, on to this weekend’s plans. As always, events below are free unless noted, because “What should we do?” shouldn’t turn into Saturday morning stress.
Have a friend who wants to sign up? Share the link here and follow @theparentloopnyc for more.
Around The Loop: Little shoutouts, local sightings, and meaningful connections from the week.
Loved checking out Fred’s with Jeff, Curtis, and Barry last Saturday. The guac and chicken fajitas were on point, and it hit that rare sweet spot: family-friendly, but still grown-up. Strollers aren’t allowed inside, but patio strollers are okay if they’re not blocking the way. Say hi to Tracy if you go!
And a shoutout to tía Tori for gifting our toddler a México shirt and ball, and for starting the fútbol lessons early. Related: starting today, you can pick up a free NYC Neighborhood Passport at any NYC public library. It’s a World Cup-themed scavenger hunt across the five boroughs, with artist-designed stamps to collect along the way. Can’t wait to grab ours.
Friday - June 12
Kid's Magic Show: Le Carrousel Extravaganza @ Bryant Park, 10-11am, all ages, Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays. Plus check out the Kids Creative Corner after the show. The Parent Loop pick!
Fishing @ the Harlem Meer (Charles Dana Discovery Center), 10am-3:30pm, borrow fishing poles (ID required) and bait from the Dana Center.
Kids in Motion @ Gertrude Ederle Playground (60th/Amsterdam Av), 10am-6pm, all ages.
Caregiver Conversations: Parent Support Circle @ Morningside Heights Library (113th/Broadway), 10:30-11:30am. Join an informal playgroup for caregivers and children, hosted by a local doula. Also on June 12.
Coloring for Babies and Toddlers @ Columbus Library (51st & 10th Av), 10:30-11am, ages 0-5.
Open Playtime @ Bloomingdale Library (100th & Amsterdam Av), 11am-12:00pm, ages 0 months-5 years.
Ted Rosenthal @ Bryant Park (Upper Terrace at the base of the William Cullen Bryant Statue behind NY Public Library), 12:30-2:30pm, ragtime, stride, and jazz, all ages.
Kids in Motion @ Bloomingdale Playground (105th/Amsterdam Av), 2-6pm, all ages.
Arts & Crafts with ALT Ally @ Riverside Library (65th & Amsterdam Av), 3-4pm, ages +6, registration required.
Family Board Games @ Columbus Library (51st & 10th Av), 3-4pm, ages 3-12.
Little New-Yorkers: Sewing the Rainbow: The Story of Gilbert Baker and the Rainbow Flag @ NY Historical Society (Lower level, 77th & CPW), 3:30-4:30pm, ages 3-6. Inc. with museum ticket (adults $24, ages 5-13 $6, ages 0-4 free; family membership $160). Includes a special hello song, silly dances, games, book reading, and your own collaged rainbow flag. The Parent Loop pick!
Teen Trivia: US 250 Edition (American History and Government) @ Morningside Heights Library (113th/Broadway), 4-5pm, ages 13-18.
Game night w. Summer on the Hudson/NYC Trivia League @ Pier I (W 70th St), 7-9pm, all ages, first-come, first-served basis.
NY Classical: “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar” @ enter at Central Park West & West 103rd Street, 7-9 pm. Tickets are free but make sure to make your reservation for details. Be ready to move with the actors (5-6 times) from scene to scene. Until July 5, and they also have matinees and family events.
Carousel: Two-day delivery, but make it cute.
Did your kids suddenly outgrow everything? Carousel curates stylish secondhand kidswear into Baby and Mini Capsules based on your kid’s style preferences, with two-day delivery. No endless scrolling, no mystery quality — just cute, practical clothes with a lighter footprint. Parent Loop readers get 10% off selected capsules with code PARENTLOOP. I can’t wait to get our next one. Get yours here. *Minimum purchase $46.
Saturday - June 13
Puzzles & Play @ Bloomingdale Library (100th & Amsterdam Av), 10am-12pm, ages 13-18.
Teen Advisory Group @ Bloomingdale Library (100th & Amsterdam Av), 10am-2pm, all ages.
Model Yacht Club Races @ Central Park (Conservatory Water), on the east side, between 72nd&75th, 10am-1pm, all ages. Every Saturday, ends in November. Rent or just watch.
