New York City is the best place to say goodbye to summer in style over Labor Day weekend. There are things to do in the city for people of all ages, from strange festivals to outdoor shows and family carnivals. New York City has everything you could want, from live music to outdoor theater to good old-fashioned fair fun.
This year's lineup includes cultural events, creative workshops, exciting shows, and a lot of fun for kids. This Labor Day weekend, here's a list of the best things to do in New York City with kids, as per a report by Mommy Poppins.
ALSO READ: iOS 26 Beta 5 goes live — the biggest iPhone upgrades coming this September unveiled
Richmond County Fair (Staten Island)
August 30 – September 1
Step into a classic county fair without leaving the city. Expect rides, crafts, circus performers, live music, and plenty of delicious food. A 42-year tradition, it’s a must-visit for families.
16th Annual NYC Unicycle Festival (Citywide)
August 28 – August 31 – Free
Watch daring unicyclists roll through the city. From recreational riders to pro performers, this unique event showcases tricks, challenges, and one-wheeled fun.
Picnic Performances in Bryant Park (Midtown West)
August 29 – 30 – Free
Spread out a blanket and enjoy live music, dance, and theater under the stars. These outdoor performances bring the city’s cultural spirit to life.
Shakespeare Unrehearsed in Central Park
August 30 – Free
A twist on the Bard’s classics — actors memorize lines but never rehearse together. Expect surprise, laughter, and true improv Shakespeare in the park.
The Disappearance of Miss Scott in Marcus Garvey Park (Harlem)
August 30 – Free
A moving performance honoring Hazel Scott, the pioneering jazz pianist, actress, and civil rights advocate.
Swingers NoMad Mini Golf (Chelsea)
August 30 – September 1
Crazy golf, slushies, prizes, and even surprise treats along the course. Parents can enjoy cocktails while kids play and spin the prize wheel.
Bounce House at Staten Island Children’s Museum
August 29
A pop-up bounce house for kids to jump, tumble, and burn off energy.
Back-to-School Carnival at Complete Playground (Financial District)
August 31 – Free
A cheerful send-off to summer with games, balloon twisting, characters, treats, and a bouncy house.
Family Art Project: Fishy Fun at Wave Hill (Bronx)
August 30 – 31
Craft colorful 3D fish inspired by Wave Hill’s aquatic gardens.
Turn Your School Green! at the Skyscraper Museum (Battery Park City)
August 30 – Free
Kids compare eco-friendly school designs with skyscrapers and even design their own sustainable school.
Shape Note Singing on Little Island (West Village)
August 31 – Free
A 200-year-old choral tradition brought to life in a participatory singalong led by Sam Amidon.
West Indian Day at CMOM (Upper West Side)
August 30 – September 1
A family-friendly nod to the West Indian Day Parade, filled with cultural celebration.
Free Community Rowing, Sailing & Birding at Hunts Point (Bronx)
August 30 – Free
Explore the Bronx River through hands-on nature and water activities.
Monday Movie Nights at Marriott Marquis (Midtown West)
September 1 – Free
Family-friendly movies on a giant lobby screen to wrap up the weekend.
Free things to do include the NYC Unicycle Festival, Shakespeare Unrehearsed in Central Park, Picnic Performances in Bryant Park, and rowing at Hunts Point.
Where can families have fun like at the carnival?
The Richmond County Fair, Swingers NoMad mini golf, and the Back-to-School Carnival all have rides, games, and other fun things for families to do.
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This year's lineup includes cultural events, creative workshops, exciting shows, and a lot of fun for kids. This Labor Day weekend, here's a list of the best things to do in New York City with kids, as per a report by Mommy Poppins.
ALSO READ: iOS 26 Beta 5 goes live — the biggest iPhone upgrades coming this September unveiled
What are the fairs and festivals going on in New York City?
Richmond County Fair (Staten Island)
August 30 – September 1
Step into a classic county fair without leaving the city. Expect rides, crafts, circus performers, live music, and plenty of delicious food. A 42-year tradition, it’s a must-visit for families.
16th Annual NYC Unicycle Festival (Citywide)
August 28 – August 31 – Free
Watch daring unicyclists roll through the city. From recreational riders to pro performers, this unique event showcases tricks, challenges, and one-wheeled fun.
What outdoor performances can families enjoy?
Picnic Performances in Bryant Park (Midtown West)
August 29 – 30 – Free
Spread out a blanket and enjoy live music, dance, and theater under the stars. These outdoor performances bring the city’s cultural spirit to life.
Shakespeare Unrehearsed in Central Park
August 30 – Free
A twist on the Bard’s classics — actors memorize lines but never rehearse together. Expect surprise, laughter, and true improv Shakespeare in the park.
The Disappearance of Miss Scott in Marcus Garvey Park (Harlem)
August 30 – Free
A moving performance honoring Hazel Scott, the pioneering jazz pianist, actress, and civil rights advocate.
What activities are fun for kids?
Swingers NoMad Mini Golf (Chelsea)
August 30 – September 1
Crazy golf, slushies, prizes, and even surprise treats along the course. Parents can enjoy cocktails while kids play and spin the prize wheel.
Bounce House at Staten Island Children’s Museum
August 29
A pop-up bounce house for kids to jump, tumble, and burn off energy.
Back-to-School Carnival at Complete Playground (Financial District)
August 31 – Free
A cheerful send-off to summer with games, balloon twisting, characters, treats, and a bouncy house.
Family Art Project: Fishy Fun at Wave Hill (Bronx)
August 30 – 31
Craft colorful 3D fish inspired by Wave Hill’s aquatic gardens.
Are there unique cultural and community events?
Turn Your School Green! at the Skyscraper Museum (Battery Park City)
August 30 – Free
Kids compare eco-friendly school designs with skyscrapers and even design their own sustainable school.
Shape Note Singing on Little Island (West Village)
August 31 – Free
A 200-year-old choral tradition brought to life in a participatory singalong led by Sam Amidon.
West Indian Day at CMOM (Upper West Side)
August 30 – September 1
A family-friendly nod to the West Indian Day Parade, filled with cultural celebration.
Free Community Rowing, Sailing & Birding at Hunts Point (Bronx)
August 30 – Free
Explore the Bronx River through hands-on nature and water activities.
Monday Movie Nights at Marriott Marquis (Midtown West)
September 1 – Free
Family-friendly movies on a giant lobby screen to wrap up the weekend.
FAQs
What are the best free things for kids to do in NYC this Labor Day weekend?Free things to do include the NYC Unicycle Festival, Shakespeare Unrehearsed in Central Park, Picnic Performances in Bryant Park, and rowing at Hunts Point.
Where can families have fun like at the carnival?
The Richmond County Fair, Swingers NoMad mini golf, and the Back-to-School Carnival all have rides, games, and other fun things for families to do.
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