Queens Events for Kids: July 2011

We've rounded up the best July events for kids and families in Queens. Find fun things to do throughout the month.

Get in on the Act

For children ages 6-12 who enjoy the center stage, film and Broadway actress Fleur Phillips is teaching improvisational (improv) acting classes at St. Mark's Episcopal Church (33-50 82nd Street) in Jackson Heights. In Creative Dramatics with Fleur, kids act, play improv games, and tell stories that stress the importance of creative play, teamwork, and confidence. Philips, who has worked with children for more than 20 years, teaches classes that encourage kids to listen carefully, focus, and think quickly. The eight-week session begins July 9 with 45-minute classes on Saturdays at 10am and 11am. Reservations are required, and each session has a15-children maximum. For more information, contact Phillips at 646-763-0506 or by email at [email protected].

Summer Soundtracks

If the relaxing sounds of waves crashing on the shoreline aren't enough to jumpstart that summer feeling, ditch the sand, head to a local park, and catch a toe-tapping, free outdoor concert. With multiple locations, dates, and times, even families with jam-packed summer schedules have the opportunity to feel the beat. From rap and hip-hop to country, soul, and something for the kids, check out our picks for a swingin' summer:

For kids and adults that rock out to the sounds of rap and hip-hop with a little reggae thrown into the mix, bring a blanket out to Queensbridge Park to see Grammy-winning rapper Kool Moe Dee on July 19 at 7pm or "Salute to Hip-Hop" Featuring N.O.R.E. and Funkmaster Flex on July 20 at 7pm. Vernon Boulevard and the East River, Long Island City. 212-360-2777.

Rockers, country souls, and doo-wop fanatics, the Waterfront Concert Series 2011 is sure to feature your summer playlist. Concerts begin at 7:30 pm on the Astoria Park lawn. The first concert will be held on July 14 with the other two held on the following Thursdays. Shore Boulevard between the Hell Gate Bridge and the Pool, Astoria. 718-728-7820.

Soul sisters and brothers should check out Chrisette Michelle, a songbird whose accomplishments include a number-one-debuting R&B album on the Billboard 200, recording with the likes of Jay-Z, and winning a Grammy. See her live July 28 at 7pm in Springfield Park.

For former orchestra geeks and opera aficionados, the Queens Symphony Orchestra's Opera Under the Stars delights with a performance on July 20 at 7pm. 184th Street and 147th Avenue, Springfield Gardens. 212-360-8290.

Finally, those eagerly awaiting a comeback of music from decades past have their choice of two events at the George Seuffert Bandshell. Steve Sharman brings the swing on July 7 at 7:30pm, and a rockin' tribute to 70s and 80s band Earth, Wind & Fire takes place the following Thursday also at 7:30pm. Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive, Woodhaven. 718-235-4151.