Visit a museum without spending a penny. Blast off with children’s writer Meghan McCarthy. Or check out The Selfish Giant. Oh, baby, it’s a Wilde world.

Go
Smithsonian magazine’s Annual Museum Day
You can visit hundreds of museums around the country for free on Saturday thanks to Smithsonian magazine. Just go to smithsonianmag.com and download a free admission pass for you and a guest. Local participating museums include: the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, The Jewish Museum, the New York City Fire Museum and the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Visit Smithsonian magazine’s site for a full list of participating museums in our area.
When: Sat., 9/26. Check individual museums for times; free.
Where: Participating museums.

Do
New York City Police Museum’s Family Day
The museum is hosting its 5th Annual Family Day. Little ones can pose for pics in a police uniform, meet members of New York’s Finest, sample food from local restaurants and enjoy live performances.
When: Sat., 9/26, 10am-5pm; free.
Where: The New York City Police Museum, 100 Old Slip (bet. Water and South Sts.), 212-480-3100, nycpolicemuseum.org.

Hear
Book reading & signing with Astronaut Handbook’s Meghan McCarthy
The always entertaining Meghan McCarthy will read from her Astronaut Handbook, a non-fiction book detailing the strenuous training four astronaut recruits must endure before being able to blast off. McCarthy’s earlier books include Seabiscuit the Wonder Horse and City Hawk: The Story of Pale Male.
When: Sun., 9/27, 4-5pm; free. RSVP to rsvp@powerhousearena.com.
Where: The powerHouse Arena, 37 Main St., Brooklyn, 718-666-3049.

See
Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant
Inspired by Oscar Wilde’s 1888 fairytale, as well as his life, this Literally Alive Theatre production takes us on a whimsical journey inside the mind of the great Irish playwright, poet and author as he leads us into the tale. The show’s original music has its roots in traditional Irish tunes, which will be performed live by a percussion trio. Prior to each performance is an interactive arts workshop. Families will have the chance to meet the show’s playwright, composer, choreographer and actors.
When: Starting Sat., 9/26 and running through 10/25; workshop at 10am, performance at 11am; an additional 2pm performance this Saturday and 10/3. (No performance on 10/4.) Tickets range from $25-$40 and include the workshop. Tix available at ovationtix.com or call 212-352-3101 or 1-866-811-4111. (Ages 3 and up)
Where: The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal St. (bet. West 3rd and Bleecker Sts.).

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Interpid Sea, Air & Space Museum.

A big homecoming of sorts on the art scene. Yogis go big in the name of peace. Plus livestock in NYC. Just a typical weekend here.

See
Kandinsky
Few artists are more closely associated with the Guggenheim than the Russian-born Vasily Kandinsky; his art has been collected by the museum since its inception. So it’s fitting that the Guggenheim is mounting an exhibition of the works of this abstract art pioneer to coincide with its 50th anniversary. This exhibit represents the first full-scale retrospective of Kandinsky’s oeuvre in the U.S. since 1985.
When: Opens 9/18 and runs through 1/13/10; museum admission is $18/adults, $15/seniors and students with valid ID and free for kids under 12. The museum has pay-as-you-wish admission set-up on Saturday evenings from 5:45-7:45pm.
Where: Solomon R.Gugenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave. at 89th St., guggenheim.org.

Do
Global Mala - Yoga for Peace
Om Shanti! Karma Kids Yoga is organizing a special children’s area for this event in Battery Park. Participants complete 108 Sun Salutations, or “mala” in Sanskrit. Yogis around the world - think Croatia, Italy and Argentina - will also be doing their 108 SSs. The purpose of the event is to demonstrate how a group can bring peace in unison through yoga.
When: Sun. 9/20, noon-3pm; suggested donation of $20 in advance, $25 the day of. Register at yoga-for-peace.org. (All ages)
When: Battery Park, Center Lawn.

Visit
27th Annual Queens County Farm
Farm in the city. Check out this traditional county fair at the Queens County Farm Museum, which boasts the “largest remaining tract of undisturbed farmland” (47 acres) in NYC and is the “only working historical farm in the city.” Carnival rides, hayrides, a petting zoo, Big Apple Circus Variety acts and the Amazing Maize Maze are all part of the festivities. Other activities include competitions in livestock, produce and home crafts.
When: Sat. 9/19 and Sun. 9/20, 10am - 6pm; $7/adults and $4/kids under 12. Additional charges apply for some activities.
Where: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, 718-347-3276, queensfarm.org.
Accessible by subway and bus.

