BEST OF NYC THIS WEEK
Get ready to party like it's 1776 at Independence Day celebrations throughout the weekend. Go early for a good spot to watch the Macy's fireworks or reserve a prime viewing spot at a Brooklyn drive-in theater.
Get tix to Hamilton or another all-American Broadway show (see our tips) and check out the best Revolutionary War books/movies/websites.
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UPPER WEST SIDE
🇺🇸 Two UWS kid-friendly museums are open on Monday with patriotic activities. Explore history at New-York Historical Society's Independence Day Family Celebration and make themed art projects at July 4th at CMOM (plus play in Inside Art: Create, Climb and splashy seasonal Dynamic H2O).
🇺🇸 Last chance to see gorgeous Southeast-Asian inspired installation GATHER at happening Lincoln Center and take part in an arty ritual. Join a family-friendly Puerto-Rican concert & workshop and all-ages outdoor dance parties.
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CENTRAL PARK
🛼 So much going on in Central Park! Wollman Rink is now a glittering roller-disco paradise with art installations and soundscapes (joining a growing list of cool skating rinks around town).
🛼 See ongoing SummerStage performances.
🛼 Catch Wake Up, Daisy! at the charming Swedish Marionette Cottage and visit the Shakespeare Garden, then enter to win free Shakespeare in the Park tickets (go without the kids - Richard III is pretty gruesome).
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MIDTOWN
💦 Frolic in a new interactive water sculpture and ride rainbow unicorns by the disco roller rink at Rockefeller Center.
💦 The charming off-Broadway musical Winnie the Pooh is back, and the original stuffed Pooh Bear is still on display at the NYPL Treasures exhibit.
💦 See our guide to kid-friendly Broadway shows.
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DOWNTOWN
🥠 Visit street-art mecca Freeman Alley, not far from Galerie Perrotin where all ages can climb in a 100-foot denim tunnel. Head south to explore a digital-inspired dungeon.
🥠 Stranger Things fans can enter the Upside Down at a free immersive pop-up in Soho and the Sour Patch Kids store, plus buy Stranger Things Pez at Economy Candy.
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FIDI/SEAPORT
Visit a newish destination playground Battery Playscape, brought to life with puppetry & West African music games, stories, and drumming.
Play in the sand, plus enjoy live music & food trucks at the Seaport Beach Fest. Also join sea chanteys, take free tours of historic tall ship Wavertree, go inside pretty glass houses, go out on the harbor in a historic schooner or wooden tugboat and play on a personal mini-lawn.
⚓️ Say hello to the Statue of Liberty, or avoid the crowds and wave on the way to Governors Island, open all day Monday.
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BROOKLYN
✨ Ride the famous Cyclone at Coney Island and say hi to sea creatures at the beach at the NY Aquarium, now completely restored and reopened.
✨ Play climate-change-focused mini-golf on the waterfront and frolic in the fountains at Domino Park.
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QUEENS
Explore lovely Flushing Corona Meadows Park, with options for boating and indoor interactive fun at the New York Hall of Science and free Queens Museum, then stick around to sample cuisine from around the world at large, family-friendly open-air Queens International Night Market.
Plus explore must-see exhibits, visit a family-friendly museum (including hands-on options for kids who like to touch), dine on over-the-top desserts, play at interactive pop-ups, take day trips outside NYC and more!
