It’s August and the aisles in Target are full of back-to-school items. But the summer isn’t over yet! We think you should ignore those back-to-school ads and focus on squeezing every single last drop of fun out of the summer of 2016.
To help you out we’ve put together a list of outdoor fun including story time in the park, a family day at camp, and Shabbat celebrations at local parks and beaches. If the heat and humidity are getting you down, you can head indoors and cool off at a hands-on museum exhibit, story time at Barnes & Noble, or a Friday night Shabbat potluck.
No matter what you choose, we promise it will be way more fun than shopping for lunch boxes, crayons, and No. 2 pencils.
Bronx | Brooklyn | Long Island | Manhattan | Staten Island | Queens | Westchester
Bronx
The Riverdale YM-YWHA End of Summer Programs
Need to fill that gap between camp and school? Choose from several week-long programs including basketball, soccer, art, and photography. Click here for more information.
The Riverdale YM-YWHA, 5626 Arlington Ave, Riverdale
Monday, August 22 – Friday, August 26, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
(early drop-off and late pick-up available for an extra fee.
Brooklyn
Marks Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst Family Day
JCH members, camp families, and friends are invited to spend a day at their Staten Island camp location, have some fun in the sun, swim in the pool, and enjoy a BBQ. RSVP requested, free, all ages.
Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds, 1131 Manor Rd, Staten Island
Sunday, August 7, 12 – 5 p.m.
Under The Bridge
A community Shabbat celebration with live music. Bring your own picnic dinner; challah and grape juice will be provided.
Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 1 Bridge View Lawn
Friday, August 19, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Kids to the Rescue
An interactive safety exhibit where kids can climb on life-size emergency vehicles simulate responding to a variety of emergencies, and meet real-life safety heroes from the NYPD and FDNY. Included with museum admission.
Jewish Children’s Museum, 792 Eastern Parkway
August 1 – September 1, Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
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Long Island
Shabbat on the Beach
Join Bnai Israeli Reform Temple for an inspiring prayer service surrounded by the beauty of nature. All are welcome.
Sayville Marina (at the base of Foster Ave.), Sayville
Friday, August 5, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Sizzlin Summertime Shabbat Sing-Along 
Celebrate Shabbat with singing, dancing, PJ Library story time, and a special summer Kiddush. For families with children ages 8 and under.
Central Synagogue of Nassau County/ Congregation Beth Emeth, 430 Demott Avenue, Rockville Centre
Saturday, August 6, 10 – 11 a.m.
JWOW in the Garden
Join Jewish Without Walls for this special nature program and help harvest tomatoes and make salsa. Participants will also collect seeds to plant next year and learn about monarch butterflies. Advance registration requested, for children in grades K-5.
Branch Brook Elementary School, 15 Ridgely Rd, Smithtown
Sunday, August 7, 10 – 11 a.m.
Shabbat on the Beach
Welcome Shabbat on the beach with the Jewish Center of the Hamptons with a festive, family-friendly, musical service.
Main Beach, East Hampton
Fridays, August 12, 19, & 26, 6 p.m.
Shabbat in the Park
Welcome Shabbat in the beautiful outdoors with a musical, child-friendly Shabbat service led by Makom NY. Bring your own picnic dinner and blanket; drinks and dessert will be provided. Park includes a nearby playground. Free, all ages.
Syosset-Woodbury Community Park – Picnic Area A, 7800 Jericho Tpk, Woodbury
Friday, August 12, 6 – 8 p.m.
Bagel Babies Celebrates Tu B’Av… The Jewish Day of Love
Celebrate the Jewish day of love with songs, PJ library story time, a craft, and a snack. Advance registration requested, for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Central Synagogue of Nassau County/ Congregation Beth Emeth, 430 Demott Avenue, Rockville Centre
Tuesday, August 16, 10:30 a.m. – Noon
PJ’s & Prayer – Pot Luck Shabbat
Celebrate Shabbat with other families with children ages 8 and under, bring a dish to share. RSVP requested.
Temple Chaverim, 1050 Washington Avenue, Plainview
Friday, August 26, 6 – 8 p.m.