Watch
Peter Pan & Adventures in Never Land
A fresh re-telling of J.M. Barrie’s classic about the boy in green tights and his BFFs at the Swedish Marionette Theatre in Central Park. This version is set in NYC.
When: Through 9/27, Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm (plus performances from 10/6 - 11/8); $8/adults, $5/children, reservations required. Call 212-988-9093.
cityparksfoundation.org.
Where: The Swedish Cottage, Central Park at 79th St. and West Drive just South of the Delacorte Theater.

Photo credit: Vasily Kandinsky, Improvisation 28 (second version) (Improvisation 28 [zweite Fassung]), 1912
Oil on Canvas, 43 7/8 x 63 7/8 inches (111.4 x 162.1 cm)
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York
Solomon R. Guggenheim Founding Collection, By gift. 37.239

The city will be even more alive than usual tonight. Many stores, including those below, will be open until 11pm with special events and activities to celebrate Fashion’s Night Out (FNO). After doing your part to stimulate the local economy, you can spend the weekend learning about the guy who basically put NYC on the map, or check out some of the city’s many Arts offerings for kids.

Baby CZ (FNO)
Carolina Zapf has just opened her first brick and mortar store to showcase her classic clothing lines for babies and children, including the luxury two-ply cashmere apparel for which she’s known. Now you can get in on the act; Zapf has launched a line of cashmere sweaters for women. Tonight, shop the fall collections and register to win a $500 shopping spree. The designer will also be on hand.
820 Madison Ave. (bet. 68th and 69th), 212-288-8030, babycz.com. (6-11pm)

Blue Tree (FNO)
Phoebe Cates’ charming UES boutique will be serving champagne and macaroons as shoppers peruse her eclectic mix of home goods, gifts, toys and kids’ clothing from around the world.
1283 Madison Ave., (bet. 91st and 92nd Sts.) 212-369-2583, bluetreenyc.com. (Open until 11pm)

Destination Maternity (FNO)
Massages, reps from 7 for All Mankind, “Mama Glow” prenatal yoga sessions (6:30pm & 7:30pm) and supermodel Veronica Webb are all part of Fashion’s Night Out at Destination Maternity’s flagship store on Madison. Webb, along with yoga instructor Latham Thomas and DM’s head designer, will take part in a panel on health, beauty and fashion that will be run by Vogue Senior Editor Abigail Walch (8-9pm).
28 E. 57th St. at Madison, 212-588-0220, destinationmaternity.com.(Open until 11pm)

The Upper Breast Side (FNO)
New York’s go-to breastfeeding resource center will have a special sale for one day only. Dessert snacks will be on offer as well as goodie bags, until supplies last. Throughout the evening, lactation consultants and doulas will be mingling with guests.
135 W. 70th St., (bet. B’way and Columbus Aves.), 212-873-2653, upperbreastside.com. (Open until 11pm)

For the weekend, when you’re done giving your plastic a workout or have had it with window shopping …

See
Jemima Puddle Duck
Hudson Vagabond Puppets presents its production of Beatrix Potter’s tale of an absent-minded duck who ventures out to find a place to lay her eggs. What she finds is trouble.
When: Sat. 9/12 at 1pm & 3pm, Sun. 9/13 at 1pm; adults $15, kids $10. Tickets available at theatermania.com.
Where: The West Side YMCA’s Marjorie S. Dean Little Theater at 5 W. 63rd St. Enter on 64th St.

Visit
New Amsterdam Village
See Bowling Green Park done up like a Dutch village. It’s all in the name of celebrating the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Henry Hudson when he was working for the Dutch East India Company. Wooden shoe making, glass blowing and a floral workshop are some of the craft activities set up in the village. Sample Dutch cheese, herrring and sirup waffles and check out live performances throughout the week.
When: 11am-7pm daily through 9/14; free. (All ages) Download a schedule of events at ny400.org.
Where: Bowling Green Park.