Community Open Soccer Play @ near Tavern on the Green (Central Park),10am-2pm. Come play and check out the temporary FIFA pitch. All ages.
Fishing @ the Harlem Meer (Charles Dana Discovery Center), 10am-3:30pm, borrow fishing poles (ID required) and bait from the Dana Center, check the alerts page before going.
Together in Song with Suzi Shelton and Friends @ Library for the Performing Arts (Lincoln Center), 11am-12pm, all ages.
Summer on the Hudson: Nature Explorers: It’s a Small Word @ 102nd St Field House (in Riverside park (bottom level), 11am-12pm, learn about insect life cycles and communication. Designed for ages 4-10 but all ages are welcome. I love this spot but note there are stairs to get down there so a little hard with strollers. The Parent Loop pick!
Open Process Art Afternoon @ Columbus Library (51st & 10th Av), 12-3pm, ages 18 months-12 yrs.
CPDSA Skate Circle Events w. Live DJs @ Skate Circle (middle of Central Park, 69th), music starts 2:45pm-6:45pm, all skills and ages. Bring your own skates and helmets required for 14 and younger. Ends in October.
Summer on the Hudson: Story Hour! @ 102nd street field house in Riverside park (bottom level), 3-4pm, all ages. Note: Stairs to get down there.
Teen Lit Night @ Library for the Performing Arts (Lincoln Center), 6:30-8:30pm, ages 13-18.
Summer on the Hudson: Shakespeare Workout @ Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, 3-5pm. Learn the basics of acting and stage combat, ages 13 and up, registration required here.
West Harlem Summer Jazz Festival @ Morningside Park (113 Street and Morningside Ave), 5-6:30 pm. Most second Saturdays, until September. The Parent Loop pick!
NY Classical: “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar” @ enter at Central Park West & West 103rd Street, 7-9 pm. See details above.
UWS and Morningside WhatsApp community
Reminder: If you want to join the UWS/Morningside parents’ WhatsApp, just hit reply or DM me with your neighborhood and I’ll send the link. One note: this is a peer community group. The Parent Loop is not responsible or liable for transactions, exchanges, or recommendations shared by members. Please use your own discretion.
Sunday - June 14
Fishing @ the Harlem Meer (Charles Dana Discovery Center), 10am-3:30pm, borrow fishing poles (ID required) and bait from the Dana Center, check the alerts page before going.
It's My Park @ Bloomingdale Playground (105th and Amsterdam Av), 10am-2pm, volunteer to plant some beautiful flowers and spruce up the gardens. Bring small gloves for little hands if you have them!
Uptown Kids: Little Kid Flicks @ AMC Lincoln Square, 11am, $5, ages 5+.
Puerto Rican Day Parade: Somos Más Que 100x35 @ 5th Avenue (44th to 79th st.), 11am-5pm. Celebrate at the 69th Annual celebration in NYC, running 35 city blocks. All ages. Grand Marshal is Daddy Yankee. Expect crowds. The Parent Loop pick!
Sunday Story Time: Sylvia and Marsha Start a Revolution!: The Story of the Trans Women of Color Who Made LGBTQ+ History @ NY Historical Society (Lower level, 77th & CPW), 11:30am-12:30pm, ages 3-6. Inc. with museum ticket (see prices above). Hello song, silly dance/game, story time, and a friendship rainbow craft.
Storytime @ The Strand (81st & 82nd), Sundays, 12pm & 3pm, ages 0–7.
Storytime @ Book Culture (2915 Broadway & 114th St), Sundays, 1pm, ages 0–7.
CPDSA Skate Circle Events w. Live DJs @ Skate Circle (middle of Central Park, 69th), music starts 2:45pm-6:45 pm, all skills and ages. Bring your own skates and helmets required for 14 and younger.
The Longest Table @ W 103rd, all ages, 5-7pm, register here. Everyone is invited to sit down, bring a dish, share a meal, and get to know the people in the community. The Parent Loop pick!
Let’s Dance! w. Piel Canela Dance and Music School and DJ Ray Colon @ Pier I (W 70th St), 6-9:30pm, all ages. Learn salsa, bachata, and more.
NY Classical: “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar” @ enter at Central Park West & West 103rd Street, 7-9 pm. See details above.
