Look here mamas, the Summer is almost over and school is about to start.That means early morning hectic-ness, why do I have to wear this and I don’t wanna get up mornings. So bid the summer goodbye with these kewl places to go.
Visit Coney Island
At new-this-year Luna Park (enter at Surf Ave and W 10th St, Coney Island, Brooklyn; 718-373-5862; unlimited-ride wristbands $26–$34), take a spin on the swirling swings of Lynn’s Trapeze, one of 11 kid-friendly rides.
Make some waves
Dodge the dog days at Central Park’s Lasker Pool (Central Park, enter at Central Park North and Malcolm X Blvd; 212-534-7639; free), which offers a cool and shallow respite from the humidity. At the Children’s Museum of Manhattan’s “City Splash” exhibit, tykes learn about conservation as they play in waterfalls.
Watch a movie outdoors
Bring tots to a free movie part of the River to River Festival (Elevated Acre, 55 Water St between Broad and Old Slip Sts; free tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 6pm; screening 8pm). Sit down on a blanket and belt out classics like “Somebody’s Getting Married.” Click here for the complete roundup of alfresco film series in the city.
Catch a soon-to-close exhibit
It’s your last chance to see two exhibitions with big kid appeal: the American Museum of Natural History‘s “Lizards & Snakes: Alive!” and “Amazon Voyage: Vicious Fishes and Other Riches” at the New York Hall of Science.
Arthur Ashe Kids Day
Check it out if you don’t don’t mind spending a little cash, catch the House of Mouse music stars at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day.
Get on the water
From August 28 to 30, enjoy the Tug and Barge Tour (Pier 6, Furman St at Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn Heights; R.S.V.P. to 718-624-4719; free). The Waterfront Museum and Showboat Barge will dock near the historic tugboat Pegasus; kids can board both vessels for public tours, and sail New York harbor on the Pegasus.
Slurp an unforgettable frozen treat
There’s not a Dairy Queen to be found in the five boroughs, but that doesn’t mean your little ones will be deprived of a dipped cone. The Big Gay Ice Cream Truck (location varies; biggayicecreamtruck.com (you read correctly) The average cup/cone $3) offers its own variation, the Salty Pimp ($5), a vanilla cone with sea salt dipped in sweet chocolate. If your tot prefers a fruity treat, hustle them over to People’s Pops (locations throughout the city; peoplespops.com; average pop $3) for a Greenmarket-fresh ice pop; past flavors have included sweet blueberry cream and a perfectly tart lemon-and-basil shaved ice.
Take a weekend trip
Baltimore, Maryland
Celebrate the sea and its inhabitants at the National Aquarium. The exhibition “Jellies Invasion: Oceans Out of Balance” looks at how thriving jellyfish are changing the balance of aquatic ecosystems (501 E Pratt St, Baltimore; 410-586-3800, aqua.org; adults $25–$30, children ages 3 to 11 $20–$25).
Philadelphia
Only 99 miles from NYC, the home of the Liberty Bell is an ideal destination when you’re strapped for time. Be sure to visit the Please Touch Museum (Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park, 4231 Ave of the Republic, Philadelphia; 215-581-3181, pleasetouchmuseum.org; $15, children under 1 free), where tykes can get their hands on a huge sculpture of the Statue of Liberty’s famous torch. The piece is composed of found objects, including action figures and license plates.
Bethel, NY
If your kids can’t wait to see DJ Lance Rock and the Yo Gabba Gabba! gang at Radio City Music Hall in October, head upstate to the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (200 Hurd Rd, Bethel, NY; yogabbagabbalive.com; Aug 27 at 1:30, 5pm; $39.50–$59.50) to catch an earlier show. Rapper Biz Markie is scheduled to appear, as are other special guests, in the lush environment
CC's Kidz 