Do
New Island Festival on Governors Island
Also part of the NY400 events, the New Island Festival celebrates Dutch theater, dance and music. Events include a waterwalk, an archaeological dig,”Flying Piano” performances and a show featuring a cow that jumps through a hoop.
When: Fri. 9/11-Sun. 9/13, 11am-11pm; many of the events are free, but for others you’ll need a pass - $35 for an all-access, one-day “Passport.” For specific event times and directions, visit newislandfestival.com.
Where: Governors Island (free ferry available).

Try
WeBop! Jazz at Lincoln Center
Trial these classes which allow kids to explore jazz through movement, song, storytelling and play.
When: Sat. 9/12 11:30am (4-5 yrs) and 12:30pm (3-5 yrs); free. (Trial classes for younger children are already full.)RSVP to Xenia Rubinos at 212-258-9835.
Where: Louis Armstrong Classroom at the Irene Diamond Education Ctr. in Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, at B’way and 60th.

Create
The Jewish Museum’s Sculptural Honey Vessels Workshop
Craft a one-of-a-kind honey container in preparation for Rosh Hashanah.
When: Sun. 9/13, 12-4pm; free with museum admission. (Ages 4 and up)
Where: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave. at 92nd St., 212.423.3200, thejewishmuseum.org.

It may be Labor Day weekend, but there are still a few things to do around the city.

Go
Howl! Kids
Part of the Howl! Festival, the Lower East Side’s annual cultural arts fest, Howl! Kids offers free wall painting and sculpture classes plus various performances, including Taikoza Japanese drumming, Riverdancing and the City Parks Department’s Mobile Puppet Theater Production of Sleeping Beauty. The Downtown Orchestra Chamber will be on hand to introduce kids to instruments used in classical music.
When: Sat. 9/5 and Sun. 9/6; free (all ages). Check howlfestival.com for event times.
Where: Tompkins Square Park, bet. 7th and 10th Streets and Avenues A & B.Eat (and maybe Shop)
American Girl Grandparents’ Day
DD can take her Nana or Grandpa (and AG doll) to American Girl Place and enjoy a special meal. Then browse. So many little shoes, so little time. Commemorative pic included.
When: Sun. 9/6 at 5:30pm; $54 per person (ages 6 and up). RSVP to 1-877-247-5223.
Where: American Girl Place, 609 Fifth Ave. at 49th St., americangirl.com.

Hear
Summer HD Festival: La Boheme and more
The Metropolitan Opera wraps its Summer HD Festival, a 10-night run of productions from its Emmy- and Peabody-Award winning series, Live in HD. Watch opera under the stars. Productions are presented on a gigantic screen outside the opera house. Tonight’s featured production is Peter Grimes. La Boheme will show on Friday, Orfeo ed Euridice on Saturday, Il Trittico on Sunday and Madama Butterfly on Labor Day.
When: Thu. 9/3 - Mon. 9/7, starting nightly bet. 7:45 and 8PM; free. Check metfamilyopera.org for specific times.
Where: Lincoln Center Plaza in front of The Metropolitan Opera House. 2800 seats available.

Do
Raising Citizens: My Dream Job
As part of its Raising Citizens program, The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is hosting its My Dream Job series over Labor Day weekend. Kids and their families have the opportunity to meet NYC professionals and learn about what inspired these featured workers to pursue their chosen careers. A professional clown who has performed with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus and firefighters from Station 74 are just a few of the featured guests. Check cmom.org for schedule of other professionals.
When: Fri. 9/4-Mon. 9/7; no cost on Target Free First Friday night. All other days, patrons must pay museum admission. (Ages 5 and up)
Where: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St. (bet. B’way and Amst.), 212-721-1234.

Countdown to Labor Day …

Hear
The Metropolitan Opera’s Summer HD Festival
The Met’s Summer HD FestivalStarting this Saturday for 10 consecutive nights, The Metropolitcan Opera will present award-winning productions from its popular “The Met: Live in HD” series. Each opera will be shown on a giant screen in front of the opera house at Lincoln Center. Watch the stars under the stars; the productions feature opera greats, including Renee Fleming and Juan Diego Florez. Donizetti’s comic opera La Fille du Regiment will be shown on Saturday, Romeo and Juliette on Sunday.
When: Sat. 8/29 - Mon. 9/7. Nightly performances begin between 7:30 and 8pm; free tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis (3,000 seats available). Visit metoperafamily.org for exact times and schedule.
Where: In front of the Metropolitan Opera house at Lincoln Ctr.