Ongoing events
Juggling class @ Bryant Park, all skills welcome + equipment provided, 12-1pm, Mon-Sat, April-December.
FIFA Arena: Free Soccer @ near Tavern on the Green (Central Park). All ages. June 10-July 18, most days are open play with two sessions (10am-2pm, 4-8pm). Drop in and join a game but check the deets and calendar.
CPDSA Skate Circle Events w. Live DJs @ Skate Circle (middle of Central Park, 69th), music starts 2:45pm-6:45 pm, all skills and ages. Bring your own skates and helmets required for 14 and younger. Most Sat, Sun, and holiday weekends. Ends in October.
Model Yacht Club Races @ Central Park (Conservatory Water, East side, between 72nd&75th), 10am-1pm, all ages. Every Saturday, ends in November.
Boating, make sure to confirm holiday hours. Usually first-come, first-served; free unless noted otherwise:
Manhattan Community Boathouse @ Pier 96 at W 56th St, Sat and Sun, May 23–Oct 11, 1-6pm
Downtown Boathouse @ Pier 26 in Tribeca, Sat and Sun 10am-4:30pm
Central Park Boathouse @ Central Park at E 72nd St), $30/hour rental
Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse @ between Piers 1 and 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, Wednesdays + Thursdays 5-7pm, Saturdays 10am-3pm, kids and family paddle Sundays 12-2:30pm through August. And you can volunteer. Or learn how to play kayak polo. Yes, it’s free! More info for ages and specifics; limited walk-ins and reservations open 2 weeks in advance here
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood @ The Bronx Zoo, ages 2 and under free, ages 3 and up +28, prices vary, ends Sept 7.
Storm King Art Center @ Hudson Valley, ongoing events for kids and families, children 0-4 free, ages 5 and up +$15.
Brooklyn Cyclones game @ Maimonides Park (Brooklyn), $16-61, times/dates vary, all ages. Don’t forget to hit up the Original Nathan’s Famous nearby. Check out the know before you go here for more info and make sure it’s not an away game.
Coney Island @ Brooklyn (1208 Surf Av); Check out the museum, the shows, and Luna Park (exact times/dates vary; no fee to access the amusement park but rides/attractions prices vary $49-$90).
Always check the NYC Ferry schedule (New York City Ferry Service) before you go, especially on weekends.
From the East 90th Street landing by Carl Schurz Park, families can take the Astoria Route or the Rockaway-Soundview Route for an easy ride with skyline views.
From Pier 11/Wall Street, you can connect to Governors Island on summer weekends and holidays, or take the South Brooklyn Route to Atlantic Ave/BBP Pier 6 for Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Water Lab playground.
Conservatory Garden @ 104th/106th East Side of Central Park, 8am-dusk.
Romeo & Juliet’s @ Shakespeare in the Park, ages +5, ticket info is here.
Start thinking about 4th of July in NYC and the 250 year celebration!
Indoor favorites for rainy days
Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre @ 81st and CPW, in Central Park, tickets +$12 for ages 2 and up, for ages 3-7, various times.
The Met’s 81st studio @ The Met (on the bottom floor; a state-of-the-art space), stroller parking, 10am-5pm, ages 3-11.
Hands-on-activities (Discovery Room ages 0-12, Climate Learning Lab ages 8+, Human Origins Learning Lab ages 8+) @ American Museum of Natural History, NYC residents pay-what-you-wish. Note: The Discovery is moving from a first-come, first-served to a registration-based approach so make sure to sign up when you get to the museum.
Libraries are open Friday and Saturdays, closed Sundays: Bloomingdale Library (99th st), Riverside Library (66th st), St. Agnes Library (81st st), Columbus Library (51st st).
Bookstores, times vary: Book Culture (@112th, @114th), The Strand (81st & 82nd on Columbus), Barnes and Noble (@82nd st).
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The Parent Loop
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Disclaimer: Event details, dates, prices, and links are subject to change — please check with venues before heading out. Some product links may earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share items we genuinely use and love. The Parent Loop and its admins are not responsible for member posts, recommendations, transactions, services, or arrangements made through WhatsApp groups. Participation is voluntary, and each member is responsible for their own decisions, screening, and interactions.