Family Fun in Manhattan This June

The four can’t-miss events happening this month in Manhattan.

By Whitney C. Harris May 31, 2018

It’s June, which means summer is right around the corner! With the kids out of school, there are many ways to have fun this month in Manhattan. Take to the streets at Rubin Museum’s Annual Block Party with art and activities outdoors, or venture to the Lower East Side for the annual Egg Rolls, Egg Creams & Empanadas Festival to experience Chinese, Jewish, and Puerto Rican cultures. There is also Drums Along the Hudson at Inwood Hill Park, which is an open air pow wow and Native American gathering, and Family Ecology Sails with the South Street Seaport Museum to set sail on a historic schooner and discover marine life in the East River.

Dancing in the Street!

Celebrate the spirit of the community at the Rubin Museum Annual Block Party. This year’s theme is We Make the Future. Join thousands of other New Yorkers at this outdoor event on Father’s Day, featuring art and activities for all ages inspired by the Rubin’s yearlong exploration of the future. Expect performances by Cham dance by Palyul Monks, a Healing Garden indoor plant trailer, a Build a Future City activity, a drone demo, and treats from the Van Leeuwen Ice Cream truck and Brooklyn Popcorn truck. June 17, 1-4pm. Age: All. FREE. 150 W. 17th St., Chelsea. rubinmuseum.org.

Eat Your Way Through Three Different Cultures

Celebrate Chinese, Jewish, and Puerto Rican cultures at the Egg Rolls, Egg Creams & Empanadas Festival at the Museum of Eldridge street. There will be traditional Chinese and Jewish paper cutting, Puerto Rican lacemaker Elena Martinez, Klezmer band Litvakus, Chinese calligraphy, a Chinese Tea Ceremony, Yiddish Dance Instructor Steve Weintraub, music from the Chinese Senior Center, Puerto Rican Vejigantes paper mache mask making, Julia Guiterrez-Rivera and band, and a Mahjongg tournament. Plus kosher egg rolls, egg creams, empanadas, and other tasty traditional foods. June 17, 12-4pm. Age: All. FREE. The Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St., Lower East Side. eldridgestreet.org.

Inwood Hill Park

The only park in Manhattan to have a natural salt marsh, Inwood Hill Park is filled with other natural formations such as caves, valleys, and ridges as a result of shifting glaciers. Bordering the Hudson and Harlem rivers, this park also used to be home to Native Americans in the 17th century. Along with hiking trails to explore nature, the park has three playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball fields, handball courts, and a site to kayak/canoe.

Visit it: Dyckman Street, Inwood; nycgovparks.org/parks/inwood-hill-park
Can’t-miss event: Drums Along the Hudson on June 3, 11am-6pm

South Street Seaport Museum

Located on the East River, this museum highlights the city’s history as a major port for trade and immigration. Visit the museum to participate in walking tours, historic ships tours, and a visit to Bowne Print Shop—the oldest operating business under the same name. Kids can take part in an early childhood program called miniMATES to learn about marine life and develop fine motor skills, or have fun during Open Play.

Visit it: 12 Fulton St., Lower Manhattan; southstreetseaportmuseum.org
Can’t-miss event: Family Ecology Sails on June 3 and 17, 12pm

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Main image: Families can enjoy the tasty traditions of various cultures at the Egg Rolls, Egg Creams & Empanadas Festival.
Kate Milford