Go
Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day
There are few events more New York than the NYC Marathon, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the U.S. Open. Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day kicks off the Open with a day of interactive games, tennis clinics and musical entertainment.
Unfortunately, the big afternoon concert with Jordin Sparks is already sold out.
When: Sat. 8/29, 9:30am-1pm; free.
Where: USTA Billie Jean King Nat’l Tennis Center, Flushing Queens, usopen.org.

Do
NYC Adventures
The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation and Backpacker magazine turn Central Park into an urban adventure playground. Trampoline performances, kayaking, yoga clinics, rock-climbing walls, a bike helmet giveaway and obstacle courses are all on tap.
When: Sat. 8/29, noon-4pm; free.
Where: Central Park Bandshell. Enter 72nd St from either side of Park, nycgovparks.org.

Dance
Let’s Dance Brooklyn!
This Fort Greene dance studio is hosting an open house on Sunday. It’s an opportunity to meet LDB instructors and for kids to trial a free dance class.
When: Sun. 8/30, Open House, 11am-2pm; Toddler & Parent Dance (ages 15 mos.-3yrs), 11:30am and 12:15pm; Creative Ballet (ages 3.5-5yrs.), 1pm; free.
Where: Let’s Dance Brooklyn, 138 S. Oxford St., Fort Greene, Brooklyn

Shop
Still Hip’s Bag Sale
The funky Clinton Hill resale boutique is getting ready to “purge” its summer and overstocked gear fall and winter inventory. Buy a bag for $15 or $18 and then go search sale bins and tables for kids’ clothing, maternity wear, toys and gear. Still Hip carries brands such as Zutano, Oilily, Hanna Andersson and Cadeau.
When: Sun. 8/30, noon-3pm (or until supplies last!
Where: Still Hip, 238 Grand Ave. (near Clifton), Brooklyn, 718-398-0008, stillhipbrooklyn.com.

We may be over this humidity kick, but Mother Nature doesn’t appear to be on board with that. A little escapism please …

Look
CMOM’s Summer Snow?
Maybe the Martha Madigan photos of snowmen will offer some much-needed relief. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is hosting Madigan’s exhibit of pictures of snowmen in various states of melting as well as “snowmen” made of sand. Madigan’s work is part of collections at the Met, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Using Madigan’s photos as inspiration, kids can make snowman dioramas and collages.
When: Opens Sat. 8/1 (and runs through Jan. 3^rd), 10am-5pm; free with museum admission.
(Diorama making at noon, 2, 3 & 4pm. Collages from 10-11:15am).
Where: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, The Tisch Bldg, 212 W. 83^rd St. (bet. Broadway and Amsterdam), 212-721-1223, cmom.org.

Hear
Yuto Miyazawa
Japanese child rock prodigy Miyazawa will be performing at the Highline Ballroom. Named last August in the Guinness Book of World Records as “The Youngest Professional Guitarist,” Miyazawa has played at NYC hotspots B.B King Blues Club & Grill and The Cutting Room.
When: Sun., 8/2, 2pm, $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
Where: The Highline Ballroom, 431 W. 16^th St., (bet. 9^th and 10^th Avenues), 212-414-5994; tickets available ticketweb.com.

See & Do
Evening Stars: Merce Cunningham Dance Company
Co-produced with The Joyce Theater and River to River Festival, the Merce Cunningham Dance Company is offering three free performances. Works were choreographed specifically for this site. The late Merce Cunningham, who passed away last Sunday, was one of the masters of contemporary dance. He will be honored after Saturday’s performance with a special tribute.
When: Sat., 8/1 at 6pm & Sun., 8/2 at 2pm and 6pm; free.
Where: Rockefeller Park, 29 River Terrace (bet. Chambers and Barclay Sts.), rivertorivernyc.com.

Dance in the Park: Family Movement Workshop with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company
Warm up before the show Saturday with dancers from the company who will assist families in creating their own dance “events.”
When: Sat., 8/1 and Sun., 8/2 at 4pm, free; age 6 and older.
Where: Rockefeller Park, 29 River Terrace, (bet. Chambers and Barclay Sts.). Reservations requested. E-mail name and number of participants in your party to mcdcfamilyday@joyce.org.

