LONG ISLAND CITY — A pair of neighborhood groups will host more than a dozen free events for kids on the Hunters Point waterfront this summer, including live reptile demonstrations, dance classes and other events, according to organizers.
The Hunters Point Parks Conservancy is teaming up with the Gantry Parent Association on the "Summer Kids at the Landing" event series, which will take place starting Monday and run through Aug. 24 at LIC Landing, the outdoor cafe and event space in Hunters Point South Park.
The two groups wanted to find ways to offer more kids activities in the neighborhood, which is a growing hotspot for young families.
"The Conservancy has been looking for ways to provide more programming for many of the younger residents of our community," Rob Basch, head of the Hunters Point Parks group, said in a statement.
"We recognize the huge influx of young families to our neighborhood that use our parks."
The first event took place Monday and featured an interactive kids music class with Mr. Andy, a children's musician who will be at the park every Monday at 10 a.m. and Thursday at 3:30 p.m. during the series.
Other events include storytime each Wednesday with the librarian from the Court Square branch library, arts and crafts on certain Wednesdays and Fridays and dance lessons and performances from the nearby Jessica Lange Dance Company on Tuesdays.
There will also be "mommy makeovers" on July 26 and Aug. 16, as well as live reptile demonstrations on July 19 and Aug. 16 featuring critters like tarantulas and snakes, according to Basch.
All the events are free and space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis with an effort to fit as many attendees as they can.
"We want to accommodate as many people as possible," Basch said.
A full schedule can be found on the Gantry Parent Association's website.
