CORONA — The U.S. Open matches begin Monday at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, bringing fans from around the world to watch some of the best players in tennis.
Tickets for the matches usually start at about $80 and can cost much more, but there are still ways to enjoy the big event for families on a budget, starting with a kid-friendly celebration of Queens on Wednesday.
Here are two family-friendly activities at the National Tennis Center, featuring live music and court time for local kids.
FIRST-EVER QUEENS DAY
Enjoy local musicians from around the borough, in genres from jazz to rap, and a free screening of "Mary Poppins" at the first-ever Queens Day on Wednesday, Aug. 20 — part of a deal Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras struck last year when approving the USTA's expansion.
The event is meant to celebrate the borough and give residents an opportunity to enjoy a day at the famed tennis grounds. There will be special exhibits at the Queens Museum and the New York Hall of Science and a screening of "Mary Poppins," sponsored by the Parks Department, near the Flushing Meadows-Corona Park carousel at dusk.
Members of local senior centers will enjoy a brunch hosted by Ferreras and there will be tables from the Queens EDC and Chamber of Commerce sharing information about locals businesses.
Doors open Wednesday at 10 a.m.
ARTHUR ASHE KIDS DAY
Tennis stars including Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic join musicians Hunter Hayes, MKTO, The Vamps and more for a daylong festival at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Saturday, Aug. 23.
The events kick off at 9:30 a.m. and there will be interactive games, face painting, tennis for kids 10 and under, storytelling, hair-braiding and roving entertainers, according to organizers.
Families can also watch the tennis stars play, and the concerts — featuring young stars your kids probably know — start at 10 a.m. on the smaller stage and 1 p.m. for the Arthur Ashe Stadium Show.
Admission to the day is free but tickets for the main concert start at $10. Those who are interested are encouraged to buy tickets in advance.
For more information, visit their website.