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Manhattan
PJ Library Story Time in the Square
Head over to Union Square Park for dramatic readings of PJ Library books along with music by Shira Kline (Shir-La-La) and Joanie Leeds.
Children’s Pavilion – Union Square Park South Plaza (near 14th St)
Thursdays, August 4 & 11, 2 p.m.
PJ Library Story Time
Listen to a variety of classics, perennial kid favorites, and some new books as well. For children ages 4 and under, advance registration requested.
JCC of Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave
Thursdays, August 4, 11, & 18, 3 – 3:30 p.m.
Shababa Fridays
Children, parents, grandparents, and nannies are invited get ready for Shabbat with music, singing, dancing, and jumping. Space is limited, arrive early to ensure entry.
92 St. Y, 1395 Lexington Ave @ 92nd St.
Fridays, August 5, 12, 19, & 26, Session 1: 9:30 – 10:15 a.m., Session 2: 10:45 – 11:30 a.m.
Shababa Saturdays in Central Park
Celebrate Shabbat in Central Park with singing, sunshine, nature, and play time. For children ages 4 and under, drop-in. Bring your own blanket and meet up outside the 5th Ave and 96th St. playground. In the event of rain the program may be canceled, check Shababa’s Facebook page for updates.
Central Park, 96th St & 5th Ave
Saturdays, August 6 & 20, 10 a.m.
Tot Shabbat
Music and prayer followed by summer fun on the roof, water play, and a light brunch. Drop-in, all are welcome.
Central Synagogue Community House, 123 E. 55th St
Saturday, August 6, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Tararam
Often referred to as Israel’s Stomp, the performance will include sounds and rhythms from Israel and the Middle East executed through body drumming and dance. Free, all ages.
Robert Wagner Park (next to Museum of Jewish Heritage), 20 Battery Place
Sunday, August 7, 4 p.m.
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Queens
Central Queens Y End of August Mini-Camp
Need to keep the kids occupied during the last week of August? Sign up your K – 6th graders for a fun-filled week of swim, gym, and field trips. Click here for more information or to register.
Central Queens Y, 67-09 108th St., Forest Hills
Monday, August 22 – Friday, August 26, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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Staten Island
Staten Island JCC Open House
Check out the Staten Island JCC and their facilities, including the gym and pool, as well as their fall programs including family programs and enrichment programs in music, dance, and sports. Special discounts and offers available.
Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC, 1466 Manor Rd
Sunday, August 21, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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Westchester
Summer Bim Bam Shabbat
Sing Shabbat songs, listen to stories, and have challah and grape juice at this pre-Shabbat music class led by camp staff.
Ramah Day Camp in Nyack, 303 Christian Herald Rd, Nyack
Fridays, 5 & 12, 9:30 a.m.
Summer Whites Wine Tasting & Temple Tour at Emanu-El
Book a babysitter and nosh on some paired wines and cheeses, meet the rabbi, and take a tour of the synagogue. RSVP requested.
Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester, 2125 Westchester Avenue East, Rye
Thursday, August 4, 7 – 8 p.m.
Shabbat on the Beach
A family-friendly, musical Shabbat service on the beach with the Community Synagogue of Rye.
Rye Town Park Pavilion, Oakland Beach, 95 Dearborn Ave, Rye
Friday, August 5, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Yoga Shabbat Service
Come dressed to stretch for this special Shabbat experience exploring Shabbat prayers and the Torah portion through movement. Experienced yoga teachers trained to work with kids will be on hand, fun for all ages.
Temple Israel Center in White Plains, 280 Old Mamaroneck Rd, White Plains
Saturday, August 6, 10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
Children’s Story Time
Listen to PJ Library favorite “My Grandfather’s Coat,” read by Rabbi Jay Stein of Greenburgh Hebrew Congregation.
Barnes & Noble, 2614 Central Park Ave,Yonkers
Wednesday, August 17, 11 – 11:30 a.m.
SummerFEST
Grandparents are invited to bring their grandchildren ages 4 and up for intergenerational baking & craft activities followed by a BBQ lunch. Advance registration requested.
Beth El Synagogue Center, 1324 North Ave, New Rochelle
Thursday, August 18, 9:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
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