UPPER WEST SIDE — In the middle of summer, planning fun activities for your kid can be a tough task.
Here are some exciting, child-oriented events taking place every day on the Upper West Side. Bonus: Since museums and libraries offer most of these activities, they won’t break the bank or make you sweat.
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Mondays
Feature Films on Monday — Children are invited to watch hero-themed movies such as "Hercules" and "Despicable Me" at the St. Agnes Library. Movies start at 2 p.m., and the series lasts through July 27.
Wildlife Superheroes Series — Naturalists from the New Canaan Nature Center educate kids at the Bloomingdale Library on how various animals have “super” qualities that we see in our favorite superheroes. The series begins Aug. 3 at 2 p.m., runs through the end of the month and is recommended for kids ages 5 and older.
Build-A-Hero Story Workshops — Kids are invited to listen to stories about heroes and heroines — and then create their own at the Bloomingdale Library. The workshops start at 2 p.m. and run through the end of the month. Space is limited, so parents and guardians should register by phone or in person.
3D Mosque Architecture Experience — The Children’s Museum of Manhattan invites kids ages 5 and older to explore the intricate art and architecture of the world’s mosques. The immersive experience takes place at 2, 3 and 4 p.m. every Monday and Tuesday through Aug. 18. Children and adult admission is $12.
Bloomingdale Library, 150 W. 100th St., 212-222-8030. St. Agnes Library, 444 Amsterdam Ave., 212-621-0619. Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., 212-721-1223.
Neighborhood Heroes — Children from the ages of 2 to 4 are invited to come to the Bloomingdale Library to hear stories about the everyday heroes in New York neighborhoods. Stories begin at 10:30 a.m., but be sure to arrive a bit early to get your ticket. The series lasts from July 14-28.
Exploring Science — The Children’s Museum of Manhattan offers young kids the chance to learn about the science behind objects found in music and nature. Kids choose between two programs: Seed Investigation (for those 4 and younger) at 12:15 p.m. and Good Vibrations (for those 5 and younger) at 12:30 p.m. The event runs until the end of August.
Animal Exploration — Every Tuesday at 2 p.m., the St. Agnes Library invites kids ages 6 to 9 to interact with a variety of animals, including turtles and parrots. Kids will also investigate skulls, feathers and x-rays using scientific tools. The event lasts until the end of July.
3D Mosque Architecture Experience — The Children’s Museum of Manhattan offers kids ages 5 and up a chance to explore the intricate art and architecture of the world’s mosques. The immersive experience takes place at 2, 3 and 4 p.m.. The event lasts until Aug. 18.
R.E.A.D. with BB — Kids aged 5 to 12 can practice reading skills with a licensed therapy dog named BB and his owner Jeff at 2 p.m. at Bloomingdale Library. Pre-registration is required.
Crafternoons — 7- to 12-year-old children are invited to spend the afternoon making crafts such as mini magnets and pipe-cleaner ninjas. The event is held at Bloomingdale Library at 3 p.m. on July 14 and July 28. Sign up in person or by phone on the day of the event.
Little New Yorkers — The New-York Historical Society invites children ages 3 to 5 to classes filled with historic toys, story readings and crafts from 3:30-4:15 p.m. The classes run through the end of August and are free with museum admission.
Writopia Workshops — Published writers and playwrights offer children ages 6 to 12 guidance on how to develop their own short stories, plays and poetry. Workshops are held at Morningside Heights Library at 4 p.m. through Aug. 25.
Bloomingdale Library, 150 W. 100th St., 212-222-8030. St. Agnes Library, 444 Amsterdam Ave., 212-621-0619. Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., 212-721-1223. Children and adult admission: $12. The New York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, 212-873-3400. Morningside Heights Library, Columbia University, 2900 Broadway, 212-864-2530.
Songs & Stories at River Run Playground — Children of all ages can head to the River Run Playground at 10:30 a.m. for picture book readings and singalongs courtesy of St. Agnes Library staff, and then playtime at the River Run Playground. The event runs until the end of July.
X Marks the Spot Game Design Workshop — Kids ages 6 and older are welcome to visit the Children’s Museum of Manhattan to learn about game design and create their own board and card games. The workshops are free with admission, and take place at 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Workshops last until the third week of July, with additional sessions from Aug. 26-28.
EatPlayGrow Series — From mini-yoga workshops to nutrition-themed singalongs, kids are invited to learn about health and fitness at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Sessions take place at 10:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. and last through August. Check the museum calendar before attending as each session caters to a different topic and age group.
Lego Wednesday — From Aug. 5-26, children ages 4 to 11 are invited to the Children’s Room at St. Agnes Library, where they can play with Legos from 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Sketching in the Galleries — Kids ages 6 and older are invited to learn the ins and outs of sketching with educators at the New-York Historical Society. Kids will learn about caricaturist Al Hirschfeld and create their own Hirschfeld-inspired drawings. The event is held at 3:30 p.m., lasts from July through Aug. 26 and is free with museum admission.
St. Agnes Library, 444 Amsterdam Ave., 212-621-0619. Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., 212-721-1223. Children and adult admission: $12. The New York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, 212-873-3400.
