NYC Family Activities

Step back in time at the NYC Bus Festival! On Sept 21, 2025, vintage buses roll into Brooklyn Bridge Park for a free, family-friendly celebration of transit history.

The Brooklyn Book Festival returns Sept 14–22, 2025, with author talks, family events, and citywide programming. Don’t miss the Festival Day & Literary Marketplace on Sept 21 in Downtown Brooklyn.

Mulberry Street comes alive this September! From zeppole to parades, discover why the Feast of San Gennaro is Little Italy’s most iconic tradition.

If you haven’t made it to Harlem Week yet — this is your last chance. From August 10–17, 2025, Uptown is closing out this month-long celebration with a week packed full of culture, music, food, and community spirit. We’re talking street festivals, fashion shows, outdoor movies, children’s events, career fairs, and some of the best live performances you’ll catch all summer.

Looking for one of the most colorful and exciting free summer events in NYC? The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York is back on Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10, 2025, bringing Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in Queens to life with thrilling boat races, live performances, cultural traditions, and incredible food.

This post is about this summer's free Shakespeare in the Park event in Central Park.