Listen
Bilingual Buds’ “The Three Bears”
Bilingual Buds sponsors an afternoon of Mandarin Chinese storytime at the Lincoln Triangle Barnes & Noble. The classic tale will be read in both Mandarin and English.
When: Sun., 8/2, noon; free.
Where: Barnes & Noble, 1972 Broadway (at 68^th St.), bilingualbudsnyc.com.

Take your mind off health care reform for a while …

Do
The High Line and Bash the Trash Environmental Arts
Finally a good excuse to check out the High Line. Kids will fashion their own instruments from recycled materials and then parade around this unique park created on an abandoned elevated railway.
When: Sat., 7/25, 11am; free.
Where: 10th Avenue Square, on the High Line at 17th St., RSVP at thehighline.org

Go
Still Hip’s 2nd Birthday Block Party
Brooklyn’s Still Hip boutique and neighbors host a block party on Grand Avenue. Free yoga, arts ‘n’ crafts and Spanish music classes. Performances by Rolie Polie Guacamole and LIG Funk Band.
When: Sat., 7/25, 10am-8pm; free.
Where: Brooklyn’s Grand Avenue between Lafayette and Clifton, stillhipbrooklyn.com.

Hear
Milkshake
On the kiddie rock circuit, this well-known band has already made the rounds on Noggin, PBS Kids and Discovery Kids. This weekend they play downtown at the Little Airplane Cafe.
When: Sun., 7/26, 1pm; tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.
Where: Little Airplane Cafe at Little Airplane Productions, 207 Front St., South Street Seaport, 212-965-8999, littleairplane.com.

Shop
Bundle
Save a bundle at Bundle, a relative newcomer on the Soho boutique scene. Take 30% off the shop’s well-edited collection of children’s clothing, including pieces from Acoustic, Neige, Splendid and Tea.
Where: Bundle, 128 Thompson St. (bet. Prince and Houston), 212-982-9465 and online at bundlenyc.com.

Plan
Hayao Miyazaki’s PONYO
Reserve tickets now for a special pre-release screening of Japanese animation master Hayao Miyazaki’s newest film, Ponyo. Academy-Award winner Miyazaki has previously brought us the acclaimed Spirited Away and Castle in the Sky. New York International Children’s Film Festival is presenting the screening in two weeks but tickets are going fast.
When: Sun., 8/9, 3pm; $15 non-members, $10 NYICFF members, all ages.
Where: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway (at 95th St.)
For tickets, visit gkids.com.

Do
The Ego and the Id
On your way to the zoo or midtown, head to the base of Central Park and check out this newly-installed sculpture from internationally acclaimed artist Franz West. No major time commitment and the trip is worth it. In bubblegum pink and other whimsical colors, the aluminum sculpture soars 20 feet high. Visitors can sit in stools that are built into the sculpture. West’s work has been featured at MoMA and other museums around the world.
When: 7/15-3/10; free.
Where: Doris C. Freedman Plaza, 60th St. and Fifth Ave., at entrance to Central Park, publicartfund.org.

Hear
Nation Beat
Give me a beat. Enjoy this concert/dance lesson combo. Nation Beat is mixture of thunderous Brazilian drumming, New Orleans rhythms, Appalachian-inspired bluegrass, funk, rock and country blues. Before the concert, Nation Beat will teach a free Brazilian dance class.
When: Sat., 7/18, 4-5pm, Brazilian dance class; 5-6pm Nation Beat concert; free.
Where: Riverwalk Commons on Roosevelt Island, (Take F train to Roosevelt Island or Roosevelt Island Tram at 59th and 2nd), rooseveltlive.com.

See
The Secret of Kells
Catch the U.S. premiere of this new animated film that just picked up an award at the Edinburgh Film Festival. Presented here by the New York International Children’s Film Festival, the Irish movie tells the story of 12-year-old Brendan who must take on Vikings and a serpent god to finish the legendary Book of Kells. A cut above typical kiddie fare on the silver screen.
When: Sat., 7/18 and Sun. 7/19, 11am. Ages 6 and up; $8.50 for children, $12.50 for adults.
Where: IFC Center, 323 W. Sixth Ave. (at W. Third), (212) 924-7771, gkids.com.

Shop
Firefly Children’s Boutique
Who doesn’t love a sample sale? Coats and vests are 10% off already reduced prices.
Where: South Street Seaport, 224 Front St., 646-416-6560; Park Slope, 240 Seventh Ave. (at Fourth St.), 718-965-3535 fireflychildrensboutique.com

Photo credit: Seong Kwon, courtesy of Public Art Fund

For your “staycation.”

