June is here and it’s time for sandals, sunscreen, and lots of outdoor fun. You can celebrate Shabbat outdoors in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Long Island, groove to an outdoor concert with Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights in Westchester, or do a mitzvah while getting some exercise at family-friendly 5K’s in Staten Island and Long Island.

Be sure to mark your calendars for the 2nd annual PJ Library Story in the Square series in Union Square Park, featuring live music and stories every Thursday at 2 p.m. from June 15 – August 10. Even if you aren’t a local, it is totally worth planning a field trip.

Brought to you in partnership with PJ Library in New York

Brooklyn | Long Island | Manhattan | Staten Island | Westchester

Brooklyn

Under the Bridge
An outdoor Shabbat celebration with live music welcoming families from all backgrounds. Bring your own picnic blankets and dinner and enjoy Shabbat dinner with friends after the service. Challah and grape juice will be provided for all. Sponsored by Congregation Mt. Sinai and Beineinu.
Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 1, Bridgeview Lawn (across from Barge Music)
Friday, June 2, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

It’s Friday!
A drop-in music class for toddlers ages 0 – 3 with Tot Shabbat songs, stories, dancing, and an introduction to Hebrew letters and Shabbat.
Park Slope Jewish Center, 1320 8th Ave
Fridays, June 2 & 9, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Tkiya ShaJam Singalong in Fort Greene Park
A free, interactive, family Shabbat experience with music, dancing, and crafts. Best for families with children ages 5 and under. RSVP requested.
Fort Greene Park, @ Dekalb Ave & Washington Park
Saturdays, June 3 & 17, 10:15 – 11:30 a.m.

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Long Island

Rock Shabbat
PJ Library story time and a craft, followed by a musical Shabbat service and BBQ dinner. RSVP requested.
Temple Avodah, 3050 Oceanside Rd
Friday, June 2, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Family Pizza Picnic
Celebrate Shabbat with pizza, songs, and fun. Sponsored by the Sid Jacobson JCC.
North Hempstead Beach Park, 175 W Shore Rd
Friday, June 2, 6 – 7 p.m.

PJ Library Celebrates Shavuot
Crafts, storytelling, and singing to celebrate the holiday of Shavuot.
Temple Tikvah, 3315 Hillside Ave, New Hyde Park
Saturday, June 3, 10:15 – 11:45 a.m.

Nefesh Mountain – A Musical Erev Shabbat
Musical Friday night service with Nefesh Mountain performing their innovative mix of American Bluegrass meshed with Jewish spirituality and prayers.
The Community Synagogue, 160 Middle Neck Rd, Port Washington
Friday, June 9, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Sundaes at Sundown
Say goodbye to Shabbat with ice cream, sundaes, crafts, and a PJ Library story time. For families children ages 8 and under, RSVP requested.
Central Synagogue – Beth Emeth, 430 DeMott Ave, Rockville Centre
Saturday, June 10, 6:30 – 8 p.m.

SunriseWALKS Long Island
Walk or run to raise money for summer camps serving children with cancer with routes from beginner to advanced. Finish line celebration with live music, games, prizes and refreshments.
Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds, 75 Colonial Springs Rd, Wheatley Heights
Sunday, June 11, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

JWOW Kids Co-Op: Havdallah Pizza Party!
Join Jewish Without Walls and other local families for havdalah in the park and a pizza dinner. Learn about havdalah through stories and songs, and make your own bag of spices for havdalah. Best for families with children ages 3 – 6, siblings welcome, advance registration requested.
316 Cuba Hill Rd, Elwood Park
Saturday, June 17, 4 – 6 p.m.

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Manhattan

Downtown

Friday Night Lights
Music and a short family service, followed by a community Shabbat dinner followed by schmoozing and activities for kids. Advance registration requested.
JCP Downtown at Tribeca Synagogue, 49 White St
Friday, June 2, 5:15 p.m.

Story in the Square
Head down to Union Square Park every Thursday this summer for story time and live music with local performers, and a raffle. Sponsored by the 14th Street Y and PJ Library in New York.
Union Square Park, Park Ave South @ 14th St
Thursdays, June 15, 22 & 29, 2:30 – 3 p.m.

Midtown

Shabbat Central
Families with children ages 5 and under celebrate Shabbat with songs, prayers, movement, and stories followed by a light meal. Open to all.
Central Synagogue’s Community House, 123 East 55th St
Saturday, June 3, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Shabbat na Kryshe: White Nights!
Come dressed in white and join other Russian-speaking families and welcome Shabbat on the JCC rooftop. The evening will include a wine tasting and concert by DODO Orchestra as well as children’s activities. Advance registration requested.
JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave
Friday, June 9, 6 – 8 p.m.

Upper East Side

Shababa Saturdays in Central Park
Celebrate Shabbat in Central Park with singing, dancing, nature, and play. Bring your own picnic blanket, all ages. Program is canceled in the event of rain, check online for updates.
Central Park, Meet @ 5th Ave & 96 St Playground
Saturdays, June 10 & 24, 10 a.m.

Upper West Side/Harlem

Ants in Your Pants
Sing, dance, and clap your way through Shabbat with music, movement, challah and grape juice. Best for families with children ages 5 and under. Advance registration requested but not required.
JCC Harlem, 318 W 118th St
Friday, June 10, 10 – 11 a.m.

Tot Shabbat
A welcoming, kid-friendly Shabbat service with singing and dancing followed by dinner, and kids’ activities. For families with children ages 5 and under,  RSVP requested.
B’nai Jeshurun, 257 West 88th St
Friday, June 2, 5:15 – 7 p.m.

Washington Heights

Free Shavuot Paint Party at the Y
A paint party featuring the styles and colors of Israel taught by Chana T. Zaks of PAINTpartyNYC and Shavuot-themed dairy refreshments. Limited space available, RSVP required.
YM&YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood, 54 Nagle Ave
Sunday, June 4, 4:45 – 6:15 p.m.

Musical Journey through 100 Years with the Maccabeats
Celebrate the Y’s Centennial with a concert by the Maccabeats. Advance ticket purchase recommended. All ages.
YM&YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood, 54 Nagle Ave
Sunday, June 18, 2 p.m.

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Staten Island

SunriseWALKS Staten Island
Walk or run to raise money for summer camps serving children with cancer with routes from beginner to advanced. Finish line celebration with live music, games, prizes and refreshments.
Sunrise Day Camp, 6581 Hylan Blvd
Sunday, June 4, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Challah Day and Mr. Ray
Sing and dance with Mr. Ray, hear a PJ Library story and make challah in a bag. Advance registration requested, contact Marla at 718-475-5230
JCC of Staten Island, 1466 Manor Rd
Friday, June 23, 5:30 – 7 p.m.

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Westchester

Family Fun Day at the J – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Celebrate the grand opening of the new JCC building with an outdoor concert by PJ Library musician Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights, a gaga pit, bouncy castles and other activities.
Shames JCC on the Hudson, 371 S Broadway, Tarrytown
Sunday, June 10, 3 – 6 p.m.

Tot Shabbat
Welcome Shabbat with stories, songs, activities, and snacks. For families with children ages 6 and under, RSVP requested.
Temple Beth Shalom, 760 Route 6, Mahopac
Saturday, June 10, 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Friday, June 23, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Bim Bam Shabbat
Get ready for Shabbat with singing, stories, grape juice and challah. For toddlers and preschoolers and their grownups.
Ramah Day Camp in Nyack, 303 Christian Herald Rd, Nyack
Fridays, June 30 – Aug. 11, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.