Create Your Own Superhero — Children ages 8-12 explore stories of superheroes from around the world and then make their own heroes by creating unique back stories, logos and personal capes. 2 p.m. at St. Agnes Library through the end of August. Be sure to arrive on time; participation is limited.
Trash to Treasure, Recycled Fashion Design — The Children’s Museum of Manhattan offers kids ages 6 and older the chance to design accessories out of repurposed materials at 2, 3 and 4 p.m. on July 17 and 31, and Aug. 21. The design workshop is free with admission.
X Marks the Spot Game Design Workshop — Kids ages 6 and older can attend the Children’s Museum of Manhattan to learn about game design and create their own board and card games. The workshops are free with admission, and take place at 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Workshops run until the third week of July, with additional sessions from Aug. 26-28.
Cross-Stitch Circle — From 3:30-5:30 p.m., kids 6 and up can learn one of the oldest forms of embroidery at the New-York Historical Society through the end of summer. Free with museum admission.
Pre-K Stories & Crafts — Children ages 3-6 are invited to join the Bloomingdale Library staff at 4:15 p.m. for picture books, crafts and playtime. The event lasts until the end of July. Arrive on time as space is limited.
Bloomingdale Library, 150 W. 100th St. 212-222-8030. St. Agnes Library, 444 Amsterdam Ave., 212-621-0619. Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., 212-721-1223. Children and adult admission: $12. The New York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, 212-873-3400.
Bookmark Making — Children can join the Bloomingdale Library staff at 2 p.m. to design their own bookmarks. The event takes place July 17 and July 31.
Trash to Treasure, Recycled Fashion Design — The Children’s Museum of Manhattan offers kids ages 6 and older the chance to design accessories out of repurposed materials at 2, 3 and 4 p.m. on July 17 and 31, and Aug. 21. The design workshop is free with admission.
X Marks the Spot Game Design Workshop — Kids ages 6 and older are welcome to visit the Children’s Museum of Manhattan to learn about game design and create their own board and card games. The workshops are free with admission, and take place at 2, 3 and 4 p.m.. Workshops last until the third week of July, with additional sessions from Aug. 26-28.
Little New Yorkers — The New-York Historical Society invites children ages 3 to 5 to a class filled with historic toys, story readings and crafts from 3:30-4:15 p.m. Classes run through the end of August and are free with museum admission.
Bloomingdale Library, 150 W. 100th St., 212-222-8030. Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., 212-721-1223. Children and adult admission: $12. The New York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, 212-873-3400.
Animal Adventure — The Bloomingdale Library invites children ages 3-5 to learn about and interact with various animals. Art Farm in the City hosts the event at 11 a.m., and in addition to animal encounters, offers story time and craft activities. The event takes place on Saturdays, and lasts until the end of July.
Living History Weekends — On Saturdays and Sundays, families are invited to meet historical American soldiers at the New York Historical Society. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., kids can ask the soldiers questions about their lives and listen to their stories. Living History weekends last throughout July and August, and are free with museum admission.
Sunday Story Time — On Sundays at 11:30 a.m., the New York Historical Society will read children ages 3-7 stories about the heroes of the American revolution and New York City. The event lasts until the end of summer, and is free with admission.
Seasonal Crafts — Twice a month on Saturdays, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine offers families and kids 4 and up the chance to make seasonal crafts or try medieval arts (carving limestones, creating illuminated letters and weaving). $10 per adult/child pair.
Bloomingdale Library, 150 W. 100th St., 212-222-8030. The New York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, 212-873-3400. Cathedral of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave., 212-932-7347.
Summer Scavenger Hunts — The New-York Historical Society invites children to search for historical objects scattered throughout the DiMenna Children’s History Museum every Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The scavenger hunt is free with admission and lasts through Sunday, Sept. 6.
Bank Street Bookstore — At 10:30 a.m., the Bank Street Bookstore offers free story hour and puppet shows for toddlers.
Jam Band — The Children’s Museum of Manhattan offer kids 5 and younger a chance to explore their inner musician by playing with tambourines and maracas with a museum instructor. Jam band sessions are offered at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., and last until the end of August. Event is free with admission.
Messy Art Series — Kids ages 4 and younger are invited to indulge in messiness by making melted crayon, bubble wrap, chalk and ice cream art at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan at 10 a.m. The event lasts through the end of August and is free with admission. Be sure to check the museum calendar before you go as the messy art medium changes daily.
Mural Wall Painting — The Children’s Museum of Manhattan invites kids ages 4 and under to mix paint on their mural walls. On Mondays through Fridays, mural painting takes place at 2 p.m. If you go on Saturdays and Sundays, the painting takes place at 2:15 p.m.
Movement and Circle Time — Children 4 and under can sing and dance to their favorite stories at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan every day at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Circle time lasts until the end of August, and is free with museum admission.
Parachute Play — The Children’s Museum of Manhattan offers kids ages 5 and younger the opportunity to play with a large parachute weekdays at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, parachute play begins at 3:30 p.m. Parachute play lasts until the end of August and is free with museum admission.
The New York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, 212-873-3400. Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd St., 212-721-1223. Bank Street Bookstore, 2780 Broadway, 212-678-1654.