Go
Sportacular Family Fitness Fest
Move it, move it at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. Play games from around the world, navigate an obstacle course, and watch competitive Double Dutch jumpers plus beach tennis and fencing demos.
When: Sat. 7/11 & Sun. 7/12, 11:30am-5pm (All ages); Free with the cost of admission.
Where: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue (at St. Marks Ave.),
(718) 735-4400, brooklynkids.org.

See
Central Park SumerStage Family Day
Yo Gabba Gabba! characters DJ Lance and Brobee hit SummerStage, along with The Fresh Beat Band (They’ve got a Nickelodeon show on the way.) and award-wining children’s book author and illustrator Iza Trapani. Puppeteers from the famed Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater will perform a modernized Sleeping Beauty.
When: Sun. 7/12, 3-7pm; Free.
Where: Central Park SummerStage at Rumsey Playfield, 212-360-2777,
summerstage.org.

Hear
Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra
Take it Big Easy. The only thing missing is the gumbo at this ROOSEVELT L!VE concert. Brother Joscephus et al. bring the sounds of New Orleans to Riverwalk Commons.
When: Sat. 6/11, 4-6pm; Free.
Where: Riverwalk Commons on Roosevelt Island (Take F train to Roosevelt Island or Roosevelt Island Tram at 59^th and 2^nd), rooseveltlive.com.
Shop
Giggle
The Summer 2009 Sale is in full swing. Enjoy 70% off on clothing, bedding, bags, stationery and toys from Giggle’s well-edited collection of top brands, including Cabana Life, Tea and Egg by Susan Lazar.
When: Now until supplies last.
Where: UES - 1033 Lexington Ave. (at 74^th St.), 212-249-4249.
SoHo - 120 Wooster St. (between Prince & Spring), 212-334-5817.
(Plus all other Giggle stores and online at giggle.com.)

When the sun goes down, the city parks become urban drive-in (or rather stroll-in) theaters. Below is a roundup of this summer’s outdoor films. So forget cozying up in the back seat of a car — those days are behind you anyway — just bring a blanket, a killer picnic and (maybe) the kids.

Movies Under the Stars
Pack a picnic, bring a friend and settle in for a night of premier movies, on the banks of the Hudson River. This year’s NYC theme features historically-themed Hollywood hits spanning three centuries of local history, from Age of Innocence to The Out-of-Towners.
When: Wednesdays, July 8 through August 12, 8:30pm or dusk.
Where: Pier I, West 70th St., 212-408-0219, riversideparkfund.org.

Riverflicks for Kids
In addition to gentle river winds and a view of the New Jersey skyline, Pier 46 is also the spot for Friday night family films, like The Wizard of Oz and Kung Fu Panda.
When: Through 8/21, movies begin at dusk around 8:30pm; Free.
Where: Hudson River Park at Pier 46, Charles & West Streets, hudsonriverpark.org.

Movies with a View
Brooklyn Bridge Park’s series offers a collection of films for adults and kids, from Paper Moon to The Return Of The Pink Panther — plus spectacular views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges and the downtown skyline.
When: Thursdays through 8/27; movies begin around 8:30pm; Free.
Where: The Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park, Brooklyn, between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, enter off of Water St., or at Main St. in Dumbo, brooklynbridgepark.org.

Central Park Film Festival
Get a sitter for Sex & the City, but bring your tween to Twilight.
When: August 18 t0 22, 8pm (Gates open at 6pm); Free.
Where: Rumsey Playfield (enter at Fifth Ave. & 69th St.), centralparknyc.org.

HBO Summer Film Festival
Classic (and mostly grown-ups-only) flicks at Bryant Park are a Monday-night tradition. Highlights from this year’s lineup include Kramer vs. Kramer and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The park opens at 5pm so you can stake out a spot for your blanket. Throw in a picnic and a bottle of wine, and you and hubby can enjoy a (cheap) date night. Or, have him watch the kids and meet up with friends like you used to.
When: Mondays through 8/17; movies begin at dusk (8-9pm); Free.
Where: Bryant Park, bet. 40th & 42nd St. and 5th & 6th Ave., bryantpark.org.